JP2003189282A - Messaging system and method, messaging device and message exchange device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform information exchange between users in real time with respect to a program. <P>SOLUTION: A viewer 14 performs an instruction with a remote controller 13 during viewing a program on a TV 10, and a viewer 14 side transmits a time ID and a user ID to a broadcasting station 17. Meanwhile, the broadcasting station 17 prepares a chat for the program on a chat server 25 in advance. The broadcasting station 17 identifies a program on the basis of the time ID transmitted from the viewer and retrieves the e-mail address of the viewer 14 from a DB 19 on the basis of the user ID. A URI (uniform resource identifier) showing a place of the chat on a network 20 is described in e-mail to be transmitted to the viewer 14. The e-mail is received by the viewer 14, for example, with a personal computer 21A. The viewer 14 can participate in the chat for the program on the basis of the URI described in the mail to exchange opinions with other viewers now viewing the same program on the chat. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a messaging system and method capable of exchanging information related to contents broadcast in a program between users, a messaging device, and a message exchange device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In digital television broadcasting,
Data broadcasting has been started in which a data signal other than a television signal is superimposed on a digital television signal. In a television receiver compatible with data broadcasting, the content transmitted by the data signal is displayed according to a signal from a remote control commander, for example, based on a user operation. Thus, in television broadcasting, the framework that can show an interactive reaction based on the user's operation is
It already exists.

[0003]

However, in the prior art,
For example, there is a problem that there is no system for exchanging information about programs in real time between users who are watching the same program.

Conventionally, there has been a so-called chat system in which users who are accessing the Internet have a pseudo conversation and exchange information by using, for example, text data. However, even in this chat system, although the topic can be set to the program between the users, there is a problem that real-time information exchange with respect to the broadcast program has not been performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a messaging system and method, a messaging device, and a message exchange device that can exchange information between users in real time with respect to a program.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a messaging system for exchanging messages between viewers in cooperation with a broadcast program,
Message exchanging means corresponding to a broadcasted program and capable of exchanging messages in real time between a plurality of users via a network, viewing means for viewing a broadcasted program, and viewing means by a viewer Program viewing information transmitting means for transmitting program viewing information indicating that a program is being viewed and viewer identification information for identifying a viewer, and program viewing information and viewers transmitted by the program viewing information transmitting means A communication means for notifying an information device different from the viewing means to the viewer of the access method to the message exchange means corresponding to the program being viewed by the viewer based on the identification information; The notification by means of a message is characterized in that it is made immediately after the program viewing information and the viewer identification information transmitted by the program viewing information transmitting means are received. It is over managing system.

Further, according to the present invention, in a messaging method for exchanging messages between viewers in conjunction with a broadcast program, a step of viewing a broadcast program by a viewing means, and a viewer watching the program by the viewing means And the program identification information and the viewer identification information transmitted in the program viewing information transmission step, in which the program viewing information indicating that the program viewing information and the viewer identification information for identifying the viewer are transmitted. Based on the above, an access method to a message exchanging means which enables a viewer to exchange messages in a substantially real time between a plurality of users corresponding to a program being viewed by the viewer is referred to as a viewing means. Has a notification step for notifying different information devices, and the notification by the communication step is transmitted by the program viewing information transmission step. After the program has been received viewing information and the viewer identification information which is a messaging method is characterized in that as soon performed.

Further, the present invention is a messaging device adapted to exchange messages between viewers in association with a broadcast program, corresponding to a program to be broadcast, and substantially real-time via a network between a plurality of users. Message exchange means that enables message exchange in
A program transmitted by the program viewing information transmitting means in which program viewing information indicating that the program is being viewed by the viewing means for viewing the program broadcast by the viewer and viewer identification information for identifying the viewer are transmitted A notification means for notifying the viewer of the access method to the message exchange means corresponding to the program the viewer is viewing, based on the viewing information and the viewer identification information, to an information device different from the viewing means. The messaging device is characterized in that the notification by the communication means is performed immediately after the program viewing information and the viewer identification information transmitted by the program viewing information transmitting means are received.

Further, according to the present invention, in a message exchanging device for exchanging messages between viewers in conjunction with a broadcast program, a viewing means for viewing a broadcast program and a program being watched by the viewing means. Program viewing information is transmitted based on the program viewing information and the viewer identification information transmitted by the program viewing information transmitting unit, and the program viewing information transmitting unit transmits the program viewing information and the viewer identifying information for identifying the viewer. Receiving means for receiving a method for accessing a message exchanging means capable of exchanging messages in real time between a plurality of users corresponding to a program being viewed, and the receiving means receives the message. According to the access method, the message exchange means is accessed by the information device different from the viewing means to exchange the message. That is a message exchange system.

As described above, the inventions according to claims 1 and 6 include the program viewing information indicating that the program is being viewed by the viewing means for viewing the broadcast program transmitted by the viewer and the viewing. A method for accessing a message exchange means capable of exchanging a message in real time between a plurality of users corresponding to a program being viewed by a viewer based on viewer identification information for identifying the viewer. Is immediately notified to the information device different from the viewing means after the program viewing information and the viewer identification information are received. Therefore, when the viewer is watching the program,
Alternatively, the message can be exchanged with a plurality of other viewers by the message exchange means.

The invention according to claim 7 is the program viewing information indicating that the program is being viewed by the viewing means for viewing the program broadcast by the viewer, and the viewer identification information for identifying the viewer. Based on the program viewing information and the viewer identification information transmitted by the program viewing information transmitting means, the viewer is notified to the viewer via a network between a plurality of users corresponding to the program being viewed. For information equipment different from the viewing means, the access method to the message exchange means enabled to exchange messages in substantially real time,
Since the notification is made immediately after the program viewing information and the viewer identification information are received, the viewer who receives the notification is one or more other viewers who are watching the program while watching the program. Messages can be exchanged with the message exchange means.

[0012] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the program viewing information indicating that the program is being viewed by the viewing means for viewing the broadcast program and the viewer identification information for identifying the viewer are transmitted. Message exchange means capable of exchanging messages in real time via a network between a plurality of users corresponding to a program being viewed, which is notified based on the transmitted program viewing information and viewer identification information. The viewer is described in the received notification because the access method is received, and the message exchange means is accessed by the information device different from the viewing means based on the received access method to exchange the message. Based on the access method, the message exchange means is accessed by an information device different from the program viewing means, and the message exchange means is similarly accessed. It is possible to perform the scan the other viewers and the message exchange.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. According to the present invention, while a user watches a television broadcast on a television receiver and designates a program currently being viewed, a user who is watching the same program can exchange information in real time with the program broadcast. I am able to do it.

The concept of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, it is assumed that the program 1 is displayed on the television receiver 2. If the user wants to exchange opinions about this program 2 with other users who are watching this program 1, when the user gives an instruction to the television receiver 2, the instruction causes the service according to the present invention to be provided. Sent to the providing center. The center provides a means for exchanging opinions about this program 1 on the Internet, and the information indicating the location of the means provided for exchanging opinions is what the television receiver 2 of the user is. Notification is made to another different information device.

The notification is given immediately after the instruction to the user is received by the center so as not to wait as long as possible. Further, the notification is performed by being transmitted to the user by using e-mail on the Internet, for example.

This e-mail is received by the user, and the user can access the place with another information device different from the television receiver 2 based on the place information written in the received e-mail. . As a result of access,
On the display screen 3 of the other information device, as shown in FIG. 1B, an opinion that is exchanged with another user who has similarly sent an instruction to the center about the program 2 The exchange screen 4 is displayed, and opinions can be exchanged with other users based on the display.

As a place for exchanging opinions on the Internet, for example, a so-called chat system in which a computer device is used for conversation in substantially real time can be used. In the chat system, conversations are made by text data, for example. In the chat system, for example, a server that manages the chat system (hereinafter, referred to as a chat server) provides a predetermined channel, and text data input to each user who has accessed the channel accesses the same channel. Inform all other users. On the screen of each user's computer device, a name indicating the user who has input for each line input by the user is displayed, and after the input, other users can respond. As a result, it is possible to have a pseudo conversation with other users in substantially real time via the network on the screen of the computer device. Hereinafter, this pseudo conversation performed by the chat system will be simply described as a conversation.

With such a system, when the user wants to exchange opinions about the program he is watching, he exchanges opinions with other users who are watching the same program at another place in substantially real time. be able to. Further, since the chat system is used, it is possible to exchange opinions with a plurality of users who are watching the same program at the same time.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a system according to the invention. The television receiver 10 and the personal computer 21A are items on the viewer 14 side. Similarly, the personal computers 21B, 21C, ...
Are items for other viewers not shown respectively. Although not shown, other viewers also have the television receiver 10 and the like like the viewer 14. Other viewers will actually be in greater numbers. In addition,
The viewer 14 will be described below, and the other viewers will be described as appropriate.

The personal computers 21A, 2
1B, 21C, ... are GUI (Graphical User Inte
rface) is applied, and the user can intuitively operate using a pointing device such as a mouse. For example, by indicating a button or the like that is arranged and displayed on the screen on the basis of the coordinate information output from the pointing device and performing a predetermined operation on the pointing device, the function assigned to the displayed button Can be executed. Hereinafter, a series of processes for displaying a button using this pointing device will be referred to as “operating a button”, “pressing a button”, and the like. Of course, not only the pointing device but also other input means such as a keyboard can be used to execute a predetermined function. For the personal computers 21A, 21B, 21C, ..., Computer devices having a general configuration can be used, and the technology thereof is well known, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

From the television broadcasting station 17 to the broadcasting equipment 16
Thus, a digital television signal is transmitted. This digital television signal is transmitted to the broadcasting satellite 15
Is transmitted to the television receiver 10 on the side of the viewer 14 and is received by the broadcasting satellite antenna 12.

In the above description, the television broadcasting station 17
Broadcast from the television broadcasting station 17 to the broadcasting satellite 1
However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the system according to the present invention may perform digital terrestrial broadcasting in which the television broadcasting station 17 uses a terrestrial wave to transmit a digital television signal. From the television broadcasting station 17, the terrestrial broadcasting equipment 16 'transmits a digital television signal by terrestrial waves. This digital television signal is received by the terrestrial antenna 12 'of the television receiver 10 on the viewer 14 side.

In the above description, the television broadcasting station 17
Broadcast from the BS (Broad)
Although it is described as being a (casting Satellite) broadcast,
This is not limited to this example. For example, CS (Communication Satellite) that broadcasts using a general-purpose communication satellite
The present invention can also be applied to broadcasting. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a CATV (Cable Television) in which a television signal is transmitted by wire such as an optical fiber cable.

The television receiver 10 is a set top box (STB) or IRD (Integrated Receiver Decod) so that it can receive digital television signals.
er) 11 is connected or mounted. In addition to video / audio data, the IRD also functions as a receiver for digital data sent by multiplexing information related to the program and viewers, data for personal computers, etc., enabling complex and diverse processing. Has been done. Also, IRD
For example, a modem is mounted on or connected to the IRD so that the IRD can communicate with the outside.
In the example of FIG. 2, the STB / IRD 11 and the television broadcasting station 17 are connected by a telephone line 18, and the viewer 14 side sends a telephone line 1 to the television broadcasting station 17.
The data can be transmitted via S8.

The remote control commander 13 (hereinafter, the remote controller 13) responds to a predetermined operation by the user.
The time ID indicating the operated time is transmitted to the STB / IRD 11 using, for example, an infrared signal. For example,
When the viewer 14 is watching a program broadcast by the television broadcasting station 17 on the television receiver 10 and wants to exchange opinions with other viewers about the program,
A predetermined operation is performed on the remote controller 13. Remote control 13
The time ID indicating the time when the operation was performed from STB / IR
Sent to D11.

As the time ID, the relative time from the program start time is used. Not limited to this, information indicating the absolute time of day can be used as the time ID.

In the above description, the time ID is transmitted from the remote controller 13, but this is not limited to this example. The remote controller 13 transmits only the trigger signal corresponding to the predetermined operation and receives the trigger signal.
The time ID may be generated on the / IRD 11 side.

The time ID transmitted from the remote controller 13 is
It is received by the STB / IRD 11. STB / IRD11
A unique user ID is registered in advance in each device, and is stored in, for example, a memory in the STB / IRD 11. Further, in the case of STB that receives digital BS broadcasting, since a CAS card is installed, this can be used as a user ID. STB / IR
The time ID received at D11 is transmitted to the television broadcasting station 1 via the telephone line 18 together with the user ID.
It is transmitted to a host computer (not shown) prepared in 7.

The host computer is a database 19
Are connected. The database 19 includes a viewer database in which viewer data regarding programs broadcast by the television broadcasting station 17 is stored. The viewer database is stored, for example, in association with a user ID and an electronic mail address of the user indicated by the user ID on the Internet. Other information for the viewer may be further stored in association with the database 19.

Although not shown in the figure, the television broadcast station 17 has a playlist in which the broadcast start and end times of the program broadcast from the television broadcast station 17 are recorded. In the television broadcasting station 17, the program is specified by the host computer based on the time ID. For example, it is possible to know the program being broadcast at the time indicated by the time ID by referring to the playlist.

On the other hand, a chat server 25 is connected to the Internet 20. As described above, when the user accesses the channel provided by the chat server 25, it is possible to perform a chat in which a pseudo conversation using text data is performed between the users. The chat server 25 can simultaneously provide a plurality of channels. In each of the plurality of channels, chat conversations are conducted independently.

The chat server 25 provides channels for each program broadcast by the television broadcast station 17. The location of each channel on the Internet 20 is indicated by a URI, and the user connects to the Internet 20 on a computer device, for example, specifies a predetermined URI, and uses software corresponding to the chat to specify the URI. You can participate in chat on the corresponding channel.

As software compatible with chat, there is browser software, for example. The browser software is software designed to browse a file published on a server connected to the network via the network, and has a function of performing a predetermined display based on the file read via the network. At the same time, data can be sent to the server by means specified in the file. Of course, you may participate in a chat using the software for exclusive use of chat.

At the television broadcasting station 17, the viewer 14
Based on the time ID sent from, for example, the playlist is referred to, and the program broadcast at the time indicated by the time ID is specified. At the same time, by using the user ID sent from the viewer 14 together with the time ID, the database 1
The electronic mail address corresponding to the user ID is searched from 9. Then, to the retrieved e-mail address, an e-mail in which the URI for accessing the channel in which the chat related to the program specified by the time ID sent from the user is held is described is transmitted.

The electronic mail is received by the information device of the viewer 14, for example, the personal computer 21A, via the Internet 20. Based on the URI described in the received e-mail, the viewer 14 can access the channel in which the chat related to the program being broadcast on the television receiver 10 is held and participate in the chat. it can. If other viewers who are watching the same program are accessing that channel as well,
A plurality of viewers who are distant from each other can exchange opinions on the same program currently being viewed by chat via the Internet 20.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the electronic mail 40 transmitted to the viewer 14. In the e-mail 40, FIG.
, The name of the program being viewed by the viewer 14 and the location (URI) on the Internet 20 for accessing the channel related to the program are described. Most software (referred to as a mailer) for transmitting and receiving the electronic mail 40 has a function of accessing the URI by performing a predetermined operation on the description of the URI with a pointing device such as a mouse. Viewer 14
Can use the function of this mailer to access the channel and participate in chat. Of course, the URI described in the email may be directly input to other software for chatting.

It should be noted that it is necessary to describe an access method for another URI in information such as a document based on text data so that the other URI can be directly accessed from the information. Put a link,
Called. In addition, the described information on the access method to another URI is called link information.

FIG. 4 more specifically shows an example system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. First, prior to the broadcast of a program by the television broadcast station 17 (not shown), the chat server 25 prepares channels related to the program broadcast by the television broadcast station 17 (not shown). In the example of FIG. 4, the chat server 25 is connected to the network 20 ″, and the channel corresponds to a predetermined URI on the network 20 ″ by the chat server 25.

A typical example of a chat system applicable to this embodiment is an IRC (Internet Relay).
Chat). In this case, the chat server 25 is equipped with the function of the IRC server by this IRC. Also,
The function of an IRC client in which a user chats by IRC is installed in the personal computer 21A. For example, by embedding a description for executing IRC chat in a predetermined HTML file,
The file is placed on a predetermined server on the network 20 ". The HTML file is stored in the personal computer 2
The user can participate in the IRC by reading with the browser software on 1A.

The IRC will be briefly described. IR
C is composed of two programs, an IRC server and an IRC client. The IRC server is a system for maintaining the IRC system. Actually IR
When using C, an IRC client is connected to an IRC server close to the network to chat.

The IRC server controls all IRC clients connected to the server. This enables IRC
It becomes possible to chat between IRC clients connected to the server. Further, the IRC server can cooperate with other IRC servers. That is, not only IRC clients connected to the same IRC server, but also IRC clients connected to other linked IRC servers can chat. This eliminates regional restrictions when chatting. Along with that, the IRC server is distributed and the individual load is reduced.

On the other hand, the IRC client is a program that controls the IRC user interface. As described above, it is possible to participate in IRC by connecting this IRC client to the IRC server. Such a relationship between the IRC server and the IRC client can be considered in association with, for example, the relationship between the Web server on the Internet and the browser software.

The protocol used in IRC is RFC
1459. Here, many commands are established as well as message exchanges between users. Since most of the current IRC clients are adapted to use the GUI, the IRC can be used without being aware of such IRC protocol and commands.

In IRC, the place to chat is divided into small rooms called channels. When a user participates in a specific channel, users who participate in the same channel can have a pseudo conversation using text data. This channel can be freely created by the user. If someone visits a channel that they are already on, they will join that channel. On the other hand, when you join a channel that has no one, you will create a new channel.

The IRC has a function of adding a topic to a channel (a topic is displayed when a list of channels is displayed), a password is applied to the channel, and only people who know it can enter it. Function, IRC
There are various things, such as the ability to talk between specific users connected to the server. These functions and regulations are
It is defined in FC1459.

For example, a channel corresponding to a predetermined broadcast program is created in advance in the chat server 25 according to an instruction from the television broadcasting station 17 (not shown). A password may be provided for the created channel.

The chat system applicable to this embodiment is not limited to IRC, and other chat systems may be applied. Further, not only the chat system but also a bulletin board system in which a text input made by a user is immediately reflected can be applied to one embodiment of the present invention.

When a program for which an opinion is exchanged with another viewer is broadcast on the television broadcast received by the television receiver 10, the viewer 14 uses the remote controller 13 to transmit the time ID. In STB / IRD11,
The user ID is added to the transmitted time ID, and the broadcast station call center 17 'of the television broadcast station 17 (not shown) is transmitted via the network 18' which is a telephone line, for example.
Sent to.

The broadcast station call center 17 'is connected to the viewer 14
It serves as a gateway for information from the side. In this example in which the network 18 'is a telephone line, for example, a large number of modems are provided in the broadcasting station call center 17', and a time ID transmitted from a plurality of viewers 14 to the representative telephone number via the network 18 ', for example. The user ID and the user ID are distributed to a plurality of modems and received. The received time ID and user ID are temporarily stored in storage means (not shown) of the broadcast station call center 17 '.

The configuration of the broadcasting station call center 17 'is not limited to the above. For example, if the network 18 'is the Internet instead of the telephone line, the equipment of the modem is unnecessary. Even in this case, as described above,
Time ID and user ID transmitted from the viewer 14 side
Are once stored in the storage means of the broadcast station call center 17 '.

The time ID and the user ID stored in the storage means of the broadcasting station call center 17 'are read out by the database server 50 in a predetermined manner. The database server 50 manages the viewer database 51 in which the user ID of the viewer and the electronic mail address corresponding to the user ID are stored. That is, the database 19 described with reference to FIG. 2 includes the database server 50 and the viewer database 51.

The database server 50 further controls the chat server 25 to control the exchange of electronic mail by this system in the mail server 52 described later and to prepare a channel for each program in the chat server 25 as described above. To do The database server 50 is thus the core of this system. That is, the above-mentioned host computer corresponds to this database server 50.

A program required to operate this system is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Onl).
The database server 50 such as y Memory) is provided by being recorded in a recording medium corresponding to the hardware, and is installed in the database server 50. The program is not limited to this, and the program is executed via the predetermined network on the database server 5
You may make it mount in 0. Database server 5
As 0, a database server that is generally used can be used, and its technology is very well known, so detailed description thereof is omitted here.

The database server 50 searches the viewer database 51 by generating a predetermined search key based on the time ID and the user ID read from the storage means of the broadcasting station call center 17 '. For example, the database server 50 allows the viewer database 5 based on the user ID.
1 is retrieved, and the e-mail address of the viewer 14 who has transmitted the time ID and the user ID is extracted. Then, with the extracted electronic mail address as the destination, the electronic mail 40 in which the program name and the URI of the channel are described as described above is generated. When the channel corresponding to the program is provided with a password, the password is further described in the electronic mail 40.

The electronic mail 40 is sent by the mail server 52 to the electronic mail address of the viewer 14 via the network 20 '. As the mail server 52, a mail server generally used on the Internet can be used, and the technology thereof is well known, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Email 40
Is the personal computer 21A by the viewer 14.
Etc. is received by an information device capable of chatting. Based on the URI described in the received electronic mail 40, the viewer 14 can access the channel prepared by the chat server 25 via the network 20 ″ and participate in the chat by the channel.

The electronic mail is sent to the viewer 14 immediately after the time ID and the user ID sent from the viewer 14 are received so that the time is as short as possible. For example, the above-mentioned time ID and user ID transmitted from the viewer 14 are accumulated in the accumulating means of the broadcasting station call center 17 ', and the database server 5 of the accumulated time ID and user ID is stored.
The reading by 0 and the transmission of the electronic mail based on the read time ID and user ID are processed without delay as much as possible.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a chat screen 60 for chatting on the viewer side. Here, examples of the personal computer 21A and the viewer 14 will be described.
For example, based on the URI described in the electronic mail 40, for example, HTML (Hyper) placed on the chat server 25
An HTML file described in Text Markup Language) is read by the personal computer 21A via the network 20 ″, and the chat screen 6 is displayed.
0 is displayed on the browser installed in advance in the personal computer 21A. In the HTML file, for example, a method of accessing a predetermined channel and displaying the chat screen 60 by a browser is described.

When it is necessary to input the user ID and password, a screen prompting the user to input the user ID and password is displayed before the chat screen 60 is displayed.

In the example of FIG. 5, on the chat screen 60, a title 61 including the program name to be chatted is displayed.
Is displayed. When the viewer 14 inputs a text using the keyboard of the personal computer 21A or the like, the input text is displayed following the cursor display on the input unit 62. By pressing the write button 63,
The text input to the input unit 62 is confirmed, and the confirmed text data is transmitted to the chat server 25 via the network 20 ″.

Chat server 2 input in this way
5, the text data sent to the chat server 25
Is processed in a predetermined manner together with the text data input and transmitted by another viewer. The processed data is transmitted from the chat server 25 to the personal computer 21A via the network 20 ″ and is displayed on the display unit 64. In the display of the display unit 64, for each line input by each viewer, The name 65 of the viewer who has input the text and the input text 66 are displayed, and the name 65 and the text 66 are separated by a predetermined delimiter (“>” in the example of FIG. 5). The name 65 may be a user ID, or a name input screen may be separately provided. The line of the name 65 and the text 66 is updated each time a text input is made by a viewer participating in this chat.

By pressing the exit button 67, it is possible to exit this chat.

It should be noted that the chat held for a certain program can be automatically ended at the broadcast end time of the program. Not limited to this, the program may be continued even after the broadcast end time of the program.

It is also possible to transmit the text data of the chat to the television broadcasting station 17 in real time and reflect it in the program targeted by the chat. By using this, discussion and processing such as taking a questionnaire in the program can be easily performed.

In the above description, the networks 20 'and 20 "are both the Internet 20, for example. The network 20" for accessing the chat server 25 is not limited to this, and the mail server 5 is used.
The network 20 ′ to which the e-mail is transmitted from 4 to the address of the viewer 14 may be another network different from the Internet 20. In this case, it is necessary to use a method in which a channel on the network 20 ″ can be accessed from an electronic mail received by the network 20 ′. Further, although the network 18 ′ is described as a telephone line in the above, the network 18 ′ is described. May be the Internet 20.

Also, on the side of the television broadcasting station 17, when broadcasting, for example, an announcement such as "This program is provided with a chat service for exchanging opinions between viewers" is broadcast during the program. It is more effective if the viewers are allowed to participate in the chat by explicitly indicating to the viewers 14 that the chats can be performed between the viewers.

Further, by charging the television broadcast station 17 for the chat participation by the viewer 14, the television broadcast station 17 side can make a profit. Charges are 10 for each chat participation, for example.
It is about a yen.

In the above description, an electronic mail describing the URI of the channel in which the chat related to the program is held is transmitted to the viewer who has transmitted the time ID and the user ID while watching the program. It is possible to participate in a chat, but this is not limited to this example.
For example, an electronic mail describing a unique password for the program may be transmitted to a viewer who has transmitted the time ID and the user ID while viewing the program.

In this case, for example, the Web page on which the chat screen of the channel related to the program is displayed is disclosed to the network 20 ″ from the Web server connected to the network 20 ″. The URI of the web page is notified to each viewer in advance. The viewer, to whom the password is transmitted, accesses the Web page by a browser and inputs the user ID and the password in a predetermined manner so that the desired chat can be participated.

Further, in the above description, the exchange of opinions about the program is explained by chatting using only text data, but this is not limited to this example. For example,
It is also possible to use a chat system called an avatar, which has a conversation through three-dimensional or two-dimensional images corresponding to each user.

Further, in the above description, chat management is performed by one chat server 25, and each user can participate in the chat by accessing the chat server 25, but this is not limited to this example. For example, in the above-mentioned IRC, user's conversation is managed by the cooperative distributed system consisting of a plurality of servers, and the conversation is relayed between the servers. This configuration is applied to the chat server 25 described above, the chat server 25 is configured by a plurality of servers, and the user can arbitrarily select and connect the plurality of servers to participate in the chat. .

In the above description, the viewer 14 exchanges opinions regarding a program viewed by television broadcasting, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example,
A channel may be prepared for a program broadcast by radio, and opinions may be exchanged between listeners of the program broadcast by radio. Television broadcasting is not limited to broadcasting using the broadcasting satellites 15, and the present invention can be applied to conventional terrestrial broadcasting. Of course, the present invention may be applied to broadcasting by cable television. Further, the present invention can be applied to not only digital television broadcasting but also analog television broadcasting.

[0072]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the viewer operates the remote control commander while viewing the program, the method of accessing the chat corresponding to the program is notified. While watching the program, there is an effect that it is possible to exchange opinions with other viewers who are watching the program in substantially real time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electronic mail transmitted to a viewer.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram more specifically showing an example system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a chat screen for chatting on the viewer side.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Television receiver, 11 ... STB / I
RD, 13 ... Remote control commander, 14
... Viewers, 17 ... Television stations, 17 '
... Broadcasting station call center, 18 ... Telephone line, 19
... Database, 20 ... Internet, 21
A, 21B, 21C ... Personal computer, 2
5 ... Chat server, 40 ... E-mail, 50
... Database server, 51 ... Viewer database, 52 ... Mail server, 60 ... Chat screen

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A messaging system for exchanging messages between viewers in tandem with a broadcast program, capable of exchanging messages in real time between a plurality of users via a network, corresponding to a broadcast program. Message exchange means, viewing means for viewing the broadcast program, program viewing information indicating that the viewer is watching the program by the viewing means, and viewer identification information for identifying the viewer. Is transmitted to the viewer based on the program viewing information transmitting means for transmitting the program viewing information and the viewer identification information transmitted by the program viewing information transmitting means. Notification means for notifying an information device different from the viewing means of the access method to the message exchange means corresponding to the program, Notification means, messaging system, characterized in that as the program viewing information transmitted by the program viewing information transmitting means and the said viewer identification information after being received, is immediately performed. 2. The messaging system according to claim 1, wherein the message exchange means is a chat system. 3. The messaging system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the viewer of the access method via the network. 4. The messaging system according to claim 3, wherein the notification means performs the notification using an electronic mail transmitted to the viewer via the network, and notifies the electronic mail of the access method. A messaging system characterized in that corresponding link information is described. 5. The messaging system according to claim 1, wherein the network is the Internet. 6. A messaging method for exchanging messages between viewers in tandem with a broadcast program, the method comprising the steps of watching the broadcasted program by a viewing means, and the viewer watching the program by the viewing means. Program viewing information transmission step in which program viewing information indicating that there is and viewer identification information for identifying the viewer is transmitted, the program viewing information transmitted in the program viewing information transmission step, and the viewer A message exchanging means capable of exchanging a message to the viewer based on the identification information in a substantially real-time manner via a network between a plurality of users corresponding to the program being viewed by the viewer. And a notification step for notifying the information device different from the viewing means to the information device, and the notification by the communication step is After serial program the program viewing information transmitted by the viewing information transmission step and the said viewer identification information is received, immediately messaging method is characterized in that so as to be performed. 7. A messaging device adapted to exchange messages between viewers in tandem with a broadcast program, corresponding to a broadcast program and exchanging messages in real time between a plurality of users via a network. Message exchanging means that enables the program viewing information, program viewing information indicating that the program is being viewed by the viewing means for viewing the broadcasted program by the viewer, and viewer identification information for identifying the viewer. Based on the program viewing information and the viewer identification information transmitted by the program viewing information transmitting means to be transmitted, to the message exchanging means corresponding to the program being viewed by the viewer. And a notification means for notifying an information device different from the viewing means to the information device, and the notification by the communication means is the program viewing information transmission. A messaging device, wherein the program viewing information and the viewer identification information transmitted by the means are received immediately after being received. 8. The messaging device according to claim 7, wherein the message exchange means is a chat system. 9. The messaging device according to claim 7, wherein the notifying unit notifies the viewer of the access method via the network. 10. The messaging device according to claim 9, wherein the notifying unit performs the notification by using an electronic mail transmitted to the viewer via the network, and notifies the electronic mail of the access method. A messaging device characterized in that corresponding link information is described. 11. The messaging device according to claim 7, wherein the network is the Internet. 12. A message exchange device for exchanging messages between viewers in tandem with a broadcast program, and a viewing means for viewing a broadcast program, and a program indicating that the program is being viewed by the viewing means. Program viewing information transmitting means for transmitting viewing information and viewer identifying information for identifying the viewer, and notification based on the program viewing information and the viewer identifying information transmitted by the program viewing information transmitting means. A receiving means for receiving a method for accessing a message exchange means capable of exchanging messages in a substantially real-time manner via a network between a plurality of users corresponding to the program being viewed, Based on the access method received by the receiving means, the message exchange means is accessed by an information device different from the viewing means. Message exchange device being characterized in that to perform the sage exchange. 13. The message exchange device according to claim 12, wherein the message exchange means is a chat system. 14. The message exchange device according to claim 12, wherein the access method is notified via the network. 15. The message exchange device according to claim 14, wherein the notification is performed using an electronic mail transmitted via the network, and link information corresponding to the access method is described in the electronic mail. A message exchange device characterized by the above. 16. The message exchange device according to claim 12, wherein the network is the Internet.