JP2005123884A - Communication apparatus, content reproducing device, service providing device, service providing system, program which can be preformed in computer and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication apparatus in which information obtained from television broadcasting and information supplied on a network are related and used with a simple operation without impairing both advantages. <P>SOLUTION: Operation terminal equipment 30 includes a content selection part 104 enabling communication with a first external device processing content data and enabling communication with a second external device providing information service in a predetermined relation with a content, a command transmission part 102 transmitting instruction information for requesting a processing of the selected content to the first external device, a request creating part 110 creating a request including information showing selected content data, a request transmitting part 116 transmitting the request to the second external device and a service receiving part 118 receiving information that the second external device transmits for supplying information service. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a service providing technology for receiving information and services related to broadcasting and Internet streams using a wide area network.

  As a method in which a user enjoys a television broadcast, an Internet stream, and the like and simultaneously receives a service related to the broadcast via a network, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 1 described later. In the method described in Patent Document 1, when a program is selected with a television remote controller, time and channel information are stored. Furthermore, when it is desired to browse web information related to the information, the information stored in the web client is transmitted by infrared communication or a removable memory. This makes it possible to obtain web information related to the broadcast of the channel selected by the remote control.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 2 described later discloses a mobile phone remote control device that transmits an infrared signal using a mobile phone to operate a home appliance.

JP 2001-51926 A JP-A-11-284757

  In addition, when a user operates a home television receiver (hereinafter referred to as “TV”), a VTR (Video Tape Recorder), a stereo, or the like at present, a user operates a button or the like attached to the device, or a remote controller ( Hereinafter, the operation is simply performed by “remote control”. When a television is taken up as a representative of these devices, it is not common to perform operations other than broadcasting from the television, such as browsing an Internet homepage.

  Furthermore, when a charge is generated when using a service other than the television broadcast, an operation such as personal authentication for the charge is performed using the television and its remote controller. It goes without saying that a general television and its remote control are unsuitable for such operations.

  On the other hand, terminal devices that are already connected to the Internet include mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), PCs (Personal Computers), and the like. These can be connected to the Internet through an access line such as a mobile phone network or an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line). However, it is not suitable for applications such as enjoying video on a large screen exceeding 20 inches or enjoying 5.1 channel music.

  In order to use the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the user to transmit and receive information between a television operating device and a device for browsing web information, which makes the operation complicated. There is a fear.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to use information obtained from television broadcasting and the like and information provided on the Internet in a simple operation in relation to each other without losing the advantages of both. It is to provide a communication device that makes it possible.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication apparatus that obtains information obtained by broadcasting and information obtained on the web in association with each other without being restricted by conditions such as a region where information is obtained. .

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a communication apparatus that can easily perform processing such as recording and reproduction of information obtained by broadcasting or the like.

  The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and is an apparatus that can be connected to a network service such as the Internet, has a means for controlling an external device, and can receive a service related to the control of the external device, and Provide a system.

  The communication device according to the first aspect of the present invention communicates with a first external device that processes content data and communicates with a second external device that provides an information service having a predetermined relationship with the content data. It is a communication device to perform. The second external device is a device that receives request information including information indicating content data and provides an information service having a predetermined relationship with the content data indicated by the received request information. The communication apparatus transmits selection information for selecting content data satisfying a predetermined condition and command information for requesting processing of the content data selected by the selection means to the first external device. Command transmission means, request creation means for creating request information including information indicating the selected content data, request transmission means for sending request information to the second external device, and an information service Service receiving means for receiving the information transmitted by the second external device.

  The communication apparatus may further include an input unit for the user to select content data, and the selection unit may include a unit for selecting content data selected by the user using the input unit.

  The communication device further includes a region information acquisition unit for acquiring region information indicating a reception region of the content data, and the request creation unit displays information indicating the selected content data based on a selection result by the selection unit. Means for preparing and means for creating request information based on the area information and information indicating the content data may be included.

  The communication device further includes area information acquisition means for acquiring area information indicating the reception area of the content data, and the command transmission means is command preparation means for preparing a plurality of types of command information that differs depending on the reception area. And command selecting means for selecting command information to be transmitted to the first external device from a plurality of types of command information according to the area information, and means for transmitting the command selected by the command selecting means. May be included.

  The communication apparatus may further include content receiving means for receiving content data selected by the selecting means.

  Preferably, the selecting means includes a first means for selecting content data to be processed by the first external device, and a second means for selecting content data to be received by the content receiving means. The command transmitting means includes means for transmitting command information for requesting processing of the content data selected by the first means to the first external device.

  More preferably, the request creation means creates first request means for creating request information indicating the content data selected by the first means and request information indicating the content data selected by the second means. And a second creating means.

  More preferably, the second means includes means for selecting the content data selected by the first means. The first means may include means for selecting the content data selected by the second means.

  The second external device may be a device that provides an information service for transmitting command information for requesting processing of content data indicated by the request to the first external device. The request information includes information indicating content data and information designating processing, and the request creation unit prepares information indicating the selected content data based on a selection result by the selection unit; Means for preparing information for specifying processing, and means for creating request information based on information indicating content data and information for specifying processing may be included.

  Preferably, the information designating processing includes information designating processing for recording the content selected by the first external device.

  The communication device is a target for transmitting command information from the plurality of devices based on the signal receiving means for receiving signals from the plurality of devices including the first external device and the signal received by the signal receiving means. Device selection means for selecting the first external device may be further included. The command transmission means includes means for transmitting the command information to the first external device selected by the device selection means.

  The information processing apparatus further includes means for acquiring information indicating content data that can be processed by the first external device, and the second external device is an apparatus that provides an information service based on information indicating content data that can be processed. Also good. The communication apparatus may further include means for creating request information including information indicating processable content data.

  The command information may be information including information for requesting processing and time information regarding processing related to processing. The command transmission means sends to the first external device command information comprising means for preparing information for requesting processing, means for preparing time information, and information for requesting and time information. Means for transmitting.

  When the computer program according to the second aspect of the present invention is executed by a computer, it causes the computer to operate as the communication device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

  A content reproduction apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a communication means for communicating with an external apparatus, a reception means for receiving command information for requesting a reproduction process of content data, and an incidental content data Content information storage means for storing information, selection means for selecting content data to be played back based on the incidental information and command information, and content data selected by the selection means are acquired and played back And reproducing means.

  The communication device may further include content storage means for storing content data. The selection means includes means for selecting content data to be reproduced from content data stored in the content storage means based on the supplementary information and the command information.

  The command information may include information requesting reproduction of content data and time information having a predetermined relationship with the content data. The selection means includes candidate creation means for comparing the time information and the incidental information to select candidate content.

  Preferably, the communication device further includes display means for displaying time information when the content data is reproduced by the reproducing means.

  The command information may include information requesting reproduction of content data and information indicating the acquisition source of content data, and the reproduction means may include means for acquiring and reproducing content data from the acquisition source.

  The command information includes information requesting the content data reproduction process and character string information to be displayed when the content data is reproduced, and the communication device displays the character string information when the reproduction means reproduces the content data. Display means may further be included.

  When executed by a computer, the program according to the fourth aspect of the present invention causes the computer to operate as the content reproduction device according to any one of the third aspect of the present invention.

  The service providing device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention provides information indicating content data to be processed by the first device from the second device for operating the first device that processes the content data. A request receiving unit for receiving request information including: a specifying unit for specifying an information service having a predetermined relationship with the content data indicated by the received request information; and for executing the information service specified by the specifying unit Execution means, and communication means for communicating with the second device in order to provide the information service specified by the specifying means.

  Preferably, the communication device further includes holding means for holding information for identifying at least one of the user of the second device and the communication address, and the communication means performs communication based on the held information. Including means.

  More preferably, the request information further includes information requesting a recording reservation of content data for the first device. The service execution means creates means for transmitting recording reservation command information to the first device and control information for reproducing the content data recorded in the first device by the recording reservation. And a communication means includes a control information transmitting means for transmitting control information to the second device.

  More preferably, the control information creating means includes means for repeatedly creating the control information in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied, and the control information transmitting means is responsive to the creation of the control information. And means for transmitting the repetitive control information to the second device.

  When the program according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is executed by a computer, it causes the computer to operate as a service providing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention.

  A service providing system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a communication device according to the first aspect of the present invention, a content reproduction device according to the third aspect of the present invention, and a fifth aspect of the present invention. Including a service providing device.

  A recording medium according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium that records a program according to the second aspect, the fourth aspect, or the sixth aspect of the present invention.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows an outline of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the system according to the present embodiment includes a content distribution device 34 that distributes content, a service providing device 38 that provides various services related to the content, and a content distribution device 34. It includes information for specifying the content to be distributed and information for specifying the service provided by the service providing device 38, and a conversion server device 36 for converting the information for specifying the content into information for specifying the service. Specifically, the content distribution device 34 may be a broadcasting station such as a television (hereinafter simply referred to as “TV”) broadcast or a server device that distributes streaming data over the Internet. Good. In addition, the service providing apparatus 38 is not limited to one configured by a single computer, and a plurality of server apparatuses may provide services in cooperation.

  The system according to the present embodiment further receives, as a user device, content data from the content distribution device 34 and reproduces it, and a control for operating the content reproduction device 32 in accordance with an input by the user. And an operation terminal device 30 that transmits a command (hereinafter, this control command is referred to as a “command”) and transmits / receives information associated with the use of the service between the conversion server device 36 and the service providing device 38. . Specifically, the operation terminal device 30 is assumed to be a mobile phone, a PC having a communication function, a PDA or a watch having a communication function. More specifically, the content playback device 32 is assumed to be a television or the like. The content playback device 32 is not limited to a television, but may be a stereo device or a PC.

  The operation terminal device 30 transmits and receives information between the devices of the system according to the present embodiment via the two communication networks of the first network 40 and the second network 42. The operation terminal device 30 transmits a command to the content reproduction device 32 via the first network 40. In addition, the operation terminal device 30 transmits and receives information between the conversion server device 36 and the service providing device 38 via the second network 42. Through these series of communications, the operation terminal device 30 is provided with a service related to the content reproduced by the content reproduction device 32.

  An outline of communication performed between these apparatuses is indicated by arrows 44 to 50 for each aspect of operation. An arrow 44 indicates the flow of information in the first aspect of operation. In the first aspect of the operation, the user selects content to be reproduced by the content reproduction device 32 and operates the operation terminal device 30. The operation terminal device 30 transmits a command for instructing content reproduction to the content reproduction device 32 in accordance with the operation input. The content reproduction device 32 receives and reproduces the selected content according to the command (arrow 44). At this time, the operation terminal device 30 stores information indicating the selection result by the user (hereinafter, this information is referred to as “program information”).

  An arrow 46 indicates the flow of information in the second aspect of operation. In the second aspect of the operation, the user operates the operation terminal device 30 in order to request a service related to the content being played back by the content playback device 32. In response to the operation input, the operation terminal device 30 creates information for requesting provision of a service (hereinafter, this information is referred to as “request”). The request is information created based on the program information in the first aspect of the operation. For example, when the content reproduction device 32 is a television, the request includes information for identifying a broadcast program such as a television channel number and a broadcast station code. For example, when the content playback device 32 is a device that receives and plays back an Internet stream, the request includes information specifying stream content such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) on the Internet. The operation terminal device 30 transmits the request to the conversion server device 36 via the second network 42.

  The operation terminal device 30 is assumed to store information necessary for creating a request in advance. This information may be stored when the operation terminal device 30 is shipped. Further, it may be acquired and stored later via a network or an external storage device.

  Arrow 48 indicates the flow of information in the third aspect of operation. In the third aspect of the operation, the conversion server device 36 refers to the request and specifies which service is actually the service requested by the user. The conversion server device 36 converts the request so that the request is transmitted to the service providing device 38 that actually provides the desired service. The conversion server device 36 transfers the converted request to the service providing device 38.

  Arrow 50 indicates the flow of information in the fourth aspect of operation. In the fourth aspect of the operation, the service providing device 38 that has received the transfer of the request transmits information for providing a service to the operation terminal device 30. Thereafter, the operation terminal device 30 transmits / receives information to / from the service providing device 38 and executes a series of operations for using the service. Here, various services such as provision of character information in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) format, still image or moving image information, online sales, program download, search, or contract are assumed. In the present embodiment, the content of the service itself is not questioned. Some services only need to receive data once, while others require interaction. Hereinafter, in this specification, the operation of transmitting and receiving information between the service providing apparatus 38 and the operation terminal apparatus 30 in order to use the service is simply referred to as “receiving the service”.

(External appearance of operation terminal device 30)
An example of the appearance of the mobile phone terminal when the operation terminal device 30 according to the present embodiment is realized by the mobile phone terminal is shown in FIGS. FIG. 2 is a front view of the operation terminal device 30 which is a mobile phone terminal. Referring to FIG. 2, operation terminal device 30 includes a display 60 and an input unit 62 including a plurality of keys. The display 60 is used to display a service received from an external device through communication. When the operation terminal device 30 is realized by a mobile phone terminal, the display 60 may be shared with display of information associated with functions such as a phone book and a memo that the mobile phone terminal has. Further, when a tuner function for receiving content data is installed, the display 60 can also be used for displaying moving images. The input unit 62 includes a plurality of keys for inputting signals to the main body of the operation terminal device 30. These keys are preferably based on a so-called numeric keypad. In particular, when the content reproduction apparatus to be operated is a television or the like, control is facilitated by changing the channel from the numeric keypad.

  FIG. 3 is a rear view of the operation terminal device 30 which is a mobile phone terminal. Referring to FIG. 3, operation terminal device 30 further includes a communication unit 70 that transmits a command to content reproduction device 32 via first network 40 shown in FIG. In addition, infrared rays may be used for the transmission / reception of the command performed via the 1st network 40, and a wired or wireless technique may be used. When infrared rays are used, the communication unit 70 may be configured by a one-way infrared light emitting element and a driver LSI. In that case, it is necessary to store the manufacturer code of each device and the command code table of the device manufactured by the manufacturer in advance in this device. Generally, a command code table in which commands corresponding to devices manufactured by a plurality of manufacturers are collected in advance, and a user selects a desired command by selecting a manufacturer and a device type. Enable transmission.

  When the operation terminal device 30 is a mobile phone terminal, the information communication function unit of the mobile phone terminal (not shown) is used to connect to the second network 42 (see FIG. 1) to transmit / receive information. Alternatively, a wired or wireless communication interface different from the communication function of the mobile phone may be used. When connecting to the second network 42, any method may be used.

  The input unit 62 is not limited to a hardware key, and includes a virtual key displayed on the display 60 and a pointing device for performing input using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) using the virtual key. It may be configured.

(Functional configuration of operation terminal device)
FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration of the operation terminal device 30 in a block diagram form. Referring to FIG. 4, operation terminal device 30 passes through first network interface 100 that communicates with content reproduction device 32 via first network 40 shown in FIG. 1 and second network 42 shown in FIG. 1. A second network interface 122 that communicates with the conversion server device 36 and the service providing device 38 is included.

  The operation terminal device 30 further includes a user input unit 108 that converts an operation input by the user into a signal, a content selection unit 104 that selects content according to the signal of the operation input, and a selection result of the content selection unit 104 according to the first network. And a command transmission unit 102 that transmits a command to the content reproduction device 32 via the interface 100. The operation terminal device 30 further includes an operation screen when the user performs an operation and a display unit 106 that displays information associated with the received service.

  The operation terminal device 30 further relates to a region information storage unit 112 that stores information related to a region where the content reproduction device 32 is used as shown in FIG. 1 and content that is reproduced by the content reproduction device 32 from the current region, time, and channel. Address storage unit 114 that stores an address serving as a base for selecting a service to be performed (hereinafter, this address is referred to as “base address”), and the content selected by the content selection unit 104 and the regional information storage unit 112 store it. And a request creation unit 110 that creates a request based on the area information being stored and the base address stored in the address storage unit 114. The regional information is assumed to be information indicating the configuration of a broadcast channel that differs depending on the region receiving the terrestrial broadcast.

  The operation terminal device 30 further includes a request transmission unit 116 that transmits a request created by the request creation unit 110 via the second network interface 122 according to an operation input signal given from the user input unit 108, and a second network interface. A service receiving unit 118 that receives information associated with a service provided by the service providing apparatus 38 via 122, and a service that processes the service information received by the service receiving unit 118 and provides the command transmitting unit 102 and the display unit 106 with the service information And an interpretation unit 120.

  The first network interface 100 may have only a transmission function. The first network interface 100 may have a function of performing bidirectional data communication with the content reproduction device 32.

  For example, in the case where communication with the content reproduction device 32 is performed by UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), an inquiry is first made as to what device exists on the network, and the target device is selected from the inquiry. Thereafter, a content list held by the target device is acquired and selected. Here, content selection corresponds to command transmission, but when a bidirectional intelligent procedure such as UPnP is used, the content selection unit 104 processes these series of procedures.

  Since UPnP assumes an Internet protocol, the first network interface 100 and the second network interface 122 may be physically common. For example, it is possible to logically distinguish between the two based on a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) port number or the like. In this case, it is desirable that the first network interface 100 and the second network interface 122 can access devices in different areas. For example, the first network 40 to which the first network interface 100 is connected is preferably limited to a local home, office, or the like. The second network 42 to which the second network interface 122 is connected is preferably within a range where many services can be received in the wide area network. This will be described in a fourth embodiment.

(Operation of operation terminal device)
The operation terminal device 30 operates as follows. When the operation terminal device 30 is activated, the content selection unit 104 prepares a key guidance display as an operation screen used for content selection, and gives it to the display unit 106. The display unit 106 displays a key guidance display. FIG. 5 shows an example of the key guidance display. Referring to FIG. 5, the key guidance display includes key displays respectively corresponding to the keys of input unit 62 of operation terminal device 30 shown in FIG. The key guidance display includes a display of a key used when the user selects content to be played back by the content playback device 32 and a display of a “service acquisition” key for performing an input for requesting acquisition of a service.

  In the key guidance display shown in FIG. 5, a key in which numbers from “1” to “12” are written (this key is different from a commonly used numeric keypad, but for convenience, in the present specification, these 12 keys are referred to as “ "Numeric keypad") corresponds to a key used for content selection. For example, when content is selected by changing the channel of the television, the numbers from “1” to “12” on the numeric keypad are for selecting the channel 1 to channel 12 of the television, respectively.

  The “service acquisition” key is a key for performing an input requesting to start using the service.

  In the key guidance display, an arrow painted black indicates a volume key for operating the volume up or down. A white arrow is a display showing a channel up / down key for operating the channel up / down. The “power” key is a key used to transmit a command for turning on / off the power of the content reproduction device 32 to the content reproduction device 32. The “end” key is a key for ending this key guidance display.

  The user selects a channel using the numeric keypad. The user input unit 108 shown in FIG. 4 gives an input signal corresponding to the input to the content selection unit 104 in response to this input. The content selection unit 104 provides program information indicating the content selected by the user to the command transmission unit 102 and the request creation unit 110 based on the input signal. The command transmission unit 102 transmits a content switching command corresponding to the program information to the content reproduction device 32 via the first network interface 100. The content playback device 32 operates in accordance with this command and switches the content. For example, when the user presses the “8” button, the content reproduction device 32 switches the reception channel to the “8” channel and reproduces the content of the “8” channel.

  On the other hand, the request creation unit 110 creates a request based on the program information from the content selection unit 104. FIG. 6 shows an example of a request creation method. Referring to FIG. 6, (1) is a base address, which is stored in advance in base address storage unit 114. Usually, this is the address of the conversion server device 36 shown in FIG. In this example, it is assumed that the conversion server apparatus having an address “common.srv” performs conversion for specifying a program in consideration of a channel number, a region, a time, and the like. The request creation unit 110 adds channel information to this base address. This is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, “prg? Ch = 8” is the channel information. The request creation unit 110 further adds the area information stored in the area information storage unit to the information of (2). This is shown in FIG. In the example shown in (3), “area = osaka” is the area information. The request creation unit 110 further adds time information “time = 20030826212345” indicating the creation time of the request to the information of (3) to create a request. This is shown in FIG.

  The request creation unit 110 gives the created request to the request transmission unit 116. Thereafter, when the user presses the “service acquisition” button shown in FIG. 5, the user input unit 108 gives an input signal corresponding to this input to the request transmission unit 116. The request transmission unit 116 transmits the given request to the translation server device 36 at the address specified by the request via the second network interface 122.

  The conversion server device 36 converts the received request. FIG. 7 shows an example of conversion information referred to by the conversion server device 36 for request conversion. Referring to FIG. 7, the conversion information is tabular information in which addresses of service providing apparatuses 38 that provide services corresponding to the contents are grouped for each region, channel of content distribution apparatus 34 shown in FIG. 1, and date / time. It is. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as a “conversion table”. According to the conversion table shown in FIG. 7, for example, the service corresponding to the content distributed by the one-channel content distribution apparatus 34 at 5:30 on September 1, 2003 is “rtp: //stream.xyz/ The URL is “stream05.mpg”. That is, the service corresponding to this content is a service provided by the communication protocol “RTP”, and the service providing apparatus with the address “stream.xyz” from the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format “stream05.mpg”. Files are shown to be provided.

  The conversion server device 36 searches the conversion table for a service corresponding to the channel, region, and date / time specified by the URL of the received request, and reads the address stored in the corresponding item. The conversion server device 36 converts the URL in the received request into the address thus read from the conversion table. The conversion server device 36 transmits a request including the converted address to the service providing device 38 (see FIG. 1).

  When the service providing device 38 receives the request, the service providing device 38 transmits the service data designated by the request to the operation terminal device 30.

  Referring to FIG. 4, service reception unit 118 receives data of this service via second network interface 122. The service receiving unit 118 gives the received service data to the service interpreting unit 120. The service interpretation unit 120 processes the service data and provides the output to the display unit 106. The display unit 106 displays this data.

  FIG. 8 shows a display example of services received in connection with baseball broadcasting. Referring to FIG. 8, this display has the same form as that of a general web browser. In this display, the underlined portion is a link. When the user presses an “end” button on the GUI, the display of this service is ended.

  Through the series of operations described above, the operation terminal device 30 receives the information related to the content being played back by the content playback device 32 from the service providing device 38 and displays it.

  The operation terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment can be realized by hardware such as a general computer, a portable information terminal device or a mobile phone device equipped with a computer, and a computer program executed on them. Hereinafter, a control structure of a program for realizing a desired function related to the operation terminal device 30 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a computer program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to operate as the operation terminal device 30 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, when the program is started, control proceeds to step (hereinafter simply referred to as “S”) 202. In S202, initialization is executed. That is, after initializing internal variables and the like, the key guidance screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. In step S204, it is determined whether there is a service acquisition request. If the service acquisition key is pressed, control proceeds to S212, otherwise control proceeds to S206.

  In S206, it is determined whether or not an input for designating a program such as a broadcast program has been made. If there is a program designation input, control proceeds to S208, otherwise control returns to S204.

  In S208, a program change command is transmitted to the content reproduction device 32. In S210, information indicating the program after switching is stored. Even in the case of the channel up / down key, the program that would have been switched by the content reproduction device 32 is estimated and stored according to the channel state before being pressed and the current input.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in S204 is that control proceeds to S212, a request is created in S212. Details of S212 will be described later. In subsequent S214, the request is transmitted to the corresponding server in accordance with the request created in S212. In S216, the service corresponding to the request in S214 is received. In S218, the received service is displayed or output. In S220, it is determined what input the user has made to the service displayed in S218. If there is an input requesting the next service, the control returns to S214. If there is an input designating a program to be viewed, control returns to S212. If there is an input requesting termination of the service, control returns to S202.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a detailed control structure of request creation S212 (see FIG. 9). Referring to FIG. 10, program information is read in S242. Information on at least which channel has been selected (for example, “8 (channel)” has been selected) is stored and is read out. In S244, the program information is converted based on the conversion rule if necessary. For example, although a command for changing the channel to 8 channels has been issued, the content playback apparatus 32 requires conversion when 8 channels are allocated to 19 channels of UHF (Ultra High Frequency) as broadcast waves. Become. Of course, it may be converted into a host address on the server side such as a broadcasting station by looking at the 8 channels and the area information.

  In S246, the area information stored in the address storage unit 114 is read. In S248, the area information is converted based on a conversion rule stored in advance. In the case of a mobile phone, regional information is often in base station units. When the regional information is information by GPS (Global Positioning System), the regional information is an enumeration of numerical values. Both are different from the broadcasting station area.

  In S250, time information is read. In the subsequent S252, the time information is converted if necessary. In order to make this embodiment effective all over the world, it is desirable to mount a clock set in the global standard time in the apparatus and convert it to local time.

  In S254, the base address is read. In S256, a request is generated by combining the program, region, and time with the base address. The request creation process ends.

  Note that the operating terminal device 30 according to the present embodiment connects to the second network 42 via the mobile phone network. However, the operation terminal device 30 is connected to an access technology such as FTTH (Fiber To The Home), ADSL, etc. via an IEEE (Institut of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 wireless network, an IEEE 802.3 wired network, or the like. May be used to connect to the second network 42.

  The request conversion method is not limited to the above. For example, the operation terminal device 30 may hold a conversion table of area information, and download a conversion table of the current area (for example, a part related to “Osaka” in the conversion table shown in FIG. 7) based on the conversion table. Further, there may be a method in which only the area information and the pressed code are transmitted to the conversion server 36 and the conversion table is drawn by the conversion server device 36. There may be a method in which a request is sent to a different server for each channel, and a conversion method is different for each server. There are various methods, but the method is not limited. Also, the content designation method may use a broadcast station code, a common name of the broadcast station, or the like.

  Further, the conversion server device 36 may select a service by searching from a program name, a performer name, or the like. In this case, either the operation terminal device 30 or the conversion server device 36 acquires information such as a program name and performers using a publicly available electronic program guide or the like, A search request is issued by the performer, and the result is received.

  Note that the number of conversion server devices 36 is not limited to one, and may be plural. Further, the operation terminal device 30 may select one of the plurality of conversion server devices according to each broadcasting station, each program, or a user setting, and transmit the request. For example, based on an electronic program guide, the conversion server device 36 for referring to a broadcast station server is usually selected to view a homepage hosted by the broadcast station. It is also possible to refer to another server in order to view the Japanese national soccer page. In this case, in addition to a general method for requesting the conversion server device 36, it is desirable that a request method to be referred to with higher priority can be registered by setting of a user or the like. By doing so, the request creation rule for the conversion server device 36 registered by the user is preferentially referred to, and if the request creation rule for the normal conversion server device 36 is not referenced, the user's preferred content can be obtained. It becomes possible to display with priority.

[Second Embodiment]
The operation terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment receives a service related to the switched program each time the user switches the program and further performs an input for requesting a service. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment.

  For example, it is assumed that the display example of the service shown in FIG. 8 is a service related to 8-channel baseball broadcasting. In this service, it is assumed that the user selects “player list”, receives another page, and looks at the player's profile. In the middle of this, there may be a request for switching the television to another program (9 channels or 10 channels). At this time, the program is terminated by an “end” command, the channel is switched, and a 9-channel program is viewed.

  However, after returning to channel 8 (baseball) and viewing the content and receiving a related service, the operation terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment displays the top page of this service (display in FIG. 8). Will be displayed. In this way, for a user who browses content by a method of browsing content while switching programs in a short time (hereinafter, this browsing method is referred to as “zapping”), the user sees the top page that has been viewed in the past at this time. You may want to continue to see the “player list” that you have been watching from the part of the page you have been viewing until just before zapping. The operation terminal device according to the present embodiment has a function corresponding to such zapping in addition to the function of the operation terminal device according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 11 shows a functional configuration of the operation terminal device 300 according to the second embodiment in a block diagram form. Referring to FIG. 11, operation terminal apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment has a configuration similar to operation terminal apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment. The operation terminal device 300 according to the present embodiment replaces the user input unit 108, the service reception unit 118, and the request transmission unit 116 of the operation terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment with functions different from these. A user input unit 302, a service reception unit 304, and a request transmission unit 306. Details of these will be described later. The operation terminal device 300 is further connected to the service reception unit 304 and the request transmission unit 306, and includes a service address storage unit 308 that stores an address for identifying the service received by the service reception unit 304 and the reception time of the service. Including.

  The user input unit 302 accepts two types of user inputs related to service acquisition in addition to the functions of the user input unit 108 according to the first embodiment. One of the two types of inputs is an “original” acquisition request input for requesting reception of a service with the same operation as the operation terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment. The other of the two types of inputs is an input used when the user performs zapping. This input is a “normal” service acquisition request input for requesting that the previously received service be displayed again. Input keys corresponding to two types of input may be provided in the input unit as shown in FIG. 2, respectively, and the input of both types is distinguished by how to press one type of key (for example, the length of time for pressing). You may do it. The user input unit 302 further has a function of giving an input signal corresponding to these inputs to the request transmission unit 306.

  The service reception unit 304 has a function of giving the address and reception time of the received service to the service address storage unit 308 in addition to the function of the service reception unit 118 according to the first embodiment.

  In addition to the functions of the request transmission unit 116 according to the first embodiment, the request transmission unit 306 includes the request transmission unit 116 according to the first embodiment in accordance with an input signal from the user input unit 302. Similarly, it further has a function of selectively performing an operation of transmitting a request and an operation of reading and transmitting the address and time information stored in the service address storage unit 308.

  The operation terminal device 300 according to the present embodiment performs the same operation as the operation terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment, creates a request, transmits it, and receives a service. However, when the service reception unit 304 receives a service, the service address storage unit 308 stores the address of the received service and the reception time of the service. Here, when the user inputs a “normal” service acquisition request, the user input unit 302 gives a signal instructing acquisition of a normal service to the request transmission unit 306. In response to this input signal, the request transmission unit 306 reads the address of the service received last time and the reception time from the service address storage unit 308. The request transmission unit 306 obtains a difference between the current time and the read reception time, and determines whether or not the obtained difference is within a preset time.

  For example, it is assumed that the “normal” service acquisition request is present at 21:00. It is assumed that, for example, 20:55 is stored in the service address storage unit 308 as the time when the content reproduction is received. The request transmission unit 306 obtains this difference (5 minutes). Here, it is compared with a threshold value (for example, 10 minutes), and if it is within the threshold value, the read address is transmitted. As a result, the service received five minutes ago is received again. Furthermore, cache data can be stored in association with content using a cache technology for storing service data acquired in the past. In this way, cache data can be used in place of part or all of the data to be received when the service is re-received, so that a faster response can be realized. It is desirable that the threshold value can be set by the user. When the difference exceeds the threshold value, the request transmission unit 306 transmits the request created by the request creation unit 110 in the same operation as in the first embodiment, in the same operation as in the first embodiment. . As a result, when the user makes a request for obtaining a “normal” service after a long time has elapsed since the last service was received, the top page of the service is received.

  When the user inputs an “original” service acquisition request, the user input unit 302 gives a signal instructing the request transmission unit 306 to acquire the original service. The request transmission unit 306 transmits a request by the same operation as the request transmission unit 116 according to the first embodiment. As a result, the service receiving unit 304 receives the top page of the corresponding service.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a computer program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to operate as operation terminal device 300 according to the present embodiment. The control structure of the program shown in this flowchart is similar to the control structure of the program shown in FIG. The processing executed in S202, S204, S206, S208, and S210 of this program is the same as that performed in the steps having the same numbers in the program shown in FIG.

  However, in the present embodiment, if the determination result in S204 is YES, the control proceeds to S322. In S322, the type of service acquisition request is determined. If the service acquisition request is an “original” service acquisition request, the control proceeds to S212, and a request is created as in the first embodiment. Thereafter, the control proceeds to S214. On the other hand, if the service acquisition request is a “normal” service acquisition request, control proceeds from S322 to S324. In S324, it is determined whether or not the difference between the current time and the previous service reception time is within the set time. If the determination result is YES, the control proceeds to S326. Otherwise, control proceeds from S212 to S214. The processing in S212 is as described above.

  In S326, address restoration is performed. That is, the address of the service received last time is read, and the read address is set as a request. Control proceeds to S214.

  In S214, the created or restored request is transmitted in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In subsequent S216, the service corresponding to the request transmitted in S214 is received. Control proceeds to S328.

  In S328, the address of the received service is stored. Control proceeds to S330. In S330, the time when this service is received is stored. Control proceeds to S218. In S218, the service is displayed and output in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  When a plurality of users use the operation terminal device 300, the usage history of a certain user becomes unnecessary for another user. Therefore, when another user uses the operation terminal device 300, it may be preferable to display the top page of the service rather than displaying the continuation of the previous service display. Therefore, it is desirable that the operation terminal device 300 further includes a function that allows part or all of the addresses stored in S328 to be erased by an instruction from the user (for example, an address erase button).

[Third Embodiment]
Along with the start of terrestrial digital broadcasting, broadcasting corresponding to mobile devices will also start. Along with this, it is expected that devices such as mobile phone terminals, PDAs, and PCs that can receive these broadcasts will increase. However, these devices do not always have a sufficient display function. Even when viewing the same program, the power of the video is different between viewing with these devices and viewing with a large-screen television in the home, for example. Therefore, it is desirable that one of these devices and the large-screen television can be easily selected as a device for displaying the video of the program according to the user's situation.

  The operation terminal device according to the present embodiment has a tuner unit for viewing content in addition to the configuration of the operation terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment, and a function for reproducing the content, Information used to control the tuner is used to control an external content display device.

  FIG. 13 shows an outline of the operation of the operation terminal device according to the present embodiment using two operation examples. Operation terminal device 400 according to the present embodiment has a function of automatically updating regional information in addition to the tuner unit and the content reproduction function described above.

  An operation example 1 shows a concept of an operation when the content reproducing device 32 browses the same content that the user is viewing on the operation terminal device 400. For example, it is assumed that the user views content using the operation terminal device 400 while going out. When selecting this content, the operation terminal device 400 presents a list of selectable content to the user. When the user selects one of them, the tuner receives and displays the selected content. At this time, the operation terminal device 400 stores the program information of the content. When the user returns home and wants to continue watching the content playback device 32 at home, the user makes a predetermined input to the operation terminal device 400. In response to this input, operation terminal apparatus 400 outputs a command for switching content reproduction apparatus 32 to the same channel based on the stored program information. As a result, desired content can be browsed by the content reproduction device 32.

  An operation example 2 shows the concept of the operation when the same content is distributed separately for the mobile device and the fixed device. For example, it is assumed that broadcasts for mobile devices are distributed by “124 channels” and broadcasts for fixed devices by “8 channels”. The operation terminal device 400 receives and plays a 124 channel baseball broadcast. At this time, when the user makes a predetermined input, operation terminal device 400 transmits the program information of the currently received content to conversion server device 36. The transmitted program information is transmitted to the service providing device 38 via the conversion server device 36. The service providing device 38 holds a correspondence table showing the correspondence between the mobile device broadcast and the fixed device broadcast. Based on this table, the service providing device 38 transmits the broadcast information of “8 channels” of the fixed machine broadcast to the operation terminal device 400 as the program information of the content corresponding to the “124 channels” of the baseball broadcast. Based on this information, the operation terminal device 400 transmits a command for switching to “8 channels” to the content reproduction device 32. As a result, the content reproduction device 32 receives and reproduces the fixed-device broadcast content corresponding to the mobile-device broadcast content.

  FIG. 14 shows a functional configuration of operation terminal apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment in a block diagram format. Referring to FIG. 14, operation terminal apparatus 400 has a configuration similar to that of operation terminal apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the operation terminal device 400 according to the present embodiment further replaces the command transmission unit 102 and the content selection unit 104 of the operation terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. And a content selection unit 404. In addition, the operation terminal device 400 acquires region information indicating the current position of the operation terminal device 400, stores the acquired region information in the region information storage unit 112, and content from the content distribution device 34. It further includes a tuner unit 410 that receives and displays on the display unit 106. The content selection unit 404 has a function of selecting content received by the tuner unit 410 in addition to the function of the content selection unit 104 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The command transmission unit 402 selects a command to be transmitted based on the area information stored in the area information storage unit 114 in addition to the function of the command transmission unit 102 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Has the function of

  The area information acquisition unit 412 may automatically acquire area information by communicating with a base station for wireless communication, or may acquire automatically using GPS or the like.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control structure of processing in which the operation terminal device 400 receives a service and sends a command to an external device using information contained therein. Referring to FIG. 15, a service is received in S442. In S444, the received service is analyzed, and if necessary, a display screen is generated and displayed. The display in this case is typically a screen as shown in FIG. In S446, it is determined whether or not the service analyzed in S444 contains operation information of the device to be operated. If the determination result is YES, the control proceeds to S448. Otherwise, control returns to S442.

  In S448, it is determined whether or not the device to be operated has a function corresponding to a desired function. “Having the corresponding function” corresponds to, for example, a case where a digital terrestrial tuner is mounted and operation information for the digital tuner is received. If it has the corresponding function, the control proceeds to S460. Otherwise, control proceeds to S450.

  In S450, a model corresponding to the information obtained in S444 is selected. For example, if it is a VTR recording command, the model of the VTR is selected. In S452, the area information is determined. In S454, a command list (“command table”) of the selected model is selected based on the operation information in S444 and the regional information in S452. For example, when a company A's television is used at work and a company B's television is used at home, a command table for company B's television is selected in the surrounding area based on the regional information. In this case, the relationship between the model and the region may be stored in the region information storage unit 112. In S456, the operation information obtained as a result of the analysis in S444 is converted into a command method that can be output by the external content reproduction device 32. In S458, a command is transmitted. In S460, a command for executing the corresponding function is transmitted.

  Operation terminal device 400 according to the present embodiment automatically acquires and updates regional information regardless of where it moves. For example, in Tokyo and Osaka, the broadcasting stations corresponding to the channels are different. However, without worrying about this difference, the user can switch the television to a desired channel, request a related service, and use a corresponding service. Furthermore, since the operation terminal device 400 includes the tuner unit 410, it is possible to enjoy a broadcast program wherever it is, and it is possible to receive services related to the currently received broadcast program without worrying about the area. It becomes possible. Furthermore, operation terminal apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment holds information indicating which mobile broadcast is received, and can inquire which program corresponds to the program on the terrestrial wave. In addition, when you receive a broadcast for mobiles and watch a program that is the device, when you go home and watch it on the TV in the living room, you automatically select the switch command to the same program Can be sent.

  Note that any method may be used when determining the operation information in S446. For example, in order to operate an external device, it may be determined by checking whether or not information such as “TV:” and “VTR:” is included, or the operation information is downloaded in a file format, It may be determined whether or not an identifier is included therein.

  Furthermore, it is assumed that the user selects, receives, and views content using the tuner unit 410 of the operation terminal device 400 while away from home. At this time, the user may wish to record the content. However, when information is received by a mobile body, the reception state may become unstable. Further, the operation terminal device 400 does not always have a sufficient recording function. In such a case, a command for remotely making a recording reservation may be transmitted to the recording device at home. There are various methods for transmitting a recording reservation to the content reproduction device 32.

  For example, as a first method, it is conceivable to transmit information for requesting a recording reservation to the recording apparatus in the same manner as in the first operation aspect indicated by the arrow 44 in FIG. In this case, recording reservation information (start, end time, channel, etc.) is acquired from the service side, and this is converted into a command and transmitted. However, in this case, the operation terminal device 400 and the content reproduction device 32 need to exist at close distances.

  As a second method, instead of transmitting a command directly via the first network 40 shown in FIG. 1, information for requesting recording reservation is obtained using the second network interface 122 shown in FIG. It is conceivable to transmit to the recording apparatus via the second network 42 shown in FIG. Typically, it is possible to specify the mail address of the recording device on the operation terminal device 400, change the recording command into an e-mail format based on the recording information obtained by the service provided by the service providing device 38, and transmit the command. Conceivable.

  As a third method, it is conceivable to enter a recording reservation destination in the service. In this case, a recording reservation command (typically, e-mail) is transmitted from the service providing device 38 to the content reproduction device 32.

[Fourth Embodiment]
If the operation terminal device and the device that receives the content can exchange information bidirectionally, more advanced functions can be realized.

  FIG. 16 shows an outline of a system having such a function. Referring to FIG. 16, this system includes a content distribution device 34, a conversion server device 36, and a service providing device 38 that are the same as those according to the first embodiment. In the system according to the present embodiment, as a user side device, the content distribution device 34 receives and stores the content distributed by the content distribution device 34 and reproduces the content according to the command. And an operation terminal device 500 that is a device that performs transmission / reception and controls the content reproduction device 502, and is a device for a user to use a service provided by the service providing device 38. Typically, the content playback device 502 may be a PVR (Personal Video Recorder).

  In the present embodiment, both operation terminal device 500 and content reproduction device 502 have the same physical layer communication function. For example, both of the communication functions of both may be IEEE802.11a standard wireless functions.

  The system according to this embodiment further includes a device in which communication and operation terminal device 500 connected between devices constituting a first network (for example, local network 506) is connected to a second network (for example, wide area network 508). Includes a router 504 that relays communications performed between the first and second communications. Typically, the router 504 is assumed to utilize ADSL or FTTH technology.

The system according to the present embodiment uses two networks, a local network 506 and a wide area network 508. The local network 506 is a network that covers a closed area such as in a home. The wide area network 508
Typically the internet. The local network 506 can broadcast or multicast a signal indicating that the device is connected when the device is connected within a local range such as a home. This makes it possible to notify connection between the devices. Furthermore, it is possible to recognize the currently connected device by making an inquiry by broadcast. Of course, it is not necessary for each device to manage which device is individually connected. A server connected to the local network 506 typically performs management, and it is possible to know what device is connected by making an inquiry to the server. According to a technology such as VPN (Virtual Private Network), a logical network can be constructed. The local network 506 may be such a logical unit network.

  FIG. 17 shows a functional configuration of operation terminal device 500 in a block diagram form. Referring to FIG. 17, operation terminal device 500 has a configuration similar to that of operation terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The operation terminal device 500 is replaced with the first network interface 100 of the operation terminal device 30 shown in FIG. 4, and a first interface 520 serving as an interface for performing communication with the content reproduction device 502 via the router 504. including.

  Further, the operation terminal device 500 is replaced with a command transmission unit 102, a content selection unit 104, and a user input unit 108 of the operation terminal device 30 shown in FIG. 4, respectively, and a command transmission unit 530, a content selection unit 528, and a user input unit. 526. Details of these will be described later.

  The operation terminal device 500 is further connected to the first network interface 520, the command transmission unit 530, and the command reception unit 522 connected to the content selection unit 528, the display unit 106, the user input unit 526, and the command reception unit 522. A device selection unit 524.

  The command reception unit 522 has a function of receiving a command via the local network 506 and giving the command to the content selection unit 528, and a function of detecting a device connected to the local network 506 based on the received command. The device selection unit 524 has a function of selecting the content reproduction device 502 from the devices detected by the command reception unit 522 in accordance with an input signal from the user input unit 526. Note that the command reception unit 522 further has a function of giving information indicating the content reproduction device 502 selected by the device selection unit 524 to the command transmission unit 530 and the content selection unit 528. The content selection unit 528 has a function of performing content selection according to the function of the content reproduction device 502 based on information from the command reception unit 522 in accordance with a signal from the user input unit 526. In addition, the command transmission unit 530 has a function of transmitting various commands according to the function of the content reproduction device 502 based on information from the command reception unit 522.

  FIG. 18 shows a functional configuration of the content reproduction apparatus 502 in a block diagram format. Note that communication between the content reproduction apparatus 502 and the operation terminal apparatus 500 may be bidirectional or unidirectional.

  The content reproduction device 502 includes a network interface 540 for receiving commands from an external device, a command receiving unit 542 that receives commands via the network interface 540, and a command analysis unit 544 that analyzes the received commands. The content playback device 502 further includes a channel / time determination unit 546 that determines the channel and time information specified by the analyzed command, a content storage unit 550 that stores content, and information associated with the content (hereinafter, this information). Is referred to as “content information”).

  In detail, the channel / time determination unit 546 has a function of comparing the time information and channel information included in the command with the time and channel information included in the content information stored in the content information storage unit 548. Have.

  The content playback apparatus 502 further includes a candidate creation unit 552 that creates a list of content candidates corresponding to the designation by the command based on the comparison result by the channel / time determination unit 546, and a candidate display unit 554 that displays the candidate list. In response to the designation of the content performed by the user based on the display, the candidate selection unit 556 that selects the content to be reproduced from the candidate list based on the designation, and the content storage unit 550 that selects the content selected by the candidate selection unit 556 Content reproduction unit 558 for reading out and reproducing from the content.

  Note that the candidate display unit 546 may display a list of candidates using a display device built in the content reproduction device 502. The candidate list may be displayed on the operation terminal device 500 side by transmitting it to the operation terminal device 500.

The content information is information including content recording time and channel information. When the format of the content stored in the content storage unit 550 is, for example, a file “f08030909190120.mpg”, the following content information is assumed. For example, the content information is “8,
2003/09/09, 19:01:20, 20:55:00, f08030909190120. mpg ". This content information is information in which the content information is separated by commas for each item. Each item indicates the channel number, recording date, start time, end time, and content file name from the front. In the case of digital broadcasting, the content information may further include title information in addition to the information. Information such as time information can also be stored in the form of the file name of the content file.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of a communication sequence performed between devices of the system according to the present embodiment. One vertical line indicates an individual device in the system, and a horizontal arrow between the vertical lines indicates communication. Boxes indicate processing within the device. Referring to FIG. 19, in communication 570, operation terminal device 500 inquires about a device connected to local network 506. In the communication 572, the content reproduction device 502 transmits an answer to the inquiry to the operation terminal device 500. At this time, a response is also transmitted from another device belonging to the local network 506. The answer here preferably includes information such as the address assigned to the content playback device 502 itself, the type of device, the nickname of the content playback device 502 (such as a VTR in the bedroom), and a protocol that can be handled. In process 574, the user selects the content reproduction device 502 from the devices that have transmitted the answer. In communication 576, operation terminal device 500 makes an inquiry about content that can be handled to content reproduction device 502. In communication 578, a response to the inquiry is transmitted from content reproduction device 502 to operation terminal device 500.

  Note that the communication 570 and the communication 572, and the communication 576 and the communication 578 do not have to be performed as a set. It is also possible to store the results of the communication 570 and the communication 572 in the operation terminal device 500 and omit the communication 570 and the communication 572 thereafter.

  In the communication 580, the operation terminal device 500 selects content according to the input by the user, and transmits a switching command corresponding to the selected content to the content reproduction device 502. In general, the content is selected by receiving an answer from the communication 578, displaying the content list on the display unit 106 of the operation terminal device 500, and selecting the content by the user.

  In process 582, the content reproduction device 502 performs content switching in accordance with the received content switching command. For example, if the content reproduction device 502 receives a television broadcast, the content reproduction device 502 switches the channel of the television broadcast. Further, an operation such as switching to one of recorded programs may be performed.

  In the communication 584, the operation terminal device 500 inquires of the content reproduction device 502 for information (content related access information) for accessing information related to the content currently being reproduced or recorded by the content reproduction device 502. In the case of digital broadcasting, related addresses correspond to these. This address may be a URL or a BML (Broadcast Markup Language). Moreover, you may include the information regarding a broadcast station name, broadcast time, performer name, or product name.

  In the communication 586, the content reproduction device 502 answers the content related access information. Note that the communication 584 and the communication 586 may be replaced with information obtained by the communication 576 and the communication 578 in some cases. In this case, the communication 584 and the communication 586 may be omitted. Of course, the communication 580 can be omitted when it is desired to view the related information before switching the contents.

  In the communication 588, the operation terminal device 500 requests content conversion information from the conversion server device 36. The conversion server device 36 issues a corresponding request to the service providing device 38, and a service corresponding to the request is transmitted from the service providing device 38 to the operation terminal device 500 through the communication 590. In the process 592, the received service is displayed on the operation terminal device 500. Here, it is also possible to display recently viewed pages by the same operation as the operation terminal device 300 according to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 20 shows a display transition example by operation terminal device 500 according to the present embodiment. In operation 600, the command transmission unit 530 transmits a device inquiry command to each device belonging to the local network 506, and the command reception unit 522 receives the answer. Based on the answer to the inquiry, the device selection unit 524 creates a list of devices 602 and displays it on the display unit 106. In this case, it is desirable to make the display easy to understand if possible. For example, the character string “<bedroom PVR>” in the second line of the list may be a character string preset by the user.

  Based on this display, the user selects the content reproduction device 502. The selection result is given from the user input unit 526 to the command reception unit 522 via the device selection unit 524. The command reception unit 522 gives information indicating the content reproduction device 502 to the content selection unit 528 and the command transmission unit 530. In subsequent operation 604, the command transmission unit 530 inquires of the content reproduction device 502 about the content to be held. The command reception unit 522 receives an answer to this inquiry and gives it to the content selection unit 528.

  The content selection unit 528 creates a content candidate list 608 based on the given command and causes the display unit 106 to display the content candidate list 608. The user selects desired content from the candidate list 608. Here, an example is shown in which the content of “8ch”, which is the first item in the candidate list, is selected. The selection result is given from the content selection unit 528 to the request creation unit 110.

  In operation 610, the request creation unit 110 creates a request based on the content selection result, and gives the request to the request transmission unit 116. The request transmission unit 116 transmits a request to the router 504. The router 504 relays the request and transmits the request to the service providing device 38 via the wide area network 508 and the conversion server device 36. The service providing device 38 provides a service to the operation terminal device 500, and the operation terminal device 500 receives this service. The received service is given from the service reception unit 118 to the service interpretation unit 120. The request may be transmitted directly to the service providing apparatus 38 without going through the conversion server apparatus 36.

  The service interpretation unit 120 displays the service menu 612 on the display unit 106 based on the received service. The user selects a desired service from the displayed service menu 612. Assume that “scene jump” is selected from the service menu 612. The scene jump is to designate a playback start place on the service side. For example, skipping the replay point until the baseball score is reached. In operation 614, the selected “Scene Jump” service is received and the “Scene Jump” service menu 616 is displayed. The user selects a desired scene from this menu 616.

  In operation 618, the playback command for the scene selected by the user is converted into a command corresponding to the operation target content playback device 502 and transmitted to the content playback device 502. This scene jump is performed using time information. In this case, assuming that the time of the jump destination is 19:35:40, this information is converted into information indicating which part of the content recorded in the content reproduction device 502 on the receiving side corresponds to. This can be realized by outputting a skip command for moving the playback location to that location. In operation 620, the PVR jumps to the designated location and is displayed. It is desirable that the command sent from the operation terminal device 500 is sent with information describing the scene such as text information. This may be displayed on the playback screen by the content playback apparatus 502 as a display 622 shown in FIG. By doing so, the user can easily understand which scene the player flew to.

  The content reproduction apparatus 502 according to the present embodiment can also be realized by a computer and a program executable on the computer. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a control structure of processing performed by content reproduction device 502. When the content reproduction device 502 starts processing, the control proceeds to S642. In S642, a command is received. In S644, it is determined whether the received command is a reproduction command with time information. If it is a playback command with time information, control proceeds to S648. Otherwise, control continues to S646. Here, the playback command with time and the jump command are not distinguished from each other, but they can be defined separately.

  In S646, a predetermined operation is performed according to the command, and the control returns to S642.

  In S648, it is determined whether or not the content is currently being reproduced. If the determination result is “YES”, the control proceeds to S666. Otherwise, control continues to S650.

  In S650, the time information included in the command is taken out and compared with the stored content information. In S652, it is determined whether there is corresponding content information as a result of the comparison. Here, “applicable” means that content corresponding to Ts−α <Tc <Te + β exists when the content start time Ts and end time Te are set with respect to the time Tc included in the command. . α and β are for correcting a slight time error, and about 1 to 30 minutes is appropriate for both α and β. However, it is not necessarily limited to this range. For example, one or both of α and β may be negative values.

  If it is determined that “applicable”, the control proceeds to S656. Otherwise, control proceeds to S654, a display indicating that there is no match is displayed, and control returns to S642. The display that does not correspond is not limited to the screen display and may be an error sound.

  In S656, if the command includes a channel number, the number is compared with the content information. A candidate with matching channel information is selected from candidates with matching time information. In S658, it is determined whether there is a matching candidate as a result of the comparison. If there is a corresponding item, the control proceeds to S664. Otherwise, control continues to S660.

  In S660, since there is no channel information that matches, a list of candidates with matching time information is displayed. In S662, it is determined whether the user has selected content from the displayed list. If the user has made a selection, control proceeds to S664. If the user selects “Return”, the control returns to S642. In S664, the selected content is played back. Control returns to S642.

  On the other hand, when the control shifts from S648 to S666, in S666, processing when a playback command with time is received during playback is executed. In this case, it is assumed that the association between the channel number and the content has been completed. In subsequent S668, based on the time determination in S666, it is determined whether or not the given content exists in the content being reproduced. For example, the determination can be made by the same determination method used for the determination in step 650. If the determination result is “YES”, the control proceeds to S670. Otherwise, the control proceeds to S672, a not applicable display is performed, and the control returns to S642.

  In S670, since the time specified by the current command is included in the content, the process jumps to that point. Control proceeds to S664. In this case, the content at the time of jumping is reproduced.

  In the program shown in FIG. 21, the channel information is not determined, but it may be determined. When making the determination, it is necessary to prepare a conversion table between the channel information included in the command and the channel information included in the content information as described above, and determine using this conversion table. Here, “display” may be display on the display unit of the main body, or display on an external device through an external display signal.

  In this embodiment, as in step 656, time determination is performed in S666, and playback is started by jumping to that time. However, it may be started from the beginning of the content. In this case, according to the flow after S666, the user can jump to the time by simply sending the command again. When the time pointed to by the command is in the vicinity of or past the end time of the content, it is desirable that the playback be performed from a time slightly back rather than the time.

  Even if the channel information accompanying the command matches the channel information described in the content information depending on the setting, the content indicated by the command may actually differ from the content stored in the device. . For example, although 9 channels are specified in the command, a channel having a different frequency is set as the 9 channels in the operation terminal device 500. In order to avoid such a situation, it is possible to display a list in S660 even when the channel information matches in S658. In this case, it is desirable to display the matched channel information at the position where it is most easily selected (for example, at the top of the list).

  Further, when candidates are displayed in S660 and the user selects content in S662, the association between the channel information included in the command and the channel information included in the content information is stored, and the association is performed from the next time onward. It may be used. For example, when 9 channels are specified in the command, but the content information content of 7 channels is selected in the candidate selection, the 9 channels in the command will be converted to 7 channels and determined from the next time on. It is done. Similarly, when the channel information is 6 channels of terrestrial digital, but the selection is the second external input terminal (Line 2), it is highly likely that the terrestrial digital tuner is connected to Line 2. The correspondence relationship may be stored. Furthermore, it is desirable to select a terrestrial digital channel as Line 2 or increase the priority of Line 2.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a command received by the content reproduction apparatus 502 according to the present embodiment and a display on the content reproduction apparatus 502. The operation of the content reproduction apparatus 502 is illustrated using FIG.

  It is assumed that the content reproduction device 502 receives the command 700 from the operation terminal device 500. This command 700 is for commanding playback of content of 11 channels, September 9, 2003, 19:00:00. As a result, a screen 702 is displayed.

  The screen 702 lists the contents corresponding to only the time because there is no content of the content information including the time in 11 channels. In this example, three contents correspond. The first content is for 4 channels, the second content is content recorded through line input from an external device, and the third content is for 7 channels. Furthermore, if titles, performer information, etc. are obtained from an electronic program guide or data broadcast, it is also desirable to display them.

  It is assumed that a command 704 is sent by the user in response to this display. The command 704 indicates that the user selects the third content on the operation terminal device 500 and “3” is selected. In response to this, on the screen 706, the third content (7-channel content) is reproduced from the content start time (19:05:00). The method of starting from the time is based on a method of referring to a table associating the recorded time with an actual recording location (for example, a position on the hard disk), and time information and recording start time information described simultaneously with the content on the medium. Various methods exist. Any of them may be adopted.

  Furthermore, it is assumed that a command 708 for skipping until 19:32:30 is sent. This command 708 is “Play” which means content reproduction, but may be a jump command instead of this command. Jump to the time on the screen 710 and play. For example, character information such as “3 times table” may be attached to the command. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the content reproduction apparatus 502 that has received the message displays the character string “3rd table” and the jump time on the upper left of the screen. By performing such display, the user can easily know which scene the user jumped to. Even when the character string “3 times table” cannot be displayed, it is desirable to display at least the jump time for several seconds.

  In this way, by selecting content or jumping using the time information described in the command, it is possible to skip unnecessary scenes or repeatedly view the same scene.

  Note that the time information is effective as a means for synchronizing when broadcasting is recorded. However, for a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) that is a package medium, the relative time with the beginning of the video set to zero may be specified.

    Note that the content information storage unit 548 shown in FIG. 18 preferably has a function of collecting content information of content stored in different devices via a network. In this case, the content storage unit 550 only needs to be accessible through the network, and does not need to be in the apparatus. When a plurality of PVRs are connected through a network, it is desirable that when the command is sent to one of them, the device represents all the contents on behalf of the device.

[Fifth Embodiment]
When content is recorded on a large-capacity medium such as a hard disk, it is easy to record, but it is difficult to select the content during program playback. On the other hand, there is a demand for a user to easily make a recording reservation when going out and play it quickly when he / she comes home. The service providing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a function of providing a service corresponding to such a request. The conversion server device transmits a recording reservation command to the PVR and the like, and simultaneously transmits reservation information to a device (for example, a mobile phone) used by the user for recording reservation. Thus, after returning home, it is possible to specify the PVR program from the channel information of the program, information on the start time, and the like and start playback.

  FIG. 23 shows an outline of a system including a service providing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 23, the system according to the present embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment in that content is based on requests from operation terminal device 500 and content reproduction device 502, and operation terminal device 500. And a service providing apparatus 800 that provides a service for transmitting a recording reservation command of the playback apparatus 502 and transmitting information related to the recording reservation of content to the operation terminal apparatus 500.

  The service providing apparatus 800 according to the present embodiment provides a service related to content recording reservation. First, when a user sends a request to the service providing apparatus 800 in order to request a recording reservation service at an outside location or the like (802), the service providing apparatus 800 makes a recording reservation to the operation terminal apparatus 500. Program information to be performed is transmitted (804). Specifically, the program information may be a web page written in HTML, including a program guide and a reservation button, and the reservation request may be created by pressing the reservation button. Here, when the creation of the request is completed, the created request is transmitted to the service providing apparatus 800 (805).

  The service providing apparatus 800 transmits a recording reservation command to the content reproduction apparatus 502 (typically home PVR) based on the recording reservation request (806). The recording reservation command generally includes channel information (channel or information specifying a stream such as a broadcasting station code) and a recording start time and end time. Furthermore, the request is generally sent by e-mail. Actually, a command may be transmitted by a method of receiving an e-mail reception request from the content reproduction apparatus 502 and receiving an e-mail from the service providing apparatus. In the present embodiment, any command transmission method may be used.

  When the recording reservation command is transmitted to the content reproduction apparatus 502, the service providing apparatus 800 performs information for performing operation for reproducing the content reserved here to the operation terminal apparatus 500 (hereinafter, the operation terminal apparatus 500). This information is referred to as “reproduction information”) (808). The reproduction information preferably includes a reproduction start time, and further includes channel information and a reproduction end time. The reproduction information may have the same content as the recording reservation command transmitted to the content reproduction apparatus 502.

  The request from the operation terminal device 500 may be given to the service providing device via the conversion server device 36 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the user returns home and the content reproducing device 502 reproduces the recorded content based on the recording reservation command. At this time, the user selects the content reserved for recording using the operation terminal device 500 based on the received playback information, and transmits a command for requesting playback of the selected content to the content playback device 502 (810). . The content playback device 502 plays back the recorded content according to the command.

  FIG. 24 shows a functional configuration of the service providing apparatus 800 in the form of a block diagram. Referring to FIG. 24, service providing apparatus 800 includes a network interface 822 for communicating with operation terminal apparatus 500 and content reproduction apparatus 502, a reservation request receiving unit 824 for receiving a reservation request from a user, an electronic program guide, and the like. And a program management table 828 that stores content titles, channel information, start time, end time, and the like. The service providing apparatus 800 further includes a recording reservation transmission unit 830 that transmits a recording reservation command, a reservation request management unit 832 that generates recording reservation and playback information from the reservation request received by the reservation request reception unit 824, and manages transmission. , A reproduction information transmission unit 834 for transmitting reproduction information, and a user management table 836 for storing user personal information used for user authentication.

  It is desirable to store both the recording reservation request and the identification information for identifying the user, and to transmit not only the start time but also the reproduction information to the operation terminal device 500 as appropriate. For example, in the case of baseball broadcasting, playback information at the broadcast start time is transmitted at the time of recording reservation. If the information for playback is updated and transmitted as the game progresses, such as the start of the first table, the start of the second time, the start of the second time, etc. It is possible to implement such as jumping to the timetable for viewing.

  For this purpose, program information for which a recording reservation request has been made and user identification information are stored in pairs. Furthermore, a reproduction information update unit for updating reproduction information is provided. Then, it is desirable that the reproduction information transmitting unit 834 checks whether or not the reproduction information is updated as needed or periodically, and transmits the reproduction information if updated. In this case, it is desirable to further hold the service level in the user information and determine which reproduction information is transmitted. For example, only the program start information is sent to a user who registers only a free service, and detailed reproduction information such as a two-time chart and score scene is sent to a user who registers a billing service. Like that.

  In the above embodiment, the reproduction information includes channel information and start time. In addition to this, a request-specific identification may be attached to the recording reservation request and transmitted as reproduction information. In this way, the content playback apparatus 502 can match the recording reservation with the playback request.

  Furthermore, it is desirable to add a user ID and password to the recording reservation request. In this case, by listening to the password at the time of reproduction or content selection on the content reproduction apparatus 502 side, it is possible to show the list only to a specific user or not to reproduce the content. When this user ID or password is added to the reproduction information, the operation terminal device 500 receives the reproduction information and sends it to the content reproduction device 502, so that when the operation terminal device 500 sends a reproduction command, the user can enter the password or the like. It is desirable to be able to reproduce without inputting.

  It is assumed that the service providing apparatus 800 is substantially realized by a general computer and a computer program that can be executed on the computer.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to operate as the service providing apparatus 800. Referring to FIG. 25, in S850, authentication of operation terminal device 500 or its user is performed. Any method may be used for authentication here. For example, an apparatus identification number or telephone number, or a user name and password input by the user may be used.

  In S852, a recording reservation request for program selection reservation is received from the operation terminal device 500. In S854, an address for transmitting a recording reservation command to the content reproduction apparatus 502 is selected. This address is an address accessible by the content reproduction apparatus 502. In S856, a reservation request is transmitted to the selected address. In S858, an address for sending reproduction information is selected. This address is the address of the operation terminal device 500. In S860, the reproduction information is transmitted.

  If the current time is past the program broadcast time, the recording reservation request may not be transmitted, and only the reproduction information may be transmitted. In this case, S854 and S856 shown in FIG. 25 may be omitted.

  The reservation address and reproduction information address are registered as user information including the user name, user ID, password, reservation transmission address, reproduction information transmission address, etc. before the start of the control shown in FIG. May be.

  It should be noted that the command in each of the above embodiments does not need to be information consisting only of a control signal, but indicates the entire information including information for performing control and data accompanying it. Also, it is not necessary to send all commands and requests in a single transaction, and they may be sent in multiple transactions.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim in the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of an operating terminal device. It is a rear view which shows an example of the external appearance of an operating terminal device. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the operating terminal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the input part of the operating terminal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the preparation process of a request schematically. It is a figure which shows an example of a conversion table. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the service which the operating terminal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment received. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the operating terminal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the process which produces a request. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the operating terminal device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the operating terminal device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of the system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the operating terminal device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the reception of a service, analysis, and command transmission process based on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the system which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the operating terminal device which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the content reproduction apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence in the system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the screen display of the operating terminal device which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the control structure of the program which the content reproduction apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment performs. It is a figure which shows the example of a display transition by the content reproduction apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the system which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the service provision apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which the service provision apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment performs.

Explanation of symbols

  30, 300, 400, 500 Operation terminal device, 32, 502 Content playback device, 34 Content distribution device, 36 Conversion server device, 38, 800 Service providing device, 40 First network, 42 Second network, 60 Display, 62 Input unit, 70 Communication unit, 100, 520 First network interface, 102, 402, 530 Command transmission unit, 104, 404, 528 Content selection unit, 106 Display unit, 108, 302, 526 User input unit, 110 Request creation 112, regional information storage unit, 114 address storage unit, 116, 306 request transmission unit, 118, 304 service reception unit, 120 service interpretation unit, 122 second network interface, 308 service address storage unit, 41 0 tuner unit, 412 area information acquisition unit, 504 router, 506 local network, 508 wide area network, 522 command reception unit, 524 device selection unit, 540, 822 network interface, 542 command reception unit, 544 command analysis unit, 546 channel Time determination unit, 548 content information storage unit, 550 content storage unit, 552 candidate creation unit, 554 candidate display unit, 556 candidate designation unit, 558 content playback unit, 824 reservation request reception unit, 826 program information transmission unit, 828 program management Table, 830 recording reservation transmission unit, 832 reservation list management unit, 834 reproduction information transmission unit, 836 user management table

Claims (29)

A communication device that communicates with a first external device that processes content data and that communicates with a second external device that provides an information service in a predetermined relationship with the content data,
The second external device receives request information including information indicating content data, and provides an information service having a predetermined relationship with the content data indicated by the received request information,
The communication device
A selection means for selecting content data satisfying a predetermined condition;
Command transmission means for transmitting command information for requesting processing of the content data selected by the selection means to the first external device;
Request creating means for creating request information including information indicating the selected content data;
Request transmission means for transmitting the request information to the second external device;
And a service receiving means for receiving information transmitted by the second external device to provide the information service. The communication device further includes input means for a user to select content data,
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit includes a unit for selecting content data selected by a user using the input unit. It further includes area information acquisition means for acquiring area information indicating a reception area of the content data,
The request creation means includes:
Means for preparing information indicating the selected content data based on a result of selection by the selection means;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for creating the request information based on the area information and information indicating the content data. It further includes area information acquisition means for acquiring area information indicating a reception area of the content data,
The command transmission means comprises command preparation means for preparing a plurality of types of instruction information that differ depending on the reception area;
Command selecting means for selecting command information to be transmitted to the first external device from the plurality of types of command information according to the area information;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting the command selected by the command selection means. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising content receiving means for receiving content data selected by the selection means. The selection means includes
First means for selecting content data to be processed by the first external device;
Second means for selecting content data to be received by the content receiving means,
6. The command transmission unit according to claim 5, wherein the command transmission unit includes a unit for transmitting, to the first external device, command information for requesting processing of the content data selected by the first unit. Communication device. The request creation means includes:
First creation means for creating request information indicating the content data selected by the first means;
The communication apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising second creation means for creating request information indicating the content data selected by the second means. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second means includes means for selecting content data selected by the first means. The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first means includes means for selecting the content data selected by the second means. The second external apparatus is an apparatus that provides an information service for transmitting instruction information for requesting processing of content data indicated by the request to the first external apparatus,
The request information includes information indicating the content data and information specifying the processing,
The request creation means includes:
Means for preparing information indicating the selected content data based on a result of selection by the selection means;
Means for preparing information specifying the process;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for creating request information based on information indicating the content data and information designating the process. The communication device according to claim 10, wherein the information specifying the processing includes information specifying processing for recording the selected content by the first external device. Signal receiving means for receiving signals from a plurality of devices including the first external device;
Device selection means for selecting the first external device to be command information transmission target from the plurality of devices based on the signal received by the signal reception means;
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the command transmission unit includes a unit for transmitting the command information to the first external device selected by the device selection unit. Means for obtaining information indicating content data that can be processed by the first external device;
The second external device is a device that provides an information service based on information indicating the processable content data,
The communication device further includes:
13. The communication device according to claim 12, comprising means for creating request information including information indicating the processable content data. The command information is information including information for requesting the processing and time information regarding the processing regarding the processing,
The command transmission means comprises means for preparing information for requesting the processing;
Means for preparing said time information;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for transmitting command information including the request information and the time information to the first external apparatus. A computer-executable program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to operate as the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. A communication means for communicating with an external device;
Receiving means for receiving instruction information for requesting reproduction processing of content data;
Content information storage means for storing incidental information of the content data;
Selection means for selecting content data to be reproduced based on the auxiliary information and the command information;
A content reproduction apparatus comprising: reproduction means for acquiring content data selected by the selection means and performing reproduction processing. Further comprising content storage means for storing content data;
The said selection means contains the means for selecting the content data which perform the said reproduction | regeneration processing from the content data which the said content storage means memorize | stores based on the said incidental information and the said command information. Content playback device. The command information includes information requesting reproduction of content data, and time information having a predetermined relationship with the content data,
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the selection means includes candidate creation means for comparing the time information and the incidental information to select candidate content. 19. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising display means for displaying the time information when reproducing the content data by the reproduction means. The command information includes information requesting reproduction of content data, and information indicating an acquisition source of the content data,
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the reproduction means includes means for acquiring and reproducing the content data from the acquisition source. The command information includes information requesting reproduction processing of content data, and character string information to be displayed when reproducing the content data,
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising display means for displaying the character string information when reproducing the content data by the reproduction means. A computer-executable program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to operate as the content playback device according to any one of claims 16 to 21. Request receiving means for receiving request information including information indicating content data to be processed by the first device from a second device for operating the first device for processing content data; ,
A specifying means for specifying an information service having a predetermined relationship with the content data indicated by the received request information;
Execution means for executing the information service specified by the specifying means;
A service providing apparatus including communication means for performing communication with the second apparatus in order to provide the information service specified by the specifying means. Holding means for holding information for identifying at least one of a user and a communication address of the second device;
The service providing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the communication unit includes a unit for performing the communication based on the held information. The request information further includes information for requesting recording reservation of content data for the first device,
The service execution means includes
Means for transmitting recording reservation command information to the first device;
Control information creating means for creating control information for playing back the content data recorded in the first device by the recording reservation,
The service providing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the communication unit includes a control information transmitting unit for transmitting the control information to the second apparatus. The control information creating means includes means for repeatedly creating the control information in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied,
26. The service providing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said control information transmitting means includes means for repeatedly transmitting control information to said second apparatus in response to creation of said control information. A computer-executable program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to operate as the service providing apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 26. A service providing system comprising the communication device according to claim 1, the content reproduction device according to claim 16, and the service providing device according to claim 23. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any one of claims 15, 22, and 27 is recorded.