JP2001290693A - Information storage device, miniaturized storage device, information-providing device and network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To utilize control information related to the selection or the like of contents data to be provided, while sharing that information among plural information providing devices over network. SOLUTION: An information-providing device 12 and an information providing/storage device 51 are connected on a network 52. The information-providing device 12 provides contents data or the like received via the network 52 to a user. The information providing/storage device 51 stores data received via the network 52 and provides received contents data or the like to the user. By inserting a miniaturized storage device 10 into the information providing device 12 and/or information providing/storage device 51 when controlling the operation of the information providing device 12 or the like, information such as user profile information, which is stored in the miniaturized storage part 10 to be managed for each user, is referred to. Thus, data such as contents data provided via the information providing device 12 or the like are set as being suited to the taste or the like of the user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an information storage device, a small storage device, an information providing device, and a network system for providing content data and the like to a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a storage type information providing system, for example, a system for providing information locally via an in-house LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, or providing information via a wide area network such as the Internet. Systems and the like are conventionally known.

[0003]

In these systems, many complicated processes such as connection procedures are required when providing information.

In these systems, personal profile information and the like cannot be shared and used by a plurality of information providing apparatuses. Therefore, information specialized for each user based on personal profile information or the like can be used only by a specific information providing device, and there is a problem that convenience is not sufficient.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to simplify a connection procedure and to share control information related to selection of provided content data among a plurality of information providing devices on a network. An object is to provide an information storage device, a small storage device, an information providing device, and a network system.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information storage device for storing data provided via a network, a receiving unit for receiving data, a transmitting unit for transmitting data, and a receiving unit. And transmission means, interface means for communicating with the network, and, for data received by the reception means, whether or not it is permitted to store the data, and access from other equipment. Means for authenticating whether or not the access is permitted, means for storing data received by the data receiving means, and management of data received by the data receiving means, and specialized for each individual user. An information storage device comprising an information management means for performing the above-mentioned processing.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a small-sized information storage device for storing information indicating handling of data provided via a network, a receiving unit for receiving data,
Transmitting means for transmitting data, receiving means and transmitting means, interface means for communicating with other devices, and authenticating means for authenticating whether or not the user is allowed to use the own device for the user When the authentication means performs authentication, authentication interface means for receiving authentication information input to the authentication means, means for storing data referred to when the authentication means performs authentication, and data received by the data reception means. A small storage device having means for accumulating data to be stored and means for storing access information for accessing another device.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in an information providing apparatus for providing a user with data provided via a network, a receiving unit for receiving data, a transmitting unit for transmitting data, a receiving unit and a transmitting unit Having interface means for communicating with the network, control information interface means for receiving control information for its own device, and data providing means relating to basic functions for providing information to the user. An information providing apparatus for providing information specialized in the information providing.

The invention according to claim 29 is a receiving means for receiving data, a transmitting means for transmitting data, a receiving means and a transmitting means, an interface means for communicating with a network, and a data received by the receiving means. About whether or not the storage of the data is permitted for the own machine, and about the access from other machines,
A means for authenticating whether or not the access is permitted; a means for storing data received by the data receiving means; and a means for managing data received by the data receiving means and specialized for each user. An information storage device having information management means for performing processing; a receiving means for receiving data; a transmitting means for transmitting data; a receiving means and a transmitting means; an interface means for communicating with a network; An information providing device having an interface means for receiving information and a data providing means relating to a basic function for providing information to users, and an information providing apparatus for providing information specialized for each user is connected to the same network. Connected receiving means for receiving data, transmitting means for transmitting data, receiving means and transmitting means,
Interface means for communicating with other equipment, authentication means for authenticating whether or not the user is authorized to use the user's own equipment, and input to the authentication means when the authentication means performs authentication. Interface means for receiving authentication information to be received, means for storing data referred to when the authentication means performs authentication, means for storing data received by the data receiving means, and access information for accessing other devices. A small storage device having means for storing the information is connected to the interface means of the information providing apparatus.

The invention according to claim 30 is a receiving means for receiving data, transmitting means for transmitting data, receiving means and transmitting means, interface means for communicating with a network, and data received by the receiving means. About whether or not the storage of the data is permitted for the own machine, and about the access from other machines,
A means for authenticating whether or not the access is permitted; a means for storing data received by the data receiving means; and a means for managing data received by the data receiving means and specialized for each user. An information storage device having information management means for performing processing; a receiving means for receiving data; a transmitting means for transmitting data; a receiving means and a transmitting means; an interface means for communicating with a network; An information providing device having an interface means for receiving information and a data providing means relating to a basic function for providing information to users, and an information providing apparatus for providing information specialized for each user is connected to the same network. Connected receiving means for receiving data, transmitting means for transmitting data, receiving means and transmitting means,
Interface means for communicating with other equipment, authentication means for authenticating whether or not the user is authorized to use the user's own equipment, and input to the authentication means when the authentication means performs authentication. Interface means for receiving authentication information to be received, means for storing data referred to when the authentication means performs authentication, means for storing data received by the data receiving means, and access information for accessing other devices. A small storage device having means for storing the information storage device is connected to a remote control device for controlling the operation of the information providing device.

According to the invention as described above, an information providing device or the like connected to a network can be controlled based on information stored in a small storage device.

[0012]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of a storage-type information providing system according to the present invention. 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes an information providing apparatus having a function of providing various contents related to images, texts, sounds, and the like to a user.
A remote control unit (hereinafter, referred to as a remote controller) 11
Is an operation unit for remotely controlling the information providing apparatus 12 from a user. In addition, the small storage device 10
The storage contents that are reflected for each individual or the category of information to be provided, for example, set according to the situation at the time of using information, etc., are accumulated. Since it is considered convenient to carry the small information storage unit 10 by each user, the small information storage unit 10 uses, for example, a memory card, an MD (mini disk), an FD (floppy (registered trademark) disk), etc. It is generally considered desirable to have a configuration. However, the small-sized information storage unit 10 is not limited to the above-described one, and may have a shape according to the capacity and properties of the data to be handled while considering convenience in carrying and the like.

By inserting the small storage device 10 into the remote controller 11 and performing a predetermined operation, the information providing device 12
The content stored in the small storage device 10 or data related thereto is transmitted. Thereby, the information provided by the information providing apparatus 12 to the user is controlled so as to have a higher degree of conformity according to the preference of each user, the situation at the time of using the information, and the like.

When the operation based on the storage content of the small storage device 10 is not performed, the information providing unit 12 provides general information. Information providing device 1
2 is configured by connecting, for example, a television receiver or the like to a receiving unit for receiving information from a network, an information storage unit including an HDD (hard disk drive) for storing the received information, and the like. be able to.

As the remote controller 11, for example, a remote controller having a function of transmitting an operation signal using infrared rays or the like can be used. The small storage device 10 accumulates storage contents that are set for each individual or for a category of information to be provided or the like, for example, according to a situation at the time of using information.

By inserting the small storage device 10 into the remote controller 11 and performing a predetermined operation, the information providing device 12
The content stored in the small storage device 10 or data related thereto is transmitted. Thereby, the information provided by the information providing apparatus 12 to the user is controlled so as to have a higher degree of conformity according to the preference of each user, the situation at the time of using the information, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing another example of the storage-type information providing system according to the present invention. Here, by inserting the small storage device 10 into an information providing device other than the information providing device 12, such as a personal computer 13, a mobile phone 14 having an information providing function, etc. The information to be provided to the user is controlled so as to have a high degree of conformity depending on individual preferences, situations when using the information, and the like. In addition, FIG.
In FIG. 2, illustration of cables and the like constituting the network is omitted.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a screen display for accepting a user's selection operation of the content to be provided. Such a display is made via the display unit of the information providing device 12. That is, when the small storage device 10 is inserted into, for example, the remote controller 11 and an operation such as pressing a predetermined button is performed, the storage content of the small storage device 10 or information related thereto is transmitted. Thereby, the screen 20 as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed.

A screen 20 is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving an operation for designating desired information by the user while referring to the storage contents of the small storage device 10.
Screen. On the screen 20, via the remote controller 11 or the like,
It is possible to perform operations such as setting and selection for each display item. In the image preview 21, provided image information is displayed in a summarized manner. Specifically, a reduced moving image, a still image extracted from the moving image, and the like are displayed as the image preview 21. At this time, a sound related to the displayed image information may be additionally generated.

The contents to be displayed in summary by the image preview 21 and the like include title displays 28, 29, 3
Selection can be made by designating each of 0, 31, and 32. For example, by scrolling sequentially
It is possible to specify the title display. Note that, along with the display of each title, the name of the device in which information on the title is stored is displayed. The content related to the title displays 28 to 32 is, for example, the content stored in each device according to the storage reservation made by the user.

In the vicinity of the image preview 21, "OK" is displayed.
A button 22 and a “Cancel” button 23 are displayed. When the "OK" button is designated, information on the image displayed in the image preview 21 is selected,
The screen shifts to a screen that displays information on the image on a larger portion of the display unit of the information providing unit 12. Also, "Canc
When the "el" button 23 is designated, for example, processing such as changing the display content of the image preview 21 to one related to another title is performed.

In the message window 24, information about the mail and the like received via the network is displayed. By operating the message window 24, the screen shifts to a screen for displaying the contents of the information such as the mail. In addition, the message window 24 displays the remaining storage capacity and the like of the storage device related to content storage. By operating the display 25, the EPG (Ele
Move to the screen of ctric Program Guide (electronic program guide). Further, by operating the display 26, the screen shifts to an input screen for setting user profile information. In addition, the display 27 shows a display (name, address, etc.) indicating the information storage device being accessed at that time.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a content display screen to which a transition is made when the "OK" button is operated. With this operation, the title specified from the screen 20 is displayed as a large display 40. Here, for example, the information providing device 1
In a new situation, such as when new data has been received, the display content may be updated in relation to the situation. FIG. 4 shows a display 47 indicating that a message for the user has been newly received, a display 48 indicating that the expiration date of the fingerprint authentication is about to expire, and the like. The case is illustrated. For example, when the user leaves the place after the authentication is completed by inserting the small storage device 10,
The expiration date of the authentication is set in advance for the purpose of reducing the possibility that another person who is not originally authenticated uses the data or the like.

On the left side of the screen, indications 41, 42, 4
A recommended program is displayed as No. 3, and when the user operates any of these, the screen is shifted to a screen displaying the program. Reference numeral 44 indicates a recommended BGM, and when the user operates the display 44, the recommended BGM is generated. In addition, recommended advertisements are displayed on the displays 45 and 46, and when the user operates any of them, the screen shifts to a screen for displaying the advertisement. Each of the displays 41 to 46 is a display related to the one selected in consideration of the user profile information.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. For example, ISDN (Int
egrated Services Digital Network), PSTN (Pers
onalSwitched Telephon Network), PHS (Personal h
andyphone System), PDC (Professional Developers)
Conference), MMAC (Multimedia Mobil Access Comm)
munication system), IMT2000, Internet, DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), DVB (Dig
The information providing / storage device 51 is connected together with the information providing device 12 on a network 52 formed by using ital Video Broadcasting) or the like.

Here, ISDN is a digital telephone line, and PSTN is an analog telephone line. Also, PH
S, PDC, MMAC, and IMT2000 are wireless data lines for mobile phones. DAB, DVB
Is a digital broadcast line (including CATV). In addition, the network 52 may be formed using, for example, a dedicated information line, cable line, broadcast wave, or the like.

Information providing device 12, information providing / storage device 5
1 is assigned an address on the network 52. The information providing device 12 provides the content data and the like received via the network 52 to the user. The information provision / storage device 51 accumulates data received via the network 52 and provides the received content data and the like to the user. In controlling the operations of the information providing device 12 and the information providing / storage device 51, the contents stored in the small storage unit 10 are referred to. Specifically, the information providing device 12 and the information providing / storage device 51 are provided with an interface unit for a small storage device, and the small storage device 10 is inserted into the interface unit.
The control based on the stored contents of the information providing device 12 and the information providing / storage device 51 may be performed.

Further, as shown in FIG.
0 is inserted into the remote controller 11a, 11b that operates the information providing device 12 and the information providing / storage device 51, respectively, so that the control based on the storage contents and the like of the small storage device 10 can be performed. May be performed for Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a remote control device 11c integrally having a function of a small storage device and a function of a remote controller for operating both the information providing device 12 and the information providing / storage device 51 is configured. Is also good.

Further, as shown in FIG.
2 and the information providing device 12 ′,
In the configuration in which the information storage device 53 is connected, the small storage unit 10 is inserted into the remote operation units 11d and 11e that operate the information providing units 12 and 12 ', respectively, so that control based on the storage contents of the small storage device 10 and the like is performed. Is an information providing device 1
2, 12 'and the information storage device 53. In this case, the information storage device 53 can function as a service provider that stores content data used in the information providing devices 12 and 12 ′.

Next, the configuration of each device in the above-described configuration will be described in detail. FIG. 9 shows an example of the configuration of the information storage device 53 in FIG. Reference numeral 97 denotes a network I / F (interface). Network I
The / F97 sends and receives data to and from the network 52. That is, data such as content data, usage log data, message data, control information, and user profile information is received from the network 52 or transmitted from the network 52. The information storage device communication control unit 90 controls the network I / F 97 and supplies data supplied from the network I / F 97 to the information management unit 92.

Information storage device access authentication information storage section 91
Stores information storage device access authentication information. The information storage device access authentication information is required for authenticating access to the information storage device on the network, such as the information storage device 53. When the communication control unit 90 accesses the information storage device on the network 52, the information storage device access authentication information storage unit 91
The information storage device access authentication information is read. As the information storage device access authentication information, a user ID and a password can be used.

The information management unit 92 performs control related to processing for accumulating content data, message data, control information, user profile information, and the like. When performing such control, existing user profile information, reservation / recording information, that is, the user profile information storage unit 94,
Information already stored in the reservation / record information storage unit 95 is referred to. The content storage unit 93 includes an information management unit 92
Accumulates the content data supplied from. The message storage unit 96 stores the message data received from the information management unit 92 and received via the network 52 and addressed to the user. The message storage unit 96 also has a function of storing message data that the user wants to transmit.

The user profile information is information indicating a category or the like of the content desired by the user, and is set based on the user's input operation performed in consideration of the user's preference, the usage status of the content data, and the like. The user profile information is stored in the user profile information storage unit 94. User profile information storage unit 94
Has a plurality of storage areas for separately storing user profile information for a plurality of users.

The reservation / recording information is information relating to reservation / recording of content data, message data, etc., is set based on a user's input or the like, and is stored in the reservation / recording information storage unit 95. Reservation / record information storage unit 95
Has a plurality of storage areas for separately storing reservation / recording information for a plurality of users. The storage contents of the content storage unit 93, the message storage unit 96, the user profile information storage unit 94, and the reservation / recording information storage unit 95 are appropriately updated by data received via the network I / F 97.

With the above configuration, the information storage device 5
Reference numeral 3 performs user management, manages contents, usage logs, messages, control information, profile information, and the like for each user, and automatically accumulates newly received contents and the like based on the profile information. The information storage device 53 stores the stored data in the information providing devices 50 and 5.
0 'and so on. Note that the configuration related to information storage in the information providing / storage device 51 in FIGS.
The following can be used.

Next, FIG. 10 shows an example of the configuration of the small storage device 10. Reference numeral 109 denotes a small storage device I / F that communicates with another device such as an information storage device. That is, data such as content data, usage log data, message data, control information, and user profile information are received from another device via the small storage device I / F,
Or transmitted to another device. The communication control unit 100 communicates with the information management unit 102 while communicating with the small storage device I / F 1.
09 and performs processing based on data supplied via the small storage device I / F 109.

Information storage device access information storage unit 101
Stores information storage device access information. The information storage device access information is information necessary for accessing the information storage device on the network 52, such as the information storage device 53. As the information storage device access information, the IP address, access telephone number, user name, password, protocol name, etc. of the information storage device to be accessed can be used.

The content storage unit 103 stores contents frequently used by the user. Log information storage unit 10
Reference numeral 6 stores log information relating to the use of the information providing apparatus.
The user profile storage unit 105 stores user profile information. In addition, the authentication processing control unit 104 performs a process of authenticating whether or not the user is authorized to use the small storage device 10. Information management unit 102
The information management unit 102 includes a content storage unit 103, a log information storage unit 106, a user profile storage unit 105
Thus, data read / write (update) processing is appropriately performed.

Note that, even when not connected to the information storage device, by referring to the user profile information stored in the user profile storage unit 105, the data transmitted via the network can be used to determine the frequency of use by the user. It is possible to select locally expensive items and provide them to the user.

Further, the small-sized storage device use authentication information storage unit 1
Reference numeral 07 stores the small storage device use authentication information which is referred to when the authentication process control unit 104 performs the authentication process. Reference numeral 108 denotes a user authentication I / F for inputting data when performing a process of authenticating a user. The authentication processing control unit 104 stores the small storage device use authentication information storage unit 1
The authentication information is read from 07, and the user is authenticated based on the authentication information supplied from the user authentication I / F 108 with reference to the read authentication information. The authentication processing control unit 104 and the user authentication I / F 108 have a function of performing authentication processing using information related to biometrics authentication such as fingerprint authentication and voice authentication, information related to password authentication managed by each user, and the like as authentication information. And the like can be used.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the configuration of the remote controller 11. Reference numeral 113 denotes an I / F for a small storage device. The storage contents of the small storage device are supplied to the communication control unit 110 via the small storage device I / F 113. Reference numeral 112 denotes a remote control I / F that sends control data to the information providing apparatus in the form of infrared rays or the like under the control of the communication control unit 110. Further, the remote control basic configuration unit 111 performs control related to a basic remote control function.

The remote controller 11 is designed so that the small storage device can be authenticated again even when the small storage device 10 is inserted. For example, when a configuration related to fingerprint authentication is provided on the small storage device 10, the small storage device 10
Notches, holes, and the like are formed in the housing of the remote controller 11 so that even when the remote controller 11 is inserted into the remote controller 11, the interface for contacting a finger to perform fingerprint authentication can be contacted.

Next, FIG. 12 shows an example of the configuration of the information providing apparatus 12. This example is controlled by a remote controller such as 11. Reference numeral 125 denotes a network I / F for communicating with a network. The communication control unit 120 controls the network I / F 125,
The data such as content data received via F125 is supplied to the information processing unit 121. Communication control unit 122
Controls the remote control I / F 124, and
The data such as control data received via the / F 124 is supplied to the information processing section 121.

The information processing section 121 has a network I / F
125, such as content data supplied from
Data such as control data supplied from the remote controller I / F 124 and / or signals generated in association with the data are supplied to the information providing apparatus basic configuration unit 123.
Here, for example, in the case of the system configuration as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to access the information storage device 53 via the network I / F 125. In such a case, the information storage device 53 Can be provided to the user.

Here, the information providing device basic configuration unit 123
Is a configuration that is also required when providing general information that is not specialized for each user. The information providing device basic configuration unit 123 includes, for example, a television receiver,
A display unit such as a tuner and a display in a television receiver, a sound generation unit such as a speaker, a radio receiver or a part thereof, a personal computer or a part thereof, a mobile phone or a part thereof, a PDA (Personal Digi
tal Assistant) or a part thereof, a car navigation system or a part thereof, etc., all of which have a general configuration, and a description thereof will be omitted here. In addition, the basic configuration unit 123 of the information providing device is supplied with control data directly from the remote control I / F 124, and can operate based on the supplied data.

Next, FIG. 13 shows another example of the configuration of the information providing apparatus 12. In this example, the small storage device 10 is directly inserted without using a remote controller.
Therefore, the remote control I / F 124 and the communication control unit 122
Instead of the I / F 133 for the small storage device and the communication control unit 132 for controlling the I / F 133 for the small storage device
Having. Components other than these are respectively shown in FIG.
In the figure, the same reference numerals are used, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

Next, an example of a procedure of an initial process, that is, a process of starting information provision specialized for each user from a state in which normal information provision is performed will be described with reference to FIG. Steps S101, S102, S103, S
104, S105, and S111 are processing procedures on the information providing apparatus side. Steps S106, S107, S107
108, S109, and S110 are processing procedures on the information storage device side. In step S101, a small storage device is inserted into an information providing device or a remote controller. Step S
At step 102, a user authentication process is performed on whether the small storage device inserted at step S101 can be used.

In general, after step S101 is performed, an input operation by the user is often performed to start step S102.
Immediately after Step S101 is performed, Step S10
2 may be started. If it is determined in step S102 that the user is a valid user, the process proceeds to step S103; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S103, information for accessing the information storage device is referred to, and the process proceeds to step S105, where the information storage device is connected to the information storage device commonly used by the user via the network. . Data useful for the user, such as user profile information of the user, content data stored according to the user's command, message data addressed to the user, and the like, are stored in the information storage device that is regularly used by the user. I have. On the other hand, in step S104, it is notified that the authentication has been disabled, and the process ends.

In step S106, the information storage device verifies whether the access from the information providing device is legitimate. The verification process is performed based on a user name, a password, and the like related to the access. If the access is verified to be legitimate, step S1
07, the process proceeds to step S1.
The process shifts to 04. In step S107, the user information (status) is changed. That is, the user, such as the address of the information providing apparatus to which the information is to be supplied, is supplied so that the stored information is supplied to the information providing apparatus performing the access determined to be valid in step S106. Information is changed. Step S1
As 08, information check for each user is performed by the information management function.

As step S109, information is notified. In step S110, the information providing device is notified that the user is using the data in the information storage device. In step S111, in the information providing apparatus,
For example, a screen for receiving a selection operation input by the user as described above with reference to FIG. 3 is displayed. Then, the process ends.

Next, with reference to FIG. 15, a description will be given of a procedure of a termination process, that is, a process of terminating information provision specialized for each user and returning to normal information provision. Steps S201, S202, S203, S208, S2
09 is a processing procedure on the information providing apparatus side. Steps S204, S205, S206, and S207 are processing procedures on the information storage device side. In step S201, the small storage device is taken out of the information providing device or the remote controller according to an operation input or the like by the user.

Here, it is highly possible that the small storage device is accessed in the state where the information specialized for each user is provided, so that the information stored in the small storage device is not destroyed. To prevent this, a process of mechanically removing the small storage device after terminating the access is performed. Also,
Even when the expiration date of the authentication process regarding the use of the small storage device has expired, the removal process of the small storage device is performed.
When the small storage device removal process is completed, step S
Move to 202. It should be noted that since the small storage device is not accessed in the state where the normal information provision is performed, it is possible to arbitrarily perform a process of mechanically removing the small storage device.

At step S202, information for accessing the information storage device is referred to. Step S20
3, the information storage device that the user regularly uses
Connected via network. Information for each user such as profile information is referred to. In step S204, the user information (status) is changed. That is, the information storage device rewrites the user information such as the address of the information providing device to which the stored information is to be supplied up to that point. Further, the processing shifts to step S205, and processing for cutting off the session with the information providing apparatus is performed.

At step S206, a disconnection notification indicating that the session has been disconnected is issued. Step S20
As 7, the information providing device is notified that the user has finished using the information storage device. In step S208, the fact that access to the information storage device has been disconnected is displayed via the screen of the information providing device. Then, the process proceeds to step S209, where information such as content data obtained from the information storage device is deleted, and the process ends.

FIGS. 14 and 15 each show an example of a processing procedure for starting information provision specialized for each user from a state in which normal information provision is performed, and / or specialized for each user. An example of the processing procedure at the time of returning to the normal information provision from the information provision state has been described. In addition to these processes, in one embodiment of the present invention, a process of reserving storage of desired information from data transmitted via a network from the information providing device to the information storage device, Processing for transmitting a message on a network, processing for extracting specific content from an information storage device, and the like are performed.

When a process of transmitting a message from a user on a network is performed, an information storage device storing personal information is a home server. That is, for example, when sending e-mail, SMTP (Simple Mail
Transfer Protocol), IMAP (Internet Meacsge Ac)
It is assumed that the information storage device has functions such as a cess protocol and a POP (Post Office Protocol) server.

The configuration and processing as described above, in particular, FIG.
As apparent from the system configuration shown in FIG. 8, in one embodiment of the present invention, based on information managed for each user such as user profile information stored in a small storage device. , A plurality of information providing devices connected to the network 52 can be controlled. Therefore, as long as the information providing device is connected to the network, data can be provided via the information providing device, such as using data held by the information storage device connected to the network. Therefore, regardless of the installation location of the information providing apparatus, it is always possible to provide content with a high degree of suitability according to the preferences of individual users.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0060]

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of information providing devices connected to the network 52, etc., based on information managed for each user such as user profile information stored in the small storage device. Can be controlled.

For this reason, as long as the information providing device is connected to the network, the information storage device connected to the network uses data held by the information storage device.
Data can be provided through the information providing device.

Therefore, it is possible to always provide contents having a high degree of relevance according to individual user's preferences without depending on the installation location of the information providing apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing another example of the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen for receiving an input related to content selection.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a content selected by a user.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of the system configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing still another example of the system configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing still another example of the system configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a partial configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of another configuration of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of still another part of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of still another configuration of still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing another example of still another configuration of still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a procedure of an initial process according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining a procedure of an end process according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[Explanation of symbols]

10: Small storage device, 12: Information providing device, 2
0: information provision / storage device, 21: information storage device, 52: network

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04Q 9/00 301 H04Q 9/00 301B (72) Inventor Yoshihisa Gonno 6-7 Kita Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo No. 35 Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Ikuhiko Nishio 6-35 Kita Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo F-term within Sony Corporation (reference) 5B082 EA11 GA11 5B085 AE12 AE23 5K048 AA04 BA01 CA08 DA02 DB04 DC01 EA11 EB02 EB03 EB07 EB14 EB15 FB08 FB15 FC01 HA01 HA02 HA05 HA07 HA13 HA22 HA23 5K101 KK16 LL01 LL03 LL05 LL12 NN03 NN18 NN21 NN34 SS07 TT06 UU16

Claims (39)

[Claims] 1. An information storage device for storing data provided via a network, comprising: receiving means for receiving data; transmitting means for transmitting data; communication between the receiving means and the transmitting means; and a network. Interface means for performing, and whether or not the data received by the receiving means is permitted to accumulate the data for the own device, and whether or not the access from another device is permitted. Means for authenticating whether or not the information is received; means for storing data received by the data receiving means; information management for managing data received by the data receiving means and performing processing specialized for each user. An information storage device comprising means. 2. The information storage device according to claim 1, wherein the data is content data. 3. The information storage device according to claim 1, wherein the data is message data. 4. The information storage device according to claim 1, wherein the data is data relating to control information. 5. The information storage device according to claim 1, wherein the data is data relating to profile information. 6. The profile information according to claim 5, wherein the profile information includes: information relating to content data that the user wants to store; information specifying an environment in which the user is provided with the information; An information storage device characterized by including usage log information that is: 7. The process according to claim 5, wherein the process specialized for each user is a process of accumulating and / or transmitting content data and message data that match preferences of each user based on the profile information. An information storage device comprising: 8. The information storage device according to claim 5, further comprising a process of creating the profile information indicating the preference of each user by the information management means based on the usage log information. 9. A small information storage device for storing information indicating handling of data provided via a network, a receiving unit for receiving data, a transmitting unit for transmitting data, the receiving unit, and the transmitting unit Interface means for communicating with another device; authentication means for authenticating whether or not the user is permitted to use the user device; and authentication when the authentication means performs authentication. Authentication interface means for receiving authentication information input to the means, means for storing data referred to when the authentication means performs authentication, means for storing data received by the data receiving means, Means for storing access information for accessing the device. 10. The small storage device according to claim 9, further comprising information management means for managing data received by said data reception means and performing processing specialized for each user. 11. The small storage device according to claim 9, wherein the access information includes an IP address of another device to be accessed. 12. The small storage device according to claim 9, wherein the access information includes an access telephone number of another device to be accessed. 13. The small storage device according to claim 9, wherein the access information includes a user name of another device to be accessed. 14. The small storage device according to claim 9, wherein the access information includes a personal identification number. 15. The small storage device according to claim 9, wherein the access information includes a protocol name. 16. The method according to claim 9, wherein a valid time is defined in advance for said authentication by said authentication means, and said valid time elapses during a period in which said small storage device is used. An authentication means performs a process for new authentication, and if the new authentication is not performed, a process related to the use of the small storage device is stopped. 17. The small storage device according to claim 9, wherein said authentication means and said authentication interface means perform processing relating to biometrics authentication. 18. The small storage device according to claim 17, wherein the process related to biometrics authentication is a process related to fingerprint authentication. 19. The small storage device according to claim 17, wherein the process related to biometrics authentication is a process related to voice authentication. 20. The small storage device according to claim 9, wherein said authentication means and said authentication interface means perform processing related to password authentication. 21. An information providing apparatus for providing a user with data provided via a network, a receiving unit for receiving data, a transmitting unit for transmitting data, the receiving unit and the transmitting unit, and a network. Communication means, communication control information interface means for receiving control information for its own device, and data providing means for basic functions for providing information to users. An information providing apparatus for providing information. 22. An information providing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said control information interface means has a function of receiving control information sent from a remote control device. 23. An information providing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said data providing means has a configuration of a television receiver. 24. The information providing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said data providing means has a configuration of all or a part of a radio receiver. 25. An information providing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said data providing means has a configuration of all or a part of a personal computer. 26. The information providing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the data providing means has a configuration of all or a part of a mobile phone. 27. The information providing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the data providing means has a configuration of all or a part of a PDA. 28. The information providing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the data providing means has a configuration of all or a part of a car navigation system. 29. A receiving means for receiving data, a transmitting means for transmitting data, the receiving means and the transmitting means, an interface means for communicating with a network, and data received by the receiving means, Means for authenticating whether or not the storage of the data is permitted for the own device, and whether or not the access from another device is permitted, and data received by the data receiving means. An information storage device having information management means for managing data received by the data receiving means and performing processing specialized for each user; and a receiving means for receiving data. Transmitting means for transmitting data, the receiving means and the transmitting means, and an interface for communicating with a network. Means, an interface means for receiving control information for the own device, and a data providing means relating to a basic function for providing information to the user, providing information for providing information specialized for each user The apparatus is connected to the same network, and receiving means for receiving data; transmitting means for transmitting data; the receiving means and the transmitting means; interface means for communicating with other devices; Authentication means for authenticating whether or not the user is permitted to use the own device; interface means for receiving authentication information input to the authentication means when the authentication means performs authentication; and authentication means Means for accumulating data referred to when performing authentication, and means for accumulating data received by the data receiving means. When a network system that a small storage device characterized by comprising connected to said interface means of said information providing apparatus and a means for storing access information for accessing another device. 30. Receiving means for receiving data, transmitting means for transmitting data, said receiving means and said transmitting means, interface means for communicating with a network, and data received by said receiving means. Means for authenticating whether or not the storage of the data is permitted for the own device, and whether or not the access from another device is permitted, and data received by the data receiving means. An information storage device having information management means for managing data received by the data receiving means and performing processing specialized for each user; and a receiving means for receiving data. Transmitting means for transmitting data, the receiving means and the transmitting means, and an interface for communicating with a network. Means, an interface means for receiving control information for the own device, and a data providing means relating to a basic function for providing information to a user, and an information providing means for providing information specialized for each user The apparatus is connected to the same network, and receiving means for receiving data; transmitting means for transmitting data; the receiving means and the transmitting means; interface means for communicating with other devices; Authentication means for authenticating whether or not the user is permitted to use the own device; interface means for receiving authentication information input to the authentication means when the authentication means performs authentication; and authentication means Means for accumulating data referred to when performing authentication, and means for accumulating data received by the data receiving means. When a network system that a small storage device characterized by comprising connected to the remote control device for controlling the operation of the information providing apparatus having a means for storing the access information for accessing another device. 31. The remote control device according to claim 30, wherein the remote control device includes: a receiving unit for receiving data; a transmitting unit for transmitting data; an interface unit for communicating with the small storage device; A network system comprising: interface means for communicating; and means relating to a basic function for remotely controlling the information providing apparatus. 32. The network system according to claim 31, wherein the remote control device further has a function of the small storage device. 33. The network system according to claim 29, wherein the network is formed by using the Internet. 34. The network system according to claim 29, wherein the network is formed using a telephone line. 35. The network system according to claim 29, wherein the network is formed using a wireless line. 36. The network system according to claim 29, wherein the network is formed using a dedicated network line. 37. The network system according to claim 29, wherein the network is formed using a cable line. 38. The network system according to claim 29, wherein the network is formed using broadcast waves. 39. The network system according to claim 29, wherein the network includes the Internet.