JP2002369172A - Program contents preparation support system, computer, its program and server computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the production man-hours of two-way script and the verification man-hours of the two-way function of a two-way program, and to reduce program contents manufacturing costs at the time of preparing program contents corresponding to the two-way function of digital broadcasting. SOLUTION: This automatic authoring system is constituted of a program registering terminal 5 and an authoring terminal 3, and the program registering terminal 5 is provided with a program information setting function 21 for setting program information, a function 22 for displaying a service menu for selecting a desired service from preliminarily registered various basic services, and a function 23 for automatically generating BML two-way script according to the set program information and the selected service menu, and for outputting it to the authoring terminal 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a program content creation support system for creating a program for an interactive TV system such as a BS digital broadcast, a CS digital broadcast, a cable TV, and an Internet broadcast system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, BS digital broadcast programs are created in a broadcast markup language format (BML format) using an authoring tool or the like.
This is called BML content.

In order to receive a BS digital broadcast,
There is an interactive function for implementing an interactive TV program that collects information from program viewers. This function realizes a bidirectional communication function with a BS tuner or a set-top box (STB) in a general program viewer's home.

For this purpose, a BS tuner or S
Upon receiving response data from the TB, a bidirectional BML script for reflecting the response data on the program is created, registered and operated in the server computer.

Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 15, while the program contents are created except for the interactive function, the sharing work of creating an interactive script for reflecting the response data to the program is performed. At the stage of the program test, a bidirectional script is incorporated into the program content, the operation verification is performed together with each other, the pass / fail is determined, and each is corrected or reviewed. Then, the broadcast test of the program content is performed.

That is, a scenario (application processing) and a database corresponding to the service menu on the server side are set, and an interactive script corresponding to the scenario is manually created on the program content production side, that is, a production company or the like. It is necessary to verify whether the definition content (scenario) is consistent, and if there is a defect as a result of the verification, it is necessary to review the setting contents of the server-side contents and the contents of the interactive script creation. Therefore, a test operation for the bidirectional function was absolutely necessary.

[0007]

That is, conventionally, in order to realize an interactive function of an interactive TV program, program information registration on the server side and an interactive script on the program content side are separately created (defined). ), And it was not possible to find out any malfunctions only after operating each other in the testing stage. Therefore, it was necessary to review and correct the program content or interactive script. A bidirectional message must be defined and a bidirectional script must be created and verified each time to synchronize with the processing of the server computer that receives the response data from the viewer, and both the contents of the broadcast program and the bidirectional script are well understood. There is a problem in that an interactive program cannot be created unless a person does the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem. In order to create a program content corresponding to the interactive function of digital broadcasting, the man-hour for generating an interactive script and the interactive method for interactive program are described. A program content creation support system, a computer, which can reduce the number of function verification steps and the program content production cost.
It aims to provide programs and server computers.

[0009]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program content creation support system for creating a program content having an interactive function for broadcasting at a broadcasting station. In the support system, program information setting means for setting program information for defining the program content, means for displaying a service menu for selecting a desired service from various pre-registered basic services, An interactive script automatic generation unit for automatically generating an interactive script for incorporating into program content according to the program information set by the program information setting unit and a service selected from the service menu; Means to create program content that does not Means for merging the bidirectional script that is automatically generated, is characterized by comprising a means for registering the program content that incorporates bidirectional script broadcasters.

A computer according to a second aspect of the present invention is a computer for outputting a bidirectional script of a program content broadcasted by a broadcasting station, wherein the program information setting includes setting program information for specifying bidirectional processing of the program content. Means, means for displaying a service menu for selecting a desired service from various pre-registered basic services, program information set by the program information setting means, and a service selected from the service menu. Means for automatically generating and outputting an interactive script for incorporation into the program content according to the above.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer for outputting an interactive script of program content broadcasted by a broadcasting station to an authoring tool and registering program information in a server computer. Program information setting means for setting program information for identification, means for displaying a service menu for selecting a desired service from various pre-registered basic services, and setting by the program information setting means. Means for automatically generating an interactive script for incorporation into program content according to the selected program information and the service selected from the service menu and outputting the script to an authoring tool, and program information registration means for registering program information in the server computer Are provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer that outputs a bidirectional script of a program content broadcasted by a broadcasting station to execute a process, wherein the computer executes the bidirectional processing of the program content. Program information setting means for setting program information for identification, means for displaying a service menu for selecting a desired service from various pre-registered basic services, and setting by the program information setting means. A program for automatically generating and outputting an interactive script for incorporating into the program content according to the selected program information and the service selected from the service menu.

A server computer according to a fifth aspect of the present invention provides a server computer for publishing program contents on a network and providing an interactive service with a terminal of a viewer who has viewed the program contents. Means for storing the program contents in at least one of a BML format and an HTML format, and the program content stored in the storage means in response to a request from the terminal of the viewer through the network. And a means for delivering the program content converted by the converting means to the terminal of the request source.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the interactive service providing method, wherein a server computer connected to a network publishes the program contents on the network, and a terminal of a viewer who has viewed the program contents and the server computer. Storing a program content in the server computer in at least one of a BML format and an HTML format from the terminal of the viewer to the server computer. Delivering the program content stored in the server computer to the requesting terminal while converting the program content stored in the server computer into a format that can be viewed by the requesting terminal. It is characterized by.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program content creation support system for generating program content having an interactive function for broadcasting at a broadcasting station, wherein the program information for specifying the program content is provided. Means for setting program information to be set, means for displaying a screen for selecting a desired one from several screen layouts registered in advance, and a desired service from various basic services registered in advance Means for displaying a service menu for selecting a program, program information set by the program information setting means, and an interactive script for incorporating the program content into program contents according to the screen and service selected as desired. Automatic interactive script generation means and program content that does not include interactive scripts And a means for merging an automatically generated interactive script with the created program content, and a means for registering a program content incorporating the interactive script in a broadcasting station. I have.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program content creation support system for generating a program content having an interactive function for broadcasting at a broadcasting station, wherein the program information for specifying the program content is provided. A program information setting means to be set, various service menu screen base templates not including the interactive script to be incorporated into the program content, and a database storing various interactive scripts that can be incorporated into the various service menu screen base templates,
Means for prompting selection of a desired service menu screen base template from the various service menu screen base templates stored in the database;
Based on the program information set by the program information setting means, a bidirectional script to be inserted into the service menu screen base template selected as desired is selected from the database and incorporated into the corresponding service menu screen base template, Means for outputting as a base template.

According to the present invention, an interactive script is automatically generated in accordance with the program information and menu of the program content registered in the server computer and incorporated into the program content. It is possible to reduce man-hours for script creation, test man-hours, verification man-hours, and the like. Also, by preparing templates corresponding to several service menus (questionnaire, material request, etc.) that can be provided by the interactive service, it is possible to reduce program content production costs.

Further, according to the present invention, when at least one of HTML-format program content or BML-format program content is stored in a server computer and released on the Internet, or when a broadcasting station broadcasts BS digital broadcast program content. , The same service can be provided with the same program information. Also,
It is possible to provide a service linked between the information display media.

Thus, in creating program contents corresponding to the interactive function of digital broadcasting, the man-hour for generating the interactive script and the man-hour for verifying the interactive function for the interactive program are reduced, and the program content production cost is reduced. Can be reduced.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a BS broadcasting system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the automatic authoring system (program registration terminal and authoring terminal) of the first embodiment as a program content creation support system in the BS broadcasting system of FIG. 3, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic authoring system of FIG. is there.

As shown in FIG. 1, the BS broadcasting system comprises a broadcasting station 1 for broadcasting BS digital broadcasting, and a broadcasting station 1
A television 2 (hereinafter, referred to as TV2) as a BS broadcast receiver for receiving a program broadcasted from TV, an authoring terminal 3 for producing a program broadcasted by the broadcast station 1 as BML program content using a BML authoring tool, and The server computer 4 (hereinafter referred to as the server 4) that reads out the program information and data of the corresponding service (questionnaire data, product purchase data, material request data, member data, etc.) registered in the server 4 and executes the service processing by the interactive function. ) And a program registration terminal 5 for automatically generating a BML interactive script and registering it in the server 4 together with program information (merchant ID, program ID, processing ID, information of a response server company as sponsor information, etc.) Receives data (telegram) from the TV 2 installed in the server, performs personal authentication, etc., and communicates with the server 4 Perform the exchange, and a like response server 6 returns a response (message) to TV2.

In this BS broadcasting system, an automatic authoring system for realizing an automatic authoring function is as follows.
It comprises a program registration terminal 5, an authoring terminal 3, and a server 4. The program registration terminal 5, the authoring terminal 3, and the server 4 are computers.

The authoring terminal 3 is installed in a production company that produces program contents broadcast by a broadcasting station. The authoring terminal 3 is a terminal in which a BML authoring tool 30 which is software which is one of the means for realizing the present invention is installed.

The program registration terminal 5 is a BML linked with program information registration, which is software which is one of the means for realizing the present invention.
A terminal on which an automatic generation tool (described later) is installed. The program registration terminal 5 includes a database 25 for storing various service menu screen base templates that do not include the interactive script that is the basis of the program content to be produced, and various interactive scripts that can be incorporated in each service menu screen base template. Is stored. The database 25 may be located on the authoring terminal 3 side.

The server 4 includes a DB server 41 for storing various data, an application server 42 for reading various data stored in the DB server 41 and executing various service processes, and transmitting program contents to a network such as the Internet. Release and response server 6
It has various functions such as a WWW server 43 for exchanging data with the server. Note that each of the servers may be separate hardware.

As shown in FIG. 2, the program registration terminal 5 (BM
L automatic generation tool) has a program information setting function 21, a service menu selection function 22, a BML interactive script automatic generation function 23, a program registration function 24, and the like.

The program information setting function 24 is a function for storing the following program information. The program information includes information on a program, a sponsor of the program, and an interactive processing service (merchant name, merchant ID, program name, program ID, processing name, processing ID, processing valid period), module-related information (class name) (Module name), parameters, table code, normal message, abnormal message), data (DB column type, DB column) for setting the number and contents of data transmitted from TV2 such as questionnaire contents, material names, and product names Name, column size). The service menu selection function 22 is a function for the user to select a service menu for creating a desired program content template in a selection format. The BML interactive script automatic generation function 23 is a function for automatically generating an interactive script (BML interactive script) of the basic service selected from the service menu. Program registration function 24
Is a function of registering program information in the DB server 41 (database) of the server 4.

The authoring tool 30 of the authoring terminal 3 includes a BML content creation function 31, a bidirectional script reading function 32, a function 33 for merging a bidirectional script with BML content, and a preview function 3
4. It has a function 35 for registering the completed BML content in the broadcasting station 1.

In the case of the first embodiment, in the program registration terminal 5 of the automatic authoring system, as shown in FIG. 3, the user sets program information on the screen displayed by the program information setting function 21 (FIG. 3). S101), when a desired basic service or optional service is selected from the service menu screen displayed by the service menu selection function 22 and the contents of the interactive processing are defined (S102), B
The ML interactive script automatic generation function 23 sets the database (S103), reads the corresponding data from the database, and automatically generates the interactive script (S104). The generated interactive script is output to the authoring terminal 3 and the program registration function 24 as an interactive script file (S105), and is registered in the DB server 41 of the server 4 by the program registration function 24 (S106).

On the other hand, the authoring terminal 3 plans the program contents (S107) and creates a program scenario (S1).
08), the BML content without the interactive script is created by the procedure of creating the program content (S109), and when the BML content without the interactive script is created, the program registration terminal 5 is notified. A check is made to see how far interactive script production is progressing.

When the interactive script file is output from the program registration terminal 5 first, it is received by the authoring terminal 3 and the interactive script reading function 32
Reads the interactive script file, and waits for the creation of BML content without the interactive script.

When the authoring terminal 3 obtains the BML content and the interactive script, the merge function 3
According to 3, the bidirectional script is merged with the completed BML content without the bidirectional script, and a BML content incorporating the bidirectional script is created (S110).

After the bidirectional script is merged, the BML content created by the preview function 34 is preview-displayed on the screen, and an operation test of the content is performed (S111).

In the preview display, the created BM
If there is no problem with the video, screen layout, screen movement, and the like of the L content, the registration function 35 registers the content in the broadcasting station 1.

That is, in the program registration terminal 5, an interactive script based on the definition of the program information is automatically generated, and the interactive script is only incorporated into the program content in the server 4, so that the interactive function is tested. The process becomes unnecessary.

As described above, according to the automatic authoring system of the first embodiment, the program registration terminal 5 automatically generates an interactive script corresponding to the interactive processing content and the database setting content, and authors it. After merging with the program content at the terminal 3, the interactive program can be completed and registered in the server 4 simply by changing parts, etc., so that the interactive script and the program content are completed separately as in the related art. As compared with the case where the verification operation is performed after combining the above, the number of production steps can be reduced, the test step of the interactive function can be eliminated, and the number of steps required for program production can be reduced.

Further, since the contents of the bidirectional processing between the server 4 and the program contents are synchronized in advance, a test man-hour for confirming the bidirectional function is not required, which contributes to a reduction in the man-hour for producing the program contents. it can.

Next, a modification of the automatic authoring system of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a modification of the automatic authoring system of FIG. 2, and FIG.
Is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic authoring system of this modification.

The automatic authoring system of this modification has the functions of the program registration terminal 5 shown in FIG. 2 (program information setting function 21, service menu selection function 22, BML interactive script automatic generation function 23, program registration function 24).
And a function for automatically generating a BML screen template corresponding to the service menu (screen layout selection function 25,
A detailed item & GUI parts selection function 26, a BML template automatic generation function 27) are added, and the authoring terminal 3 is provided with a BLM & GUI material reading function 36, a program customization function 37, and the like. The BML program contents and GUI materials are automatically generated and read in the authoring terminal 3, and the BML program contents are customized to complete the program.

Further, in the case of the automatic authoring system of this modification, some basic services (for example, questionnaire, document request, product purchase,
In addition to member registration, etc., detailed items of program information definition corresponding to each basic service, GUI materials such as JPEG files, and template screen templates (BM
L files) are prepared in advance.

In the case of this modification, as shown in FIG. 5, the authoring terminal 3 of the automatic authoring system first plans program contents (S201 in FIG. 5),
A program scenario is created (S202), and information on the created program scenario is provided to the program registration terminal 5.

In the program registration terminal 5, various parameters are set on the screen of the program information setting function 21 according to the provided program scenario information.

When the program registration terminal 5 operates the automatic BML generation tool, an automatic authoring setting screen is displayed. In the displayed auto authoring setting screen,
Selectable program information setting items such as a merchant name, a program name, a service menu, and a screen configuration on a TV are provided.

The user selects and sets the program information according to the program scenario while clicking on the pull-down menu of each setting item on this screen. If the desired merchant name, program name, service menu, and the like do not exist in the pull-down menu, they are individually registered using individual setting functions (such as the program information setting function 21), and then the automatic authoring setting is performed again. Program information is set on the screen (S203). Specifically, select the desired merchant name from the merchant name item on the automatic authoring setting screen, select the desired basic service or optional service from the service menu screen base template, and use the detailed item & GUI parts selection function. On the displayed detail item & GUI parts selection screen,
Define the details of the interactive processing and the service menu,
The content screen content is set (S204). When the content screen content is defined in this way, subsequently, B
The ML template automatic generation function 27 defines the contents of the bidirectional processing according to the definition (S205), and then sets the database for generating the BML content (S20).
6), the corresponding script data is read from the database 26, the base template of the interactive script to be incorporated in the service menu screen base template is read and automatically generated (S207), and the corresponding service menu screen base template is stored in the database 2;
5, and merges each other, that is, the base template of the interactive script is incorporated into the corresponding service menu screen base template, and the base template of the BML content with the interactive script inserted is generated.

That is, when the user operates the automatic BML generation tool in the program registration terminal 5, an automatic authoring setting screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 6, so that the user can display the displayed automatic authoring setting screen. After setting the program information (parameters for configuring the program such as the basic service menu and screen configuration) for specifying (defining) the program content, the output destination of the program template (computer directory, external file, etc.) Is specified, the BML template automatic generation function 27 outputs each parameter to the output destination. At this time, a base template (base file) serving as a base of the output BML is selected according to the set parameters. Most of the contents of the base file are output as is B
Although it is copied as ML, if there is a place where the script description is called in the base file, the BML automatic generation tool determines this, reads the corresponding script from another database 26, and copies it to the output BML.

On the other hand, the program registration terminal 5 communicates with the server 4 in the data center, issues a program ID issuance request to the server 4, and receives the program ID required for the interactive script description issued from the server 4. And described in the output BML.
After taking such a procedure, a program template in which the program ID and the interactive script are described in the output BML is finally output.

That is, the BML template automatic generation function 27 performs various service menu screen bases stored in the database 26 based on the set program information with respect to a desired service menu screen base template selected by the user. A bidirectional script to be inserted into the service menu screen base template selected as desired is read from various bidirectional scripts that can be incorporated in the template, and selected from various service menu screen base templates stored in the database 25. The service menu screen base template thus read is read out, a bidirectional script is incorporated (merged) into the service menu screen base template, and output as a program content base template (output BML). To.

The base template of the BML content including the interactive script generated in this way is B
The ML file 51 and the GUI material file 52 are output to the authoring terminal 3 and the program registration function 24 (S208). The base template of the BML content including the interactive script output to the program registration function 24 is registered in the DB server 41 of the server 4 (S
209).

On the other hand, the authoring terminal 3 plans the program content (S201), and creates a program scenario (S201).
202), a BML including a bidirectional script from the program registration terminal 5 waiting to be received from the program registration terminal 5
When the file 51, the GUI material file 52, and the like are received, the BM
The L file 51, the GUI material file 52, and the like are read, the BML content screen template is customized by the program customizing function 37, and a formal BML program content is created (S210).

After the BML program content is created, the content is previewed by the preview function 34, and an operation test of the BML program content is performed (S211).

In the content test, the completed B
If there is no problem with the video, screen layout, screen movement, etc. of the ML program content, the registration is performed by the registration function 35 in the broadcast station 1.

According to the automatic authoring system of this modification, as in the first embodiment, the program registration terminal 5
In this case, not only the interactive script is automatically generated, but also the BML source can be easily created only by the user setting each parameter, so that the work on the authoring terminal 3 side can be reduced.

The operation of the program registration terminal 5 will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the program registration terminal 5,
The program registration setting function 21 displays a screen for selecting whether to read the program information setting file created when the automatic authoring was previously used, and prompts the selection (S3 in FIG. 7).
01).

When "read" is selected on this selection screen (YES), the contents of the program information setting file are read (S302), and the default values of the parameters set in the automatic authoring are all the program information. The information is set to the information stored in the setting file (S303).

Subsequently, a screen for selecting one of the merchants already registered is displayed, and the selection is prompted (S304).

When a merchant is selected on the merchant selection screen, a program name selection screen is subsequently displayed to urge the selection (S305).

If the merchant name or the program name does not exist on these selection screens, that is, if the merchant name or program name has not been registered, the user clicks "Cancel" to return to the initial menu screen and return to the merchant name or the program name. After registering, start the automatic authoring function.

When a program is registered from among those displayed on the program name selection screen, a screen for selecting or returning to the basic service menu is displayed, and the selection is prompted (S306).

When the basic service menu is selected, a screen configuration selection screen is displayed to prompt the user to make a selection (S307).

The screen configuration selection screen includes the main broadcast link (SD size, HD size) in FIG. 8A and the PES in FIG.
8 (c), PES interlocking (using MPEG-2 still image), FIG. 8 (d) PES interlocking (without MPEG-1, 2), PES interlocking (MPEG-
Select from 5 patterns such as 1, 2 and none.

When a corresponding screen configuration is selected from the screen configuration selection screen, the BML of each basic service is selected.
The processing shifts to the content template processing, where the BML content template is also created from the selection menu.

After creating the BML content template,
When a button such as “confirm” is clicked, a screen for specifying the output directory of the BML and the corresponding GUI material is displayed (S309). When the output directory is specified, the BML template automatic generation function 27 Is created (S310).

After the creation of the database, the program is registered in the created database (S311), a merchant information provision format selection screen is displayed, and the selection is prompted (S31).
2).

The merchant information provision format selection screen is used to set a mechanism for notifying the merchant of data such as a message transmitted to the server 4. The merchant information provision format selection screen can be downloaded from a Web site, output to a local disk, or the like.
It is assumed that any one of three types such as notification by e-mail is selected.

When the format for providing merchant information is selected, the BML template automatic generation function 27 generates and outputs a BML file based on all the settings so far (S313).

Here, a specific example of the basic service will be described. For example, an example of a questionnaire is shown in FIGS.

The program registration terminal 5 sets the number of questionnaire questions and the format of each question (whether to select a button or input a number), the display text of the button, and the character string transmitted to the server 4. A questionnaire screen for making settings and the like is displayed hierarchically.

When the user sequentially sets each parameter from this questionnaire screen, the BML template automatic generation function 27 generates a BML source corresponding to the parameter by using a combination of BML sources prepared in advance. A bidirectional script in which a value is associated with a message that communicates with the user is transmitted to the authoring terminal 3.

The authoring terminal 3 can relatively easily create program contents by reading and authoring the sent interactive script.

As the service menu, a questionnaire, a material request, a product purchase, a member registration, an information display, and the like are assumed.

The following is assumed as an example of the automatically generated item. Common items: Screen layout (full screen, L-shape, inverted L-shape), background image setting, pasted image setting Questionnaire: Setting of number of questionnaire items, setting of selection method, setting of each questionnaire content, response result Number, name of product Purchase of goods… number of goods, product name, payment method setting Member registration… Member registration, member management (display, correction, deletion) Information display… Target selection (for individuals / members / unspecified), number of displayed items

As described above, according to the automatic authoring system of this modification, not only the man-hour for creating the interactive script obtained in the first embodiment is reduced, but also the BML source of the program content corresponding to the service menu is automatically generated. Accordingly, the number of steps for producing the program content can be reduced. In addition, by preparing a service menu, pricing is facilitated. Further, by setting some parameters in the service menu, the number of content patterns that can be generated can be increased, and it is possible to flexibly respond to a user (client) request.

Next, an application example of the automatic authoring system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a system configuration of an application example of the automatic authoring system of the first embodiment.

The automatic authoring system of this application example has the configuration of the automatic authoring system shown in FIG. 4 corresponding to the Internet (HTML format). As shown in FIG. 11, a program registration terminal 60 and an authoring terminal 70.

The program registration terminal 60 has a program information setting function 6
1. Page layout setting function 62, service menu selection function 63, detailed item & GUI parts selection function 64, H
TML template automatic generation function 65, preview function 66, program information / HTML file server registration function 67
And so on.

The program information setting function 61 is a function for storing the following program information. The program information includes information on a program, a sponsor of the program, and an interactive processing service (merchant name, merchant ID, program name, program ID, processing name, processing ID, processing valid period), module-related information (class name) (Module name), parameters, table code, normal message, abnormal message), data (DB column type, DB column) for setting the number and contents of data transmitted from TV2 such as questionnaire contents, material names, and product names Name, column size). The page layout setting function 62 is a function for setting an HTML format screen (page layout) when a user creates desired program content. The service menu selection function 63 is a function for selecting a service menu of program contents laid out by the user in a selection format. The HTML template automatic generation function 65 is a function for automatically generating an HTML template including a bidirectional script from the basic service selected from the service menu and more detailed individual items and GUI parts. The program information / HTML file server registration function 67 is a function of transmitting the set program information, the created HTML file 68 and the GUI material 69 to the authoring terminal 70, and registering them in the DB server 41 (database) of the server 4. .

The authoring terminal 70 has installed therein an authoring tool 71 which is software for causing a computer to function as authoring means. The authoring tool 71 uses the received HT
HTML & GUI material reading function 71 for reading files such as ML file 68 and GUI material 69; authoring function 72 for customizing the read HTML file 68 and GUI material 69 to complete a program (HTML content); completed HTML content Has a server registration function 73 for registering the URL with the server 4.

That is, the automatic authoring system of this application example automatically generates an HTML file,
By registering the ML file in the server 4, the site of the program content is made public on the Internet, and the program content is transmitted to a viewer who accesses the site from a generally-used computer (PC) via the Internet. The interactive content is realized by linking the program content with the response from the PC when the user views the content.

In the automatic authoring system of this application example, an HTML file is automatically generated instead of a BML file.

That is, in the case of the automatic authoring system of this application example, first, when the user sets program information in the same manner as described above, a page layout (page configuration) setting screen is displayed to prompt the user to make a selection. When the page layout is set on this screen, a service menu selection screen is displayed to prompt the user to make a selection.

When a basic service menu is selected on this screen, the user is further prompted to select a detailed item of the basic service menu and a list of GUI parts to be attached to a page, and the user selects a desired item and GUI.
When the I component is selected, an interactive script corresponding to the program information is generated, and an HTML file is automatically generated. The automatically generated HTML file 68 is previewed by the preview function 66 and then registered in the server 4 together with the program information by the server registration function 67.

Alternatively, the HTML template automatic generation function 65 outputs the generated HTML file 68, GUI material file 69, and the like to the authoring terminal 70, reads it with the authoring tool, processes (shapes) it, and registers it in the server 4. . After the HTML content is registered, the server 4 publishes the program through the Internet and requests (or responds) from a PC or the like.
To provide interactive services.

As described above, according to the automatic authoring system of this application example, by automatically generating an HTML file, registering it in the server 4 and publishing it, the interactive service set by the program information can be browsed on the Internet such as a PC. It can be provided from the terminal via the Internet, and the viewer can receive the interactive service without a BS broadcast tuner or a dedicated set-top box (STB).

Next, the second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
An Internet broadcast system according to the embodiment will be described.

The Internet broadcasting system according to the second embodiment includes an information display terminal 80 such as a viewer's eSTV connected to a network such as the Internet, a TV with a CS digital broadcast receiving function, a PC equipped with a BML browser, and a BML. It comprises a program registration terminal 5 having an automatic generation function and a program registration function, and a server 90 connected to the program registration terminal 5 by a dedicated line and publishing a BML site on the Internet or the like.

The server 90 has a BML server 91, an application server 42, and a DB server 41.
The BML server 91 has BMLs corresponding to various services such as a survey type, a material request type, a product purchase type, and a member registration type.
Files are stored.

In the Internet broadcasting system of the second embodiment, the automatically generated BML contents are
By transmitting the BML content registered in the BML server 91 to the information display terminal 80 via the Internet, the viewer can receive an interactive service via the Internet. .

That is, this Internet broadcast system is composed of a BML file automatically generated by the program registration terminal 5,
Alternatively, the authored BML file is registered in the BML server 91 of the server 90, and the BML server 91 is used to interactively exchange the BML content between the information display terminal 80 such as a TV and the server 90 in conjunction with the registered program information. It realizes the exchange of.

As a precondition, a BML server 91 is required for the server 90, and an information display terminal 8 equipped with a BML browser is provided for a viewer who receives a program.
0 is required. The BML server 91 is a function or a computer that enables access to a document in the BML format instead of the HTML format from the Internet. A BML browser is software that enables a BML-format document to be displayed on a PC or the like. B
The ML server 91 and the BML browser are connected via the Internet.

In the Internet broadcasting system according to the second embodiment, as in the modification of the first embodiment, an automatically generated BML file is stored in a broadcasting station after authoring, and a two-way program is transmitted from the broadcasting station using broadcast waves. Instead of streaming, the BML file generated by the program registration terminal 5 is registered in the server 90 via the network, while the viewer accesses the BML content registered in the BML server 91 from the TV, PC or eSTB via the Internet. Then, a service linked with the program information is provided.

The BML file registers not only the BML file automatically generated by the program registration terminal 5 but also the authored BML file.

The BML file registered in the server 90 is
The ID information and the access information to the database are defined so as to be linked with the ID information and other attribute information set in the program information registration.

As described above, according to the Internet broadcasting system of the second embodiment, it is possible to provide a service linked with the program information by registering the automatically generated BML file in the server 90 as well as reducing the man-hour for BML generation. Accordingly, it is possible to automatically perform from the content creation to the service start only by the program information registration, and it is possible to provide the service for TV in a short time and at low cost.

Next, a general broadcasting system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the general broadcast system of the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a program registration terminal in the general broadcast system of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 13, the general broadcasting system includes a broadcasting station 1 for broadcasting programs such as BS digital broadcasting and CS digital broadcasting, and a broadcasting receiving means for receiving a program broadcast from the broadcasting station 1. A mobile phone equipped with a television 2 with a built-in BS broadcast tuner (hereinafter referred to as TV2), an eSTB 2a for receiving CS broadcasts, a PC 2b equipped with a browser for browsing sites in HTML format, and a browser for browsing sites in C-HTML format. 2c, etc., and these eSTBs 2a, PCs 2b, mobile phones 2c, etc., which are connected via the Internet 7 to program information and program materials of programs broadcast by the broadcast station 1, and various formats (BML format, HTML format, etc.). ), And also publishes the program content on the Internet 7 itself, An ASP server computer 140 (hereinafter referred to as ASP) that reads out data of the corresponding service (questionnaire data, product purchase data, material request data, member data, etc.) in accordance with response data from the group viewer, and executes service processing with the interactive function Server 140), and automatically generates a BML interactive script together with program information (such as merchant ID, program ID, processing ID, and response server company information as sponsor information).
The program registration terminal 170 to be registered in the SP server 140 receives data (telegram) from the TV 2 installed in each home and performs personal authentication, etc., exchanges data with the ASP server 140, and responds to the TV 2 (telegram). ) And the like.

[0096] The program registration terminal 170
0 is a terminal that has a program information registration function and a BML automatic generation tool and an HTML automatic generation tool that are linked to the program information registration function.

The ASP server 140 stores various kinds of data (questionnaire, data request, product purchase, member registration, information display, quiz, game, payment data, product sales data, point data, other GW, operation management data, etc.). The database 141 to be stored and the database 141
And a WWW server 143 that reads out various data stored in the server and executes various service processes, a WWW server 143 that publishes program contents on the Internet 7 and exchanges data with the response server 6, and a response process. Framework part 144 and data shaping part 14
5, 146, BML database 147, BML server 148, BML → HTML / mobile transcoding unit 14
9, an HTML / JSP database 150, WWW servers 151 and 152, an HTML → portable / BML transcoding unit 153, and the like. Note that each of the servers may be separate hardware.

As shown in FIG. 14, the program registration terminal 170
Are a program information setting function 171, a page layout setting function 172, a service menu selection function 173, a detailed item & GUI parts selection function 174, a BML / HTML template automatic generation function 175, a preview function 176, program information and BML / HTML file server registration. Function 1
77 and the like.

The program information setting function 171 is a function for storing the following program information. The program information includes information on a program, a sponsor of the program, and an interactive processing service (merchant name, merchant ID, program name, program ID, processing name, processing ID, processing valid period), module-related information (class name) (Module name), parameters, table code, normal message, abnormal message), data (DB column type, DB column) for setting the number and contents of data transmitted from TV2 such as questionnaire contents, material names, and product names Name, column size). The page layout setting function 172 is a function for setting a BML screen layout and an HTML page layout when a user creates desired program content.
The service menu selection function 173 is a function for selecting a service menu of program contents laid out by the user in a selection format. The BML / HTML template automatic generation function 175 includes a BML / HTML including an interactive script based on the basic service selected from the service menu and more detailed individual items and GUI parts.
A template is automatically created, and the created BML file 178, HTML file 179, and GUI material 18
This is a function for outputting 0 to a BML authoring tool or an HTML authoring tool. Program information / HTM
The L file server registration function 67 performs the set program information, the created BML file 178, and the HTML file 1
This is a function for registering the 79 and the GUI material 180 in the ASP server 140.

The general broadcasting system according to the third embodiment includes:
The program registration terminal 170 automatically generates a BML file and also automatically generates an HTML file.
AS for ML file 179 and HTML file 178
Registered in the P server 140, the provision of the service to the TV 2 using the BML server 148 and the provision of the service to the PC 2b via the Internet 7 are simultaneously realized in conjunction with the program information.

In the case of the comprehensive broadcasting system according to the third embodiment, the objects to be automatically generated are the BML file 179 and the HTML file 178. By setting BML and HTML at the same time in one registration of program information in the program registration terminal 170, the same merchant ID, program ID, and processing I
Using D, the same service is provided to TV2 and PC2b.

That is, in the program registration terminal 170, the BM
An L file 179 and an HTML file 178 are automatically generated, and the BML file 179 is delivered to the broadcasting station 1 and broadcast as a broadcast wave.
Register with.

Also, in the TV 2 (or STB) for receiving a BS digital broadcast installed at the viewer's house, the broadcast station 1
Receives BML content distributed from the Internet, and performs bidirectional processing with the ASP server 140 through the response server 6 using a telephone line and a unique message.

Further, the BML browser of the eSTB 2 a accesses the BML server 148 via the Internet 7 and performs bidirectional processing using the BML file 179 registered in the ASP server 140.

Further, the PC 2b or C-
From the mobile phone 2c having an HTML subset or the like and capable of accessing the Internet, bidirectional processing is performed using the HTML file 178 registered in the ASP server 140 via the Internet 7.

For access from various information display media such as the TV 2 and the PC 2 b, the service processing set in the program information registration is commonly used, so that the TV
2. The same service or cooperative service can be provided to the PC 2b or the like.

Also, the BML file 147 is changed from BML to H
HTML using the TML / portable transcoding unit 149
Or C-HTML so that it can be accessed from the PC 2b or the mobile phone 2c, and vice versa.
The file 150 is converted into the BML format using the HTML → mobile / BML transcoding unit 153, so that only the BML or HTML is converted to the ASP server 14.
Even in the state registered as 0, it is possible to receive access from various information display media and provide a common interactive service.

[0108] Hereinafter, the contents of the specific services of the integrated broadcasting system will be described. Program registration terminal 170
Registers the automatically generated BML file 179 and HTML file 178 in the ASP server 140, and stores the transcoding system (the data shaping unit 145 and the BML server 14).
8. By using the BML database 147, the BML → HTML / portable transcoding unit 149) and the response processing framework unit 144, a service in which the TV 2 and the PC 2b are linked is provided.

The response processing framework 144 receives the data in a predetermined format, and performs processing in each service processing unit 142 (questionnaire, data request, settlement, sales, operation management, etc.) in FIG. The service is JAVA
It consists of servlets and class files written in a language such as. JAVA is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems.

These frameworks and service groups are:
This processing logic is common to the present system, and inputs in a predetermined data format and outputs in a predetermined format. In this embodiment, the format determined here is a data format (FIG. 12) received in a unique message format from a receiver (STB, eSTB) such as a BS or CS.
For information display media such as the PC 2b and the mobile phone 2c, the response processing framework unit 144 and the service processing unit 142 process the TV 2, PC 2b (HTML), Telephone 2c
For example, it is necessary to convert the format of each information display medium into a format that can be processed by the framework (within a dotted line in FIG. 12).

For the BML file 179 of the BML database 147, the data shaping unit 145 and the BML →
The conversion process is performed by the HTML / portable transcoding unit 149,
For the HTML file 178 of the HTML / JSP database 150, the data shaping unit 146 and the HTML
→ Conversion processing is performed by the portable / BML transcoding unit 153.

Also, BML or H which provides the same service
TML defines the same process ID and data in advance,
The same processing is executed using any framework or common service processing when accessed from any media.

It is also possible to link the processing performed by the TV 2 with the processing performed by the PC 2b. For example, a TV shopping program purchases a certain product from a purchase TV.
It is assumed that there is a service that issues a coupon to the user who made the purchase in accordance with the purchase price. In this case, the member is registered in advance, and the user logs in with the registered member ID.

In this case, a product is purchased on the TV 2 and the number (value) of the coupon is A according to the purchased product (price).
It is added to the SP server 140 and stored. When purchasing products again on TV2, a service that discounts the accumulated coupons is conceivable, but at the same time, the coupon is searched from the PC or mobile phone browser with the member ID, displayed, printed out, and printed. Bring it to the store and buy a discount. A service that can be considered.

As described above, according to the comprehensive broadcasting system of the third embodiment, various information display media such as TV2 (BS digital, CS digital broadcasting), PC 2b, and mobile phone 2c are provided with the same contents as the same contents. Service can be provided, and service cooperation between information display media can be performed.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The software in the above embodiment may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a flexible disk, or may be transmitted as software (program) alone. In this case, the computer reads the software (program) stored in the storage medium,
By downloading and installing from a site (server) on the Internet or the Internet, the processing in each embodiment becomes possible.

That is, the software (program) according to the present invention is not limited to software stored in a storage medium independent of a computer, but also includes software distributed via a transmission medium such as a LAN or the Internet.

The storage medium may be a magnetic disk, an optical disk (C
D-ROM, CD-R, DVD, etc.), a magneto-optical disk (MO, etc.), a semiconductor memory, or any other storage medium that can store programs and that can be read by a computer. May be.

Also, an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on instructions of a program installed in the computer from the storage medium.
Alternatively, MW (middleware) such as database management software and network software may execute a part of each process for realizing the present embodiment.

Further, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer, but also includes a storage medium in which a program transmitted through a LAN, the Internet, or the like is downloaded and stored or temporarily stored. Further, the number of storage media is not limited to one, and the case where the processing in the present embodiment is executed from a plurality of media is also included in the recording medium of the present invention, and any media configuration may be used.

The computer executes each process in the present embodiment based on a program stored in a storage medium. The computer includes one device such as a personal computer and a system in which a plurality of devices are connected to a network. Any of these configurations may be used.

The computer is not limited to a personal computer, but also includes an arithmetic processing unit, a microcomputer, and the like included in information processing equipment, and is a general term for equipment and devices that can realize the functions of the present invention by programs. .

[0123]

As described above, according to the present invention, the BML program content is automatically generated in accordance with the definition information of the BML broadcast program content registered in the server computer, so that the BML program content is incorporated into the BML broadcast program content. Script and the definition of the database and the processing contents of the server computer that processes the data transmitted from the program content in both directions are output and defined at the same time. And the test man-hour can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, when at least one of the HTML-format program content and the BML-format program content is stored in a server computer and released on the Internet, or when a broadcast station broadcasts BS digital broadcast program content. , The same service can be provided with the same program information. Also,
It is possible to provide a service linked between the information display media.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a BS broadcast system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an automatic authoring system in the BS broadcasting system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the sameness of the automatic authoring system.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a modification of the automatic authoring system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the automatic authoring system according to a modification of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation of generating a program template (output BML) in a BML automatic generation unit of the program information registration terminal.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of the program registration terminal.

FIG. 8 is a view showing examples of some screen configuration selection screens.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a setting screen of a questionnaire screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a questionnaire screen set on the setting screen of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a system configuration of an application example of the automatic authoring system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of an Internet broadcast system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a general broadcast system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a program registration terminal of the integrated broadcasting system of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a flow of a conventional interactive program production.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Broadcast station, 2 ... TV, 3 ... Authoring terminal, 4 ... Server, 5 ... Program registration terminal, 6 ... Response server, 7 ... Internet, 41 ... DB server, 42 ... Application server, 43 ... WWW server.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Seiji Iwafune 1 Toshiba-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo F-term in Fuchu Works, Toshiba Corporation (reference) 5C064 BA01 BA07 BB10 BC06 BC08 BC23 BD02 BD08

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A program content creation support system for generating program content having an interactive function for broadcasting at a broadcasting station, comprising: program information setting means for setting program information for specifying the program content; Means for displaying a service menu for selecting a desired service from among various basic services, and program information set by the program information setting means and program information for incorporation into program content according to the service selected from the service menu. Means for automatically generating an interactive script; means for generating program content that does not include an interactive script; means for merging the automatically generated interactive script with the created program content And program content incorporating interactive scripts Means for registering with a broadcasting station. 2. A computer for outputting a bidirectional script of program content broadcasted at a broadcasting station, comprising: program information setting means for setting program information for specifying bidirectional processing of the program content; Means for displaying a service menu for selecting a desired service from various basic services; and means for incorporating program information set by the program information setting means and program contents according to the service selected from the service menu. And a means for automatically generating and outputting a direction script. 3. A computer which outputs a bidirectional script of program content broadcasted by a broadcasting station to an authoring tool and outputs program information to a server computer, wherein program information for specifying bidirectional processing of the program content is set. Program information setting means, a means for displaying a service menu for selecting a desired service from various pre-registered basic services, and program information set by the program information setting means and the service menu. Means for automatically generating an interactive script for incorporation into program content according to the selected service and outputting it to an authoring tool; and program information registration means for registering program information in the server computer. Computer. 4. A program for causing a computer that outputs an interactive script of program content broadcasted by a broadcasting station to execute a process, wherein the computer sets program information for specifying the interactive process of the program content. Program information setting means, a means for displaying a service menu for selecting a desired service from various pre-registered basic services, and program information set by the program information setting means and the service menu. A program for functioning as a means for automatically generating and outputting an interactive script for incorporation into the program content according to a selected service. 5. A server computer for publishing program content on a network and providing an interactive service with a terminal of a viewer who has viewed the program content, wherein the program content is converted into at least a BML format or an HTML format Storage means for storing in one format, and conversion for converting program content stored in the storage means in response to a request from the terminal of the viewer through the network to a format that can be viewed by the requesting terminal. And a means for delivering the program content converted by the conversion means to the terminal of the request source. 6. A server computer connected to a network publishes program contents on the network, and provides an interactive service between a terminal of a viewer who has viewed the program contents and the server computer. Storing the program content in at least one of a BML format and an HTML format on the server computer; and responding to the request from the viewer terminal to the server computer via the network by the server. And distributing the program content stored in the computer to the requesting terminal while converting the program content into a format that can be viewed by the requesting terminal. 7. A program content creation support system for generating program content having an interactive function for broadcasting at a broadcasting station, comprising: program information setting means for setting program information for specifying the program content; Means for displaying a screen for selecting a desired one from several screen layouts, and means for displaying a service menu for selecting a desired service from various pre-registered basic services. An interactive script automatic generation unit for automatically generating program information set by the program information setting unit, and an interactive script for incorporation into program content according to a screen and a service selected as desired; Means for creating program content that does not include A program content creation support system comprising: means for merging an automatically generated interactive script; and means for registering a program content incorporating the interactive script in a broadcasting station. 8. A program content creation support system for generating program content having an interactive function for broadcasting at a broadcasting station, comprising: program information setting means for setting program information for specifying the program content; A database storing various service menu screen base templates that do not include the interactive script to be incorporated, various interactive scripts that can be incorporated into the various service menu screen base templates, and the various service menu screens stored in the database Means for prompting selection of a desired service menu screen base template from the base templates; and a service menu screen base template selected as desired based on the program information set by the program information setting means. Bidirectional script to enter elected from the database, the corresponding service menu screen built into the base template, program content creation support system characterized by comprising a means for outputting a base template of the program content.