JP2008182462A - Viewing information transmission system, television receiving device, information processor, and terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a viewing information transmission system capable of confirming whether or not a person is safe at low cost without making the target person whose safety is to be confirmed feel unpleasant. <P>SOLUTION: In the viewing information transmission system, a television 40A transmits a signal having a channel number and time to an IP telephone management server 20 once receiving a request to transmit viewing information from the IP telephone management server 20. The IP telephone management server 20 stores a history of viewing of the television 40A. Then when there is a request for the history of viewing from a television 40B, the IP telephone management server 20 transmits the history of viewing to the television 40B on condition that the television 40B is a device to which it is permitted to transmit the history of viewing of the television 40A. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a system for providing viewing information of a television receiver, and in particular, a viewing information transmission system for providing viewing information of a television receiver capable of making a call by an IP telephone function, and television reception in the system. The present invention relates to a device, an information processing device, and a terminal device.

  Conventionally, various technologies aimed at communication between viewers by linking broadcasting such as television and radio with a communication network such as the Internet have been disclosed.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-197002 (Patent Document 1) allows the viewing of the same television program by enabling an unspecified number of viewers who are viewing the same television program to implement a voice call. A technique is disclosed for communication between those who perform. In addition, as a technique for linking broadcasting and a communication network in this way, a program viewed by a viewer as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-197629 (Patent Document 2) is managed by a server or the like. As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-252898 (Patent Document 3), and used for providing services such as campaigns by recording the contents of viewing by a viewer, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-88280. There is a technique for appropriately notifying a user who is considered to have missed a program after recording viewing, as disclosed in a gazette (Patent Document 4).

  In addition, with the recent nuclear family, various technologies using a network for confirming the safety of elderly people living alone have been disclosed.

In such a technique, for example, a remote control operation history of home appliances as disclosed in JP-A-2004-274296 (Patent Document 5) is managed by a server, and it is determined that there is an abnormality in the history. In this case, a remote control operation history is stored in a television as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-86667 (Patent Document 6), and a technique related to a system that appropriately transmits the determination result. There is a technology that can check the history.
JP 2006-197002 A JP 2006-197629 A JP 2004-252898 A JP-A-11-88280 JP 2004-274296 A JP 2004-86667 A

  As described above, in the present age when the nuclear family is advancing, it is eager to provide a complete system for confirming safety.

  However, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-274296, since the determination result is transmitted only after the determination that it is abnormal, it can be sufficiently assumed that it is already too late when the transmission is received.

  In addition, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-86667 requires a dedicated device for detection (safety confirmation), and thus requires a dedicated device, so that there is a problem that it is costly to implement the system. .

  In addition, since each technique is intended only for confirming safety, there may be a situation in which the person whose safety is confirmed feels uncomfortable, such as being “watched”.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and the purpose of the present invention is to transmit viewing information that can be confirmed at low cost without causing discomfort to the side of confirmation of safety. A system, a television receiving device, an information processing device, and a terminal device are provided.

  A viewing information transmission system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first television receiving device and a second television receiving device capable of making a call by an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone function, and a communication line. And an information processing device connected to the first and second television receiving devices, wherein the first television receiving device transmits signals to and from the information processing device via the communication line. First communication means for performing transmission / reception, input means for receiving an instruction to select any one of a plurality of channels, selection means for selecting any one of the channels based on the instruction, and the first television A remote control terminal for transmitting a radio signal for controlling the operation of the John receiver, wherein the remote control terminal transmits the channel to the input means. The first communication means transmits information specifying the channel selected by the selection means to the information processing apparatus in response to the instruction being transmitted by the remote control terminal; The second television receiving apparatus includes second communication means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the information processing apparatus via the communication line, and the second communication means includes the information processing apparatus. A history request signal for requesting transmission of a viewing history of the first television receiver, and the information processing device communicates with the first and second television receivers via the communication circuit. A third communication unit that transmits and receives information between the first communication unit and information specifying a channel transmitted from the first communication unit together with time information as a viewing history of the first television receiver. Viewing history storage means to store, and information on whether or not to permit transmission of the viewing history of the first television receiver stored in the viewing history storage means to the second television receiver. The permission information storage means to store, and the storage means stores information that permits transmission to the second television receiver when the request signal is received from the second television receiver. Information transmitting means for causing the third communication means to transmit the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage means to the second television receiving device, and a viewing pattern from the viewing history. And whether or not the information specifying the channel transmitted from the first communication means follows the viewing pattern extracted by the extraction means Determining means, and when the determining means determines that the information specifying the channel transmitted from the first communication means does not follow the viewing pattern extracted by the extracting means, or the first communication means When the information predicted from the viewing pattern is not received from the notification means for notifying the second television receiver, and the channel selected by the selection means is specified in the third communication means Information request signal transmission means for transmitting an information request signal for requesting transmission of information to the first television receiver, wherein the first communication means responds to reception of the information request signal. Then, information specifying the channel selected by the selecting means is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, and the second television receiving apparatus transmits the information from the information transmitting means. A display unit that displays the viewing history when the received viewing history is received, and an operating unit that accepts an external operation, wherein the second communication unit is operated on the operating unit. In response, the history request signal is transmitted to the information processing apparatus.

  A viewing information transmitting system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first television receiving device and a second television receiving device capable of making a call using an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone function, and a communication line. And an information processing device connected to the first and second television receiving devices, wherein the first television receiving device transmits signals to and from the information processing device via the communication line. First communication means for performing transmission / reception, input means for receiving an instruction to select any one of a plurality of channels, and selection means for selecting any one of the channels based on the instruction. The communication means transmits information identifying the channel selected by the selection means to the information processing apparatus, and the second television receiving apparatus Including second communication means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the information processing apparatus via the communication line, wherein the second communication means is connected to the first television receiving apparatus. A history request signal for requesting transmission of a viewing history of the first and second information processing devices, and the information processing device transmits and receives information to and from the first and second television receiving devices via the communication circuit. Communication history, viewing history storage means for storing information specifying the channel transmitted from the first communication means together with time information as a viewing history of the first television receiver, and viewing history storage means Permission information storage means for storing information on whether or not to permit transmission of the stored viewing history of the first television receiving apparatus to the second television receiving apparatus; and When the request signal is received from the vision receiver, the third communication means is provided on the condition that the storage means stores information permitting transmission to the second television receiver. Information transmission means for transmitting the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage means to the second television receiving device, wherein the second television receiving device is transmitted from the information transmitting means. In addition, it further includes display means for displaying the viewing history when the viewing history is received.

  In the viewing information transmission system according to the present invention, the first television receiver further includes a remote control terminal that transmits a radio signal for controlling the operation of the first television receiver, and the remote control terminal Transmits an instruction to select the channel to the input means, and the first communication means identifies the channel selected by the selection means in response to the instruction being transmitted by the remote control terminal. Information is preferably transmitted to the information processing apparatus.

  In the viewing information transmission system according to the present invention, the information processing apparatus includes: extraction means for extracting a viewing pattern from the viewing history; and information for specifying a channel transmitted from the first communication means, Determining means for determining whether or not to follow the viewing pattern extracted by the extracting means, and information for identifying a channel transmitted from the first communication means by the determining means in accordance with the viewing pattern extracted by the extracting means; And a notification means for notifying the second television receiver when it is determined that there is no information or when the information predicted from the viewing pattern is not received from the first communication means. Is preferred.

  In the viewing information transmission system according to the present invention, the information processing apparatus sends an information request signal for requesting transmission of information specifying the channel selected by the selection unit to the third communication unit. Further including an information request signal transmitting means for transmitting to the television receiver, wherein the first communication means selects the information processing apparatus with the selection means in response to receiving the information request signal. It is preferable to transmit information identifying the channel.

  In the viewing information transmission system according to the present invention, the second television receiver further includes an operation unit that accepts an operation from the outside, and the second communication unit operates the operation unit. It is preferable that the history request signal is transmitted to the information processing apparatus in response to the information being made.

  A television receiver according to the present invention is a television receiver capable of making a call by an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone function, and transmitting a viewing history of the television receiver for each terminal via a communication line. A communication means connected to an information processing apparatus for storing information as to whether or not to permit, and transmitting and receiving signals to and from the information processing apparatus via the communication line; and any one of a plurality of channels Input means for accepting an instruction to select a channel, and selection means for selecting any one of the channels based on the instruction, wherein the communication means identifies the channel selected by the selection means to the information processing apparatus. It is characterized by transmitting information.

  The television receiver according to the present invention further includes a remote control terminal that transmits a radio signal for controlling the operation of the television receiver, and the remote control terminal instructs the input means to select the channel. Preferably, the communication unit transmits information specifying the channel selected by the selection unit to the information processing apparatus in response to the instruction being transmitted by the remote control terminal.

  Further, in the television receiver according to the present invention, the communication means specifies information for identifying the channel selected by the selection means to the information processing apparatus in response to receiving a request signal from the information processing apparatus. Is preferably transmitted.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus connected to a first television receiving apparatus and a second television receiving apparatus capable of making a call by an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone function via a communication line. Then, the information specifying the channel selected in the first television receiver transmitted from the first television receiver is stored together with time information as the viewing history of the first television receiver. Viewing history storage means and information indicating whether or not to permit transmission of the viewing history of the first television receiving apparatus stored in the viewing history storage means to the second television receiving apparatus is stored. When a request signal is received from the permission information storage means and the second television receiver, the second television is stored in the storage means. Information transmitting means for transmitting the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage means to the second television receiving device on condition that information permitting transmission to the location receiving apparatus is stored It is characterized by providing.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an extraction unit that extracts a viewing pattern from the viewing history, and a channel selected by the first television receiving apparatus transmitted from the first television receiving apparatus. Determining means for determining whether or not the information for specifying the channel follows the viewing pattern extracted by the extracting means, and the information for specifying the channel transmitted from the first television receiver by the determining means is the When it is determined that the viewing pattern extracted by the extraction unit is not followed, or when information predicted from the viewing pattern is not received from the first television receiving device, the second television receiving device It is preferable to further comprise notification means for performing notification.

  A terminal device according to the present invention is a terminal device capable of making a call by an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone function, and a viewing history of a television receiving device and the viewing history with respect to the terminal device via a communication line. Communication means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from an information processing apparatus that stores information on whether or not to permit transmission of the information, and the communication means requests the information processing apparatus to transmit the viewing history. It further comprises display means for transmitting a request signal and displaying the viewing history when the viewing history transmitted from the information transmitting means is received.

  The terminal device according to the present invention further includes an operation unit that accepts an operation from the outside, and the communication unit stores the history in the information processing apparatus in response to an operation performed on the operation unit. Preferably, a request signal is transmitted.

  The terminal device according to the present invention includes an input unit that receives an instruction to select any one of a plurality of channels, a selection unit that selects any one of the channels based on the instruction, and the selection unit. It is preferable to further comprise receiving means for receiving the broadcast wave of the selected channel and a remote control terminal for transmitting a radio signal for controlling the operation of the terminal device.

  According to the present invention, the viewing history of the television receiver having the IP telephone function is stored in the information processing device, and the transmission of the viewing history is related to the information on whether or not transmission is permitted for the transmission destination. The viewing history is stored, and the transmission destination of the viewing history is a terminal device (television receiving device) having an IP telephone function. This makes it possible to realize a system for confirming the safety of a user of a television receiving device by using an information processing device that can also be used as an IP telephone management server or the like, and thus can be configured at low cost. It becomes.

  In addition, since the information sent to the other side is a viewing history, both parties can have a conversation based on the viewing history when making a phone call, so information for safety confirmation can be used for other purposes. Therefore, it is possible to avoid having the consciousness that the user on one side is “watched”.

  In addition, since the viewing history on one side is transmitted to the other side between the two parties that can basically make a phone call by the IP phone function, the other side can check the one side from the viewing history prior to the telephone contact. You can guess the safety situation. Therefore, as a result of the estimation of the safety situation, the other side can surely confirm the safety situation by telephone contact with the one side without needing to make a telephone call more than necessary.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
First, a usage mode of the viewing information transmission system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the viewing information transmission system 10. The viewing information transmission system 10 includes an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone management server 20 and televisions 40A and 40B (hereinafter, collectively referred to as the television 40). The IP phone management server 20 and the television 40 are connected via the Internet 30. Each television 40 is controlled by a signal transmitted by a remote control terminal 50 having an IP telephone function.

  IP telephone management server 20 includes a processor 22 that performs arithmetic processing and communication control, and a database 24 that stores data input in advance and data generated or acquired by processor 22.

  The IP telephone management server 20 and the television 40 can communicate with each other in accordance with a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). For example, TV 40A transmits the selected channel (for example, one channel) to IP telephone management server 20 as viewing information. IP telephone management server 20 accumulates viewing information (for example, channel information, viewing time, etc.) received from television 40A and stores it as viewing history. The processor 22 transmits the viewing history to the television 40B via the Internet 30. Note that the transmission of the viewing history to the television 40B is performed on condition that transmission of the viewing history of the television 40A to the television 40B is permitted. Whether or not it is permitted is determined based on information stored in the database 24, for example. On the screen 41B of the television 40B, the transmitted viewing history of the television 40A is displayed.

  Next, communication between the IP telephone management server 20 and each television 40 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a sequence chart showing processing performed between IP telephone management server 20 and television 40.

  In step S210, television 40A requests IP telephone management server 20 for IP (Internet Protocol) connection. In step S220, IP telephone management server 20 performs a predetermined authentication process based on the authentication data transmitted from television 40A, and transmits a signal indicating that the authentication result is OK.

  In step S230, television 40A transmits confirmation response ACK to IP telephone management server 20. Thereby, the IP telephone session between the television 40A and the IP telephone management server 20 is established.

  In step S240, IP telephone management server 20 transmits a viewing information transmission request to television 40A. When the television 40A receives the request, the television 40A reads predetermined data from the built-in memory and generates data to be transmitted to the IP telephone management server 20. In step S250, television 40A transmits a signal having the channel number and time to IP telephone management server 20.

  When the IP telephone management server 20 receives the signal transmitted from the television 40A, the IP telephone session between the television 40A and the IP telephone management server 20 is terminated (step S252).

  IP telephone management server 20 stores a viewing history of television 40A. When viewing information is received from the television 40A, the viewing history of the television 40A is updated so as to add the received viewing information in step S260.

  In step S270, television 40B requests IP phone management server 20 for IP connection. In step S272, IP telephone management server 20 performs a predetermined authentication process based on the authentication data transmitted from television 40B, and transmits a signal indicating that the authentication result is OK.

  In step S274, television 40B transmits a request to transmit viewing history of television 40A to IP telephone management server 20.

  When receiving the request, IP telephone management server 20 determines whether or not television 40B is a device that is permitted to transmit the viewing history of television 40A (step S280), and is a condition that it is a permitted device. As a result, the viewing history of the television 40A is transmitted to the television 40B (step S282).

  When an acknowledgment ACK is transmitted from the television 40B (step S284), the IP telephone session between the television 40B and the IP telephone management server 20 ends (step S290).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the television 40 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of functions realized by the television 40. The television 40 is connected to the antenna 302, for example. The television 40 includes a reception unit 310, an input unit 320, a selection unit 330, a transmission control unit 350, a storage unit 340, a communication unit 360, an acquisition unit 370, a signal processing unit 380, and a display unit 390. Is provided.

The receiving unit 310 receives an input of a signal received by the antenna 302.
The input unit 320 receives an instruction input to the television 40. The instruction includes, for example, an infrared signal transmitted from a remote control (remote control terminal 50 in FIG. 1), an operation on an operation panel (not shown) provided on the casing of the television 40, and the like. The input unit 320 outputs signals corresponding to these instructions to the selection unit 330. For example, the input unit 320 receives an input of an instruction for selecting a channel for receiving a television broadcast wave.

  The selection unit 330 is connected to the input unit 320 so as to operate based on the output from the input unit 320. The selection unit 330 switches the channel selected by the reception unit 310 based on the channel number, for example. The channel number selected by the selector 330 is sent to the transmission controller 350.

  Storage unit 340 uses data (for example, an IP address) for specifying the positions of television 40 and IP telephone management server 20 used when communication by IP telephone is performed between television 40 and IP telephone management server 20. ) Is stored. Details of the data structure in the storage unit 340 will be described later.

  The transmission control unit 350 controls communication by the communication unit 360 based on the data output from the selection unit 330 and the data stored in the storage unit 340. For example, the transmission control unit 350 transmits the position data indicating the position of the television 40 in the network and the number for identifying the channel selected by the selection unit 330 to the IP telephone management server 20 so as to transmit the IP telephone management server 20. A predetermined communication process by the communication unit 360 is executed using the IP address of the server 20.

  Communication unit 360 transmits and receives signals to / from IP telephone management server 20 via a communication line according to a predefined communication protocol. The predefined communication protocol is, for example, the Internet protocol.

  Acquisition unit 370 is connected to communication unit 360 to operate based on the output from communication unit 360. Acquisition unit 370 acquires audience rating data of the channel selected by selection unit 330 based on the transmission signal from IP telephone management server 20 received by communication unit 360.

  The signal processing unit 380 is connected to the reception unit 310 and the acquisition unit 370 so as to operate based on each output from the reception unit 310 or the acquisition unit 370. For example, the signal processing unit 380 performs predetermined signal processing on the video signal output from the receiving unit 310 and sends the processed signal to the display unit 390. In addition, the signal processing unit 380 generates an image signal for displaying the audience rating based on the audience rating data acquired by the acquisition unit 370, and sends the generated signal to the display unit 390.

  Display unit 390 is connected to signal processing unit 380 to operate based on the output from signal processing unit 380. Display unit 390 displays a video broadcast on the basis of the video signal, and displays an image for displaying the audience rating.

  Next, a specific configuration of television 40 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the television 40.

  The television 40 includes an external input unit 404, a light receiving unit 406, an operation unit 408, a communication I / F (Interface) 470, a CPU 410, a tuner 414, a switching circuit 416, a signal processing circuit 420, and a display driver. 428, a display 430, amplifiers 436a and 436b, and speakers 440a and 440b. The CPU 410 includes a timer 411 and a memory 412. The signal processing circuit 420 includes a separation circuit 422 and an OSD (On Screen Display) image generation circuit 424.

The external input unit 404 receives an input of a video / audio signal to the television 40.
The switching circuit 416 selects the output from the external input unit 404 and the output from the tuner 414 and switches the input source of the signal sent to the signal processing circuit 420.

  The light receiving unit 406 receives a control signal (for example, an infrared signal) for operating the television 40. This signal is transmitted, for example, by a remote control device (not shown). The light receiving unit 406 converts the control signal into an electrical signal and sends it to the CPU 410.

  The operation unit 408 receives an operation instruction for the television 40. The operation unit 408 is realized as, for example, a power switch provided on the front surface of the housing of the television 40 or other buttons.

  CPU 410 controls the operation of television 40 based on the data stored in memory 412. For example, the CPU 410 executes a command included in a signal output from the light receiving unit 406, the operation unit 408, or the communication I / F 470. More specifically, in response to an input of a command for selecting a channel, CPU 410 sends a switching signal to tuner 414 so as to select a channel specified by the command. The tuner 414 switches the channel according to the signal, and a signal according to the broadcast wave received by the channel after switching is sent to the switching circuit 416.

  In another aspect, CPU 410 generates data for sending data stored in memory 412 to the transmission source of the command in accordance with a transmission command acquired from the outside via communication I / F 470. For example, when the television 40 receives a viewing information transmission request from the IP telephone management server 20, it generates data including a number representing the channel selected by the tuner 414, and forms packet data via the communication I / F 470. To the IP telephone management server 20.

  The signal processing circuit 420 is configured to operate based on the output from the switching circuit 416 and the output from the CPU 410. Specifically, the signal processing circuit 420 performs predetermined signal processing on the video / audio signal output from the switching circuit 416 and sends it to the display driver 428 or the amplifiers 436a and 436b. More specifically, in the signal processing circuit 420, the separation circuit 422 changes the color tone of the video displayed on the display 430 based on the output from the CPU 410, or the signal output from the switching circuit 416 is the video signal and the audio signal. And to separate. The OSD image generation circuit 424 generates data for display by adding character information to the video signal acquired by the separation circuit 422, combines the generated signal and the video signal, and combines them with the display driver 428. The signal is sent.

  Based on the control signal output from CPU 410, display driver 428 performs a predetermined process on the image signal output from OSD image generation circuit 424, and sends the processed signal to display 430. Display 430 displays an image based on the signal.

  The amplifiers 436a and 436b adjust the output level of the audio signal output from the separation circuit 422 based on the control signal from the CPU 410, and send the adjusted audio signal to the speakers 440a and 440b, respectively. Speakers 440a and 440b output sound based on the signals.

  Next, the data structure of television 40 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in the memory 412 of the television 40. The memory 412 includes a plurality of areas for storing data.

  A telephone number previously assigned to the television 40 for making an IP telephone provided by the IP telephone management server 20 is stored in area 510. The IP address assigned to the television 40 for communication according to the Internet protocol is stored in area 520. The IP address of IP telephone management server 20 is stored in area 530.

  Next, a frame 600 used for communication between the television 40 and the IP telephone management server 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the frame 600.

  The frame 600 includes a frame control field 610, a destination address 620, a transmission source address 630, a frame body 640, and an FCS (Frame Check Sequence) 650. The destination address 620 is, for example, the IP address of the IP telephone management server 20. The transmission source address 630 is an IP address assigned to the television 40, for example. The frame body 640 includes the number of the channel selected on the television 40 and the date / time data when the channel is selected.

  The frame 600 is generated in response to a command to the CPU 410. CPU 410 transmits generated frame 600 to IP telephone management server 20 via communication I / F 470.

  Next, a control structure of television 40 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main part of a series of operations executed by CPU 410. This operation is performed based on a command given to the television 40 or based on the CPU 410 detecting the execution timing.

  In step S710, CPU 410 detects that an instruction to select a channel selected by tuner 414 is input based on a signal output from light receiving unit 406. CPU 410 sends a channel switching command to tuner 414 based on the instruction. Tuner 414 selects the designated channel in response to the command.

  In step S712, CPU 410 stores the selected channel number in the work area of memory 412.

  In step S714, CPU 410 detects that a command for transmitting viewing information has been received based on an input via communication I / F 470 or based on a signal output from light receiving unit 406.

  In step S716, CPU 410 reads the position data from the nonvolatile area of memory 412 (FIG. 5) and stores it in the work area. In step S718, CPU 410 generates frame 600 based on the time counted by timer 411 and the channel number and position data stored in the work area.

  In step S720, CPU 410 detects an input of a connection command for making an IP phone call with IP phone management server 20. For example, when the display 430 displays a message “Do you want to make an IP connection?” And the user of the television 40 operates the remote control terminal (not shown) and gives the answer “yes” to the television 40, CPU 410 detects that a connection command has been input.

  In step S722, CPU 410 starts communication with IP telephone management server 20 via communication I / F 470 in accordance with the session initiation protocol.

  In step S724, CPU 410 determines whether communication with IP telephone management server 20 has been established based on the signal received via communication I / F 470. When CPU 410 determines that communication with IP telephone management server 20 has been established (YES in step S724), control is switched to step S726. If not (NO in step S724), the control returns to step S722.

  In step S726, CPU 410 transmits frame 600 (step S718) to IP telephone management server 20 via communication I / F 470. When receiving the frame 600, the IP telephone management server 20 extracts the channel number from the frame and updates the viewing history of the television 40.

  Next, in step S728, CPU 410 causes OSD image generation circuit 424 to generate a message that prompts the end of communication with IP telephone management server 20 by the IP telephone.

  In step S730, display 430 displays the message in the display area. Thereafter, the CPU 410 waits for input from the outside.

  In step S732, CPU 410 determines whether or not an instruction to end communication by IP telephone has been input. When CPU 410 determines that the instruction has been input (YES in step S732), control is switched to step S734. If not (NO in step S732), the control returns to step S730.

  In step S734, CPU 410 blocks communication with IP telephone management server 20 by transmitting a frame to IP telephone management server 20 via communication I / F 470. If it is detected that the blocking is successful, in step S736, CPU 410 causes display 430 to display that the IP telephone communication has been completed.

  Next, the configuration of IP telephone management server 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing functions realized by IP telephone management server 20. The IP telephone management server 20 includes a reception unit 810, a transmission unit 820, a SIP management unit 830, an acquisition unit 840, a storage unit 850, a comparison unit 860, and a distribution control unit 870.

  The receiving unit 810 is connected to the Internet 30 and receives a frame transmitted to the IP telephone management server 20.

  The transmission unit 820 is connected to the Internet 30 and transmits the frame to a specific destination based on the IP address included in the frame to be transmitted.

  The SIP management unit 830 controls communication by IP telephone with another communication device (for example, the television 40) connected to the Internet 30. Specifically, the SIP management unit 830 controls transmission and reception of signals with the television 40 according to a communication control protocol defined in advance. A predefined communication control protocol is, for example, SIP.

  The acquisition unit 840 acquires position data and channel data from the viewing information received by the reception unit 810. The position data is data (for example, an IP address) for specifying the position of the television 40 on the Internet 30. The channel data corresponds to the channel number selected by the television 40.

  The storage unit 850 stores the data acquired by the acquisition unit 840. The storage unit 850 stores a viewing history of the television 40A configured by accumulating viewing information of the television 40A. The viewing history is information configured based on data transmitted from the television 40A. Specifically, as shown in Table 1, the date and time when the channel is selected and the selection on the television 40A are selected. Are stored in association with each other.

  When the reception unit 810 detects reception of a viewing history transmission request, the comparison unit 860 stores the IP address that has transmitted the transmission request as a permission for transmission of the viewing history in the storage unit 850. Compare with existing IP address. If it is determined that the IP address from which the transmission request has been transmitted is the same as the stored IP address, comparison unit 860 transmits a signal permitting viewing history transmission to distribution control unit 870.

  The distribution control unit 870 generates a frame having the viewing history by calling the viewing history stored in the storage unit 850 on the condition that the transmission permission signal is received from the comparison unit 860, and sends the frame to the transmitting unit 820. Send the frame.

  Based on the control by the SIP management unit 830, the transmission unit 820 transmits the frame generated by the distribution control unit 870 to a designated destination.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, an aspect of a specific configuration of the IP telephone management server 20 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer system 900 that functions as the IP telephone management server 20.

  The computer system 900 mainly includes a CPU 910 that executes a program, a mouse 920 and a keyboard 930 that receive input of instructions from a user of the computer system 900, data generated by execution of the program by the CPU 910, or a mouse 920 or a keyboard. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 940 that temporarily stores data input via 930, a hard disk 950 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) drive device 960, A monitor 980 and a communication I / F 990 are provided. Each hardware is mutually connected by a data bus. A CD-ROM 962 can be attached to the CD-ROM drive 960.

  The processing in the computer system 900 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 910. Such software may be stored in the hard disk 950 in advance. Further, the software may be stored in a CD-ROM 962 or other storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the storage medium by the CD-ROM drive 960 or other reading device or downloaded via the communication I / F 990 and then temporarily stored in the hard disk 950. The software is read from the hard disk 950 by the CPU 910 and stored in the RAM 940 in the form of an executable program. CPU 910 executes the program.

  Each configuration of the computer system 900 shown in FIG. 9 is general. Therefore, the most essential part of IP telephone management server 20 according to the present embodiment is software stored in RAM 940, hard disk 950, CD-ROM 962, or other storage medium, or software that can be downloaded via a network. It can be said that there is. Since the operation of each hardware of computer system 900 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

  Next, the data structure of the IP telephone management server 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in the hard disk 950 of the computer system 900. Hard disk 950 includes a plurality of areas for storing data.

  Data for specifying a user who can communicate by IP telephone is stored in area 1010. The telephone number assigned to the user is stored in area 1020. The IP address of the user is stored in area 1030. These data are stored in the hard disk 950 after each user (that is, the user of the television 40) agrees to receive the IP telephone service and necessary settings are made.

  An operating system that controls basic operations in the computer system 900 is stored in the area 1090. A SIP communication control program for controlling communication between the television 40 and the IP telephone management server 20 in accordance with SIP is stored in area 1080. A program executed for the IP telephone management server 20 to collect viewing information from the television 40A is stored in the area 1070. A program for updating the viewing history based on the received viewing information is stored in area 1060. A program for transmitting the viewing history of the television 40A to the television 40B is stored in the area 1050.

  The CPU 910 causes the computer system 900 to function as the IP telephone management server 20 by sequentially executing each program stored in the areas 1050 to 1090.

  The hard disk 950 stores the IP address 1041 of the user who stores the viewing history in association with the IP address 1042 of the user who is permitted to transmit the viewing history.

  Next, a viewing history transmitted from the IP telephone management server 20 to the television 40B will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a frame 1100 including the viewing history.

  The frame 1100 is transmitted from the IP telephone management server 20 to the television 40B. The frame 1100 includes a frame control field 1110, a destination address 1120, a transmission source address 1130, a frame body 1140, and an FCS 1150.

  The destination address 1120 includes the IP address of the television 40 </ b> B connected to the Internet 30. The source address 1130 includes the IP address of the IP telephone management server 20. The frame body 1140 includes a viewing history (see Table 1).

  Next, the control structure of the IP telephone management server 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by CPU 910.

  In step S1210, CPU 910 communicates with television 40 via communication I / F 990 in accordance with the session initiation protocol. Negotiation for performing communication by IP telephone is performed between IP telephone management server 20 and television 40A.

  In step S1212, CPU 910 determines whether or not communication with television 40A has been established based on a signal received via communication I / F 990. When CPU 910 determines that the communication has been established (YES in step S1212), CPU 910 switches control to step S1214. If not (NO in step S1212), the control returns to step S1210.

  In step S1214, CPU 910 receives frame 600 including channel information from television 40A via Internet 30.

  Next, in step S1216, CPU 910 acquires the channel information and time information (information specifying the date and time when the channel was selected on television 40A) from frame 600, and stores it in the area secured in RAM 940. . In step S1218, CPU 910 ends communication with television 40A.

  Next, in step S1220, CPU 910 updates the viewing history of television 40A so as to add the stored information.

  Next, in step S1222, CPU 910 receives a signal including a transmission request for viewing history of television 40A from television 40B via Internet 30. The signal including the transmission request includes data requesting transmission of the viewing history of the television 40A and information (for example, its IP address) specifying the television 40B that is the transmission source of the signal.

  Next, in step S1224, CPU 910 extracts the IP address of the transmission source from the signal including the transmission request described above, and the IP address 1042 of the user who is permitted to transmit the viewing history of TV 40A (FIG. 10). Compare).

  In step S1226, CPU 910 transmits the viewing history to the transmission source of the transmission request on condition that the IP address of the transmission source matches the IP address that permits transmission of the viewing history. . Thereby, at the transmission source (television 40B) of the transmission request, the viewing history is displayed on the display unit 41B of the television 40B. In step S 1228, CPU 910 executes processing for terminating communication with television 40, and terminates communication by IP telephone.

  As described above, according to the viewing information transmitting system 10 according to the present embodiment, each television 40 is connected to the IP telephone management server 20 to form a communication session by IP telephone. In the viewing information transmission system, when a channel is selected by the remote control terminal 50 or the like, the television 40A transmits the channel information (viewing information) currently selected on the television 40A to the IP telephone management server 20. .

  The IP telephone management server 20 collects viewing information transmitted from the television 40A and stores it as a viewing history of the television 40A.

  When a transmission request for viewing history of the television 40A is transmitted to the IP telephone management server 20, the viewing history of the television 40A is transmitted to the device on the condition that the transmission source device is permitted to transmit. Is done.

  As a result, the user of the viewing history transmission side (television 40B) does what kind of television 40A the user of the television 40A operates and how often without making a telephone contact by IP telephone. It is possible to obtain information such as safety status. Therefore, the user who receives the viewing history transmission does not need to make a telephone contact with the user of the television 40A more than necessary.

  In addition, since the viewing history is transmitted to the television 40B, the user of the television 40B can guess the preference of the user of the television 40A, thereby having a conversation with the user of the television 40A by IP phone. At the same time, it is considered that the content related to the estimated preference is included in the topic, and the range of communication is expanded.

<First Modification>
In the first embodiment, the user (IP address) permitted to transmit the viewing history is managed in the IP telephone management server 20. The viewing information transmission system 10 may be configured to manage such information on the device (television 40A) side that transmits viewing information. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 13, the IP address 1310 of the device that permits transmission of the viewing history is stored on the memory side of the television 40A.

  The IP address 1310 can be changed, for example, according to the operation content for the operation unit 408. In such a modification, the IP address 1310 is included in the frame body 640 of the frame 600 when viewing information is transmitted from the television 40A to the IP telephone management server 20, and is transmitted to the IP telephone management server 20. The

  When receiving the frame 600 including such an IP address 1310, the IP telephone management server 20 stores the IP address 1310 in the column of the IP address 1042 (see FIG. 10) of the user permitted to transmit the viewing history.

<Second Modification>
In the first embodiment, the IP telephone management server 20 simply stores the viewing history of the television 40A and transmits the viewing history to the television 40B based on a request from the television 40B.

  When the IP telephone management server 20 performs pattern extraction on the viewing history of the television 40A and determines that the information on the television 40A deviates from the viewing pattern, the viewing information transmission system 10 views the viewing information on the television 40A. May be configured to notify a terminal (television 40B) that is permitted to transmit.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the IP telephone management server 20 in such a modification.

  In FIG. 14, an abnormality determination unit 880 and a pattern extraction unit 890 are further included in the block diagram shown in FIG.

  The pattern extraction unit 890 performs pattern extraction on the viewing history of the television 40A stored in the storage unit 850. The pattern extraction referred to here includes, for example, extracting the earliest channel selection time for each day of the week as shown in Table 2. The time of each day of the week shown in Table 2 can be, for example, an average value of each day of a predetermined number of weeks.

  If the abnormality determination unit 880 of the IP telephone management server 20 determines that there is no transmission of channel information from the television 40A even after a certain period of time (for example, 6 hours) has elapsed from the pattern, the distribution control unit 870 notifies that fact. Then, the data is transmitted to the television 40B (the device corresponding to the IP address permitted to transmit the viewing history of the television 40A) via the transmission unit 820 (abnormality notification in FIG. 14).

  In addition, the abnormality determination unit 880 receives information indicating that a channel has been selected in a pattern that does not apply to the pattern, that is, for example, from a time that is one hour or more earlier than the time described in Table 2. Similarly, when the information indicating that the selection has been made is received, the fact that the selection is made is transmitted to the television 40B (IP address permitted to transmit the viewing history of the television 40A) via the distribution control unit 870 and the transmission unit 820. (Apparatus corresponding to 1) (abnormality notification in FIG. 14).

<Other variations>
In the first embodiment described above, transmission of channel information from the television 40A to the IP telephone management server 20 is performed every time a channel is selected on the television 40A. In the transmission system 10, the television 40A may be configured to transmit channel information to the IP telephone management server 20 at a predetermined time of the day. In this case, the number of times of transmission in one day may be set as appropriate.

  In the first embodiment, the viewing history of the television 40 </ b> A is stored in the IP telephone management server 20. Thereby, even when the power is not turned on in the television 40A, the user of the television 40B can receive the viewing history of the television 40A. However, in terms of security, in the viewing information transmission system 10, the television 40A stores the viewing history of the television 40A, and stores information (IP address) that identifies a device that is permitted to transmit the viewing history. The television 40B may be configured to receive the viewing history of the television 40A directly from the television 40A.

  In the viewing information transmission system 10, the television 40B does not necessarily have a function of receiving television broadcast waves.

  Information transmitted from the television 40A to the IP telephone management server 20 is not limited to information corresponding to a signal (signal for selecting a channel) from the remote control terminal 50 used for controlling the television 40A. That is, for example, the viewing information transmission system 10 is configured such that the TV 40A can store a history of receiving an infrared signal transmitted from a remote control terminal used to control other devices such as an air conditioner, and the history can be stored as an IP. It may be configured to transmit to the telephone management server 20. Since such history information is managed by the IP telephone management server 20, the user of the television 40B that has received such history information can be provided even if the user of the television 40A does not operate the television 40A. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the safety of the user of the television 40A more accurately.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. Moreover, it is intended that the techniques disclosed in the embodiments are combined as much as possible.

It is a figure showing the structure of the viewing-and-listening information transmission system 10 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a sequence chart showing processing performed between IP telephone management server 20 and television 40. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of functions realized by the television 40. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a television 40. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one aspect of data storage in a memory 412 of the television 40. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing a configuration of a frame 600 used in communication between the television 40 and the IP telephone management server 20. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main part of a series of operations executed by CPU 410 of television 40. 3 is a block diagram showing functions realized by IP telephone management server 20. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer system 900 that functions as an IP telephone management server 20. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one aspect of data storage in a hard disk 950 of a computer system 900. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a frame 1100 transmitted from an IP telephone management server 20 to each television 40. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by CPU 910 of IP telephone management server 20. It is a figure showing one mode of data storage in memory 412 of television 40A concerning a modification of an embodiment of the invention. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of functions realized by IP telephone management server 20. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  10 viewing information transmission system, 20 IP telephone management server, 22 processor, 24 database, 30 Internet, 40 TV, 50 remote control terminal.

Claims (14)

Connected to the first and second television receivers via a communication line, as well as a first television receiver and a second television receiver capable of making a call by an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone function An information processing apparatus,
The first television receiver is:
First communication means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the information processing apparatus via the communication line;
An input means for receiving an instruction to select one of a plurality of channels;
Selecting means for selecting any one of the channels based on the instruction;
A remote control terminal for transmitting a radio signal for controlling the operation of the first television receiver,
The remote control terminal transmits an instruction to select the channel to the input means;
The first communication means transmits information specifying the channel selected by the selection means to the information processing apparatus in response to the instruction being transmitted by the remote control terminal,
The second television receiving device includes second communication means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the information processing device via the communication line,
The second communication means transmits a history request signal for requesting the information processing apparatus to transmit a viewing history of the first television receiver,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Third communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the first and second television receivers via the communication circuit;
Viewing history storage means for storing information specifying the channel transmitted from the first communication means as the viewing history of the first television receiver together with time information;
Permission information storage means for storing information indicating whether or not to permit transmission of the viewing history of the first television receiver stored in the viewing history storage means to the second television receiver;
When the request signal is received from the second television receiving device, the storage means stores information that permits transmission to the second television receiving device. Information transmitting means for causing the communication means 3 to transmit the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage means to the second television receiver;
Extraction means for extracting a viewing pattern from the viewing history;
Determining means for determining whether or not the information specifying the channel transmitted from the first communication means follows the viewing pattern extracted by the extracting means;
When the determination means determines that the information specifying the channel transmitted from the first communication means does not follow the viewing pattern extracted by the extraction means, or from the viewing pattern from the first communication means A notification means for notifying the second television receiver when the predicted information is not received;
An information request signal transmitting means for causing the third communication means to transmit an information request signal for requesting transmission of information specifying the channel selected by the selecting means to the first television receiver;
In response to receiving the information request signal, the first communication means transmits information specifying the channel selected by the selection means to the information processing apparatus,
The second television receiver is:
Display means for displaying the viewing history when the viewing history transmitted from the information transmitting means is received;
And an operation means for receiving an operation from the outside,
The viewing information transmission system, wherein the second communication unit transmits the history request signal to the information processing apparatus in response to an operation performed on the operation unit. Connected to the first and second television receivers via a communication line, as well as a first television receiver and a second television receiver capable of making a call by an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone function An information processing apparatus,
The first television receiver is:
First communication means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the information processing apparatus via the communication line;
An input means for receiving an instruction to select one of a plurality of channels;
Selecting means for selecting any one of the channels based on the instruction,
The first communication unit transmits information specifying the channel selected by the selection unit to the information processing apparatus,
The second television receiving device includes second communication means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the information processing device via the communication line,
The second communication means transmits a history request signal for requesting the information processing apparatus to transmit a viewing history of the first television receiver,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Third communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the first and second television receivers via the communication circuit;
Viewing history storage means for storing information specifying the channel transmitted from the first communication means as the viewing history of the first television receiver together with time information;
Permission information storage means for storing information indicating whether or not to permit transmission of the viewing history of the first television receiver stored in the viewing history storage means to the second television receiver;
When the request signal is received from the second television receiving device, the storage means stores information that permits transmission to the second television receiving device. Information transmission means for transmitting the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage means to the second television receiving device.
The second television receiver further includes display means for displaying the viewing history when the viewing history transmitted from the information transmitting means is received. The first television receiver further includes a remote control terminal that transmits a radio signal for controlling the operation of the first television receiver,
The remote control terminal transmits an instruction to select the channel to the input means;
3. The viewing according to claim 2, wherein the first communication unit transmits information specifying the channel selected by the selection unit to the information processing apparatus in response to the instruction being transmitted by the remote control terminal. Information transmission system. The information processing apparatus includes:
Extraction means for extracting a viewing pattern from the viewing history;
Determining means for determining whether or not the information specifying the channel transmitted from the first communication means follows the viewing pattern extracted by the extracting means;
When the determination means determines that the information specifying the channel transmitted from the first communication means does not follow the viewing pattern extracted by the extraction means, or from the viewing pattern from the first communication means The viewing information transmission system according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising notification means for notifying the second television receiver when the predicted information is not received. The information processing apparatus causes the third communication unit to transmit an information request signal requesting transmission of information specifying the channel selected by the selection unit to the first television receiver. Further comprising means,
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit transmits information specifying the channel selected by the selection unit to the information processing apparatus in response to receiving the information request signal. The viewing information transmission system described in Crab. The second television receiver further includes operation means for accepting an operation from the outside,
6. The viewing according to claim 2, wherein the second communication unit transmits the history request signal to the information processing apparatus in response to an operation performed on the operation unit. Information transmission system. A television receiver capable of making a call by an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone function,
Via a communication line, connected to an information processing device for storing information as to whether or not transmission of the viewing history of the television receiving device is permitted for each terminal,
A communication means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the information processing apparatus via the communication line;
An input means for receiving an instruction to select one of a plurality of channels;
Selecting means for selecting any one of the channels based on the instruction;
The television receiving apparatus, wherein the communication means transmits information specifying the channel selected by the selecting means to the information processing apparatus. A remote control terminal for transmitting a radio signal for controlling the operation of the television receiver;
The remote control terminal transmits an instruction to select the channel to the input means;
8. The television receiver according to claim 7, wherein the communication unit transmits information specifying the channel selected by the selection unit to the information processing device in response to the instruction being transmitted by the remote control terminal. .   9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the communication unit transmits information specifying the channel selected by the selection unit to the information processing apparatus in response to receiving a request signal from the information processing apparatus. TV receiver. An information processing device connected via a communication line to a first television receiver and a second television receiver capable of making a call by an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone function,
Viewing history storage for storing information specifying the channel selected in the first television receiving apparatus transmitted from the first television receiving apparatus as the viewing history of the first television receiving apparatus together with time information Means,
Permission information storage means for storing information indicating whether or not to permit transmission of the viewing history of the first television receiver stored in the viewing history storage means to the second television receiver;
When the request signal is received from the second television receiving device, the second means is provided on the condition that the storage means stores information permitting transmission to the second television receiving device. An information processing apparatus comprising: an information transmission unit that transmits the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage unit to the television receiving device. Extraction means for extracting a viewing pattern from the viewing history;
Judging means for judging whether or not the information specifying the channel selected in the first television receiving apparatus transmitted from the first television receiving apparatus follows the viewing pattern extracted by the extracting means; ,
When the determination unit determines that the information specifying the channel transmitted from the first television receiver does not follow the viewing pattern extracted by the extraction unit, or the first television receiver The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: a notification unit configured to notify the second television reception apparatus when information predicted from the viewing pattern is not received. A terminal device capable of making a call by an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone function,
Communication means for transmitting and receiving signals between a viewing history of a television receiver and an information processing device that stores information as to whether or not the terminal device is permitted to transmit the viewing history via a communication line With
The communication means transmits a history request signal requesting the information processing apparatus to transmit the viewing history,
A terminal device further comprising display means for displaying the viewing history when the viewing history transmitted from the information transmitting means is received. It further comprises an operation means for accepting an external operation,
The terminal device according to claim 12, wherein the communication unit transmits the history request signal to the information processing apparatus in response to an operation performed on the operation unit. An input means for receiving an instruction to select one of a plurality of channels;
Selecting means for selecting any one of the channels based on the instruction;
Receiving means for receiving a broadcast wave of the channel selected by the selecting means;
The terminal device according to claim 12, further comprising a remote control terminal that transmits a radio signal for controlling an operation of the terminal device.

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