JP2001054081A - Broadcast device and method, remote control device and method, information receiving device and method, information processing device and method, information processing system and medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily obtain the information related to the programs. SOLUTION: A broadcast device 1 transmits the data on the information icons which include the information on the programs and supply various services when the device 1 transmits the program data to a receiver 4 (S2). The receiver 4 stores the received data on the information icons (S3). When a viewer wants to acquire an information icon while viewing a program, the viewer performs the prescribed processing via a portable information processor 6 to instruct the receiver 4 to acquire the information icon (S5). The receiver 4 retrieves the instructed information icon from the stored data on the information icons with the time of instruction and the channel that is so far viewed used as keys and sends the retrieved information icon to the processor 6 (S6, S7). The processor 6 stores the data on the received information icon (S8).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a broadcasting apparatus and method, a remote control apparatus and method, an information receiving apparatus and method, an information processing apparatus and method, an information processing system, and a medium.
Broadcasting apparatus and method, remote control apparatus and method, information receiving apparatus and method, information processing apparatus and method, information processing apparatus and method, information processing system, and medium suitable for providing data for providing various services to viewers About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, cable television broadcasting has become widespread. In this cable television broadcast, it is possible to transmit predetermined information from the viewer side to the broadcast station side instead of providing the program unilaterally from the broadcast station side to the viewer side. Taking advantage of the feature that data can be exchanged in both directions, for example, we can provide services such as viewer-participating programs, provision of electronic program guides (EPG) corresponding to viewers' preferences, online shopping, and electronic direct mail. It can be realized.

In terrestrial television broadcasting, a program created by a broadcasting station is unilaterally transmitted from the broadcasting station to a television receiver of a viewer, and the viewer transmits the program (broadcast). ) Was watched passively, but with the spread of data broadcasting, it was possible to exchange data bidirectionally even in terrestrial television broadcasting by using telephone lines, etc. It is becoming possible to provide such services.

[0004] One example of such an interactive service using the ability to exchange data in both directions is US CATCH.
TV INC. When a user selects a desired scene by performing a predetermined operation with a remote controller during broadcasting of a television program, ID data of information related to the selected scene is obtained, and the related information is bookmarked. And a system that can be browsed.

[0005] In this system, while a user is watching a television broadcast program, a user performs a predetermined operation with a remote controller and, based on the channel number watched at that time, relates to the program or advertisement broadcast. ID is obtained. Using this ID as a key, a server on the network is searched, and a WEB link to program-related information is obtained. Using this link, the user can obtain program-related information, a detailed catalog of products, and the like from the WEB.

[0006] The above-described CATCH TV INC. System can obtain the same effect as so-called "favorite" bookmarking in which a user can register a favorite web site in a web browser on the Internet.

[0007]

However, in the above-described system, bookmarks collected by bookmarking are displayed in a list format, and a desired bookmark is searched from the displayed list. However, there is a problem that the search becomes complicated as the number of bookmarks increases. The display of the list is a name indicating the link destination easily, for example, a state in which information of the user's emotion, such as “I like it,” “I do not like it,” or “I want to register” is added. Was not displayed. Therefore, there is a problem that it is impossible to select a desired bookmark based on the emotions of those users.

[0008] Since a bookmark is a link to related information on a server in the network, an environment capable of two-way communication with the server must be established in order to browse the related information on the server. . Also, since the acquired related information, for example, music data, animation data, movie data, game program data, and the like cannot be saved together with the bookmark, if the user selects the bookmark and tries to obtain the related information again, Two-way communication had to be performed.

In addition, since the above-mentioned CATCH TV INC. System is assumed to be operated by a television receiver or a computer capable of using a WEB browser, bookmarks can be stored in a remote controller or PDA (Perso
nal Data Assistant) or other portable devices, and could not exchange bookmarks with other users. Therefore, it is not possible to directly display or reproduce the acquired information on the bookmark on a device such as a remote controller or a PDA.

[0010] Further, in the above-mentioned system, since the profile of the user such as the viewing record is stored in the server on the network, the personal profile is obtained where the user does not want to. There was such a problem. Also, in the case of providing a campaign-type service in which the user can obtain a prize or the like, viewing certification information for proving that the user must have watched a program that must be watched to receive the service. There was also a problem that it was not possible to issue

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and by providing data for providing a service in the form of an information icon together with program data,
An object of the present invention is to provide a service more easily and to enable a viewer to easily handle the service.

[0012]

According to the present invention, there is provided a broadcast apparatus comprising: storage means for storing program data; icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring related information related to the program data; and storage means. And transmitting means for transmitting the icon data and the program data stored in the program data.

The icon information includes first information including address information of a destination to be accessed when acquiring related information, and second information including information necessary for searching for a predetermined item from a plurality of pieces of first information. Information.

A storage step for storing the program data according to claim 3 and icon information selected when acquiring related information related to the program data, and storing the program data and the icon information stored in the processing of the storage step. And a transmitting step of transmitting.

A control program for controlling reading of stored program data and icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring related information relating to the program data, the control comprising: It is characterized by comprising a transmission step of transmitting the program data read in the step processing and the icon information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information receiving apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving icon data on an icon selected when acquiring program data of a predetermined channel and related information relating to the program data; A storage means for storing the received icon information, and a transmission means for transmitting the icon information stored in the storage means to the remote commander when transmission of the icon information is instructed from the remote commander. And

[0017] The storage means further stores a viewing log including at least a time at which reception of the program data is started by the reception means, a time at which the reception is ended, and a channel number, and the transmission means is stored in the storage means. When transmitting the viewing log to another device, the viewing log can be encrypted and transmitted.

The icon information includes first information including address information of a destination to be accessed when acquiring related information, and second information including information necessary for searching for a predetermined item from a plurality of pieces of first information. Information.

An information receiving method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a receiving step of receiving icon information on an icon selected when acquiring program data of a predetermined channel and related information related to the program data. A storing step of storing the icon information received in the processing, and a transmitting step of transmitting the icon information stored in the processing of the storing step to the remote commander when transmission of the icon information is instructed from the remote commander. It is characterized by including.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medium program comprising: an input step of inputting icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring program data of a predetermined channel and related information relating to the program data; A storage control step for controlling the storage of the icon information input in the processing, and when the transmission of the icon information is instructed from the remote commander, the icon information stored in the processing of the storage control step is transmitted to the remote commander. And a transmitting step.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when acquisition of icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring predetermined information is instructed, a signal corresponding to the instruction is transmitted to the information receiving apparatus. Transmitting means, receiving means for receiving the icon information transmitted from the information receiving apparatus, storing means for storing the icon information received by the receiving means, and display for controlling the display of the icon information stored in the storing means And control means.

[0022] An association means for associating the data relating to the user's preference with the icon information with respect to the information relating to the icon may be further included.

[0023] The transmitting means may further include a function of exchanging information stored in the storage means with another remote control device.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when acquisition of icon information on an icon selected when acquiring predetermined information is instructed, a signal corresponding to the instruction is transmitted to the information receiving apparatus. A transmitting step, a receiving step of receiving the icon information transmitted from the information receiving device, a storing step of storing the icon information received in the processing of the receiving step, and a display of the icon information stored in the processing of the storing step. And controlling the display.

[0025] The medium program according to claim 14 is
When acquisition of information is instructed, a transmission control step of controlling transmission of a signal indicating that to another device, and a reception control step of controlling reception of information from another device,
It is characterized by comprising a storage control step of controlling storage of information received in the processing of the reception control step, and a display control step of controlling display of an image based on the information stored in the processing of the storage control step.

A first storage means for storing, in the information processing system according to the fifteenth aspect, icon information on an icon selected when acquiring program data and related information relating to the program data. And first transmission means for transmitting the program data and the icon information stored in the first storage means, wherein the information receiving apparatus receives the program data and the icon information transmitted by the first transmission means. A first receiving unit that stores the icon information received by the first receiving unit; and a second storage unit that stores the icon information when the transmission of the icon information is instructed from the remote control device. The icon information transmitted to the remote control device.
And a first display control means for controlling the display of the icon information, wherein when the acquisition of the icon information is instructed, the remote control device sends a signal corresponding to the instruction to the information receiving device. A third transmitting unit for transmitting, a second receiving unit for receiving the icon information transmitted by the second transmitting unit, and a third storing unit for storing the icon information received by the second receiving unit. And a second display control means for controlling the display of the icon information stored in the third storage means.

[0027] The first display control means and the second control means include:
The icon information is transmitted by the second transmission unit, and the second
Can be controlled so that the user can visually recognize that the information has been received by the receiving means.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control device wherein when acquisition of icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring related information relating to a program is instructed, the time at which the instruction was given, A first storage unit that stores data of a channel number of a program watched by the reception device, a transmission unit that transmits data stored in the first storage unit to the information reception device, Receiving means for receiving the transmitted icon information, second storage means for storing the icon information received by the receiving means, and display for controlling display of an image based on the icon information stored in the second storage means And control means.

In the remote control method according to the present invention, when acquisition of icon information on an icon selected when acquiring related information relating to a program is instructed, the time at which the instruction was given, and the information A first storing step of storing data of a channel number of a program watched by the receiving apparatus, a transmitting step of transmitting the data stored in the processing of the first storing step to the information receiving apparatus, and an information receiving apparatus Receiving the icon information transmitted from the CPU, a second storing step of storing the icon information received in the processing of the receiving step, and an image based on the icon information stored in the processing of the second storing step. And a display control step of controlling display.

The program of the medium according to claim 19 is
When acquisition of icon information on an icon selected when acquiring related information relating to a program is instructed, the time at which the instruction was made and the data of the channel number of the program being viewed by the information receiving device at that time are displayed. A first storage control step for controlling storage, a transmission control step for controlling transmission of data stored in the processing of the first storage control step to the information receiving apparatus, and an icon transmitted from the information receiving apparatus An input control step of controlling input of information, a second storage control step of controlling storage of icon information input in the processing of the input control step,
A display control step of controlling display of an image based on the icon information stored in the processing of the second storage control step.

An information receiving apparatus according to a twentieth aspect relates to a first receiving means for receiving program data of a predetermined channel and an icon selected when acquiring related information relating to the program data from a remote commander. When an instruction for transmitting icon information is given, a transmitting unit for transmitting data relating to the time and channel at which the instruction is given to another device, and a second receiving unit for receiving icon information transmitted from the other device And storage means for storing the icon information received by the second receiving means.

[0032] A second transmission means for transmitting the icon information stored by the storage means to a remote commander may be further provided.

An information processing method according to a twenty-second aspect relates to a first receiving step of receiving program data of a predetermined channel and an icon selected when acquiring related information related to the program data from a remote commander. When an instruction to transmit icon information is issued, a transmitting step of transmitting data relating to the time and channel at which the instruction is issued to another device, and a second receiving step of receiving icon information transmitted from the other device And a storing step of storing the icon information received in the processing of the second receiving step.

[0034] The program of the medium according to claim 23 is:
A first input control step of controlling input of program data of a predetermined channel, and an instruction to transmit icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring related information related to the program data is issued from a remote commander;
A transmission control step of controlling transmission of data relating to the time and channel at which the instruction was issued to another apparatus, a second input control step of controlling input of icon information transmitted from the other apparatus, and a second input control step. And a storage step of storing the icon information input in the processing of the input control step.

[0035] The information processing apparatus according to claim 24 is characterized in that:
Storage means for storing icon information relating to an icon selected when the other device acquires related information relating to a program to be transmitted to the second other device; and a second other device or a third other device. Receiving means for receiving data relating to the time and channel when the program was received by the second other apparatus from the apparatus; and icon information stored in the storage means based on the data received by the receiving means. And transmitting means for transmitting to the second or third other device.

The information processing method according to the twenty-fifth aspect is characterized in that
Storing icon information about an icon selected when the other device obtains related information relating to a program to be transmitted to the second other device; and a second other device or a third other device. A receiving step of receiving data relating to the time and channel when the program was received by the second other apparatus from the apparatus; and storing the data in the storing step based on the data received in the processing of the receiving step. Transmitting the icon information to the second or third other device.

The program of the medium according to claim 26 is
A storage control step of controlling storage of icon information relating to an icon selected when the first other device acquires related information relating to a program transmitted to the second other device;
An input control step of controlling input of data relating to a time and a channel when a program was received by the second other device from the second other device or the third other device, and processing of the input control step The icon information stored in the process of the storage control step is stored in the second
Or a transmission control step of controlling transmission to a third other device.

[0038] In the information processing system according to claim 27, the information receiving apparatus transmits the relevant information relating to the program data from the first receiving means for receiving the program data of the predetermined channel and the remote control device. When an instruction to transmit icon information relating to the icon selected at the time of acquisition is given, first transmission means for transmitting data relating to the time and channel at which the instruction was given to the information processing apparatus, and information transmitted from the information processing apparatus. Second receiving means for receiving the received icon information; first storing means for storing the icon information received by the second receiving means;
Second transmission means for transmitting the icon information stored in the storage means to the remote control device,
The information processing device is configured to store the icon information, a second storage unit that receives the time and channel data transmitted by the first transmission unit, and a third reception unit that receives the data. A third transmission unit for transmitting the icon information stored in the second storage unit to the information receiving device based on the data, the remote control device comprising: Fourth transmitting means for transmitting a signal corresponding to the instruction to the information receiving device, fourth receiving means for receiving the icon information transmitted by the second transmitting means, and receiving by the fourth receiving means 3rd for storing the icon information
And display control means for controlling display of the icon information stored in the third storage means.

[0039] In the information processing system according to the twenty-eighth aspect, the information receiving apparatus comprises: a first receiving means for receiving broadcast program data; and an image receiving apparatus for receiving an image based on the program data received by the first receiving means. A first display control unit for controlling display, wherein the first information processing device includes a first transfer unit for transferring data relating to the time and channel transmitted from the remote control device to the second information processing device; And related information relating to the program data transmitted from the remote control device transmitted from the second information processing device.
A second transfer unit that receives icon information about the icon selected when acquiring and transfers the icon information to the remote control device, wherein the second information processing device includes a first storage unit that stores the icon information; A second receiving unit for receiving data relating to the time and channel transmitted by the first transfer unit; and an icon information stored in the first storage unit based on the data received by the second receiving unit. A first transmission unit for transmitting to the second information processing apparatus, wherein the remote control device, when instructed to acquire the icon information, transmits the time when the instruction was made, and the time when the information was received by the information receiving device. A second storage unit for storing the data of the channel number of the program which has been transmitted, and transmitting the data stored in the second storage unit to the first information processing apparatus. A second transmitting unit, a third receiving unit for receiving the icon information transmitted by the first transmitting unit, a third storing unit for storing the icon information received by the third receiving unit, A second control unit that controls display of an image based on the icon information stored in the third storage unit;
And display control means.

[0040] In the broadcast apparatus according to the first aspect, the broadcast method according to the third aspect, and the medium according to the fourth aspect, the broadcast apparatus is selected when acquiring program data and related information related to the program data. Icon information relating to the icon is stored, and the stored program data and icon information are transmitted.

An information receiving apparatus according to claim 5, an information receiving apparatus according to claim 8,
In the information receiving method according to the above, and the medium according to the ninth aspect, the icon information on the icon selected when acquiring the program data of the predetermined channel and the related information related to the program data is received and received. When the icon information is stored and the transmission of the icon information is instructed from the remote commander, the stored icon information is transmitted to the remote commander.

The remote control device according to claim 10, the remote control method according to claim 13,
In the medium according to claim 14, when acquisition of icon information on an icon selected when acquiring predetermined information is instructed, a signal corresponding to the instruction is transmitted to the information receiving apparatus, The icon information transmitted from the receiving device is received, and the received icon information is stored.

In the information processing system according to the fifteenth aspect, the broadcasting device transmits the stored program data and icon information, and the information receiving device receives and stores the program data and the icon information. When the transmission of the icon information is instructed from the control device, the stored icon information is transmitted to the remote control device, and when the acquisition of the icon information is instructed, the remote control device responds to the instruction. A signal is transmitted to the information receiving device, and the transmitted icon information is received and stored.

A remote control device according to claim 17, a remote control method according to claim 18,
In the medium according to claim 19, when acquisition of icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring related information relating to a program is instructed, the time at which the instruction was given, and the time at which the information was received by the information receiving apparatus. The data of the channel number of the program being watched is transmitted to the broadcast receiving apparatus, and the icon information transmitted from the information receiving apparatus is received and stored.

In the information receiving apparatus according to the twentieth aspect, the information receiving method according to the twenty-second aspect, and the medium according to the twenty-third aspect, the information receiving apparatus is selected when acquiring related information related to program data from a remote commander. When an instruction to transmit icon information on an icon to be issued is given, data on the time and channel at which the instruction was given is transmitted to another device, and the icon information transmitted from the other device is received and stored. .

In the information processing apparatus described in claim 24, the information processing method described in claim 25, and the medium described in claim 26, the time when icon information is stored and a program is received is stored. Data related to the channel is received, and the stored icon information is transmitted based on the received data.

In the information processing system according to the twenty-seventh aspect, the information receiving device transmits data relating to time and channel to the information processing device, receives and stores icon information transmitted from the information processing device, and stores the information. Transmitting the icon information to the remote control device, the information processing device stores the icon information, based on the data on the time and channel, transmits the stored icon information to the information receiving device, When instructed to acquire icon information, the remote control device transmits a signal corresponding to the instruction to the information receiving device, and receives and stores the icon information.

[0048] In the information processing system according to claim 28, the first information processing device transfers the data relating to the time and channel transmitted from the remote control device to the second information processing device. Transferring the icon information transmitted from the device to the remote control device, the second information processing device stores the icon information,
Based on the time and channel data, the stored icon information is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus. When the remote control apparatus is instructed to acquire the icon information, the remote control apparatus transmits the time and the time at which the instruction was issued. Then, the data of the channel number of the program being viewed by the information receiving device is transmitted to the first information processing device, and the icon information is received and stored.

[0049]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an information processing system to which the present invention is applied. In this specification, the term “system” refers to an entire device including a plurality of devices and means.

FIG. 1 shows a case where the present invention is applied to cable television broadcasting in an information processing system to which the present invention is applied. The broadcasting device 1, the network server device 2, the receiving device 4, and the information browsing device 5 are connected via the two-way communication network 3. The receiving device 4 and the information browsing device 5 are connected to the portable information processing device 6 so that data can be exchanged.

The receiving device 4, the information browsing device 5, and the portable information processing device 6 are installed at the viewer's house. The receiving device 4 is, for example, a set-top box, and receives a television broadcast and additional information (described later in detail) transmitted from the broadcasting device 1 via the two-way communication network 3. The information browsing device 5 is, for example, a personal computer having a WEB browser function. The information browsing device 5 is used when browsing related information related to an information icon described later. For example, it is received from the network server device 2 configured by a web server or the like.

Although the receiving device 4 and the information browsing device 5 are shown as separate devices in FIG. 1, as a set-top box having a Web browser function,
It may be stored in one housing and made into one device. Further, the broadcasting device 1 and the network server 2 may be installed in the same broadcasting station, or may be installed separately in different places. Further, in FIG. 1, the two-way communication network 3 includes 1
Although only one broadcasting station (broadcasting apparatus 1) is connected to one viewing company's home, for convenience of explanation, a plurality of broadcasting stations are actually connected to the viewer's home.

The portable information processing device 6 is, for example, a PDA or a remote controller, and is a device capable of two-way communication with the receiving device 4 or the information browsing device 5 by light or radio waves. The two-way communication network 3 is, for example, an information communication network including an optical cable.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration when the present invention is applied to satellite broadcasting. The configuration of the satellite broadcast is basically the same as that of the cable television broadcast shown in FIG. However, when applied to satellite broadcasting, the television broadcasting and the additional information transmitted from the broadcasting device 2 are configured to be received by the receiving device 4 via the broadcasting satellite 11. In the following description, a case where the present invention is applied to the cable television broadcasting shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example. Next, the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be sequentially described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the broadcasting device 1 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, one purpose of the user is to acquire an icon called an information icon, and to acquire information associated with the icon. Therefore, the broadcasting device 1 also transmits information (additional information) on the information icon in addition to the broadcast program. Therefore, the broadcast device 1 is provided with a broadcast program library 21 for storing data of a program to be broadcast (transmitted) and an information icon library 22 for storing data related to information icons.

The data stored in these libraries is output to the broadcast signal generation unit 23, converted into a signal in a broadcast form, and transmitted to the receiving device 4 via the two-way communication network 3.
Sent to. The information icon library 22 includes an information icon database 24 storing data for creating icons, and an information icon index 25 storing search information for specifying information icons.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the network server device 2. The network server device 2 includes an information icon link content 31 in which a link destination or the like is stored as data related to the information icon, data related to an information icon stored in the information icon library 22 of the broadcasting device 1 shown in FIG. It comprises an information icon library 32 storing the same data, a transmission / reception data control unit 33 for controlling data transmitted / received via the two-way communication network 3, and a transmission / reception unit 34.

The information icon link contents 31 include:
Online shopping malls, online catalogs,
Data (link destination address data, etc.) relating to a site that provides services such as television (TV) program related information is stored.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the receiving device 4. The broadcast program and the additional information transmitted from the broadcasting device 1 via the two-way communication network 3 are received by the transmission / reception unit 41.
The transmission / reception unit 41 supplies information on the broadcast program to the broadcast reception unit 42 and additional information to the additional information reception unit 43 among the received information. The broadcast program related information supplied to the broadcast receiving unit 42 is further supplied to the display control unit 44. The display control unit 44 controls the monitor 61 so that an image based on the supplied broadcast program information is displayed on the monitor 61.

On the other hand, the additional information supplied to the additional information receiving unit 43 is further supplied to the information icon repository 45. The information icon repository 45 includes an information icon index 46 and an information icon storage unit 47. The information icon index 46 stores data transmitted from the icon index 25 (FIG. 3) of the broadcasting device 1, and the information icon storage unit 47 stores data transmitted from the information icon database 24 of the broadcasting device 1.

The information icon control unit 48 includes a transmission / reception unit 49
Based on the command received from the portable information processing device 6
Performs processing related to information icons. Viewing log storage unit 51
Stores the time when the program was viewed under the control of the control unit 50, and the viewing certificate issuing unit 52 issues a viewing certificate according to the log stored in the viewing log storage unit 51 as necessary. I do.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the information browsing device 5. The transmission / reception unit 77 transmits / receives data to / from the network server device 2 via the two-way communication network 3. The transmission / reception unit 71 exchanges data with the information icon storage unit 71, the control icon control unit 72, and the Web browser 73. The information icon control unit 72 includes the information icon storage unit 7
1 to read information stored therein, or to store information. Further, the information icon control unit 72 supplies the information read from the information icon storage unit 71 to the information icon reproduction unit 75, and reproduces predetermined information. further,
The information icon reproducing unit 75 supplies the reproduced information to the Web browser 73 and the display control unit 76.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the appearance of the portable information processing device 6. The display unit 91 is configured by a liquid crystal display device or the like, and displays information icons and the like. The switch 92
Like a seesaw, it is a switch that can be moved up and down in the figure.When sending information icons to other devices, press it up in the figure, and when you want to acquire information icons, press down in the figure I do. Buttons 93-1 to 93-4 are operated when inputting information regarding the user's emotion with respect to the information icon.

For example, button 93-1 is very good,
It is operated when you want to see it again.
2 is operated when you do not want to see bad, button 93-3 is operated when you want to check because you do not know well, button 93-4, remember to never forget It is operated when you think.

Buttons 94-1 to 94-4 are used to operate the television receiver such as volume and channel,
It is used when performing an operation such as selecting an information icon displayed on the display unit 91. Also, the decision button 95 is
This button is operated when the information icons selected using the buttons 94-1 to 94-4 are used.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the portable information processing apparatus as shown in FIG. The input unit 101 includes a switch 92, buttons 93-1 to 94-4, and a button 94-.
1 to 94-4 and a decision button 95. An ID uniquely assigned to each portable information processing device 6 is stored in the remote control ID storage unit 102. The information icon control unit 103 executes a process specified by an input from the input unit 101. For example, when the information icon control unit 103 is instructed to acquire the information icon,
A signal indicating a request to acquire an information icon is output from the transmission / reception unit 105, and as a result, the acquired data of the information icon is stored in the information icon storage unit 104.
An animation (described later) at the time of the acquisition is instructed to the information icon reproducing unit 106, and the display control unit 107 controls an image displayed on the display unit 91 according to the instruction.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation of the information processing system shown in FIG. 1 when an information icon is acquired by the portable information processing device 6 will be described. In step S1, data related to an information icon is stored in the broadcasting device 1. An information icon database 2 of the broadcast device 1
4 (FIG. 3) stores the object data of the information icon, and stores the information for uniquely determining one information icon among the plurality of information icons stored in the information icon database 24 in the information icon index 25. Remember. In other words, the information is such that one information icon desired by the viewer can be determined at the timing when the viewer instructs to obtain the information icon.

FIG. 10 shows the information icon database 24.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining data stored in the storage device. The information icon database 24 stores object data of a plurality of information icons 1 to m. The object data of one information icon briefly describes the icon ID assigned with a unique number for uniquely distinguishing a plurality of information icons, the icon graphic image indicating the graphic image data of the icon, and the attributes and icons of the icon. An icon description that stores text data to be written, and information on a plurality of related services associated with the information icon.

The information of the related service will be described with reference to FIG. The related service is a program-related information service that is considered to be provided to the viewer by a program provider, a sponsor, a third service provider, and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. Information such as online shopping, games, music, and coupons. The attached information indicates what kind of data these information services are provided to the viewer.

For example, a program provider can transmit information such as television program-related information, online shopping, an online catalog, an electronic program guide such as a recommended program, and recommended information to a Web link, text, graphic data, and the like. Is attached as a related service of the information icon. In addition, multimedia services such as games, music, movies, and animations are realized by attaching files such as voices, images, and game programs as related services of information icons. Similarly, this is realized by attaching a coupon, a mileage service, or the like as coupon information as a service related to the information icon.

These services are merely examples, and links to various services, multimedia data,
Various types of information can be distributed by attaching them to information icons.

Next, data stored in the information icon index 25 will be described with reference to FIG.
The information icon index 25 contains, for each channel,
Information is sectioned, and each channel can be identified by a uniquely assigned channel ID. The channel ID includes a channel number and a region code. For example, the channel ID is an ID assigned to identify 10 channels in Kanto and 10 channels in Kyushu. In each channel data, a start time, an end time, and an information icon ID are stored in association with each other.

An information icon can be uniquely retrieved from these pieces of information. That is, the channel that the viewer was watching when the viewer requested acquisition of the information icon is the channel
The time (timing) at which the acquisition of the information icon was requested can be determined by determining which time is greater than or equal to which start time and less than or equal to which end time. Therefore, since the information icon ID can be uniquely determined, the information icon can be searched. The information icon ID is the same as the corresponding icon ID in the information icon database.

Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 9, when the data related to the information icon as described above (hereinafter, appropriately described as information icon data) is stored in the broadcasting device 1 in step S1, in step S2, The broadcasting device 1 transmits the stored information icon data to the receiving device 4 via the two-way communication network 3. The information icon data may be transmitted together with the data of the program, or may be transmitted before the program is transmitted or at night when the program is not broadcast.

For example, when transmitting together with the program data, only the information icon data of the program is transmitted, and when transmitting at night or the like, the data for one day or one week for the next day of the transmission is transmitted. Data in batch.

As described above, the information icon data transmitted by the broadcasting device 1 is received by the transmitting / receiving section 41 (FIG. 5) of the receiving device 4. The receiving device 4 that has received the information icon data stores the received data in step S3. The information icon data received by the transmission / reception unit 41 is supplied to the information icon repository 45 via the additional information reception unit 43. Information Icon Repository 45
Of the information icon data supplied to the information icon object stored in the information icon database 24 (FIG. 3) is stored in the information icon storage unit 47 and the information stored in the information icon index 25. Data for uniquely searching for an icon is stored in the information icon index 46.

When the information icon data is transmitted together with the program data, in other words, when the viewer is watching the program, the information icon data related to the viewed program is transmitted. When it comes, the receiving device 4
In, the information icon is stored, and in step S4, the viewing log is stored. If the information icon data is sent separately from the program data,
The storage of the viewing log in step S4 is started when the power of the receiving device 4 is turned on (that is, when viewing is started). The viewing log is stored each time an event occurs.

The viewing log is sent to the control unit 50 of the receiving device 4.
It is determined whether or not a predetermined event has occurred based on an instruction from the portable information processing device 6 received by the transmission / reception unit 49, and if it is determined that the predetermined event has occurred, the viewing log is stored in the viewing log storage unit 51. Is stored. The viewing log stored in the viewing log storage unit 51 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13A, an event, a parameter, and a time are stored in the viewing log storage unit 51 in association with each other. Events include Figure 13
As shown in (B), there are viewing start, viewing end, and channel change.

The start of viewing indicates that the power of the receiving device 4 has been turned on, and the end of viewing indicates that the power of the receiving device 4 has been turned off. The channel change indicates that the channel has been changed during viewing. The parameter indicates a channel number, and there is no parameter for starting and stopping viewing.
The parameter at the time of changing the channel indicates the channel number of the changed channel.

When viewing / listening is started as an event, there is no parameter, and time t1 at which the event occurred is stored as time. When a viewing start event occurs, a log as a channel change is also stored. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 13A, the channel number received when the viewing is started is stored as the channel number ch1 as a parameter in the channel change column. Therefore, time t1 and time t2 are the same time. Thereafter, every time a channel is changed, a channel change column is additionally stored.

In the state where the viewing log is stored, the viewer wants to obtain the information icon of the program being viewed, and operates the portable information processing device 6 to give an instruction to obtain the information icon. In this case, in step S5, a signal indicating that the information icon has been instructed is transmitted from the portable information processing device 6 to the receiving device 4.

When the viewer wants to acquire an information icon, he or she presses down the switch 92 (FIG. 7) of the portable information processing device 6 in a downward direction. Information icon control unit 103 (FIG. 8)
Inputs an instruction from the input unit 101 (the switch 92), and determines that the instruction is an instruction to acquire an information icon. If the information icon control unit 103 determines that an instruction to acquire an information icon has been issued, the information icon control unit 103 transmits a signal indicating the instruction from the transmission / reception unit 105 to the receiving device 4.

When receiving the signal transmitted from portable information processing device 6 in this way, in step S 6, information icon control section 48 of reception device 4 executes information icon indexing as a corresponding process. 46
The data stored in the storage unit 47 is searched, and the data related to the information icon designated to be obtained is stored in the information icon storage unit 47.
Read from As described above, the data (data described with reference to FIG. 12) stored in the information icon index 25 of the broadcasting device 1 is stored in the information icon index 46, and the information icon storage unit 47
Stores data (data described with reference to FIG. 10) stored in the information icon database 24 of the broadcasting device 1.

The signal received by transmitting / receiving section 49 is also output to control section 50. When the control unit 50 determines that the input signal indicates an instruction to acquire an information icon, it instructs the viewing certificate issuing unit 52 to issue a viewing certificate. The viewing certificate issuing unit 52 first searches the viewing log stored in the viewing log storage unit 51, and finds the viewing log stored last, that is, a channel change column indicating the currently viewed channel number. Is read. From the read channel change column, the channel number and the time at which the channel was changed are further read. The current time is also read from a timer (not shown).

Here, the read channel number is channel number ch2, and the time is time t3. The current time is time t ′. Viewing certificate issuing unit 52
Issues the read information as a viewing certificate. At this time, a time obtained by subtracting time t3 from time t ′,
That is, the time during which the program of channel number ch2 was viewed may be included in the viewing certificate, or the times t 'and t3 may be included as they are.

The viewing certificate issuing unit 52 outputs the created viewing certificate to the information icon control unit 48. When the viewing certificate is output from the viewing certificate issuing unit 52, the viewing certificate may be encrypted and output. Alternatively, when the information icon control unit 48 outputs the viewing certificate to the transmitting / receiving unit 49, the information icon control unit 48 outputs the encrypted viewing certificate. You may make it. Whatever the form,
When the viewing certificate is output from the receiving device 4 (the transmission / reception unit 41 or the transmission / reception unit 49), it is encrypted and output. In this way, by encrypting and outputting, it is possible to prevent the viewing certificate from being falsified and to prevent the viewing information from being disclosed to a third party.

The information icon control unit 48 uses the content of the viewing certificate issued by the viewing certificate issuing unit 52 to
The information icon index 46 is searched to uniquely determine the information icon desired by the viewer. That is, first, since the channel number (in this case, channel number ch2) is known from the viewing certificate, a search is made in the data corresponding to the channel number. In other words, a search is made within the data of the channel ID corresponding to the channel number ch2 from the plurality of channel IDs shown in FIG. Next, an information icon ID whose current time (in this case, time t ′) satisfies the start time and the end time or less is searched.

As described above, by searching the information icon index 46 using the channel number and the current time, the information icon ID is uniquely extracted. The information icon control unit 48 extracts data corresponding to the extracted information icon ID from the information icon storage unit 47. The data extracted from the information icon storage unit 47 and the viewing certificate are transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 49 to the portable information processing device 6 in step S7.

When portable information processing device 6 receives the transmitted data and the viewing certificate, it is stored in information icon storage unit 104 in step S8. In this way, when the reception and the storage are completed, a message indicating that, for example, “information icon has been acquired” may be displayed on the display unit 91, but in the present embodiment, the viewer is more likely to be notified. The screen displayed on the display unit 91 of the portable information processing device 6 and the screen displayed on the monitor 61 of the receiving device 4 for visually recognizing that the information icon has been acquired are shown in FIG. And control as described.

In FIG. 14, the upper part shows a display example on the monitor 61, and the lower part shows a display example on the display unit 91. The viewer instructs the receiving device 4 to acquire the information icon, and by performing the above-described processing, based on the icon graphic image data (FIG. 10) corresponding to the uniquely determined information icon. Under the control of the display control unit 44, the entire view of the information icon is displayed at a predetermined position on the monitor 61 as shown in FIG. The displayed information icon is rendered with an image reminiscent of the program being viewed. FIG.
In FIG. 4, the image is indicated by the letter “A”. Although not shown in FIG. 14, the screen of the program being viewed is displayed on the monitor 61 in the background of the image of the information icon.

In the next stage, the information icon displayed on the monitor 61 gradually moves to the lower side of the monitor 61 as shown in FIG. Is animated so that it disappears from below the information icon. The information icon of the part disappeared from the monitor 61 is animated so as to gradually appear from the upper side of the display unit 91. That is, the animation is performed so that the information icon appears to be gradually moving from the monitor 61 to the display unit 91.

FIG. 14 (C) shows a state where the information icon is completely displayed on the display unit 91, that is, the information icon has been moved to the portable information processing device 6. Further, the information icon is moved to a predetermined position on the display unit 91 as shown in FIG. Then, for example, after the information icon is blinked at a predetermined position or after a predetermined time has elapsed, the display disappears from the display unit 91. When the viewer obtains the information icon, the viewer can store his or her own emotion associated with the icon. That is, when the information icon is acquired (or may be acquired and after a lapse of time), the user operates the buttons 93-1 to 93-4 (FIG. 7) to store his / her emotion.

As described above, when the information icon is displayed as an animation, and the viewer is visually recognized that the information icon has been acquired by the portable information processing device 6, the information icon storage unit 104 stores the information icon in the information icon storage unit 104. Information icon data as described with reference to FIG. 15 is stored as the acquired information icon data. icon
The ID, the icon graphic image, the icon description, and the related service are data obtained from the broadcasting device 1 via the receiving device 4. When the icon is acquired, the portable information processing device 4 stores the ID of the currently viewed channel. At this time, the current time is stored as the acquisition time.

Further, the viewing certificate issuing unit 52 stores the viewing certificate including the information of the channel number of the current channel, the current time, and the viewing time of the current channel in the viewing log storage unit 51. Is stored. In addition, user impressions indicating the emotions of the viewer, which are input by operating the buttons 93-1 to 93-4, are also stored.

The remote control ID is data supplied from the remote control ID storage unit 102. For example, when a plurality of portable information processing apparatuses 6 exist in one home, an information icon is acquired by any of the portable information processing apparatuses 6. The information is stored as information for determining whether the user is alive.

[0096] Such information icon data is stored in the information icon storage unit 104, and how the stored information icons are browsed on the display unit 91 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG.
An image of the information icon is displayed on the left side of the display unit 91, and a description corresponding to the image of the information icon displayed on the left side is displayed on the right side. The information icon image is based on the data of the icon graphic image in the information icon storage unit 104, and the description is based on the information icon storage unit 104.
This is based on the icon description data in the box.

[0097] The icon images can be classified and displayed according to categories such as music, movies, and dramas based on the attribute data of the icon description. It is also possible to classify and display each user impression. Button 94-2 between each category
The information icon image (description) is scrolled upward when the button 94-1 is operated, and the button 94-3 is operated when the button 94-1 is operated. Will scroll down.

The viewer operates the buttons 94-1 to 94-4 to select a desired icon image (description). If the selected icon image is satisfactory, the user operates the decision button 95. When the enter button 95 is operated, the display on the display unit 91 switches as shown in FIG. That is, the selected icon image,
The description corresponding to the icon is displayed on the upper side, and a list of related services is displayed on the lower side. This related service is displayed based on the related service information stored in the information icon storage unit 104. The viewer selects a desired related service from the displayed related services by using a button 94-1 and a button 94-3.
, And operating the enter button 95, it is possible to receive a desired related service.

For example, when the related service is text data or graphic data, the information icon control unit 103
Reads the data from the information icon storage unit 104 and outputs the data to the information icon reproduction unit 106. The information icon reproducing unit 106 performs processing such as expansion of the input text data and graphic data and outputs the processed data to the display control unit 107. When the display control unit 107 controls the display unit 91 based on the input data, related services desired by the viewer are displayed on the display unit 91. The same processing and reproduction are performed for audio and video. In the case where audio is output, the portable information processing device 6 is provided with a speaker or the like for outputting audio.

As described above, the portable information processing device 6 can store programs such as texts, sounds, movies, pictures, and games, so that the viewer can communicate with the two-way communication network 3 in an offline environment. Even if there is, it is possible to enjoy the content.

Next, a case where the acquired information icon is browsed on the information browse device 5 will be described. The viewer selects a desired icon image as described above. Then, the viewer can transmit the selected information icon to the information browsing device 5 by pressing the switch 92 upward. At this time, the information icon control unit 103 of the portable information processing device 6 reads the selected information icon data from the information icon storage unit 104, and transfers the selected information icon data from the transmission / reception unit 105 to the information browsing device 5.

The information browsing device 5 receives the transmitted information icon data via the transmission / reception unit 77. The received information icon data is stored in the information icon storage unit 71. At this time, an animation display that visually appeals to the viewer may be performed. That is, in FIG. 14, the animation performed between the monitor 61 and the display unit 91 has been described. However, the same animation display is performed by using the monitor 61 as the display unit 91 and the display unit 91 as the display 81. Is also good.

Information icon control section 72 of information browsing device 5
Reads out the information icon data stored in the information icon storage unit 71 and transfers it to the information icon reproduction unit 75. The information icon reproduction unit 75 reproduces the input information icon data, and the display unit control unit 76 controls the display 81 based on the reproduced information icon data, so that the display 81 17
The same screen as the screen displayed on the display unit 91 indicated by is displayed.

The viewer selects and determines one of the related services displayed on the display 81, whereby a service similar to the service obtained by the portable information processing device 6 can be obtained. . A case where the related service selected by the viewer is a link to content on the network server device 2 such as the Web will be described. The information browsing device 5 is capable of bidirectional communication with the network server device 2 via the bidirectional communication network 3.

The information icon control section 72 causes the information icon reproduction section 5 to retrieve the link destination of the selected related service, and causes the Web browser 73 to output the link destination. Web browser 7
3 performs predetermined processing, and accesses the information icon link content 31 of the network server device 2 via the two-way communication network 3 configured by the Internet or the like using the transmission / reception unit 77. Then, the information specified as the link destination is transmitted to the information browsing device 5 via the two-way communication network 3.

The information received by the transmission / reception unit 77 of the information browsing device 5 is output to the Web browser 73, subjected to a predetermined process, and supplied to the display control unit 76. The display control unit 76 controls the display 81 based on the supplied information.
Control the display of. In this way, the viewer can obtain various program-related services (information) from the acquired information icons.

In the above-described embodiment, the receiving device 4 acquires the information icon data from the broadcasting device 1 via the two-way communication network 3. The information icon data may be obtained from the. As described above, when the information icon data is distributed from the broadcasting device 1, in order to use the band of the program data broadcast, when and how to distribute the information icon data with the broadcasting station in advance It is necessary to arrange such things. In addition, there is also a problem that the use of the band of the program data is expensive.

On the other hand, when the information icon data is distributed from the network server device 2 via the two-way communication network 3, since the band of the program data broadcast is not used, an arrangement is made with the broadcast station in advance. There are advantages that there is no need, that the existing Internet can be used, and that costs can be solved.

As described in the above embodiment, the information icon can be uniquely determined using the channel ID and the time as keys. In other words, it is possible to specify one information icon, in other words, which channel and at what time the information of the program being broadcast is desired to be acquired from the two pieces of information, the channel ID and the time.

The operation of the information processing system shown in FIG. 1 when information icon data is distributed from network server device 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. When the viewer starts viewing the program, the broadcast device 1 transmits the program data (data stored in the broadcast program library 21 (FIG. 3) to the receiving device 4 via the two-way communication network 3 in step S21. ). Since the broadcasting device 1 supplies only the program data to the receiving device 4, in other words, does not supply the information icon data, the broadcasting device 1 does not need to include the information icon library 22 for storing the data.

When the viewer performs an operation for requesting the acquisition of an information icon while watching a program, a signal indicating the request is transmitted from the portable information processing device 6 to the receiving device 4 in step S22. . When receiving the signal of the information icon acquisition request from the portable information processing device 6, the receiving device 4 receives the information icon acquisition request to the network server device 2 in step S23, and listens to the information icon at that time. Send data about the channel you were in. As shown in FIG. 4, the information icon index and the information icon database are stored in the network server device 2 as the information icon library 32.

The network server device 2 executes step S
At 24, the information icon desired by the viewer is determined from the received time and channel data by searching the information icon database, and the information icon data corresponding to the determined information icon is determined by the information icon. Read from index. The network server device 2 transmits the read information icon data to the receiving device 4 in step S25.

The receiving device 4 determines in step S26
The information icon data from the network server device 2 is stored in the information icon repository 45. further,
The receiving device 4 transmits the information icon data stored in the information icon repository 45 to the portable information processing device 6 in step S27. The portable information processing device 6 stores the received information icon data in the information icon storage unit 104 in step S28. That is, the portable information processing device 6 acquires an information icon. As described above, when the information icon is obtained, as described with reference to FIG. 10, the information icon may be displayed as an animation that visually indicates that the information icon has been obtained.

In the above description, the receiving device 4 is supplied with the information icon data from the broadcasting device 1 or the network server device 2 via the two-way communication network 3. 2 may be supplied with information icon data. The operation of the information processing system shown in FIG. 1 when the information browsing device 5 acquires information icon data from the network server device 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In step S41, when the viewer requests acquisition of the information icon while viewing the program, the portable information processing device 6 having received the acquisition request transmits the information icon in step S42.
Store the requested time and the channel that was being viewed when the request was issued. The channel may be input by the viewer, or the portable information processing device 6 may manage the channel of the program being viewed, and when the acquisition of the information icon is requested, the management may be performed. The channel being used may be stored.

As described above, the data on the time and the channel stored in the portable information processing device 6 is stored in the step S4.
At 3, the information is transmitted to the information browsing device 5. This transmission may be performed immediately after the storage is completed or after the viewer has finished watching the program, and may be performed at a time convenient for the viewer. In step S44, the information browsing device 5 transmits the received data on the time and the channel to the network server device 2. In step S45, the network server device 2 searches for information icon data corresponding to the information icon desired by the viewer from the data on the received time and the channel, and in step S46, the searched information icon data is Return to viewing device 5.

[0117] In step S47, the information browsing device 5 stores the received information icon data.
In step S48, the data is also transmitted to the portable information processing device 6. Then, the portable information processing device 6 proceeds to step S4
At 9, the received information icon data is stored.

When the information icons are obtained in this way, even if the receiving device 4 is not provided with a device for obtaining the information icons, the information browsing device 5 constituted by a personal computer or the like is provided. With this, it is possible to receive a service related to the information icon.

Next, a description will be given of a service provision in which a discount or a prize is obtained through online shopping or the like. When the viewer is viewing a predetermined commercial or program and makes an information icon acquisition request, the information icon data is obtained as described above. When a service such as a coupon is provided, the information icon data obtained includes data on the coupon.

When the viewer selects a desired information icon from the plurality of acquired information icons and further selects a link to an online shopping site as related data related to the information icon, the coupon information and The viewing certificate is transmitted to network server device 2. The network server device 2 determines from the transmitted viewing certificate whether or not the viewing condition set by the provider who provided the program or the commercial is satisfied. Only when the viewing conditions are met, the coupon information is valid. The linked online shopping site provides services such as coupon discounts and gift giveaways.

Next, using the communication function of the portable information processing device 6, the portable information processing device 6 'of another viewer (in order to distinguish the two portable information processing devices 6, it is described with a dash). Then, the mutually collected information icons can be exchanged. When exchanging information icons, as shown in FIG. 20, the transmission / reception units 105 of the portable information processing devices 6 and 6 ′ (in FIG. 21, the transmission / reception unit 105 is provided above the portable information processing device 6) Face to face).

First, the user of the portable information processing device 6 that transmits the information icon selects the information icon to be transmitted. By selecting the information icon, the display section 91 is displayed.
Is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. When the switch 92 is pressed upward (instruction to transmit an information icon) in the figure while such a screen is displayed, information icon data relating to the displayed information icon is displayed in the portable information processing device 6 on the other side. 'Sent to. At this time, as described with reference to FIG. 10, an animation that appeals to the user's vision may be performed.

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is transmitted to the broadcast device 1, the network server device 2, the receiving device 3, the information browsing device 5, and the portable information processing device 6 as dedicated hardware. It is installed in, for example, a general-purpose personal computer that can execute various functions by installing a built-in computer or various programs.

Next, referring to FIG. 21, a program for executing the above-described series of processes is installed in a computer, and a computer used for making the computer executable is a general-purpose personal computer. The following is an example of the case.

As shown in FIG. 21A, a program is stored in a hard disk 122 or a semiconductor memory 1 as a recording medium built in a personal computer 121.
23 can be provided to the user in a state where it is installed in advance.

Alternatively, the program is executed as shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), the floppy disk 131, CD-R
OM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) 132, MO (M
agneto-Optical 133, DVD (Digital Versatile Dis)
k) 134, magnetic disk 135, semiconductor memory 136
And the like, can be temporarily or permanently stored in a recording medium, and provided as package software.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21C, the program is wirelessly transferred from the download site 141 to the personal computer 121 via the artificial satellite 142 for digital satellite broadcasting, or is transmitted from a local area network or the Internet. Via the network 151, the data can be transferred to the personal computer 121 by wire, and stored in a built-in hard disk or the like in the personal computer 121.

The medium in the present specification has a broad concept including all these media.

The personal computer 1 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 as shown in FIG.
62 is built-in. An input / output interface 165 is connected to the CPU 162 via a bus 161.
When a user inputs a command from the input unit 7 including a keyboard, a mouse, and the like via the input / output interface 165, the ROM 162 corresponds to the ROM (corresponding to the semiconductor memory 123 in FIG. Read Only Memor
y) Execute the program stored in 163. Alternatively, the CPU 2 may execute a program stored in the hard disk 122 in advance, transferred from the satellite 142 or the network 151, received by the communication unit 168, and further installed in the hard disk 122 or a floppy disk mounted in the drive 169. Disk 131, CD-ROM 132, MO disk 13
3, a program read from the DVD 134 or the magnetic disk 135 and installed in the hard disk 122 is loaded into a RAM (Random Access Memory) 164 and executed. Further, the CPU 2 transmits the processing result to, for example, an LCD (Liq) via the input / output interface 165.
uid (Crystal Display) or the like.

[0130] In this specification, the steps of describing a program provided by a medium may be performed in a chronological order according to the described order. Alternatively, it also includes individually executed processing.

[0131]

As described above, according to the broadcasting apparatus of the first aspect, the broadcasting method of the third aspect, and the medium of the fourth aspect, program data and related information related to the program data are provided. Is stored, and the stored program data and icon information are transmitted, so that the user can easily obtain desired information.

According to the information receiving apparatus described in claim 5, the information receiving method described in claim 8, and the medium described in claim 9, the program data of a predetermined channel and the program data related to the program data are related. Receives the icon information related to the icon selected when acquiring the related information, stores the received icon information, and, when instructed to send the icon information from the remote commander, sends the stored icon information to the remote commander. Since the information is transmitted to the user, the user can easily obtain desired information.

A remote control device according to claim 10, a remote control method according to claim 13,
In the medium according to claim 14, when acquisition of icon information on an icon selected when acquiring predetermined information is instructed, a signal corresponding to the instruction is transmitted to the information receiving apparatus, Since the icon information transmitted from the receiving device is received and the received icon information is stored, it is possible for the user to easily obtain desired information with the remote control device at hand.

[0134] In the information processing system according to the fifteenth aspect, the broadcasting device transmits the stored program data and icon information, and the information receiving device receives and stores the program data and icon information. When the transmission of the icon information is instructed from the control device, the stored icon information is transmitted to the remote control device, and when the acquisition of the icon information is instructed, the remote control device responds to the instruction. Since the signal is transmitted to the information receiving device and the transmitted icon information is received and stored, the user can easily obtain desired information.

The remote control device according to claim 17, the remote control method according to claim 18,
According to the medium described in claim 19, when acquisition of icon information on an icon selected when acquiring related information relating to a program is instructed, the time at which the instruction was given, and the information receiving apparatus Transmits the channel number data of the program being watched to the information receiving device, and receives and stores the icon information transmitted from the information receiving device, so that the user can easily store the desired information at hand. It can be obtained by the control device.

According to the information receiving apparatus described in claim 20, the information receiving method described in claim 22, and the medium described in claim 23, when related information related to program data is obtained from a remote commander. When an instruction to transmit icon information on the selected icon is issued, data on the time and channel at which the instruction was issued is transmitted to another device, and the icon information transmitted from the other device is received and stored. Thus, when the user obtains desired information, the processing can be simplified.

According to the information processing apparatus of claim 24, the information processing method of claim 25, and the medium of claim 26, the time when icon information is stored and a program is received And receive data about the channel,
Since the stored icon information is transmitted based on the received data, the user can easily obtain desired information.

According to the information processing system of the twenty-seventh aspect, the information receiving device transmits data relating to time and channel to the information processing device, receives and stores the icon information transmitted from the information processing device, The stored icon information is transmitted to the remote control device, and the information processing device stores the icon information and transmits the stored icon information to the information receiving device based on the data on the time and the channel. However, when the remote control device is instructed to acquire the icon information, the remote control device transmits a signal corresponding to the instruction to the information receiving device, and receives and stores the icon information.
The user can easily obtain desired information.

According to the information processing system of the twenty-eighth aspect, the first information processing device transfers the time and channel data transmitted from the remote control device to the second information processing device, and The icon information transmitted from the information processing device is transferred to the remote control device, the second information processing device stores the icon information,
The stored icon information is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus based on the data on the time and the channel, and when the acquisition of the icon information is instructed, the remote control apparatus transmits At that time, the data of the channel number of the program being viewed by the information receiving apparatus is transmitted to the first information processing apparatus, and the icon information is received and stored. Therefore, the user can easily obtain desired information. It is possible to do.

[0140]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an information processing system to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another configuration of an embodiment of the information processing system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the broadcasting device 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the network server device 2.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a receiving device 4.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the information browsing device 5.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an appearance of the portable information processing device 6.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the portable information processing device 6.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the information processing system.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating data stored in an information icon database 24.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a related information service.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating data stored in an information icon index 25.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating data stored in a viewing log 51.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display when an information icon is acquired.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating data stored in an information icon storage unit 104.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an acquired information icon.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a display example when an information icon is selected.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the information processing system.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the information processing system.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a method of exchanging information icons.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a medium.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the personal computer of FIG. 21.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 broadcast equipment, 2 network server equipment, 3
Two-way communication network, 4 receiving device, 5 information browsing device,
6 portable information processing device, 22 information icon library, 31 information icon link contents, 32
Information icon library, 45 information icon repository, 51 viewing log storage unit, 52 viewing certificate issuing unit, 73 web browser, 75 information icon reproducing unit, 91 display unit, 92 switch, 93, 94
Button, 95 OK button

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification FI FI Theme Court ゛ (Reference) H04N 7/173 640 (72) Inventor Zhao Zhao 6-7-35 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sonii Incorporated (72) Inventor Kai Kai, 6-35 Kita Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo F-term in Sony Corporation (reference) 5B069 AA20 CA19 LA04 LA05 5C025 BA25 BA27 BA30 CA09 CA16 CA18 CB10 DA04 DA05 DA10 5C063 AC10 5C064 BA01 BB03 BC16 BC20 BC23 BC25 BD09

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A storage means for storing program data, icon information on an icon selected when acquiring related information related to the program data, and the program data and the icon information stored in the storage means. And a transmitting means for transmitting the broadcast. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the icon information includes first information including address information of a destination to be accessed when acquiring the related information, and information necessary for searching for a predetermined item from a plurality of the first information. The broadcast apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising second information including: 3. A storage step for storing program data and icon information selected when acquiring related information related to the program data; and storing the program data and the icon information stored in the processing of the storage step. A transmitting step of transmitting. 4. A control step of controlling reading of stored program data and icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring related information related to the program data; and A program for causing a computer to execute the program data and a transmission step of transmitting the icon information. 5. A receiving means for receiving program data of a predetermined channel and icon information related to an icon selected when acquiring related information related to the program data, and receiving the icon information received by the receiving means. Storage means for storing, and transmission means for transmitting icon information stored in the storage means to the remote commander when transmission of the icon information is instructed from a remote commander. Information receiving device. 6. The storage means further stores a viewing log including at least a time at which the reception of the program data is started by the reception means, a time at which the reception is ended, and a channel number. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, when transmitting the viewing log stored in the storage unit to another apparatus, the viewing log is encrypted and transmitted. 7. The icon information includes first information including address information of an access destination when acquiring the related information, and information necessary for searching for a predetermined one from a plurality of the first information. The information receiving apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information includes second information including: 8. A receiving step of receiving icon data on an icon selected when acquiring program data of a predetermined channel and related information related to the program data, and the icon received in the processing of the receiving step A storage step of storing information, and a transmission step of transmitting the icon information stored in the processing of the storage step to the remote commander when transmission of the icon information is instructed from a remote commander. Characteristic information receiving method. 9. An inputting step of inputting icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring program data of a predetermined channel and related information relating to the program data, and the icon input in the processing of the inputting step. A storage control step of controlling storage of information; and a transmission step of transmitting the icon information stored in the processing of the storage control step to the remote commander when transmission of the icon information is instructed from a remote commander. A medium for causing a computer to execute a program comprising: 10. A remote control device for remotely controlling an information receiving device, wherein when acquisition of icon information on an icon selected when acquiring predetermined information is instructed, a signal corresponding to the instruction is transmitted to the information receiving device. Transmitting means for transmitting the icon information transmitted from the information receiving device; storing means for storing the icon information received by the receiving means; and storing in the storing means. A display control means for controlling display of the icon information. 11. The remote control device according to claim 10, further comprising an associating unit for associating data on a user's preference with respect to the information related to the icon with the icon information. 12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said transmission means further has a function of exchanging said information stored in said storage means with another remote control device.
A remote control device according to item 1. 13. A remote control method for a remote control device for remotely controlling an information receiving device, comprising: when an instruction to acquire icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring predetermined information is issued, a signal corresponding to the instruction; A transmitting step of transmitting to the information receiving apparatus; a receiving step of receiving the icon information transmitted from the information receiving apparatus; and a storing step of storing the icon information received in the processing of the receiving step. A display control step of controlling display of the icon information stored in the processing of the storage step. 14. A transmission control step of controlling transmission of a signal indicating the acquisition of information to another device when instructed to acquire information, a reception control step of controlling reception of the information from the other device, A storage control step of controlling storage of the information received in the processing of the reception control step, and a display control step of controlling display of an image based on the information stored in the processing of the storage control step. A medium that causes a computer to execute a characteristic program. 15. An information processing system comprising a broadcasting device, an information receiving device for receiving a signal broadcast by the broadcasting device, and a remote control device for remotely controlling the information receiving device, wherein the broadcasting device comprises: First storage means for storing data and icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring related information related to the program data; and the program data and the icon information stored in the first storage means. A first transmitting unit that transmits the program data and the icon information transmitted by the first transmitting unit; and a first receiving unit that receives the program information and the icon information transmitted by the first transmitting unit. Second storage means for storing the icon information received by the means; When transmission of icon information is instructed, a second transmission unit that transmits the icon information stored in the second storage unit to the remote control device; and a second transmission unit that controls display of the icon information. A display control unit, wherein when the acquisition of the icon information is instructed, the remote control device transmits a signal corresponding to the instruction to the information receiving device.
Transmission means; second reception means for receiving the icon information transmitted by the second transmission means; and third storage means for storing the icon information received by the second reception means. An information processing system comprising: a second display control unit configured to control display of the icon information stored in the third storage unit. 16. The first display control means and the second control means inform a user that the icon information has been transmitted by the second transmission means and received by the second reception means. 16. The information processing system according to claim 15, wherein display for visually recognizing is controlled. 17. A remote control device for remotely controlling an information receiving device for receiving a broadcast program, wherein, when acquisition of icon information on an icon selected when acquiring related information related to the program is instructed, the instruction is issued. And a first storage unit for storing data of a channel number of a program watched by the information receiving apparatus at that time; and storing the data stored in the first storage unit with the information Transmitting means for transmitting to the receiving apparatus; receiving means for receiving the icon information transmitted from the information receiving apparatus; second storing means for storing the icon information received by the receiving means; Display control means for controlling display of an image based on the icon information stored in the storage means. Remote control device that. 18. A remote control method for a remote control device for remotely controlling an information receiving device for receiving a broadcast program, wherein acquisition of icon information on an icon selected when acquiring related information related to the program is instructed. A first storage step of storing the time at which the instruction was given, and a channel number of a program being viewed by the information receiving apparatus at that time; and the first storage step storing the data of the first storage step. A transmitting step of transmitting data to the information receiving apparatus; a receiving step of receiving the icon information transmitted from the information receiving apparatus; and a second step of storing the icon information received in the processing of the receiving step. A storage step; and the icon stored in the processing of the second storage step Remote control method characterized by comprising a display control step for controlling the display of an image based on the information. 19. A program for a remote control device for remotely controlling an information receiving device for receiving a broadcast program, wherein acquisition of icon information on an icon selected when acquiring related information related to the program is instructed. A first storage control step of controlling storage of data of a time at which the instruction is given and a channel number of a program being viewed by the information receiving apparatus at that time; and a process of the first storage control step. A transmission control step of controlling transmission of the stored data to the information receiving apparatus; an input control step of controlling input of the icon information transmitted from the information receiving apparatus; and a process of the input control step A second storage control step of controlling storage of the icon information input at Medium to execute the program characterized by comprising a display control step for controlling the display of an image based on the icon information stored in the processing of 憶制 your step in the computer. 20. A first receiving means for receiving program data of a predetermined channel, and an instruction for transmitting icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring related information relating to the program data is issued from a remote commander. A transmission unit that transmits the time at which the instruction was given and the data on the channel to another device; a second reception unit that receives the icon information transmitted from the other device; Storing means for storing the icon information received by the receiving means. 21. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second transmission unit that transmits the icon information stored by the storage unit to the remote commander.
0. The information receiving apparatus according to 0. 22. A first receiving step of receiving program data of a predetermined channel, and an instruction to transmit icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring related information relating to the program data is issued from a remote commander. A transmitting step of transmitting the time and the channel-related data to the other device to the other device; a second receiving step of receiving the icon information transmitted from the other device; Storing the icon information received in the processing of the receiving step. 23. A first input control step of controlling input of program data of a predetermined channel; and transmitting icon information relating to an icon selected when acquiring relevant information related to the program data from a remote commander. When an instruction is issued, a transmission control step of controlling transmission of the data on the channel and the time at which the instruction was issued to another device, and a step of controlling input of the icon information transmitted from the other device. 2. A medium for causing a computer to execute a program, comprising: a second input control step; and a storage step of storing the icon information input in the processing of the second input control step. 24. A storage means for storing icon information relating to an icon selected when a first other device acquires related information relating to a program transmitted to a second other device; and Receiving means for receiving data relating to the time and channel when the program was received by the second other device from the device or the third other device, based on the data received by the receiving device The icon information stored in the storage means is stored in the second
Or a transmitting unit for transmitting to a third other device. 25. A storage step of storing icon information relating to an icon selected when a first other device acquires related information relating to a program transmitted to a second other device; and A receiving step of receiving data on a time and a channel when the program was received by the second other apparatus from the apparatus or the third other apparatus; and data received in the processing of the receiving step. A transmission step of transmitting the icon information stored in the processing of the storage step to the second or third other device based on the above. 26. A storage control step of controlling storage of icon information on an icon selected when a first other device acquires related information relating to a program transmitted to a second other device; An input control step of controlling input of data relating to a time and a channel when the program was received by the second other device from the second other device or the third other device; and the input control step A transmission control step of controlling transmission of the icon information stored in the processing of the storage control step to the second or third other device based on the data input in the processing of the above. A medium that causes a computer to execute a characteristic program. 27. An information processing system comprising: an information receiving device for receiving broadcast information; an information processing device for transmitting and receiving predetermined information; and a remote control device for remotely controlling the information receiving device. The receiving device includes: a first receiving unit that receives program data of a predetermined channel; and an instruction to transmit icon information related to an icon selected when acquiring related information related to the program data from the remote control device. If so, first transmitting means for transmitting the time at which the instruction was issued and data on the channel to the information processing apparatus, and second receiving means for receiving the icon information transmitted from the information processing apparatus And a first storing the icon information received by the second receiving means. A storage unit; and a second transmission unit that transmits the icon information stored in the first storage unit to the remote control device. The information processing device includes a second storage unit that stores the icon information. Storage means, a third reception means for receiving data relating to the time and channel transmitted by the first transmission means, and a second storage based on the data received by the third reception means. And a third transmitting unit that transmits the icon information stored in the unit to the information receiving device, wherein the remote control device responds to the instruction when the acquisition of the icon information is instructed. Transmitting a signal to the information receiving apparatus;
Transmitting means, a fourth receiving means for receiving the icon information transmitted by the second transmitting means, and a third storing means for storing the icon information received by the fourth receiving means. And a display control means for controlling display of the icon information stored in the third storage means. 28. An information receiving apparatus for receiving broadcast information, a first information processing apparatus for transmitting and receiving predetermined information, and a second information processing apparatus.
An information processing system comprising: an information processing device; and a remote control device that remotely controls the information receiving device, wherein the information receiving device includes: a first receiving unit that receives broadcasted program data; First display control means for controlling the display of an image based on the program data received by the receiving means, wherein the first information processing device transmits the data relating to the time and channel transmitted from the remote control device. A first transfer unit that transfers the information to the second information processing apparatus; and a first transfer unit that is selected when acquiring related information related to the program data from the remote control apparatus transmitted from the second information processing apparatus. A second transfer for receiving icon information about the icon and transferring it to the remote control device Means, a first storage means for storing the icon information, and a second receiving means for receiving data on the time and channel transmitted by the first transfer means. A first transmission unit that transmits the icon information stored in the first storage unit to the second information processing device based on data received by the second reception unit; Wherein the remote control device stores, when the acquisition of the icon information is instructed, a time at which the instruction is given and a channel number data of a program watched by the information receiving device at that time. Storage means, a second transmission means for transmitting the data stored in the second storage means to the first information processing device, and a first transmission means. A third reception unit that receives the transmitted icon information, a third storage unit that stores the icon information received by the third reception unit, and a third storage unit that stores the icon information. And a second display control means for controlling display of an image based on the icon information.