JP2006072740A - Method and apparatus for managing internet message for digital broadcast receiver having internet connection function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of an evil effect of receiving a nuisance mail or mistakenly sending secret information to an incorrect addressee in a terrestrial digital broadcast receiver having an Internet connection function. <P>SOLUTION: An Internet message switch 106 retains proper information of a receiver 103, an address of the receiver 103, and an address for exchanging mails from/to the receiver 103. When a computer 107 sends a mail to the receiver 103, the mail reaches the Internet message switch 106, in which it is examined whether the sender address and the destination address are coincident with the addresses retained in advance. When either address is not retained, the mail is returned to the sender as an error. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a message management method and apparatus for an Internet message for a digital broadcast receiver having an Internet connection function.

  In recent years, digital broadcasting has been put to practical use as a new generation broadcasting system in which broadcasting is performed by digital signal processing (for example, Patent Document 1). In digital broadcasting, not only conventional video and audio, but also a new program form called data broadcasting program can be distributed. A data broadcast program is composed of a program executed on a digital broadcast receiver, and interactive operation can be performed by a remote control operation of a viewer. The digital broadcast receiver holds unique information that can identify individual receivers, and the program can acquire it. The digital broadcast receiver has a non-volatile storage area, and the program can arbitrarily read and write data.

Also, a recently started terrestrial digital broadcast receiver has a function of connecting to the Internet. A data broadcast program distributed by broadcast waves can use the function to call a data broadcast program on the Internet or exchange data with a server on the Internet. On the other hand, the information presented by the digital broadcast receiver is required to maintain the quality as broadcast content.
JP 2002-109437 A

  Message exchange means such as e-mail are widely used on the Internet. On the other hand, there are problems such as spam mails from unintended partners and sending confidential information to the wrong partner.

  The present invention is intended to enable exchange of messages with a partner on the Internet while maintaining the quality as a part of the broadcast content by eliminating such harmful effects.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in the present invention, a digital broadcast receiver connected to the Internet does not directly exchange messages with a partner on the Internet, but performs message exchange by interposing a device that mediates message exchange. It makes it possible to limit the opponents to be performed.

  In addition, since the other party to whom the user consents in advance is sent by the broadcast wave, the broadcast station can grasp the message contents in advance and maintain the quality as broadcast.

  According to the present invention, the Internet message management device assigns an Internet message address corresponding to the identification information to the digital broadcast receiver, and receives an Internet message addressed to the digital broadcast receiver, thereby addressing the digital broadcast receiver. Internet messages can be managed.

  Furthermore, by managing the Internet message address transmitted by the digital broadcast receiver, it is possible for the digital broadcast receiver to transmit an Internet message by referring to the Internet message address. Operability can be realized.

  By limiting the message transmission / reception destinations to the parties approved by the viewer, it is possible to eliminate harmful effects such as unwanted e-mails from unintended parties and sending confidential information to the wrong party.

  In the following, an embodiment of the present invention will be described assuming an Internet mail that is generally used as an Internet message and an operator having an Internet mail address that desires to exchange Internet mail with a viewer. To do. Here, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking BS (satellite) digital broadcasting as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, an Internet message exchange method using a digital broadcast receiver includes a broadcast station 101 (broadcast wave output means), a satellite or transmission antenna 102, a receiver 103, a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) 104, an Internet 105, an Internet message. An exchange (Internet message management apparatus) 106 and a computer 107 for receiving and transmitting mail are provided. In FIG. 1, only one receiver 103 and one computer 107 are shown, but in reality, a receiver and a receiver each owned by a plurality of viewers who have a reception contract with the broadcasting station 101. There are multiple computers that send and receive e-mails.

  The broadcasting station 101 is a broadcasting station that performs digital broadcasting, and transmits broadcast waves including video, audio, data, and time information to the satellite 102 via a parabolic antenna. Here, the data included in the broadcast wave is a data broadcast program including a program for acquiring a data broadcast program on the Internet 105. That is, in digital broadcasting, in addition to video and audio, a program that operates on the receiver 103 can be included in the broadcast wave. The satellite 102 transmits a broadcast wave transmitted from the digital broadcasting station 101 via a parabolic antenna toward a digital broadcasting service area.

  The receiver 103 is a device that receives a digital broadcast provided with a remote controller 104, and is installed at the viewer's (reception contractor) home, office, or the like. When receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcast station 101 via the satellite 102, the receiver 103 reproduces video / audio from the broadcast wave and executes a program included in the data included in the broadcast wave. While video / audio is unilateral provision of information from the broadcasting station 101, the program included in the data realizes interactive operation according to the operation of the remote controller 104 of the receiver 103 by the viewer. The receiver 103 can communicate bidirectionally with the Internet message exchange 106 via the Internet line 105.

  The computer 107 can send and receive Internet mail to and from the Internet message exchange 106 via the Internet 105. Further, the computer 107 has a unique Internet mail address, which can be included in the program of the data broadcast program broadcast from the broadcast station 101.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the receiver 103. In FIG. 2, only components related to the present embodiment are shown, and a display unit for displaying digital broadcasting is not shown.

  In FIG. 2, the receiver 103 includes a reception antenna 201, a decoder 202, a main storage device 203, a CPU 204 (program execution means), a receiver specific information storage unit 205, a nonvolatile storage device 206, a network interface 207, and a built-in clock 208. It has.

  The reception antenna 201 receives a broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 101 via the satellite 102. The decoder 202 converts data extracted from a broadcast wave including video / audio / data received by the receiving antenna 201 into a program. The main storage device 203 stores the program converted by the decoder 202. The CPU 204 is a central processing unit that controls each part of the receiver, and reads a program from the main storage device 203 and executes it. The receiver specific information storage unit 205 stores the receiver identification of the receiver 103. The receiver identification can be acquired from the receiver specific information storage unit 205 by the above program. The nonvolatile storage device 206 can read and write data by the above program, and the data is retained even when the receiver is turned off. Here, it is assumed that information such as the user name has already been written.

  A network interface 207 is an interface for connecting a receiver to the Internet 105. The program detects whether or not the receiver is actually connected to the network. It is possible to exchange data with the exchange 106 and acquire data broadcast contents. The built-in clock 208 maintains an accurate time based on time information included in the broadcast wave. The time maintained by the built-in clock 208 can be acquired by the above program.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the Internet message exchange (Internet message management apparatus) 106. In FIG. 3, only components related to the present embodiment are shown, and an input unit and a screen display unit for device operation are not shown.

  In FIG. 3, the Internet message exchange 106 includes a network interface 1201, a file server 1202, an auxiliary storage device 1203, a main storage device 1204, a CPU 1205 (program execution means), and a built-in clock 1206.

  A network interface 1201 is connected to the Internet 105 and transmits and receives Internet messages between the receiver 103 and the computer 107. The file server 1202 stores an Internet message entity file handled by the exchange 106. A program running on the switch 106 can perform file storage, deletion, and retrieval operations on the file server 1202. The auxiliary storage device 1203 stores a program operating on the switch 106, table information, and the like. The main storage device 1204 stores a program read from the auxiliary storage device 1203 and data used by the program. The CPU 1205 is a central processing unit that controls the Internet message exchange, and reads and executes a program from the main storage device 1204. The built-in clock 1205 maintains an accurate time.

  The Internet message exchange 106 can bidirectionally communicate with the receiver 103 via the Internet 105. Further, the Internet message exchange 106 can send and receive Internet mail with a computer 107 connected to the Internet via the Internet 105.

  The auxiliary storage 1203 of the Internet message exchange (management device) 106 has the data structure shown in FIG.

  The receiver user information table 301 includes an Internet mail address assigned to the receiver (103), receiver identification, and user information. The counterpart information table 302, the reception list 303, and the transmission list 304 are referred to by the receiver identification in the receiver user information table 301.

  The destination information table 302 stores a plurality of destination information that can be transmitted to and received from the receiver (103) identified by the receiver identification for the single receiver (103). The reception list 303 and the transmission list 302 are metadata stored in the file server 305 (1202 in FIG. 3) and meta information such as date / time information and destination information of Internet mail transmitted / received by the receiver (103) specified by the receiver identification. A plurality of pointers to the entity file are stored in a single receiver (103).

  The file server 305 (1202 in FIG. 3) stores transmission / reception mail entities, which can be accessed by the pointer. In FIG. 4, the user of the receiver whose receiver identification is “329 dlz 890” is “Taro Idoki”, and the Internet mail address given to this user is “xxxyyyzzz@zzzz.co.jp”. There must be (receiver user table 301), and for this user, Internet mail address "info@xxx.co.jp" and "XXX Inc." and others can send and receive Internet mail. (Destination information table 302) is shown. Further, it indicates that there are three mails addressed to this user and three mails transmitted by the user (reception list 303 and transmission list 304).

  As described above, the Internet message exchange (Internet message management device) 106 has a function of transmitting and receiving Internet messages, and has the auxiliary storage device 1203 for storing the following information. That is, the receiver user information table 301 stores unique information for identifying a specific digital broadcast receiver and an Internet message address assigned to the digital broadcast receiver. The counterpart information table 302 stores an Internet message address for exchanging Internet messages with the digital broadcast receiver. The reception list 303 and the transmission list 304 store list information of Internet messages exchanged by the digital broadcast receiver. The file server 305 stores an Internet message entity transmitted and received by the receiver.

  The Internet message exchange (Internet message management device) 106 uses the auxiliary storage device 1203 serving as management means to send unique information for identifying a digital broadcast receiver and an Internet message address (Internet mail address) to be given to the digital broadcast receiver. to manage. The Internet message exchange (Internet message management device) 106 receives an Internet message (Internet mail) addressed to an Internet message address through the network interface 207 as a receiving means, and receives the received Internet message to the file server 1202 (305). Store. The auxiliary storage device 1203 also manages an Internet message address for transmitting an Internet message to the digital broadcast receiver 1203 (partner information table 302).

  For example, an operator broadcasts a commercial message by adding data broadcast content (a program executed by a digital broadcast receiver). The data broadcast content presents a screen asking the viewer using the receiver 103 whether to accept the Internet mail exchange with the operator (computer 107). When the viewer accepts the operation, the Internet mail address of the operator (computer 107), the unique information for identifying the receiver 103, and the information input by the viewer if necessary are transmitted via the Internet 105. To the Internet message exchange 106.

  The Internet message switch 106 holds means (auxiliary storage) for storing the unique information of the receiver 103, the Internet mail address of the receiver 103 specified by the receiver 103, and the Internet mail address for exchanging Internet mail with the receiver 103. Device 1203), and checks whether the received receiver-specific information is already held. If not, the Internet mail address of the receiver 103 is newly assigned and a series of data is held. Here, the mail addressed to the mail address given to the receiver 103 reaches the Internet message exchange 106. If the unique information is already held, the Internet mail address that can be exchanged with the receiver 103 is added and held for the provider (computer 107). A mail to the effect that the Internet mail address assigned to the receiver 103 can be newly transmitted / received is transmitted to the business operator (computer 107).

  When a business operator (computer 107) transmits an Internet mail addressed to the Internet address of the receiver 103 notified by the Internet switch (Internet message management device) 106, the mail reaches the Internet message switch 106, and the sender ( The operator checks whether the mail address and the transmission destination (receiver 3) mail address are held in advance. If not, the mail is sent back to the sender (computer 107) as an error. Spam is also eliminated during this process. If it is stored, information such as the title and reception time of the mail is stored in the received mail list 303 of the receiver 103 that is the transmission destination, and the mail entity is a file linked to the list 303. It is stored in the server 305 (1202).

  As described above, the Internet message exchange 106 determines whether or not the received Internet message is addressed to the digital broadcast receiver holding the unique information, and the digital broadcast receiver holding the unique information. If it is determined that the message is addressed, the Internet message is stored as addressed to the receiver. Otherwise, the Internet message is discarded.

  Hereinafter, a means for transmitting Internet mail using the receiver 103 will be described. The program executed by the receiver 103 acquires a destination information list that can be sent / received to / from the receiver 103 from the Internet message exchange 106 via the Internet 105, displays it on the screen, and allows the user to operate the remote control by remote control operation. Let them choose. In addition, the program causes the remote controller to input a message and transmits it to the Internet message switch 106 together with the selected destination address. The Internet message transmitter transmits the message to the selected destination, and information such as the title and transmission time of the mail is held in the transmission mail list 304 of the receiver 103 as the transmission source, and the mail entity Are also stored in the file server 305 (1202) linked to the list 304.

  As described above, the digital broadcast receiver 103 uses the function of the data broadcast program to store a message input by a user through a remote control operation and an Internet message address that can be transmitted and received by the digital broadcast receiver 103 (stored in the Internet message switch 106). The address selected by the user by remote control operation is transferred to the Internet message exchange 106 via the Internet 105, thereby transmitting a message to a designated Internet message address.

  The means for referring to the mail received or transmitted by the receiver 103 will be described below. A program executed by the receiver 103 acquires the received mail list 303 or the transmitted mail list 304 corresponding to the receiver 103 to the Internet message exchange 106 via the Internet 105 and displays the received mail list 303 or the transmitted mail list 304 on the screen. Select by operation. The receiver 103 transmits the index information of the selected mail to the Internet message exchange 106 and requests acquisition of the mail substance. The Internet message exchange 106 converts the requested mail entity into a data format that can be displayed by the receiver 103 and transfers the data to the receiver 103.

  As described above, the digital broadcast receiver 103 acquires a list of Internet messages addressed to the receiver 103 via the Internet 105 from the Internet message exchange 106 by the function of the data broadcast program, and the user operates the remote control by the remote control operation. Get the entity of the selected specific Internet message. At this time, the Internet message exchange 106 converts it into a format that can be displayed by the receiver 103. Also, the digital broadcast receiver 103 acquires a list of Internet messages transmitted from the receiver 103 via the Internet 105 from the Internet message exchanger 106 by the function of the data broadcast program, and is selected by the user by remote control operation. Get the entity of a specific internet message. At this time, the Internet message exchange 106 converts it into a format that can be displayed by the receiver 103.

  Note that if the received Internet message has a data format that cannot be displayed by the digital broadcast receiver 103, the Internet message switch 106 automatically converts it to a data format that can be displayed by the digital broadcast receiver.

  Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, an operation in which a program of a data broadcast program broadcast from the broadcast station 101 via the satellite 102 and received by the receiver 103 registers a specific mail address as an address capable of transmitting and receiving mail with the receiver 103 is illustrated in FIG. 5 will be described. It is assumed that the specific mail address is that of the sponsor of a commercial message broadcast together with the data broadcast program (the address of the computer 107).

  The receiver 103 that has received the commercial message receives the data broadcast program that is broadcast simultaneously, and reads out the receiver identification of the receiver 103 from the receiver specific information storage unit 205 as the operation of the program (S601), The sponsor's e-mail address (included in the program of the data broadcast program) and the receiver identification are transmitted to the Internet message exchange (Internet message management apparatus) 106 via the Internet 105, and this information is already sent to the other party of the receiver. An inquiry is made as to whether it is registered in the information table 302 (S602). If it has already been registered (S62), there is no change in the screen, and if it has not been registered, a screen asking whether to approve transmission / reception of mail with the sponsor is presented (S603). When the user approves with the remote controller 104 (for example, when the determination button on the remote controller is pressed) (S64), the user information is read from the nonvolatile storage device 206 (S65), and the Internet message exchange 106 is transmitted via the Internet 105. Then, the sponsor's e-mail address, receiver identification, and user information are transmitted, and a request is made to register this information (S604).

  The internet message switch 106 checks the receiver user information table 301 for the presence or absence of the receiver (S66). If the receiver is not registered, the internet message switch 106 assigns the internet mail address of the receiver and receives the receiver user information table 301. The receiver information (the Internet mail address, receiver identification, and user information of the receiver 103 given to the receiver 103 by the Internet message switch 106) (S605), and the destination information (sponsor's information) E-mail address and sponsor information (name)) are registered (S606). If the receiver identification has already been registered, the partner information is registered in the partner information table 302.

  Next, a mail notifying the Internet mail address and user information assigned to the receiver 103 is transmitted to the registered destination address (sponsor (computer 107) address) (S607). It should be noted that the e-mail address assigned to the receiver 103 by the Internet message exchange 106 reaches the Internet message exchange 106, and any method of assigning an individual address is irrelevant. As described above, the Internet message exchange (Internet message management device) 106 manages the unique information for identifying the digital broadcast receiver 103 and the Internet message address (Internet mail address) assigned to the digital broadcast receiver 103. . Further, an Internet message exchange (Internet message management device) 106 manages an Internet message address for transmitting an Internet message (Internet mail) to the digital broadcast receiver 103.

  Here, the destination address (sponsor's address) is included in the program, but may be input by the remote controller 104 by the user.

  As described above, the digital broadcast receiver 103 uses the function of the data broadcast program received from the broadcast wave to specify a specific Internet message address set in the program (or an Internet message address input by the user through a remote control operation). The unique information for identifying the digital broadcast receiver 103 is transferred to the Internet message exchange 106 via the Internet 105 and held.

  Also, the digital broadcast receiver 103 transfers information held by the request of the program to the receiver.

  That is, the digital broadcast receiver 103 uses the function of the data broadcast program received from the broadcast wave to set the Internet message address (Internet mail address) set in the program or the Internet message address input by the user through the remote control operation, The unique information for identifying the digital broadcast receiver 103 is transferred to the Internet message exchange (management device) 106 via the Internet 105. The Internet message exchange (management device) 106 manages unique information for identifying the digital broadcast receiver 103 and an Internet message address for transmitting an Internet message to the digital broadcast receiver 103. The Internet message exchange (management device) 106 receives an Internet message addressed to the Internet message address.

  In order to send a mail to the registered receiver 103 by the computer 107, the mail is sent to the mail address assigned to the receiver 103 sent in the process of FIG. 5 in the same manner as a normal mail. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  A mail arrives at the Internet message exchange 106 via the Internet 105 (S701). That is, the Internet message exchange (Internet message management device) 106 receives an Internet message addressed to an Internet message address. The Internet message switch 106 extracts the transmission destination address of the received mail (S71), and checks whether the mail transmission destination address exists in the receiver user information table 301 (S702). If it does not exist, it is returned to the sender as an error (S704). If it exists, it is checked whether the source address of the mail exists in the destination information table 302 corresponding to the destination address (S703). If it does not exist, it is returned to the sender as an error (S704). If it exists, the mail entity is stored in the file server 305 (S705), and a record related to the mail is added to the reception list 303 corresponding to the receiver identification specified by the destination address of the mail (S706).

  That is, the CPU 1205 determines whether or not the received Internet message (Internet mail) is addressed to the digital broadcast receiver holding the unique information, and addressed to the digital broadcast receiver holding the unique information. If not, the Internet message is discarded.

  Therefore, since the candidate of the other party to whom the viewer accepts the message transmission / reception is transmitted by the broadcast wave, the broadcast station can examine in advance the content of the message to be transmitted by the other party.

  Furthermore, it is possible to exchange messages with a partner on the Internet using a digital broadcast receiver while maintaining the quality as broadcast content.

  Next, processing when the receiver 103 sends mail to a registered partner will be described with reference to FIG. The receiver 103 executes a mail transmission program included in the data broadcast program. The receiver 103 reads the receiver identification from the unique information storage unit 206 (S91), transmits the receiver identification to the Internet message exchange 106 via the Internet 105, and is registered as being capable of sending and receiving mail to the receiver 103. A request is made to return the existing partner list (S901).

  The Internet message exchange 106 checks the receiver user information table 301 and the partner information table 302 (S902) and returns a registered partner list. The receiver 103 presents the returned information on the screen and causes the remote controller 104 to select a transmission destination by the user (S903). This screen includes a destination list and a message input area. On this screen, the other party can be selected. For example, in the case of the counterpart information table 302 in FIG. 4, transmission destinations are possible from the three, XXX Corporation, YYY Corporation, and Hiroshi Namino, using the remote controller 104. Next, the receiver 103 causes the user to input a message using the remote controller 104 (S904). When the message input is completed, the receiver 103 transmits its receiver identification, destination Internet address, and message to the Internet message exchange 106 via the Internet 105, and requests mail transmission (S905).

  The Internet message exchange 106 forwards the received message to the Internet mail address (S906), stores the message entity in the file server 1202 (S907), and stores the message substance in the reception list 303 corresponding to the receiver identification. A record is added (S908).

  As described above, the digital broadcast receiver 103 uses the function of the data broadcast program, and the message input by the user through the remote control operation and the Internet message address (the Internet message switch (management device) that the digital broadcast receiver 103 can transmit. ) 106) is transferred to the Internet message exchange (management device) 106 via the Internet 105, so that a specified Internet message address can be selected. Send a message to The Internet message exchange (management device) 106 manages unique information for identifying the digital broadcast receiver 103 and an Internet message address to which the digital broadcast receiver 103 can transmit an Internet message, and sends an Internet message addressed to the Internet message address. Receive.

  Next, processing when referring to the contents of the mail received or transmitted by the receiver 103 will be described with reference to FIG. The receiver 103 executes a mail reference program included in the data broadcast program.

  The receiver 103 reads the receiver identification from the unique information storage unit 205 (S111), transmits the receiver identification to the Internet message exchange 106 via the Internet 105, and receives the received mail or the transmitted mail list for the receiver 103. Request to return (S1101).

  The Internet message switch 106 checks the receiver user information table 301, the reception list 303 or the transmission list 304, and returns a reception mail list or a transmission mail list (S1102).

  The receiver 103 presents the returned information on the screen and allows the user to select an email to be referred to by the remote controller 104 (S1103). When the received mail list is displayed, a list of sender names of received mails included in the received list 303 is displayed. On this list screen, the received mail can be selected using the remote control. When the mail selection is completed, the receiver 103 transmits the receiver identification and mail identification information to the Internet message exchange 106 via the Internet 105, and requests the mail to be converted into a data format that can be displayed on the receiver 103. (S1104).

  The Internet message exchange 106 reads the transmission / reception list corresponding to the receiver identification (S114), reads the mail corresponding to the mail identification information from the file server 1202 (S115), and converts the mail into a data format that can be displayed on the receiver 103. The data is converted (S1105) and returned to the receiver 103. The receiver 103 displays the mail in the mail display area of the screen (S116). That is, the CPU 1205 converts an Internet message in a data format that cannot be displayed by the digital broadcast receiver into a data format that can be displayed by the digital broadcast receiver, and is sent from the network interface 1201 to the receiver 103 via the Internet 105. Send the converted Internet message.

  As described above, the digital broadcast receiver 103 can receive a list of Internet messages (Internet mails) addressed to the receiver 103 via the Internet 105 from the Internet message exchange (management device) 106 according to the function of the data broadcast program. A list of Internet messages transmitted by the receiver 103 via the Internet 105 is acquired, a specific Internet message selected by the user through a remote control operation is acquired, and converted into a format that the receiver 103 can display.

It is a figure which shows the structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a receiver 103. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the principal part of an internet message exchange (Internet message management apparatus). It is a data structure figure of the auxiliary | assistant memory | storage of an internet message switch (management apparatus). It is a flowchart which registers a specific mail address as a mail transmission / reception possible address with a receiver. It is a flowchart which transmits mail to the mail address provided to the receiver. It is a flowchart which sends mail to the other party with which the receiver was registered. It is a flowchart which refers the content of the mail which the receiver received and the transmitted mail.

Explanation of symbols

103 Receiver 105 Internet 106 Internet Message Exchange (Internet Message Management Device)

Claims (11)

Unique information for identifying the digital broadcast receiver, management means for managing an Internet message address to be given to the digital broadcast receiver,
An Internet message management apparatus comprising receiving means for receiving an Internet message addressed to the Internet message address.   2. The Internet message management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management means further manages an Internet message address for transmitting an Internet message to the digital broadcast receiver.   The receiving means determines whether or not the received Internet message is destined for a digital broadcast receiver holding unique information, and if it is not destined for a digital broadcast receiver holding unique information, 2. The Internet message management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the Internet message is discarded.   2. The Internet message management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving means converts an Internet message in a data format that cannot be displayed by the digital broadcast receiver into a data format that can be displayed by the digital broadcast receiver. Managing the unique information for identifying the digital broadcast receiver and the Internet message address assigned to the digital broadcast receiver;
An Internet message management method comprising receiving an Internet message addressed to the Internet message address.   6. The Internet message management method according to claim 5, wherein the management step further manages an Internet message address for transmitting an Internet message to the digital broadcast receiver.   In the receiving step, it is determined whether or not the received Internet message is addressed to a digital broadcast receiver holding unique information. If the message is not addressed to a digital broadcast receiver holding unique information, 6. The Internet message management method according to claim 5, wherein the Internet message is discarded.   6. The Internet message management method according to claim 5, wherein the receiving step converts an Internet message in a data format that cannot be displayed by the digital broadcast receiver into a data format that can be displayed by the digital broadcast receiver. The Internet message management device manages unique information for identifying a digital broadcast receiver and an Internet message address for transmitting an Internet message to the digital broadcast receiver, receives an Internet message addressed to the Internet message address,
A digital broadcast receiver uses a function of a data broadcast program received from a broadcast wave to identify an Internet message address set in the program or an Internet message address input by a user through a remote control operation and the digital broadcast receiver. An Internet message management method, comprising: transferring information to the Internet message management device via the Internet. An Internet message management device manages unique information for identifying a digital broadcast receiver and an Internet message address to which the digital broadcast receiver can transmit an Internet message, receives an Internet message addressed to the Internet message address,
The digital broadcast receiver uses a function of a data broadcast program to allow a user to use a remote control among a message input by a user through a remote control operation and an Internet message address held by the Internet message management apparatus and transmitted by the digital broadcast receiver An Internet message management method characterized in that a message is transmitted to a designated Internet message address by transferring an arbitrary one selected by operation to the Internet message management device via the Internet. The Internet message management device manages unique information for identifying a digital broadcast receiver and an Internet message address assigned to the digital broadcast receiver, receives an Internet message addressed to the Internet message address,
The digital broadcast receiver obtains a list of Internet messages addressed to the receiver via the Internet or a list of Internet messages transmitted by the receiver via the Internet from the Internet message management device by the function of the data broadcast program. An Internet message management method, comprising: acquiring a substance of a specific Internet message selected by a user through a remote control operation, and converting the actual Internet message into a displayable format.

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