JP2008193722A - Information processing method, client terminal apparatus, information providing method, computer-executable program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a client terminal apparatus capable of receiving information from an information server device accurately in accordance with time when a user starts issuing a request through a network. <P>SOLUTION: The client terminal apparatus 101 which transmits information source specifying information to an information server service and receives information corresponding thereto from the information server device includes: a timer 111 for acquiring the present time; a user request information creation portion 112 which adds present time information, as time specifying information, to the information source specifying information; a communication portion 113 which transmits an information acquisition request containing a set of the information source specifying information and the time specifying information to the information server device; and a display portion 105 which displays the information returned from the information server device in response to the information acquisition request. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a client terminal device and an information processing method for providing information from an information server device to a client terminal device via a network. In particular, the present invention relates to a client terminal apparatus and method for receiving and using information via a network in conjunction with a broadcast program or a storage medium, and a program therefor.

  With the recent development of computer and network technologies, information is actively provided from an information server device to a client terminal device via a network. A typical example is that information (content) is placed in an information server device on the so-called Internet, and a URL (Universal Resource Locator) of the information is specified from the client terminal device, whereby information is transmitted to the client terminal device. It is a service that is provided.

  Such distribution of information is generally performed regardless of time, unlike a system that distributes information according to a schedule such as television broadcasting. In such a case, when information is distributed regardless of time, there is a problem that the contents cannot be changed depending on time. As a technique for solving such a problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-260260 discloses a time when the information server apparatus arrives even when there is an information acquisition request using the same URL from a web browser via a network. A technique is disclosed in which different information is transmitted by switching the URL in accordance with the URL. By arranging information corresponding to the corresponding time in these URLs, information corresponding to the time when each request is made can be distributed to each client terminal device.

As an information providing method for associating a broadcast service and a network service, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 2 described later. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, the URL of the network service is registered for each channel in the client terminal device in the same manner as the reception frequency of the broadcast service. The client terminal device includes a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “remote controller”). The user operates a key on the remote controller to select a channel corresponding to the key combination. When the key combination is assigned to the television broadcast, the television tuner displays the television broadcast, and if the URL registered for the channel is a URL, the URL is transmitted to the URL via the network. Access to get information and display.
JP 2002-207656 A, FIG. 1, FIG. 2, page 3, right column, line 5 to page 4, right column, line 2 JP-A-9-223084, FIGS. 24-29, paragraphs 0043-0054

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the information server apparatus determines URLs to be assigned to users according to arrival times of user requests. Therefore, when a delay in arrival due to a network delay occurs, different URLs may be assigned to two users who have accessed at exactly the same time. Further, when the information server device assigns a specific URL at a certain time, even if the user transmits a request after the time has passed, the URL is a past thing and is not assigned. Therefore, even if the user tries to obtain information on the specific URL, the information cannot be obtained.

  Furthermore, this information server apparatus processes in order from the request that arrives first. For this reason, when a user request with a small network delay accessed later arrives earlier than a user request with a large network delay accessed earlier, a URL may be preferentially assigned to the latter. That is, it is difficult to process access requests in an order that exactly follows the time at which the user issued the access request.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, URL allocation is determined in advance according to the arrival time of a user request. As a result, if the arrival times are the same, they are always connected to the same URL. However, in actual operation, even if the arrival times are the same, there are cases where it is desired to provide different information by looking at the access status from the client. Such a response is difficult with the technique described in Patent Document 1.

  For example, it may be desired to view past information at the current time. In the method of providing information according to the arrival time as in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is impossible to see past information as such. However, because the information that is accessed and displayed now is interesting, there are users who try to access again later, and in order to respond to such users' requests, a technology that changes the contents of the information regardless of only the arrival time is essential. become. In addition, since the information obtained by accessing now is interesting, such a technique is necessary to enable the usage of teaching the address information to others (for example, by e-mail).

  On the other hand, in general, on the server side, information to be provided to the user is created by combining various types of information. In order to access a certain information, a complete address (for example, URL) for accessing the information is used. Need to know. In order to allow a user to access content created in the future that changes according to the time, it is necessary to inform the client terminal of an appropriate address according to the time at which the access occurs. For example, in the case of a server that provides information accompanying a television broadcast, it can be easily imagined that the situation will provide more than 100 information a day. It is difficult to manage these addresses on the server side, and the means for conveying them to the client terminal is also complicated.

  Also, for example, a website that limits the number of users that can be accessed simultaneously is conceivable. When more than a limited number of users access such a site, it is desirable to provide another website for users who have accessed after exceeding the limited number. In addition, when a plurality of users access this site in the vicinity of a limited number, it is desirable that the user who has started the access first can connect to the website preferentially.

  In the technique referred to in Patent Document 2, a user can receive a web service related to a broadcast program by assigning a key to the web service related to the program broadcast on the broadcast channel. . However, the key assigned for each broadcast channel and the key assigned for each specific web service are separate and not related to each other. Therefore, if a user wants to receive a web service related to a broadcast program, the user must think about the relationship between the broadcast channel and the key assigned to the web service.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and relates to a client terminal device used together with an information server device that provides information according to the time at the time when a user starts a request via a network, and a broadcast service. An object of the present invention is to provide a client terminal device that provides a web service.

  A client terminal device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a client terminal device that transmits information source specifying information to an information server device and receives corresponding information from the information server device, in order to acquire the current time Means for adding current time information to the information source specifying information as time specifying information, and means for transmitting an information acquisition request including a set of information source specifying information and time specifying information to the information server device And means for displaying information returned from the information server device in response to the information acquisition request.

  Preferably, the client terminal device further includes means for automatically calibrating a timer used when acquiring the current time.

  The time specifying information may be an information acquisition request time in the client terminal device. Further, it may be a relative time from the reproduction start time of the storage medium in the client terminal device.

  In addition, the time specifying information may be a relative time from the generation time of the information acquisition request in the client terminal device.

  Further, the time specifying information may be information including both the relative time from the reproduction start time in the client terminal device and the current time.

  The client terminal device may further include a storage unit for storing the information acquisition request and a reading unit for reading any of the plurality of information acquisition requests stored in the storage unit.

  Preferably, the client terminal device automatically receives a notification means from the information server device, an analysis means for analyzing the notification information received by the reception means, and an analysis result by the analysis means. And an information acquisition means for acquiring information from the information server device.

  More preferably, the client terminal device further includes means for receiving access information transmitted from the information server apparatus, and means for displaying the access information received by the receiving means.

  The client terminal device may further include an access control means for automatically controlling stop and execution of access to the information server in response to the analysis result by the analysis means.

  The information acquisition request may include a set of information source specifying information and time specifying information and additional information necessary for the information server device to specify information.

  An information processing method according to a second aspect of the present invention is an information processing method in a computer that transmits information source specifying information to an information server device and receives information corresponding to the information, and the computer acquires the current time. A step of operating the computer so that the current time information is added to the information source specifying information as the time specifying information, and a set of the information source specifying information and the time specifying information is transmitted to the information server device as an information acquisition request. And a step of operating the computer to display information returned from the information server device in response to the information acquisition request.

  The computer-executable program according to the third aspect of the present invention, when executed by the computer, causes the computer to operate so as to implement the method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention.

  An information providing method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention provides information to a client terminal device that transmits information source specifying information to an information server device and receives corresponding information from the information server device, and the client terminal device. An information providing method in an information providing system comprising an information server device, the step of specifying a current time in a client terminal device, and the time specifying information for specifying time in information source specifying information in a client terminal device A step of adding, an information acquisition request including a set of information source specifying information and time specifying information in the client terminal device to the information server device, and an information acquisition request from the client terminal device in the information server device. The receiving step and the information server device analyzing the information acquisition request. A step of selecting information based on an analysis result in the analyzing step in the information server device, a step of returning information selected in the selecting step to the client terminal device in the information server device, and a client terminal Displaying the information returned from the information server device in the device.

  Preferably, the information providing method further includes a synchronization step of performing time synchronization between the information server device and the client terminal device.

  A recording medium according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program according to the third aspect of the present invention is recorded.

  As described above, according to the information providing system of the present invention, the provided information is switched according to the time designated by the user. As a result, the user can be provided with information related to the display content of a broadcast program such as a TV broadcast without performing complicated operations. In addition, the service provider changes the information to be provided to multiple users and the order in which the information is provided by using the time information from the user and the request arrival time (network delay time) calculated from the time information. I can do things.

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

<Embodiment 1>
Embodiment 1 below relates to an information transmission / display system including an information server device and a client terminal device.

(System configuration)
1 shows a plurality of client terminal devices 101, an information server device 116 that provides information from a plurality of information sources to the client terminal devices via a network 90, and a plurality of content provider terminal devices having a plurality of information sources. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an information providing system including 131. FIG. The information server device 116 includes a content data database 127, and the content provider terminal device 131 includes a content data database 133 provided to the information server device 116.

(External view of client terminal apparatus 101)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a general configuration of the client terminal device 101 and a usage form thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the client terminal device 101 includes a remote controller and a client terminal capable of communicating with the remote controller using infrared rays and displaying an image on a box such as a television receiver. The client terminal is connected to the network, sends request information received from the user to the network, and displays content data transmitted from the server apparatus on the network on the box screen in response to the request. Further, the client terminal device 101 can receive a broadcast program from a broadcast station, and the user can also watch a broadcast program from the broadcast station using the client terminal device 101.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the key arrangement of the remote controller. As shown in FIG. 3, this remote controller will be described in this embodiment and the embodiments to be described later in addition to keys (power key, volume key, numeric key) and the like for operating a general television receiver. A key group (multi-time key, multi-channel key, information menu key, information acquisition key, information storage key, arrow key) for realizing the operation of the client terminal device 101 is provided.

(Block diagram of the client terminal device 101)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the client terminal device 101. As shown in FIG. 4, the client terminal device 101 of the present invention includes a channel selection input unit 102 for setting a broadcast program channel using an input device such as a remote controller, a mouse, and a keyboard, and each broadcast channel using the input device. Information source specifying information input unit 103 that inputs information source specifying information corresponding to the time information, time information input unit 104 that inputs time information using the input device, and broadcast program or provided content data are displayed separately or simultaneously And a storage unit 106 for storing information such as time information and information source specifying information.

  The client terminal apparatus 101 further includes a first table 107 that stores associations between broadcast channels and information source identification information, an information registration unit 108 that registers this information in the first table 107, and a first table 107 Table reference unit 109 for referring to information, synchronization acquisition unit 110 that performs time synchronization with the information server device, timer 111 that holds synchronized time information, and information by adding time information to information source specifying information A user request information creation unit 112 that creates user request information that is a provision request, a communication unit 113 that transmits and receives network information such as user request information and provision content data, and a storage unit that accumulates the provided content data 114, a display switching unit for switching display, a channel selection switching unit for switching broadcast programs to be displayed, and a channel being selected in conjunction with channel selection switching. Including source specific information switching unit for selecting an information source identification information corresponding to the panel, and a control unit 115 for controlling all of these means.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first table 107. As shown in FIG. 5, the first table 107 stores broadcast channel numbers and information source specifying information of broadcast program related information of each channel in association with each other.

(Block diagram of information server device)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the information server device 116. As shown in FIG. 6, the information server device 116 of the present invention includes a storage unit 117 for storing the location of content data to be distributed and the destinations of a plurality of client terminal devices, user request information from the client terminal devices, and content providers. The communication unit 118 that receives registration information from the client and transmits the provided content data to the client, the synchronization acquisition unit 119 that performs time synchronization between the client terminal device and the content provider terminal device, and synchronized time information A timer 120 that holds the information, a comparison unit 121 that compares the timer time information and the provision start time to the client terminal device, analyzes and analyzes the user request information, and obtains a user ID, information source specifying information, and time specifying information The user information analyzing unit 122 for extracting the information and the third table 123 for storing the user request information An information registration unit 125 for registering information and registering information source specifying information from the content provider terminal device in the second table 124; and a storage unit 128 for storing the content data 126 acquired from the content provider in the database 127; A table reference unit 129 that references the table and selects content data corresponding to the user request information, and a control unit 130 that controls all of these means.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the information server device 116 receives the information source specifying information, the providing time specifying information, the content provider storing location specifying information from the content provider terminal device, and the content storing location specifying information in the database 127 as the second information. In the table 124 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the information server device 116 stores the client ID and the request time information of the client in the third table 123 from the user request information from the plurality of client terminal devices.

(Description of content provider terminal device)
As shown in FIG. 9, the content provider terminal device 131 transmits information such as information source identification information, a provision time zone, provision conditions, and requested content data to the information server device, and the content data from the information server device It includes a communication unit 132 that receives an acquisition request, a storage unit 135 that stores content data 133 to be provided in a database 134, and a control unit 136 that controls all of these means.

(Hardware configuration of the device)
The client terminal device 101 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is substantially configured by a computer. However, in this embodiment, since the client terminal device 101 can receive and display a television, it is different from a normal computer in that it includes a television tuner and the like.

  Referring to FIG. 10, a client terminal device 101 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1391 that executes software having a control structure as will be described later, and a random access memory (RAM) used as a work area or the like during program execution. 1392, a read-only memory (ROM) 1393 for storing static information such as programs and various tables, and a tuner for receiving video (or a playback unit for selecting and playing back video from storage media) 1394 And a timer 1395 for counting time (corresponding to the timer 111 in FIG. 4), a remote controller 1333, an infrared interface (I / F) 1396 for receiving commands from the remote controller 1333, and both for communicating with an external network Audio output with the network I / F 1397 Includes the audio output portion 1398, a display portion 1399 for displaying and other various displays of the web page. As the ROM 1393, it is desirable to use a rewritable nonvolatile memory (for example, a flash memory) in preparation for the necessity of updating the program.

  The information server device 116, the content provider terminal device 131, and the like are substantially composed of computers and have almost the same configuration as the client terminal device 101. However, it does not include parts specific to the client terminal device such as the tuner 1394, infrared I / F 1396, remote control 1397 audio output unit 1398 shown in FIG. 10, and instead includes a large-scale storage device for operating a database such as a hard disk.

(Control structure of client terminal apparatus 101)
The control structure of the control program in the control unit 115 of the client terminal device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12.

  Referring to FIG. 11, when a program for the control unit of client terminal apparatus 101 is activated, in step S501, it waits for something to be input while displaying a broadcast program on a television or display. If there is an input, control proceeds to step S502. For example, when the user clicks the information acquisition button on the remote controller and issues an acquisition request to the client terminal device, the determination result in step S501 is YES and control proceeds to S502.

  In step S502, it is determined whether the input is a user input. If the input is a user input, control proceeds to step S503. If the input is not a user input, since the input is a system input, control proceeds to step S513, and the system input is processed. When the system input process ends, the control returns to step S501.

  On the other hand, in step S503, it is determined whether or not the user input is information source specifying information input. The information source specifying information is information for specifying a provider of content data corresponding to each broadcast channel. Typically, this information source specifying information is the URL of the content data. If the user input is information source identification information input, the control proceeds to step S514, otherwise the control proceeds to step S504.

  In step S514, a URL input screen is displayed to the user. The information source specifying information input unit 103 receives the input information of the information source specifying information for each broadcast channel from the user, registers the input information in the first table 107 by the information registration unit 108, and displays the broadcast program again. To do. Control then returns to step S501.

  On the other hand, in step S504, the user input is a condition necessary for acquiring content data related to program contents broadcast in the past or content data related to program contents scheduled to be broadcast in the future. It is determined whether or not an input of a future designated time is requested. If so, control proceeds to step S515, otherwise control proceeds to step S505.

  In step S515, a time information input screen is displayed to the user. The time information input unit 104 receives time specifying information input from the user, and the storage unit 106 stores the input information. The time information flag is rewritten to “specified time” and the broadcast program is displayed again. Thereafter, the control returns to step S501.

  On the other hand, in step S505, it is determined whether or not the user input is an input requesting channel switching of the broadcast program. If channel switching is requested, control proceeds to step S516, otherwise control proceeds to step S506.

  In step S516, the client terminal apparatus 101 refers to the first table 107 by the table reference unit 109, reads information source identification information corresponding to the selected broadcast channel, and stores it in the storage unit 106. The client terminal apparatus 101 further displays the program of the selected broadcast channel and returns control to step S501.

  On the other hand, in step S506, it is determined whether or not the user input requests acquisition of information related to the content of the broadcast program currently being viewed by the user. If the user input is an information acquisition request input, the control proceeds to step S507 shown in FIG. 12, otherwise it is determined that the user has made another request such as switching the volume output, and the control proceeds to step S517. Proceed to

  In step S517, the control unit 115 performs processing corresponding to the request from the user, such as switching of the volume output, and then returns control to step S501.

  On the other hand, in step S507 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the user input is with time specifying information. As will be described later, the value of the time information flag in the storage unit 106 is referred to. If it is determined that the time information flag indicates the “current time” and the user is requesting acquisition of content data of the current time, the control proceeds to step S508. Otherwise, that is, when the time information flag of the storage unit 106 indicates “specified time”, the user input is with time specifying information, and the control proceeds to step S509.

  In step S508, the control unit 115 acquires the time when the user presses the button as time information from the timer 111, stores it in the storage unit 106, and proceeds to step S509.

  In step S509, URL = “http://www.1channel.co.jp” associated with the currently selected channel stored in the storage unit 106 is read as information source specifying information, and time specifying information is read. Is added to the user request information, and the user request information is transmitted to the information server device 116 that provides the information providing service. At this time, the display screen displays that information is being acquired, and waits for content data requested from the server to arrive.

  In step S <b> 510, the requested information is received from the information server device 116, and the provided information storage unit 114 stores this information. The control proceeds to step S511, and the accumulated information is displayed on the display device by the display unit 105. Thereby, the user can view the requested information.

  In step S512, it is determined whether or not there is an input for returning to the original program display, and the process waits until there is an input for returning to the original program. If there is an input to return to the original program, control returns to step S501 to return to the display of the broadcast channel program prior to the display of the related content data.

  The above is the control structure of the program executed by the control unit 115 of the client terminal device 101.

  Next, a control structure of a program executed by the control unit 130 of the information server device 116 shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 13, control unit 130 of information server device 116 stands by until there is any input in step S601. If there is an input, control proceeds to step S602.

  In step S602, it is determined whether the input source of the input is a client terminal, a server administrator, or a content provider (data registration request from the content provider terminal device 131 that provides the related information in FIG. 1). . If the input source is a client terminal, the control proceeds to step S603. If the input source is a server administrator, the control proceeds to step S608. If the input source is a content provider, the control proceeds to step S605.

  In step S605 and subsequent steps, processing is performed when the input source is a content provider. First, in step S605, it is determined whether the input from the content provider terminal device 131 of FIG. 1 is requested content data or new registration information of information source specifying information. If the input is content data, control proceeds to step S606, otherwise control proceeds to step S607.

  In step S <b> 606, the control unit 130 accumulates content data in the database 127 via the accumulation unit 128. Control then returns to step S601.

  On the other hand, in step S607, the input new registration information is registered in the second table 124 through the information registration unit 125. Further, a content data acquisition request is issued to the content provider terminal device 131 in accordance with the newly registered information source specifying information. Thereafter, the control returns to step S601. When the content provider terminal device 131 transmits content data to the information server device 116 in response to this request, the information server device 116 stores the content data received from the content provider terminal device in step S606. Is done.

  On the other hand, a process when it is determined in step S602 that the input is an input from the administrator of the information server device will be described. In step S608, processing is performed for other inputs such as information server management input. Thereafter, the control returns to step S601.

  Finally, a process when it is determined in step S602 that the input is from the client terminal device 101 will be described. In step S603, the user information analysis unit 122 analyzes the user request information. Further, the user ID and the time specifying information are registered in the third table 123 by the information registration unit 125 for each information source specifying information. Control then proceeds to step S604.

  In step S604, the table reference unit 129 refers to the second table 124 and the third table 123 to read the location of the content data in the database 127 and the user ID (identification information) that is the destination to be provided. The distribution of the content data is started via the communication unit 118. Thereafter, the control is returned to step S601.

  The operation of the system according to the first embodiment will be described below using an example. It is assumed that the user is watching a broadcast program from a broadcast station through the TV screen of the client terminal device 101 as shown in the usage form of FIG. In step S501, the control unit of the client terminal device 101 waits for something to be input while displaying the broadcast program on the television or display.

  For example, when a car commercial message (hereinafter simply referred to as “CM”) is displayed while viewing channel 8 at 9:02:35 on November 19, 2002, the user has more details about the car. Suppose you want to get the right information. At this time, the user clicks an information acquisition button on the remote control. With this operation, an acquisition request is issued to the client terminal device. The time information flag in the storage unit 106 is set to a value indicating “current time”.

  The control unit of the client terminal device determines that the input is a user input in step S502 of FIG. Control proceeds to step S503.

  At this time, the user does not request input of the URL (information source specifying information) of the content data provider corresponding to each broadcast channel. Therefore, the result of the determination in step S503 is NO, and control proceeds to step S504.

  In addition, users are requesting the past / future necessary to acquire content data related to program contents broadcast in the past and content data related to program contents scheduled to be broadcast in the future. It is not the input of the specified time. Therefore, the determination result in step S504 is NO. Control proceeds to step S505.

  Here, the user does not request channel switching of the broadcast program being viewed. Therefore, the determination result in step S505 is also NO, and the control proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, it is determined whether the user has requested acquisition of information related to the content of the broadcast program being viewed. Here, the determination result is YES. Therefore, control proceeds to step S507.

  In step S507, since the time information flag in the storage unit 106 indicates “current time”, it is determined that the user is requesting acquisition of content data having the contents of the current time. Control proceeds to step S508. In step S <b> 508, the time when the user presses the button is acquired as time information from the timer 111 and stored in the storage unit 106. Control proceeds to step S509.

  In step S509, the control unit 115 obtains the URL associated with the selected channel stored in the storage unit 106, for example, URL = “http://www.1channel.co.jp” as the information source. Read as specific information. The control unit 115 further adds time specifying information (for example, a format such as “t = 02_11_19_09_02_35”) when the user presses the button. As a result, user request information “http://www.1channel.co.jp/t=02_11_19_09_02_35” is created. The control unit 115 transmits the user request information as an information provision request to the information server device that provides the information provision service. At this time, in the client terminal device 101 of the present embodiment, the display screen is switched to a screen that displays that information is being acquired when the information acquisition button is pressed, and waits for the content data requested from the server to arrive.

  On the other hand, the information server device 116 is in an input waiting state in step S601 in FIG. If there is an input from the client terminal device 101, the control proceeds to step S602. In step S602, it is determined that the input is user request information received from the client terminal device. Control proceeds to step S603.

  In step S603, the control unit 130 causes the user information analysis unit 122 to analyze the user request information “http://www.1channel.co.jp/t=02_11_19_09_02_35”. The control unit 130 further includes a user ID “230.122.4.155” and time identification information “02: 11: 19: 09: 02: 35” separately from the information source identification information “http://www.1channel.co.jp”. Is registered in the third table 123 by the information registration unit 125. Control proceeds to step S604.

  In step S604, the table reference unit 129 refers to the second table 124 and the third table 123, the location “D: /1channel/CM/car.rtp” of the content data in the database 127, and the destination to be provided The user ID “230.122.4.155” is read out, and the content data “car.rtp” is distributed by the communication unit 118.

  In the client terminal apparatus 101, the requested information is received from the information server apparatus in step S510, and this information is accumulated by the provision information accumulation unit 114. Further, the control proceeds to step S511, and the control unit 115 displays the accumulated information on the display device by the display unit 105. As a result, the user can view information related to the requested CM of the car being viewed. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S512, and waits until a request for returning the display screen to the program display is input from the user. If there is a request, the display screen is returned to the display of the broadcast channel program before the display of the related content data, and the control is returned to step S501.

  In the flowchart of the information server device 116 shown in FIG. 13, if it is determined in step S602 that the request is a data registration request from the content provider terminal device 131 that provides the related information shown in FIG. The process proceeds to S605. In step S605, it is determined whether the input from the content provider terminal device 131 in FIG. 1 is requested content data or new registration information of information source specifying information. If it is determined that the data is content data, the control proceeds to step S606. In step S606, the content data is stored in the database 127 by the storage unit 128.

  If it is determined in step S605 that the information is new registration information, the control proceeds to step S607. In step S <b> 607, the input new registration information is registered in the second table 124 by the information registration unit 125. Further, a content data acquisition request is issued to the content provider terminal device 131 in accordance with the newly registered information source specifying information. For example, when providing content data of a car commercial (hereinafter referred to as “CM”) in advance, the content provider provides a data location (for example, “http: //” in the content provider terminal device 131 in step S607. www.1channel / CM / car.rtp ”) and provision time (for example,“ 02: 11: 19: 09: 00−9: 05 ”) are registered. Thereafter, the server terminal device issues a content data acquisition request to the content provider terminal device, and the content data received from the content provider terminal device is stored in step S606.

  Under the conditions different from those described above, the details of the operations of the client terminal device 101 and the information server device 116 are of course different from those described above. However, the control structure of the program for realizing it is as described above. The operation when the conditions are different will be apparent to those skilled in the art, so details thereof will not be repeated here.

  As described above, in the system of the first embodiment, when the user presses the “information acquisition” key of the remote controller, the time specifying information at that time is sent to the server device together with the information acquisition request. Based on the request with the time specifying information, the server device can read appropriate information associated with the channel viewed by the user on the client terminal device 101 from the database and distribute it to the client terminal device 101. The user can view appropriate information related to the information being viewed with a single button.

<Embodiment 2>
In the information server device of the second embodiment below, the network delay is calculated and the number of client accesses is counted up, and the delay information and the count information are notified to the client terminal device. Further, the information server device schedules information provision time to the client and switches the provision information according to the delay information and the count information. The update of the provided information, an outline of the updated information, and an automatic acquisition command for the updated information are transmitted to the client terminal device. Also, the information requested from the client terminal device and the information provided before and after that time are returned to the client terminal device.

  On the other hand, in the client terminal device of the second embodiment, the display is performed after the related information returned from the information server device can be completely acquired. At this time, after switching to the display screen of related information, the broadcast program before switching and the sound of the storage medium are continuously output. Furthermore, the information acquisition destination is registered at the time of assigning each broadcast program to the key, and whether to add time specifying information at the time of information acquisition is set. Further, when the user operates the information acquisition storage button shown in FIG. 3, the information is not acquired immediately when the button is pressed, but the information of the time when the button is pressed is acquired even after the elapse of time. Information related to the program of the channel that was being watched when the button was pressed can be obtained. As will be described later, the client device of the second embodiment realizes a function of automatically acquiring program information desired by the user by providing means for keyword registration.

  Further, the client terminal device according to the second embodiment receives a notification from the information server device and displays the network access delay time and the access status of the information source that issues the acquisition request. Finally, when a command for instructing to stop information acquisition is received from the information server device, the information acquisition is interrupted in accordance with the command, and a function to notify the user to that effect is realized.

  FIG. 14 shows an overall block diagram of the system of the second embodiment. The configuration of the system shown in FIG. 14 is similar to that shown in FIG. 1, and is replaced with the client terminal device 101, information server device 116, database 127, content provider terminal device 131, and database 133 shown in FIG. These include a client terminal device 101A, an information server device 116A, a database 127A, a content provider terminal device 131A, and a database 133A, each of which has a predetermined function change.

  FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of the client terminal apparatus 101A. This client terminal device 101A is different from the client terminal device 101 shown in FIG. 4 in that a storage medium drive unit 150 that drives a storage medium 152 such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) and reproduces content and a keyword input unit 104A. A point including a control unit 115A that further includes an information acquisition destination storage processing unit that performs processing for storing the information acquisition destination, and a storage medium operation unit that controls the storage medium driving unit 150, instead of the control unit 115; In addition to the user request information creation unit 112 in FIG. 4, a user request information creation unit 112 </ b> A that includes a function for creating user request information based on stored information acquisition destination information is included. is there. In FIG. 15, the same parts as those shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the information server device 116A. This information server device 116A has a configuration similar to that of the information server device 116 shown in FIG. The information server device 116A is different from the information server device 116 in that it includes a second table 124A having the configuration shown in FIG. 17, FIG. 19, or FIG. 20 in place of the second table 124. The function of the information registration unit 125 and the table reference unit 129 according to the first embodiment is changed in accordance with the change in the table configuration, including the third table 123A having the configuration shown in FIG. The information registration unit 125A and the table reference unit 129A are included. In FIG. 16, the same parts as those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIGS. 17, 19, and 20, the second table 124 </ b> A includes, for each content, information source specifying information (typically URL), a provision time zone of the content, and provision of the content. It includes the time, the location of the content data on the content provider side, the location of the content data in the server, and the provision conditions to be satisfied when the content is provided. 17, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20 are shown in a format including different information in order to explain various operations in this embodiment as will be described later. Further, in order to simplify the drawings, only the information related to the description is shown in each drawing.

  Below, in the control structure of the program executed in the control unit of the client terminal device 101A of the second embodiment of FIGS. 21 to 23, and in the control unit of the information server device 116A of the second embodiment of FIGS. By describing the control structure of the program to be executed, functions added in the client terminal apparatus 101A and the information server apparatus 116A will be described together with other functions.

(Information server device that performs information provision scheduling)
In the information server device, the network delay is calculated and the number of client accesses is counted up, the delay information and the count information are notified to the client, and the information provision time scheduling and provision information to the client according to the information are performed. For the example of switching, the second table 124A, which is a program related information providing table of the information server device for counting up the number of users and detecting the network delay in the second embodiment of FIGS. 17, 19, and 20, is used. I will explain.

  21 to 23 are flowcharts showing a control structure of a program executed by the control unit of the client terminal apparatus 101A. The processes in steps S801 to S803 shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 are the same as the processes in steps S501 to S503 in FIG. 11, respectively. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here. However, if the determination result in step S802 is NO, control proceeds to step S815, and the processing performed after step S815 is different from that performed in step S513 in FIG. There is a need to.

  More specifically, in step S815, it is determined whether the received information is information source switching information, count information, or related information. Then, control proceeds to step S818, S816 or S817 according to the determination result.

  In step S818, a keyword stored in advance in the storage unit 106 is read out, checked against the simplified content information in the information source switching information, and a determination as to whether or not a word matching the keyword has been detected from the simplified content information. Is done. If a word matching the keyword is detected, control proceeds to step S819, otherwise control proceeds to step S820.

  In step S819, an automatic acquisition display is displayed on the screen to notify the user that related information is automatically acquired by keyword matching. Thereafter, the control further proceeds to step S812 and subsequent steps shown in FIG. 23, and user request information for the related information caught in the keyword search is transmitted to the information server apparatus. These processes will be described later.

  On the other hand, in step S820, it is determined whether or not an important information display command exists in the information source switching information. If it is determined that there is an important information display command, the control proceeds to step S821, the important information is displayed, and the control returns to step S801. Otherwise, control returns directly to step S801.

  If it is determined in step S815 that the type of information is count information, the access status is displayed based on the count information in step S816, and control returns to step S801.

  If it is determined that the type of information is related information, the control proceeds to step S817, and after the acquisition of the information is completed, the user is notified that the acquisition of information is completed, and the control is performed in step S801. Return to.

  If it is determined in step S803 that the user input is information source identification information, control proceeds to step S822. Otherwise, control proceeds to step S804.

  In step S822, an input screen for information source specifying information (typically URL) is displayed to the user. The information source specifying information input unit 103 receives the input information of the information source specifying information for each broadcast channel from the user, the input information is registered in the first table 107 by the information registering unit 108, and the broadcast program is displayed again. To do. Control then returns to step S801.

  On the other hand, in step S804, the user input is a past / future designation necessary for acquiring content data related to program contents broadcast in the past or content data related to program contents scheduled to be broadcast in the future. It is determined whether the input of time is required, the input of a keyword for registering a keyword is required, or the other. Control proceeds to step S823 if input of a specified time is requested, to step S824 if input of a keyword is requested, and to step S805 of FIG. 22 otherwise.

  In step S823, a time information input screen is displayed to the user. The time information input unit 104 receives time specifying information input from the user, and the storage unit 106 stores the input information. The time information flag is rewritten to “specified time” and the broadcast program is displayed again. Thereafter, the control returns to step S801.

  In step S824, the display screen is switched to the keyword input screen, and input information is received from the user through the keyword input unit 104A. Subsequently, in step S82A, the keyword is stored in the storage unit 106, and the screen display is returned to the screen display before input. Control then returns to step S801.

  On the other hand, in step S805 in FIG. 22, it is determined whether the user input is an operation of the storage medium. If the determination result is YES, the control proceeds to step S825, otherwise the control proceeds to step S806.

  In step S825, it is determined whether the user input is an instruction to store the program being viewed. If so, the control proceeds to step S826, otherwise the control proceeds to step S827.

  In step S826, screen display content, audio display content, information source switching information, and storage start time are stored in accordance with the broadcast channel number in the user input and the specified time zone. Thereafter, the control returns to step S801.

  On the other hand, in step S827, processing such as storage media playback / stop / fast-forward is performed in accordance with user input. Thereafter, control returns to step S801.

  As a result of the determination in step S805, if it is determined that the user input is not related to the operation of the storage medium, the following processing is performed in step S806 and subsequent steps. That is, in step S806, it is determined whether or not the user input is a request for switching display. If the display change is requested, the control proceeds to step S828, otherwise the control proceeds to step S807.

  In step S828, a determination is made as to what the display switching destination is. If it is a broadcast program, control proceeds to step S829, if it is acquired information, control proceeds to step S832, and if it is a storage medium, control proceeds to step S833.

  If switching to a broadcast program is instructed, it is determined in step S829 whether the user input is a channel selection switch request. If it is a channel selection switch request, control proceeds to step S831, otherwise control proceeds to step S830.

  In step S831, the link destination of the information acquisition button is changed so that the information related to the station can be received along with the change of the station to be displayed. Further, the program of the selected station is displayed, and the control returns to step S801.

  In step S830, since it is not a channel selection switching request, a broadcast program is displayed without switching stations. Thereafter, the control returns to step S801.

  On the other hand, in step S832, the display screen is switched to the acquisition information display screen to display the acquisition information. At this time, if there is no audio output from the acquired information, the audio output before display switching is maintained. Thereafter, the control returns to step S801.

  In step S833, processing for displaying the storage medium is executed in accordance with the display switching request. Control then returns to step S801.

  As described above, when it is determined in step S806 that the user input is not a display switching request, the control proceeds to step S807. In step S807, a determination is made as to whether or not an information acquisition destination storage (information storage) button (see FIG. 3) has been pressed by the user. If the information acquisition destination storage button has been pressed, control proceeds to step S834, otherwise control proceeds to step S808.

  In step S834, the current information source specifying information and the current time information when the information acquisition destination button is pressed are stored. Control then returns to step S801.

  In step S808, a determination is made as to whether or not the information acquisition button has been pressed by the user. If the information acquisition button has been pressed, control proceeds to step S809 (FIG. 23), otherwise control proceeds to step S835. In step S835, processing such as volume is performed. Control then returns to step S801.

  In step S809 of FIG. 23, in acquiring information, it is determined whether or not information source specifying information stored in the past is used. If the stored information is to be used, control proceeds to step S837, otherwise control proceeds to step S810.

  In step S837, the stored information source specifying information and time specifying information are read. Control then returns to step S801.

  On the other hand, in step S810, a determination is made as to what is currently displayed. Control proceeds to step S836, S811, or S838, depending on whether the acquired information is displayed, the broadcast program is displayed, or the storage medium is displayed.

  In step S836, related information acquired in the past is displayed. Control then returns to step S801.

  In step S838, it is determined whether the time specifying information is the storage media time or the current time. If it is the storage media time, the control proceeds to step S839. If it is not the storage media time but the current time, the control proceeds to step S811. Note that the storage media time here refers to the relative time from the start of playback in the case of package media, and in an apparatus capable of recording, from the absolute time when the recording starts and the relative time from that time. The time that is calculated.

  In step S839, the storage time of the storage medium is set in the time specifying information. Thereafter, control proceeds to step S813.

  In step S811, it is determined whether or not the input information acquisition request is with deadline specifying information. If time limit specifying information is not attached, control proceeds to step S812, the current time is set as time specifying information, and control proceeds to step S813. Otherwise, control proceeds directly to step S813.

  In step S813, whether or not the input information acquisition request is a request for related information of a program that is temporally adjacent to it, for example, a program in the time zone before and after that, in addition to the related information of the program at the time. A determination is made about. Such a request is generated by pressing the “multi-time” button shown in FIG. If the acquisition of the before / after information is also requested, control proceeds to step S840, otherwise control proceeds to step S814.

  In step S840, the time specifying information and the before / after information acquisition flag are added to the URL of the information acquisition destination and transmitted to the information server device as user multi-time request information. The before / after information acquisition flag is a flag for notifying the server that not only the related information of the program at the current time but also the acquisition of related information at the previous and subsequent times is requested. After step S840, the control returns to step S801.

  On the other hand, in step S814, the time specifying information is added to the URL of the information acquisition destination, and is transmitted to the information server device as user request information. Thereafter, control returns to step S801.

  On the other hand, the control structure of the program executed by the control unit 130A of the information server device 116A is as follows. 24 and 25 show flowcharts of this program.

  Referring to FIG. 24, in step S901, the timer time is acquired from timer 120 and stored in storage unit 117. Subsequently, in step S902, it is determined based on the acquired timer time whether or not the information source switching time has come. If it is the information source switching time, the control proceeds to step S910, otherwise the control proceeds to step S903.

  In step S910, information source switching information including simplified content information that briefly describes the program content created by the content provider and stored in the information server device is transmitted to each client terminal device. Control then returns to step S901.

  In step S903, the table reference unit 129A refers to the second table 124A of the program related information provision table, and the comparison unit 121 compares the information provision time of each information source specifying information and the timer time stored in the storage unit 117. Compare. If the current time matches the provision start time of the information source specifying information requested by the user, the control proceeds to step S930. Otherwise, control proceeds to step S904.

  In step S904, information provision processing is performed. The details are shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 25, first, in step S911, the table reference unit 129A refers to the third table 123A to determine whether or not the information source to be provided has a provision condition regarding the counter information in the client request information. Control proceeds to step S913 if there is a provision condition related to the requested time, to step S914 if there is a provision condition related to the network delay time, and to step S912 if there is no condition.

  In step S912, the table reference unit 129A refers to the third table 123A, sorts the client request information in the order of server arrival time, and proceeds to step S915. In step S913, the table reference unit 129A refers to the third table 123A, sorts the client request information in the order of count information, and proceeds to step S915. In step S914, the table reference unit 129A refers to the third table 123A, sorts the client request information in order of network delay time, and proceeds to step S915.

  In step S915, transmission of content data is started according to the order of the client request information in the third table 123A. The information providing process ends here, and the control returns to step S901 in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 24 again, in step S904, it is determined whether there is an input. If there is an input, control proceeds to step S905. Otherwise, control returns to step S901.

  In step S905, a determination is made as to whether the input is from a content provider, a client terminal, or a server administrator. In the case of a content provider, control proceeds to step S930. If it is from a client terminal, control proceeds to step S906. In the case of a server administrator, control proceeds to step S919.

  In step S916, a determination is made as to whether the content input from the content provider is content data or a request for new information source registration. If it is content data, control proceeds to step S917, and if it is a request for new information source registration, control proceeds to step S918.

  In step S917, the content data transmitted from the content provider is registered in the database 127 using the storage unit 128 shown in FIG. Control returns to step S901.

  On the other hand, in step S918, the input new registration information is registered in the second table 124A by the information registration unit 125A. Further, a content data acquisition request is issued to the content provider terminal device in accordance with the newly registered information source registration information. Thereafter, the control returns to step S901.

  As a result of the determination in step S905, if it is determined that the input is from the server administrator, processing for the server management input is performed in step S919. Control then returns to step S901.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S905, if it is determined that the input is from the client terminal, the processing from step S906 is performed. First, in step S906, the user information analysis unit 122 analyzes and analyzes the user request information, and stores the user ID and the client request time in the user request information and the storage unit 117 for each information source specifying information. The registered timer time is registered as client request information in the third table 123A of the user request information management table by the information registration unit 125A. Control further proceeds to step S907.

  In step S907, the table reference unit 129A refers to the third table 123A, counts up each client request information in the order of the client request time, and creates count information. Further, the information registration unit 125A updates the count information in the third table 123A. Control then proceeds to step S908.

  In step S908, the table reference unit 129A refers to the third table 123A, and calculates the network delay time as a difference between the client request time in each client request information and the timer time stored in the storage unit 117. . Further, the information registration unit 125A updates the network delay time in the third table 123A. Control proceeds to step S909.

  In step S909, the table reference unit 129A refers to the third table 123A, and transmits count information and network delay information registered in the third table 123A to the client terminal apparatus 101A for each user. Thereafter, control returns to step S901. The above is the control structure of the program executed by the information server device 116A.

  Hereinafter, operations of the client terminal device 101A and the information server device 116A will be described with some specific examples.

(Information provision scheduling in information server apparatus 116A)
It is assumed that the user is watching a broadcast program from a broadcast station through a TV screen. At this time, the control unit 115A in the client terminal device 101A is waiting for input while displaying the broadcast program on the television or display in step S801.

  Assume that a CM for ticket sales of a music concert is displayed while viewing one channel at 8: 1: 45 on June 24, 2002. At this time, it is assumed that the user clicks the information acquisition button on the remote controller to acquire more detailed information. In the control unit 115A of the client terminal device 101A, in steps S802 to S811, the input is a request from the user, and the current time is 02: 06: 24: 08: 01: 45 and is related to the program currently being broadcast on one channel. It is determined that the request is for the content to acquire information to be acquired. As a result, control proceeds to step S812.

  In step S812, user request information “http://www.1channel.co.jp/t=02_06_24_08_01_45” is created, and in step S813, this user request information is sent to the information server apparatus 116A that provides the information providing service. Send. At this time, the information acquisition notification is superimposed on the program display on the user's viewing screen and displayed for a certain period of time.

  On the other hand, the control unit 130A of the information server device 116A obtains the timer time from the timer 120 in step S901 and stores it in the storage unit 117, and the user request information “http: // from the client terminal device in steps S902 to S905. It is determined that “www.1channel.co.jp/t=02_06_24_08_01_45” has been input, and the process proceeds to step S906.

  In step S <b> 906, the information server device 116 </ b> A analyzes and analyzes the user request information “http://www.1channel.co.jp/t=02_06_24_08_01_45” by the user information analysis unit 122 to obtain the information source specifying information “http The user ID “10.23.201.5” and the client request time “02: 06: 24: 08: 01: 45” are extracted and stored in the storage unit 117 separately for “: //www.1channel.co.jp”. The timer times “02: 06: 24: 8: 01: 48” are obtained, and these are registered as client request information in the third table 123A of the user request information management table by the information registration unit 125A, and the process proceeds to step S907.

  In step S907, the information server apparatus 116A refers to the third table 123A by the table reference unit 129A, counts up each client request information in order of client request time, and creates count information. Further, the count information of the third table 123A is updated by the information registration unit 125A, and the process proceeds to step S908.

  In step S908, the table reference unit 129A refers to the third table 123A, and calculates the network delay time as the difference between the client request time in each client request information and the timer time stored in the storage unit 117. The information registration unit 125A updates the network delay time in the third table 123A, and the process proceeds to step S909.

  In step S909, the table reference unit 129A refers to the third table 123A, and transmits the count information and the network delay information registered in the third table 123A to each user to the client terminal device.

  Upon receiving this information, the control unit 115A of the client terminal apparatus 101A determines that the count information and the network delay information have been received through steps S801, S802, and S815, and displays these information in step S816 to access the user. Notify the status.

  Thereafter, at 8:03 on June 4, 2002, the control unit 115A of the server terminal device 116A refers to the second table 124A, which is a program related information provision table, by the table reference unit 129A in step S903, The comparison unit 121 compares the information provision time of each information source specifying information with the timer time stored in the storage unit 117. As a result, it is determined that the current time is the provision start time 02: 06: 24: 8: 03 of the information source specifying information http: //www.1channel/ requested by the user, and the control proceeds to step S911.

  In step S911, the table reference unit 129A refers to the third table 123A, and provides the information source “D: / 1channel / CM / concert /” to the provision condition regarding the counter information in the client request information {if (counter <= 100) It is determined that there is get.exe; else fail.html; Control proceeds to step S913.

  In step S913, the table reference unit 129A refers to the third table 123A, and sorts the client request information in the order of count information. Next, in step S915, transmission of content data is started according to the provision condition {if (counter <= 100) get.exe; else fail.html;}. For example, the 55th content data D: /1channel/CM/concert/get.exe is transmitted to the client terminal device with the user ID 10.23.201.5. Thereafter, control returns to step S901.

  The client terminal device 101A receives the content data D: /1channel/CM/concert/get.exe from the information server device 116A. In response to this, the control unit 115A determines that this input is the input of the requested content data D: /1channel/CM/concert/get.exe through steps S801, S802, and S815. As a result, in step S817, the process waits until the data is completely acquired. When the acquisition is completed, the user is notified of the end of information acquisition by displaying the acquisition completion.

  After receiving the acquisition notification, the user presses the display switching button to make a display request for the acquired information. At this time, the control unit of the client terminal apparatus determines that the input is a display request for acquired information from the user through steps S801 to S806 and S828. In step S832, the display screen is switched to the acquisition information display screen, and the acquisition information “get.exe” is displayed. When there is no audio output from the acquired information, the audio output before display switching is maintained.

(Information providing method that automatically acquires related information using keywords)
Next, the specific operation of this system in the case where the provided information update information is notified from the information server device to the client terminal device and related information desired by the user is automatically acquired by keyword registration in the client terminal device will be described. To do.

  It is assumed that the user is watching a broadcast program from a broadcast station through a TV screen. At this time, the control unit 115A of the client terminal device 101A is in a state of waiting for input while displaying the broadcast program on the television or display in step S801. In order to automatically acquire favorite information, the user presses the information menu button and selects a keyword input item in the information menu display.

  In response to this, the control unit 115A of the client terminal apparatus 101A determines that the input is a keyword input request from the user through the processing of steps S801 to S804. In step S824, the display screen is switched to the keyword input screen, and the input information from the user is stored in the storage unit 106 through the keyword input unit 104A. Thereafter, the screen display is returned to the screen display before the input. This completes the keyword registration for the user.

  On the other hand, the control unit 130A of the information server device 116A detects the time when the information source is switched in steps S901 and S902 of FIG. As a result, in step S910, information source switching information including simplified content information that briefly describes the program content created by the content provider and stored in the information server device is transmitted to each client terminal device.

  Upon receiving this information, the control unit 115A of the client terminal device 101A determines in step S801, S802, and S815 that the input is information source switching information received from the information server device. As a result, in step S818, the keyword is read from the storage unit 106 and collated with the simplified content information in the information source switching information. If a word matching the keyword is detected from the simplified content information, control proceeds to step S819.

  In step S819, an automatic acquisition display is displayed on the screen to notify the user that related information is automatically acquired by keyword matching. Further, control proceeds to steps S812, S813, and S814, and user request information for related information caught in the keyword search is transmitted to the information server apparatus.

  If it is determined in step S818 that the information switching information does not match the keyword search, the control proceeds to step S820. If it is determined in step S820 that there is an important information display command in the information source switching information, the control proceeds to step S821. In step S821, in order to notify the user that the information source switched is important, important information is displayed on the screen.

  Acquisition of requested content data in the client terminal device is performed in the same manner as in the above-described example. That is, the user presses the display switching button on the remote controller to switch the display screen to the information display screen obtained, and browses the automatically stored favorite information.

(Information provision method to obtain multiple related information simultaneously)
In addition to the program-related information for which the user has requested acquisition, the related information for the previous and next channels of the broadcast channel for which the acquisition request has been issued, the related information provided at the acquisition request time, and related information that changes in time are also given to the user at the same time. The operation of the system when the provided information providing method is used will be described. Here, a description will be given using a program-related information provision table (third table 123A) of information server apparatus 116A that simultaneously provides a plurality of pieces of broadcast program-related information in Embodiment 2 of FIG.

  It is assumed that a user is watching a broadcast program from a broadcast station through a TV screen. At this time, in step S801, the control unit of the client terminal device is waiting for input while displaying the broadcast program on the television or display.

  When a shopping program is being broadcast on 8 channels at 7:45:26 on February 18, 2002, the user will be introduced to products currently introduced in the program, products introduced a little while ago Assume that the multi-time button on the remote controller is pressed to obtain detailed information on the products introduced later at the same time. The control unit 115A of the client terminal apparatus 101A determines that the input is a request for simultaneous acquisition of a plurality of information from the user through steps S801 to S811. As a result, in step S812, user multi-time request information “http://www.8channel.co.jp/t=02_02_18_07_45_26=multi=time” is created.

  Further, in step S840, this user multi-time request information is transmitted to information server apparatus 116A that provides the information providing service. At this time, a multi-time information acquisition notification is superimposed on the program display on the screen being viewed by the user and displayed for a certain period of time.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the content provider terminal device 131 that provides related information of a shopping program in advance before the program broadcast time is related to the related information files aquos.file and microwave.file of the shopping program in the database 134. , "Http: //www.8channel/shopping/aquos.file, http: //www.8channel/shopping/microwave.file" indicating the location of zaurus.file, "http: //www.8channel/shopping/zaurus .file ”and the information provision time zone“ 02: 02: 18: 07: 30: 00 − 02: 02: 18: 07: 40: 00 ”,“ 02: 02: 18: 07: 40: 00 − 02: “02: 18: 07: 50: 00” and “02: 02: 18: 07: 50: 00 − 02: 02: 18: 08: 00: 00” are registered in the second table 124A, which is a related information provision table. Keep it. At this time, the control unit 130A of the information server device 116A determines that the input is a new registration request from the content provider terminal device in steps S901 to S905 and S916 shown in FIG. Therefore, the control proceeds to step S918, and the input new registration information is registered in the second table 124A by the information registration unit 125A. Furthermore, in accordance with the newly registered information source registration information, a content data acquisition request is issued to the content provider terminal device 131A.

  Content data is sent from the content provider terminal device 131A in response to this acquisition request. The information server device receives the related information files aquos.file, microwave.file, and zaurus.file of the shopping program from the content provider terminal device, and stores them in the location D: / 1channel / shopping / of the database 127. At this time, the control unit determines in steps S901 to S905 and S916 that the input is content data transmitted from the content provider terminal device 131A, and in step S917, the input content data is stored in the storage unit 128. Is stored in the database 127.

  In the control unit 130A of the information server apparatus 116A, through steps S901 to S905 in FIG. 24, the input is user request information “http://www.8channel.co.jp/t=02_02_18_07_45_26=multi=time” It is determined that Control proceeds to step S906, and this user request information includes the URL “http://www.8channel.co.jp” of the website designated by the user and the request designation time “02: 8: 07: 45: 26 ”and that it is a multi-time information acquisition request. The control unit 130A further refers to the second table 124A, which is a related information provision table, with the URL and the time specifying information, and information that the user has issued an information provision request is D: / 8channel / shopping / microwave. Judge that it is file. In order to respond to the user's multi-time information acquisition request, the control unit 130A refers to the second table 124A by the table reference unit 129A, and information provided before and after that is D: / 8channel / shopping / It is determined that it is aquos.file and D: /8channel/shopping/zaurus.file, and this information is provided to the user.

  Acquisition of requested content data in the client terminal device is the same as in the above example. That is, the user presses the display switching button on the remote controller to switch the display screen to the information display screen obtained, and browses the automatically stored favorite information.

(Information provision method using storage media)
In the related information provision table of FIG. 20, an example of the operation of the system according to the present embodiment in the case of using an information provision method for providing information related to a display screen to a user even when viewing a recorded broadcast program or the like. This will be described using a third table 123A.

(When collecting information at the time of accumulation)
It is assumed that the user has recorded a video recording of a drama program broadcast on four channels from 10:00 on December 13, 2002 to 10:00 on December 13, 2002. At this time, the control unit 115A of the client terminal device 101A determines in steps S801 to S805 and S825 that the input from the user is a broadcast program storage request. As a result, in step S826, in accordance with the designated broadcast channel number 4 and the designated time zone “02: 12: 13: 10: 00: 00−02: 12: 13: 11: 00: 00”, the screen display contents, audio Display contents, information source switching information, and storage start time are stored.

  It is assumed that the user starts playing the recorded video on the client terminal device 101A at a later date (for example, from 8:30 on December 14, 2002) and views it through the TV screen. At this time, in step S801, the control unit 115A of the client terminal device 101A is in an input waiting state while performing reproduction display of the storage medium.

  It is assumed that the user clicks the information acquisition button on the remote control to acquire the restaurant information displayed at the playback time of 7 minutes 25 seconds. As a result, an acquisition request is issued to the client terminal device 101A. In steps S801 to S810, control unit 115A determines that the input is a storage media related information acquisition request from the user. Control continues to step S838. In step S838, it is determined that the time specifying information included in the request is the storage time of the storage medium being reproduced and displayed.

  In step S839, the time when the restaurant was displayed when the user actually broadcasted from the playback time of 7 minutes 25 seconds when the user made an information acquisition request and the recording time of December 13, 2002, 10:00:00 On December 13, 2002, 10: 7: 25 is calculated. Then, the time specifying information “t = 02_12_13_10_07_25” is stored in the storage unit 106. Further, the storage time of the storage medium being reproduced and displayed is stored in the storage unit 106.

  In subsequent step S813, it is determined that the user's request is not a simultaneous acquisition request of a plurality of information. In step S814, the URL “http://www.4channel.co.jp” associated with the channel (4 channels) that is the display channel of the storage medium being displayed and the time specifying information “t = 02_12_13_10_07_25” And user request information “http://www.4channel.co.jp/t=02_12_13_10_07_25” is created. Further, the user request information is transmitted to the information server device 116A that provides the information providing service.

  In response to the user request information, related information is provided from the information server device 116A to the client terminal device 101A, and the client terminal device A displays the information.

(When obtaining information during playback)
Assume that a user plays a movie DVD on the client terminal device 101A and views a movie through a TV screen. At this time, in step S801, the control unit of the client terminal device is in an input waiting state while performing reproduction display of the storage medium.

  For example, when the user wants to acquire information related to the display content displayed at a playback time of 1 hour 9 minutes 52 seconds, the user clicks an information acquisition button on the remote controller. As a result, an acquisition request is issued to the client terminal device 101A.

  In response to this request, the control unit 115A of the client terminal apparatus 101A determines in steps S801 to S810 that the input is a request for acquiring related information on the storage medium from the user. Therefore, control proceeds to step S838. In this case, in step S838, it is determined that the time specifying information is the reproduction time of the storage medium. Accordingly, in step S 839, the storage media time “01:09:52” is stored in the storage unit 106. Control proceeds to step S813.

  In step S813, it is determined that the user request is not a simultaneous acquisition request for a plurality of pieces of information. Therefore, control proceeds to step S814. In step S814, the URL “http://www.movie_info.co.jp/123456/” stored in the medium being displayed and the stored media time specifying information “st = 01_09_52” are read out and the user request is made. Information “http://www.movie_info.co.jp/123456/st=01_09_52” is created, and this user request information is transmitted to the information server device 116A that provides the information providing service.

  In response to the user request information, the information server device 116A provides related information to the client in accordance with the related information providing table shown in FIG. The operation of the information server device 116A at this time is the same as that described above.

<Embodiment 3>
The system according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration of the entire system. Referring to FIG. 26, this system includes a broadcast subsystem 1100 for holding and distributing video data, a network subsystem 1200 for providing content synchronized with the broadcast data, a home, an office, and the like. And a client terminal subsystem 1300 used by a user.

  For distribution, broadcasts that are normally sent through terrestrial waves, satellites, cables, and the like are generally used, but may be broadcasts using the Internet or package media such as DVDs. In the case of stream distribution using the Internet, a real-time protocol such as RTP (Real Time Protocol) is often used. In the case of package media, the time is not an absolute time, but a relative time from the base point of the media is used.

  The data distributed from the broadcasting subsystem 1100 to the client terminal subsystem 1300 shown in FIG. 26 is video in the present embodiment, but music, radio, text, etc., as long as there is a temporal flow of data. It may be information or image information.

  In this embodiment, a so-called Internet is assumed as a network with the network subsystem 1200. However, the network is not limited to the Internet. For example, it may be a private network that is not connected to the Internet.

  In the present embodiment, transmission using different physical layers is performed for a route (mainly broadcast) for receiving video by client terminal subsystem 1300 and a route (mainly Internet) for exchanging information through a network. It is. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. However, a bidirectional communication path is required at least between the client terminal subsystem 1300 and the network subsystem 1200. Information sent from the broadcasting subsystem 1100 is mainly information such as video and music having a temporal sequence.

  FIG. 27 shows a block diagram of broadcast subsystem 1100 and network subsystem 1200 used in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 27, a broadcasting subsystem 1100 includes a modulator, an antenna, and the like, and transmits a video sending unit 1101 that sends a video through means such as broadcasting, a timer 1102 that accurately records time, and which video. A video time table 1105 indicating a schedule for distribution at a time, and a video sequence control for controlling a sequence for selecting and sending a video in accordance with the time indicated by the timer 1102 according to the schedule information of the video time table 1105 Unit 1103 and a video recording unit 1104 for storing the video transmitted by the video sequence control unit 1103.

  The video recording unit 1104 of the system according to the present embodiment stores video including CM. In actual broadcasting, there are real-time news programs and the like, so it is not necessary to record all videos in advance. However, switching to a recorded video such as a CM is usually performed even in real-time broadcasting.

  The video time table 1105 stores which video is sent in correspondence with the time. In the case of real-time broadcasting, the schedule may be switched by an instruction from the outside on the spot instead of a time table recorded in advance, such as a CM insertion time. Therefore, information is usually stored in advance in the video time table 1105, but may be changed in real time depending on circumstances. Alternatively, the transmitted video may be forcibly changed regardless of the schedule stored in the video time table 1105.

  On the other hand, the network subsystem 1200 includes a network interface 1201 that communicates with an external client terminal, and an address analysis unit 1202 that analyzes and analyzes information such as time sent from the client terminal accompanying the address information. Content time table 1203 describing what kind of content should be sent at which time, information obtained as a result of analysis / analysis by address analysis unit 1202, content currently held, and content provision And a content configuration unit 1204 for creating content in consideration of information such as CMs that the merchant wants to insert.

  The network subsystem 1200 further includes a content temporary storage unit 1205 for temporarily storing the content created by the content configuration unit 1204 and a content storage unit 1206 for storing the content in a format compatible with the content time table 1203. And a content synchronization unit 1207 for synchronizing the video stored by the video recording unit 1104 and transmitted by broadcast with the content stored by the content storage unit 1206 and transmitted via the network.

  The content stored in the temporary content storage unit 1205 is transmitted from the network interface 1201 to the client terminal subsystem 1300. The content temporary storage unit 1205 is also used for speeding up so that the same content does not have to be created many times when a plurality of the same requests arrive.

  FIG. 28 shows an example of contents stored in the content time table 1203. Items in each row are a content number, start time, end time, other conditions, content name, and remarks in order from the left. If the time information in the access information such as the address from the client terminal is between the start time and end time of a certain content, the content is applied.

  For example, the line of content number = 1 indicates that ./news.html is accessed when the time information in the access information is in the range of 05:00 to 05:55:59. Note that what is called “content” here is not limited to simply indicating one content (or content address), but may be information for creating a page by linking a plurality of contents. I do not care. Similarly, the line of content number = 2 is set to access the same ./news.html.

  Here, the same description “news.html” (representing news) is described in the two lines of content numbers 1 and 2, both of which are the contents, and both access the latest news page. This is because things are assumed. Of course, different pages may be designated for news from 5 o'clock and news from 7 o'clock.

  In this example, the row of content number = 3 indicates a continuous drama that is broadcast every day. Here, the information described in the “content” column indicates information corresponding to today's broadcast.

  The row of content number = 4 includes “Regional condition determination: Send information of another address (./Osaka_region.html) if Osaka” as “other conditions”. If the conditions are set in this way, when the conditions are satisfied, the contents different from the contents of “content” can be set to be broadcast. For example, even for the same program, the CMs aired there are often different depending on the region. If the local conditions (local information) are described as other conditions in the table as above, when you access the web page, you can see the local conditions in the access information and partially It can be adapted to the region.

  Here, as an example, it is desirable that the regional conditions are set at the same time when the TV channel is set. Also, by setting the region, correspondence between TV channels and broadcast waves (general channel settings), base address settings corresponding to each channel, local information settings (Osaka, Nara, California, etc.), each It is desirable to be able to make settings such as whether to add time information and regional conditions for web access using the base address corresponding to the channel at once. For this purpose, a user interface for inputting a region and a table holding a channel, a base address, local information, etc. according to each region are held in a read-only memory, and according to a selection from the user This is possible by setting one of them.

  The start time and end time of the rows of content number = 5 and 6 are both set in a time zone overlapping with the row of content number = 4. Normally, each program is divided into a plurality of parts including a main program part, a corner part (for example, application for a quiz), a commercial, and the like. In this example, it is possible to eliminate the need to express the main program as a plurality of pieces of time by making a description that allows temporal overlap. In the example of FIG. 28, one program “Morning Wide Show” is stored in the row of content number = 4, and the individual parts constituting the program are content number = 5 (quiz) and content number = 6. It is stored in a separate line as (CM in the quiz corner).

  Here, the content information is stored corresponding to the quiz in the wide show and the CM in the quiz corner, but the storage form of such information in the content time table is not limited to this. For example, any format can be adopted depending on the situation and necessity, such as storing these as completely different pages every time or storing them in a format in which three contents are embedded in one page. Good.

  In reality, for example, even if 09:56:59 is set as the end time of a program in this table, it is predicted that the user will access with a slight delay. Therefore, it is desirable to provide in advance a mechanism that can easily jump to pages that are temporally adjacent in this time table, for example, the previous and subsequent pages. Specifically, from a web page corresponding to “morning wide show” with content number = 4, content related to a program broadcast after “continuous drama” with content number = 3 and “morning wide show” You should make a link to.

  Normally, after the broadcast time table stored in the video time table 1105 is determined, the content time table 1203 is modified accordingly. This correction may be performed automatically without human intervention, or may be corrected / added through human intervention. There is no need to be connected online. However, when considering the extension of the baseball broadcast time, it is desirable that the broadcast time extension can be immediately responded.

  There may be a plurality of network subsystems 1200 for one broadcasting subsystem 1100. It is desirable that the client terminal can be set so that one of the network subsystems 1200 can be selected according to the user's preference.

  In this embodiment, the Internet is used for network connection by the network interface 1201. However, the network is not limited to the Internet. Also, the result of analysis by the address analysis unit 1202 is used to select appropriate content, as will be described later.

  FIG. 29 shows a configuration assumed as a client terminal in the client terminal subsystem 1300 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 29, the client terminal includes an Internet modem 1331, a television receiver 1332, and a remote controller 1333 for operating the television receiver 1332.

  The television receiver 1332 is assumed to be connected to a cable television (CATV). In this example, the Internet modem 1331 and the television receiver 1332 are connected to each other by radio.

  As an Internet modem, for example, there is an ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line) modem. If possible, it is desirable to connect to the Internet in a constantly connected form. For example, IEEE802.11b technology, which is a standard by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), can be used as the radio. Of course, a modem may be built in the television body. In the case of connection in a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) by IEEE802.11b, setting of an ESSID (Extended Service Set-Identifier) or an encryption key is required. However, since they are not directly related to the present invention, the details are not described here.

  When accessing the Internet, it is necessary to set an IP address. Assuming that the client terminal is used at home, it is desirable to automatically set the IP address by an existing method such as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to reduce the burden on the user.

  Although it is possible to use a mouse, a keyboard, or the like instead of the remote controller 1333, it is desirable that the input can be performed with one hand, assuming that the client terminal is operated in the same manner as the current television.

  FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating a typical configuration assumed as a client terminal. Referring to FIG. 30, this client terminal includes a video input unit 1311 for inputting a video sent from a video source such as the broadcasting subsystem 1100, a video switching unit 1312 for switching the input video, and a video switch. In response to the change, an address switching unit 1313 that simultaneously switches the base address (information source specifying information) for the network, a base address storage unit 1314 that stores a base address corresponding to a video channel or storage medium, and a video A user input unit 1315 having a user interface for a user to perform switching (base address switching is performed at the same time) and network access instruction (an address is created and a request is transmitted from the network); Including.

  The video input unit 1311 is generally in the form of a tuner. However, a video tape recorder, a hard disk, a DVD, or the like that records video may be used. The video switching unit 1312 realizes switching of broadcast channels, but switching between storage media and switching between broadcasting and storage media can also be performed. As the user input unit 1315, a remote controller and its display are usually used as will be described later.

  The client terminal further includes a timer 1317 for counting time, an address creating unit 1316 for creating an address including time information from the base address held in the base address storage unit 1314 and the current time of the timer 1317; An address storage unit 1322 for storing the address generated by the address generation unit 1316, an information transmission / reception unit 1318 for transmitting the address stored in the address storage unit 1322, and receiving information corresponding thereto, and an actual network A network interface 1319 for transmitting signals to and from the browser 1320 for assembling the information received by the information transmitting / receiving unit 1318 to be displayed (presented to the user), and the video input unit 1311. Assembled with video and browser 1320 The information includes a display portion 1321 for displaying to the user. The client terminal further includes an information storage unit 1323 that stores information displayed by the browser 1320.

  Since there are regions where multiple time zones are used in the United States and the like, the time used in the present invention is expressed based on the world standard time (in Japan, information indicating Japan time + Japan time, for example, JST: Japan Standard) Time) is desirable. When only access synchronized with the video channel is performed, the timer 1317 is not necessary and an address is created without adding time information. Note that the timer 1317 is preferably synchronized with the timer on the server side. However, there is a high possibility that the server side has a very accurate clock linked to the broadcasting system. Therefore, if the system is a system in which the client synchronizes at the correct time, it is possible to synchronize with the server by independently adjusting the server and client to the exact time.

  It is desirable that the client timer is automatically corrected to the correct time at least once a day. Automatic timer correction methods include a method of receiving and correcting a standard radio wave, a method of correcting using a broadcast time signal, a method of correcting using the Internet NTP (Network Time Protocol), SNTP (Simple Network Time Protocol), etc. There are several, but any of them may be adopted. When correcting the time using NTP or SNTP, each client terminal should make an inquiry at a random time so that many client terminal devices do not access the time server at the same time. It is. In addition, it is desirable to divide the NTP server settings by region when setting the channel. This prevents access from being concentrated on the same server.

  In the example shown in FIG. 30, the address created by the address creation unit 1316 can be stored in the address storage unit 1322. Accordingly, when it is desired to obtain content synchronized with the broadcast from the network, the server can be accessed later, not at the same time as the broadcast. In response to an instruction from the user input unit 1315, the address storage unit 1322 stores an address including time information created by the address creation unit 1316. By receiving an instruction from the user interface of the user input unit 1315 later in time, the information transmitting / receiving unit 1318 transmits the address information stored in the address storage unit 1322 from the network interface 1319, and the received content is the browser 1320 and Displayed by the display unit 1321. When the display on the display unit 1321 is switched from the display by the browser 1320 to the display of the broadcast video, the information storage unit 1323 stores the information displayed by the browser 1320 until then for each broadcast channel of the display source. Keep it.

  FIG. 31 shows a flowchart on the server side of the network subsystem 1200. For example, information that URL = http: //www.asa-tv.co.jp/time? Date = 20021209 & time = 203245JST & location = osaka is sent from the client to the server side. In step S1221, the syntax is analyzed and analyzed to obtain information indicating time and attributes of information transmitted from the server side (in this example, regional information). When a URL is given as information, software called a URL parser may be used here.

  Thereafter, in step S1222, based on the information obtained in step S1221, a comparison is made with the contents of the content time table 1203 stored in association with the provision period, the expiration date, or the location of the contents. Based on the above, the database 1224 is accessed, and necessary information is combined to create information (for example, a web page 1227). For this purpose, for example, software called a page composer may be used.

  At this time, it is desirable to store information (time and area information) of pages created in the past and determine whether there are pages created in the past. If this is the first time the page has been created, the page is sent out and stored in the page cache 1226. If the page has been created in the past, in step 1225, an instruction for referring to the page created in the past in the page cache 1226 is issued. Then, the read data is transmitted to the client terminal through the network.

  In general, in the case of providing information linked to broadcasting, there is a high possibility that the same request will be flooded at one time, and it is expected that the response will be slow or the load on the server will be high. In order to avoid such a problem, as described here, once created data is saved and reused, the processing procedure can be simplified and the response speed can be increased.

  In the present embodiment, the time and other information are integrated with the address information and expressed in the URL format. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a method, and such information may be transmitted to the server, and the transmission format is not limited. In addition, when time information analysis fails, it is desirable to transmit preset default information (such as the URL of the main page prepared by the corresponding television station).

  The information accompanying the time information and indicating the attribute of the information transmitted by the server side may be information on a broadcasting station code, a model code, a keyword, an information output device, or the like. For example, when information indicating that the information output device is a mobile phone terminal is added to the time information as information indicating the attribute, the server device can return information suitable for display on the mobile phone terminal. Further, for example, when the information output device is a mobile phone terminal or a PC (Personal Computer) terminal capable of sending and receiving mail, if the mail address of the information output device is added to the time information, the server device URL can be returned. A plurality of such information may be simultaneously added to the time information and transmitted to the server device.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed on the client terminal side in the client terminal subsystem 1300. Referring to FIG. 32, first, in step S1341, video display such as broadcasting is performed. Here, “display” includes not only displaying video on a monitor such as a television receiver, but also outputting video to an external device in an analog or digital manner like a VTR (Video Tape Recorder). .

  In step S1342, a determination is made as to what key input has been made. Here, since input from the remote controller is assumed, it is determined here which key of the remote controller has been operated. However, the input is not limited to the keys on the remote controller in this way. For example, when a computer is used as a client terminal, a mouse can be used for input. That is, any hardware may be used for performing the key input to be determined here, and a method of displaying a menu on the monitor screen and selecting by software may be used.

  The control flow branches as follows according to the result of the determination process in step S1342. That is, the pressed key is a channel change button (in many cases, it is actually a number key such as 1-12), “link display” key, “recent access” key, “net later” If the key is a key relating to the selected / reproduced recording video, the control proceeds to steps S1343, S1346, S1351, S1353, and S1354, respectively. The appearance of the remote controller used in this embodiment is shown in FIG.

  Step S1343 and subsequent steps are processing for changing the channel. In step S1343, a switching signal is normally sent to the tuner to switch the received video.

  In step S1344, the base address stored in the base address storage unit 1314 is changed. For example, for a video already recorded on a hard disk VTR or the like, the recorded video is selected instead of switching to a tuner.

  In step S1345, a timer representing the actual time when the broadcast wave channel is selected is selected. If only real-time broadcasting is selected, this step is not necessary because the timer always indicates the current time. In the case of a device that switches between playback of recorded media and display of the current broadcast, if reception of real-time broadcast waves is selected in this step, playback from recorded media is selected in the real-time timer. If set, the initial values of the timers of the media are set. After step S1345, the control returns to step S1341.

  Step S1346 and subsequent steps are processing when the “linked display” key is pressed. The “linked display” key is a key prepared for displaying content linked to broadcasting with one touch. First, in step S1346, an address with time is created. However, it is possible to set so as not to create an address with time, in which case only the base address is prepared here. The address with time is created from the base address and the time read from the timer. Additional information such as area information stored in advance may be added.

  The address may be created after determining whether to add time information for each channel. This is effective when accessing a server that does not have a mechanism for determining time. For example, it is effective when accessing a place that operates only a relatively small server such as a local station, a CS (Communications Satellite) broadcasting station, an Internet stream service station or the like. It is desirable that information for determining whether or not to add the time is held together with the base address until the next setting change.

In step S1347, the created address information is transmitted to the server side. In the case of a web service, address information is transmitted to the server indicated in the URL. In this case, a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) or HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is usually used. However, here, any combination that allows communication between the server and the client is possible. Any protocol can be used at any layer, and the type is not limited.

  In step S1348, the content corresponding to the address created in step S1346 is transmitted from the server, and is received.

  In step S1349, the content received in step S1348 is analyzed and analyzed to display the content. In the case of a web page that is general content, the content is often described in a language called HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), but may be described in a program language that can be executed by a web browser. . In so-called mobile phones, the language CompactHTML is often used for content description.

  In step S1350, a determination is made regarding what key input has been made by the user. If it is the “channel” key for switching the broadcast program, the control proceeds to step S 1343. As a result, the channel is changed and the display is switched to video. If it is a “return” key, the video display of the previously selected channel is returned. If a key input corresponding to an instruction to switch from the currently displayed content to another content display is made, the process proceeds to step S1347, and the base address is updated to the switched base address. In normal web pages, when an address is expressed in the form of a link, this is selected with an arrow key, etc., and a new address is sent by pressing the “Enter” key, etc., and the corresponding content is received and displayed. To do.

  Note that while the processing from step S1346 to step S1348 is performed, the content acquired and stored in the past may be displayed on the client terminal. Then, the user can view the content from when the “link display” key is pressed until the information is displayed.

  In addition, a timed address is periodically created, content related to the broadcast being displayed is periodically acquired in advance, and the acquired content is displayed while accessing the server device. Also good. In this case, the user can view content that is related to the currently displayed broadcast content and that is close in time. Of course, if the content acquired when the “link display” key is pressed is the same as the content requested by the user, the user can immediately view the desired content.

  When the “recent access” key is selected, control proceeds to step S1351. In step S1351, the recently accessed address is displayed. If a recently accessed address has a timed address, it is also displayed.

  In step S1352, the user selects one of the addresses displayed in the list. Usually, it is realized by display in a menu format and input using an arrow and a determination key. Thereafter, the control proceeds to step S1347, and the same processing as when the “linked display” key is pressed is performed.

  In step S1353, when the “net later” key is pressed, only the address is stored while the current video is displayed. The address stored here is displayed together with the title of the recently accessed address in the list that appears when the “Recent Access” key is pressed. Alternatively, only the addresses stored in “net later” may be displayed as a list. By this processing, it is possible to store an address linked to the current broadcast together with time information and to perform web access to a page linked to the broadcast later.

  In step S1354, processing when the “recorded video selection / playback” key is pressed is executed. This process is implemented only in the case of a device that can handle images stored in the past. This part is not necessary for a TV that has only a tuner such as a normal TV and can only handle images distributed in real time. For example, a hard disk VTR or the like can store the recorded date and time and channel, so this processing can be implemented.

  In step S1354, the base address is changed using channel information stored along with the recorded video. For media such as DVDs that do not have channel information or base address information, a person may set the base address.

  Subsequently, in step S1355, the time at which it was broadcast (recorded) is derived from the recording start time and the temporal position at which it is currently reproduced, and is set in the timer. In other words, in the case of recorded data, a timer is set so that the time when it was actually broadcast can be reproduced. Of course, in addition to changing the base address from the channel information, the base address may be stored directly. In the case of a DVD or the like, the user can input an address, and the time can be sent to the server as a relative time from the start with the DVD playback start time set to zero.

  This can be used in various cases. For example, it is possible to distribute a DVD as a catalog for online shopping. In that case, it is possible to change the products introduced as related information corresponding to the DVD playback time. This is because which product is displayed at which playback time is known when the DVD is created. By notifying the server of the relative time from the initial value, it is possible to create a reasonable online shopping page on the server. In a DVD, hard disk VTR, etc., the time axis of content such as playback, stop, and fast forward can be operated. Of course, in these devices, a timer that generates an address with a time changes the time following such an operation.

  The process shown in this flowchart is often summarized in the form of a browser because it handles the interface with the user and displays the content downloaded from the server while analyzing and analyzing it. The main functions can be summarized as channel switching management, server access, address generation / management, user interface, and the like.

  FIG. 33 shows an example of the transition of address-related settings at the client terminal. The line indicated by line number 1 indicates the current state. This content depends on which channel is currently selected. The line indicated by the line number 2 is an example in which the channel is changed to the channel “asa-tv” (specifically, for example, corresponding to the 7th channel being pressed). At this time, the base address is changed to a base address (for example, “htt: //www.asa-tv.co.jp”) stored corresponding to the channel of asa-tv. In actual processing, it can be realized simply by temporarily storing the channel number corresponding to the base address as an index.

  Subsequently, the line indicated by the line number 3 indicates the situation when the “linked display” key in FIG. 32 is pressed. At this time, an address is generated together with the current time information, and the address is transmitted. If the base address is not set due to a user setting failure or the like, it is desirable to generate a default address.

  Line number 4 indicates the situation when the “return” key is pressed. Switching from web display to video display is performed. A line indicated by a line number 5 indicates a situation when the “net later” key in FIG. 32 is pressed. The address is generated from the base address and the current time, but is only stored and not transmitted. However, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 42, content data may be received by transmitting an address. However, even in such a case, the currently displayed video display should not be interrupted.

  The line indicated by line number 6 indicates the situation when the broadcast channel is changed. With this change, the base address is changed to http://www.nn-tv.com. A line indicated by a line number 7 indicates a situation in which “recent access” is selected in FIG. 32. Here, the transmission address stored in the situation indicated by the line of line number 5 is selected and transmitted, and the corresponding content information is received.

  In FIG. 33, the column labeled “Display” shows an example of what kind of display is presented to the user. For example, “video” is a broadcast video, and “web” is content received from a network centered on the Internet. Of course, mixed display may be performed as described later. “Video” and “Web” can be made easier to see by switching the display resolution and mode.

  FIG. 34, FIG. 35, and FIG. 36 are diagrams showing display examples when the Internet is accessed using the “linked display” key. These are display examples in the mode indicated as “Web” in the “Display” item of FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 34, the display screen 160 is divided into a TV screen 162 and other Internet screens. The Internet screen is further divided into areas 164, 166, and 168 in which Internet contents such as weather are displayed, and an Internet news area 170.

  In the example shown in FIG. 35, the Internet screen 174 is displayed over the entire display screen 172. In this example, a TV screen 176 is further displayed over the Internet screen 174.

  At this time, the Internet content acquired by the “linked display” key is related to the broadcast content. Therefore, it is desirable to continue displaying broadcast programs on the TV screen 176. When content is acquired from link information in the Internet content and displayed on the Internet screen 174, the TV screen 176 that has been continuously displayed may be deleted. Thereby, the user can be aware that the Internet screen being viewed is not related to the broadcast content. In this case, a message such as a warning display 178 may be output before the display on the TV screen 176 is erased. A warning sound may be sounded. The same effect can be expected by giving a warning when other Internet screens and TV screens are displayed in parallel. In the display form shown in FIG. 35, the relationship between the TV screen area screen 176 and the Internet screen 174 may be interchanged.

  In the example shown in FIG. 36, the display screen 180 includes a “time-linked content” area 182, a news area 188 in which the latest news is displayed, a program schedule area 184 in which a television program schedule is displayed, a CM area 190, and 192 and a TV screen 186. The time-linked content area 182 shows content linked to the channel selected by the user at that time.

  In the examples shown in FIGS. 34, 35, and 36, Internet content is combined with a TV screen, but the present invention is not limited to such display. For example, as shown in FIG. 37, the web page may be displayed alone. In the example shown in FIG. 37, the display screen 200 is divided into a display area 202, a news area 198, a program guide area 194, and CM areas 190, 192, and 204 for program-related content being broadcast. There is no TV screen itself.

  As a broadcasting station business, it is desirable to include CMs of broadcast sponsors in web content. It is desirable to make it easy to access not only the content at the request time but also the content before and after that time.

  FIG. 38 shows a display example when accessing the address stored with the “net later” key. Referring to FIG. 38, the display in this example is the time, channel, and web page title. The title can be obtained by the method described in connection with FIG. Although it is possible to display the address including time information, it is desirable to display the title because it is difficult for the user to understand what the content is.

  FIG. 39 shows an external appearance of a remote controller as an example of a user interface. Referring to FIG. 39, this remote control includes an element for selecting and determining one from a list of a plurality of items such as a list of stored addresses, so that a jog dial (selection by rotation) that can be handled with one hand as well as an arrow. It is desirable to have an input of “movement” of the item in the vertical direction and “decision” operation by pushing in the horizontal direction in the figure). It is desirable that the remote controller and the main body communicate with the main body by means of infrared rays, radio waves or the like. When the present invention is realized by a mobile phone, selection, determination, etc. of these lists are performed by keys of the mobile phone main body.

  FIG. 40 shows a state transition diagram of the simplest video display and web display. In FIG. 40, an ellipse indicates a state, and a double-line square indicates a key input that causes a state transition. The state transition by the “linked display” key input performs a web display as shown in FIG. 38, for example, from the “video display” state for broadcasting. The normal video display is switched by pressing a “return” key or a channel selection key (usually a key from 1 to 12). For other keys, continue to display the web page with the arrow keys or the enter key.

  FIG. 41 shows a state transition diagram including the “net later” key. The state transition centering on the state 1361 of the video display receiving and displaying the broadcast will be described. When the “net later” key is pressed, only the address is stored, and the video display mode does not change. When the menu key is pressed, the state shifts to state 1362, and the menu is displayed. FIG. 42 shows an example of menu display.

  Select a menu with the arrow keys and press the Enter key to move to the selected mode. As a main state, there is a “recent access address display” state which is a mode for displaying a recent access. Recent accesses are also displayed in a list format, and are selected and determined with the arrow keys. When any of the recent access destinations is selected, the state becomes the web display state 1365.

  On the other hand, when “favorite address display” is selected and determined in the menu display state 1362, the state shifts to the favorite address display state 1364, and the favorite addresses are displayed in a list format. When one of the favorite addresses is selected with the arrow keys and determined with the enter key, the state moves to the web display state 1365, and the web page of the address is displayed.

<Modification 1 of Embodiment 3>
In the example described above, the address is only stored when the “net later” key is pressed. However, the present invention is not limited to such implementations. When the “net later” key is pressed, the content is acquired (not displayed) from the information server device and stored, and when the content is later viewed, the stored data is not accessed again. You can also browse.

  FIG. 43 shows a flowchart of processing performed in such a modification in place of step S1353 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 43, first, in step S1371, it is determined whether or not the pressed key is a “net later” key. If the “net later” key has not been pressed, this process ends. Otherwise, control proceeds to step S1372.

  In step S1372, an address including information such as time is accessed to acquire content.

  In step S1373, the content title is extracted from the content acquired in step S1372, and stored together with the corresponding content address. According to the HTML language format generally used in the description of web pages, the title is often written in a portion sandwiched between a tag “<title>” and a tag </ title>. On the client side, this part is extracted and stored as title information. As shown in FIG. 38, this title is used for display when the user tries to access later.

  In step S1374, the received data is cached in temporary storage. When the user tries to access later, the access time of the network can be shortened by reading from the temporary storage.

<Modification 2 of Embodiment 3>
FIG. 44 shows an example of display on the video display screen. Since downloading of content takes time, if the screen is switched immediately after a request for content is transmitted, nothing may be displayed on the display screen for a while. Therefore, it is desirable to switch from video to a web page after all or part of the page content can be acquired and display data of the page can be constructed. However, even in that case, there is a possibility that a time lag will be reported until the screen is switched after the “link display” key is pressed. In this case, the user becomes anxious about whether or not the key input is accepted. If possible, you should avoid making users feel such anxiety.

  In order to solve this, it is desirable to display the current status on the video display screen 210. In this example, information indicating the communication state (“download complete”, “communication impossible”, “communication possible”, “address storage complete”, etc.) is displayed in the communication state display area 212 at the upper left of the video display screen 210. In particular, “net later” does not switch from video display to web page on the spot, so it is not known whether the address is stored. In this case, “address storage complete” is displayed. This display should disappear after a certain time.

  In the lower right area 214 of the video display screen 210, a display indicating that there is special web information is performed. This display is normally sent from the broadcasting system. For example, for quiz entry or online shopping, special information may be obtained by accessing the web now. In such a case, it is important to inform the user of that fact. This information can be transmitted either analog or digital. For example, in analog broadcasting, it is conceivable to send it superimposed on video. In digital broadcasting, it can be sent as digital data. In addition, the digital data information may be acquired from a server different from the broadcast content server. Processing such that the client terminal accesses the server and automatically caches data is also possible. These displays need not be characters, but may be symbols such as icons. However, it is desirable that the meaning is a symbol that can be understood by the user.

  If the display “Web information is present” is displayed as shown in the lower right of FIG. 44, a user who is watching the broadcast in real time may access the server at one time. If the processing capacity of the network or server is low, there is a risk that the response will be extremely slow and sufficient services cannot be provided. Therefore, it is effective to provide a mechanism in the client terminal so that access is not inundated at once, both in the case of automatic access and access by the “link display” key by the user. This can be realized, for example, by a process of actually transmitting after waiting for a random time after the above-mentioned automatic access request or key input of the “linked display” key occurs. It is desirable that the maximum value of the waiting time is realized between 0 second and 60 seconds.

<Modification 3 of Embodiment 3>
FIG. 45 shows an external appearance of another remote controller as an example of the user interface. Referring to FIG. 45, like the remote control shown in FIG. 39, this remote control desirably has a jog dial that can be handled with one hand as well as the arrows. It is desirable that the remote controller and the main body communicate with the main body by means of infrared rays, radio waves or the like. When the present invention is realized by a mobile phone, selection, determination, etc. of these lists are performed by keys of the mobile phone main body.

  The remote controller shown in FIG. 45 includes numeric keys as keys for changing channels, and “channel up” and “channel down” keys for switching and receiving / displaying Internet contents related to the numeric keys. In addition, a “previous time page” and a “next time page” key for switching Internet contents related to a broadcast program being broadcast based on a temporal relationship are included.

  FIG. 46 shows a state transition diagram including “Channel Up”, “Channel Down”, “Previous Time Page”, and “Next Time Page” keys. When the “link display” key is pressed in the state 1366 in which the video display is displayed, the state transitions to a web display state 1367 in which Internet content related to the currently viewed broadcast video is received and displayed. Hereinafter, the state transition centering on the state 1367 of the web display will be described.

  When the “Channel Up” key is pressed in the web display state 1367, the state returns to the state 1366 in which the broadcast video currently being broadcast is displayed. Also, when the “channel down” key is pressed, the state transitions to the video display state 1366. However, in this case, the broadcast video of the channel immediately below the channel that was displayed until the last time the “link display” key was pressed is displayed.

  When the “Previous time page” key is pressed, the display content is switched to display the information provided at the previous time in the broadcast program of the Web information source currently being displayed, Continue 1367. When the “next time page” key is pressed, the display content is switched to display the information provided at the next time in the broadcast program of the Web information source currently being displayed, and the web display state 1367 is continued. .

  FIG. 47 shows display changes caused by specific “channel Up” and “channel down” key operations. Referring to FIG. 47, it is assumed that the user is viewing the TV broadcast program “law of **” assigned to the “3” button of the remote control shown in FIG. If you press the “Link” key in this state, the home page of the “law of **” program you are viewing will be displayed. When the user presses the “Channel Up” key in this state, the TV broadcast program “law of **” is displayed again. When the user presses the “channel down” key instead of the “channel up” key, the TV broadcast program “*** special” assigned to the 2 buttons of the remote controller is displayed.

  In addition, when one of the channel selection keys (usually 1 to 12, the “Channel Up” key, and the “Channel Down” key) is pressed while the Web information is displayed, the display is switched to the broadcast video. At this time, the displayed Web information is saved. If the “Channel Down” key is pressed while the broadcast screen assigned to the “3” button on the remote control is being displayed, the saved Web page is displayed again. In addition, when the “Channel Up” key is pressed while the broadcast screen assigned to the “2” button on the remote control is being displayed, the stored Web page is displayed again.

  FIG. 48 shows a specific transition of the display by operating the “page at the previous time” and “page at the next time” key. Referring to FIG. 48, at 20:45 on June 5, 2003, the user reads the broadcast program “law of **” assigned to the “3” button on the remote control shown in FIG. Suppose you are watching. At this point, when the “link display” key is pressed, the home page of the broadcast program “law of **” being viewed is displayed. It is assumed that the “previous time page” button is pressed at 20:50 after the user browses the home page. Then, the home page of “◯ △ □ beer CM”, which is a broadcast program provided in the previous time zone, is displayed in view of the time zone including the time (8:45) when this home page was acquired. Also, assume that the home page of the “law of **” program is displayed and the “next page” key is pressed at 20:50. Then, from the time zone including the time (8:45) when this page was acquired, the “program present” in the broadcast program “※ Law” provided at 8:55, which is the next time zone. A page is displayed.

  When a Web page that is not a page related to the current broadcast program is acquired and displayed by the “previous (next) time page” key operation or link selection operation, a timer is activated at the time of display, and a certain time has elapsed. It is desirable to have a function of acquiring a page related to a broadcast program provided at the current time.

  FIG. 49 shows processing when the “link display” or “channel up” or “channel down” key is pressed during video display, and “channel up” during display of a program-related web page performed as a result. It is a flowchart of a program that performs processing when the “channel down”, “page at the previous time”, and “page at the next time” keys are operated. Referring to FIG. 49, first, in step S1401, video display such as broadcasting is performed in the same manner as in step S1341 shown in FIG. Subsequently, in step S1402, it is determined whether or not a key input has been made in the same manner as in step S1342 shown in FIG. Here, it is determined which key of the remote controller has been operated.

  The control flow branches as follows according to the result of the determination process in step S1402. That is, if the pressed key is the “linked display” key, control proceeds to step S1403. If the pressed key is the “channel up” key or “channel down” key, control proceeds to step S1408. Proceed to

  The processing from step S1403 to step S1406 is the same as the processing from step S1346 to step S1349 shown in FIG. That is, in step S1403, an address with time is created. In step S1404, the created address information is transmitted to the server. Since the content corresponding to the address created in step S1403 is transmitted from the server, it is received in step S1405. In step S1406, the received content is analyzed and analyzed, and the content is displayed. Control proceeds to step S1407.

  On the other hand, when the “Channel Up” key or the “Channel Down” key is pressed, the Web information stored in the information storage unit corresponding to the broadcast channel being displayed is read in step S1408. At this time, if the pressed key is “channel down”, the client terminal reads the Web information stored corresponding to the broadcast channel being displayed. If the pressed key is the “Channel Up” key, the client terminal reads the Web information stored corresponding to the broadcast channel to which the channel number one above the channel number of the broadcast channel being displayed is assigned. . Control proceeds to step S1406, where the read information is displayed in a browser. Control proceeds to step S1407.

  By the control up to step S1407, the web page is displayed. In step S1407, whether or not there is a key input, and if there is a key input, a determination is made as to which key it is. Depending on the result of the determination process, the control flow branches as follows. In other words, if the pressed key is the “Channel Up” key or the “Channel Down” key, the control proceeds to step S1409. If the pressed key is the “page at the previous time” key, control proceeds to step S1413. If the pressed key is the “page at the next time” key, control proceeds to step S1414.

  If the “Channel Up” key or the “Channel Down” key is pressed while the user is viewing the Web page, the control proceeds to step S1409. In step S1409, at the client terminal, the currently displayed Web information is saved in a storage location prepared for each broadcast channel of the display source.

  In subsequent S1410, depending on whether the pressed key is the “Channel Up” key or the “Channel Down” key, the corresponding broadcast program screen is displayed and the channel is changed. That is, when the “Channel Up” key is pressed, a broadcast program broadcast on the display source broadcast channel is displayed on the screen. When the “Channel Down” key is pressed, a broadcast program broadcast on the broadcast channel to which the channel number one lower than the channel number of the display source broadcast channel is assigned is displayed on the screen.

  Subsequently, in step S1411, the same processing as in step S1344 of the program shown in FIG. 32 is performed to change the base address stored in the base address storage unit 1314 shown in FIG.

  In subsequent step S1412, the same processing as in step S1345 of the program shown in FIG. 32 is performed, and a setting for selecting a timer representing an actual time when a broadcast wave channel is selected is performed. That is, if the selected one is reception of a real-time broadcast wave, the real-time timer is set. If the selected item is playback from the recorded medium, the initial value of the timer held in the medium is set. If the selected item is only real-time broadcasting, there is no need to make settings. Thereafter, control returns to step S1401.

  If the “page at previous time” key is pressed, control proceeds from step S1407 to step S1413. In step S1413, the address when the Web information displayed on the client terminal is acquired is read, a new address is created by reducing the time information in the address for a fixed time, and an information request is sent to the server device using the address. put out. Control returns to step S1404.

  When the “next time page” key is pressed, control proceeds from step S 1407 to step S 1414. In step S1414, an address is generated by increasing the time information in the address for a fixed time, and an information request is issued to the server device using the address. Control returns to step S1404.

  As an address creation method other than subtracting the time information in the address of the currently displayed information for a certain period of time, information time position information indicating the number of previous information from the currently displayed information is added to the currently displayed information. Also good. Further, an address may be created by acquiring the provision time of information provided at a previous time from the notification timing of the notification information.

<Modification 4 of Embodiment 3>
FIG. 50 shows an example of a flowchart of a program for web access at the client terminal when there is an access restriction in the broadcasting system. In the already described embodiment, the web is accessed whenever the need arises, which may be inconvenient. For example, in the CS broadcasting service, the purchased service differs for each user. Some broadcasts have a viewing age limit. For broadcasts with these restrictions, it is desirable to restrict access to related information (web access). In other words, if there is a broadcast channel such as “Cannot be received due to viewing restrictions”, it is preferable to realize a function in which the corresponding web content cannot be viewed in whole or in part. Therefore, in each of the embodiments described above, when there is web access, it is conceivable to replace each of them with the processing as shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 50, in step S1381, it is determined whether or not access restriction is applied to a channel (or a package medium such as a DVD) currently being broadcast. For example, a CS tuner can determine this from contract information stored in each tuner and information on a channel currently being viewed.

  Subsequently, in step S1382, it is determined whether access restrictions are provided on the broadcast side. If there is an access restriction, control proceeds to step S1383, otherwise control proceeds to step S1385.

  In step S1383, the information on the client terminal side is compared with the access restriction condition on the broadcast side to determine whether or not the client terminal is permitted to access the broadcast. If access is permitted, control proceeds to step S1385; otherwise, control proceeds to step S1384.

  In step S1384, since this client terminal does not have access authority to the content, the user is notified accordingly. This may be displayed directly on the client terminal side, or information from the server may be displayed by accessing a special address when there is no access authority. A message is displayed and this process ends.

  On the other hand, in step S1385, since the client terminal is permitted to access the content, the content on the web is accessed and displayed. When the display ends, this process is terminated.

  In addition to cases where access restrictions are set, the server device may not provide content related to broadcast programs. For example, content may be provided only for a predetermined period, such as a time slot when a broadcast program is broadcast. Further, for example, there is a case where the content cannot be provided at the present time because related content is being prepared. For example, there is a case where related content has already been discarded. In such a case, even if the content is accessed from the client terminal, the server device does not provide the content to the client terminal.

  As described above, when the server device does not provide the content to the client terminal, it is desirable that the server device notifies that the content cannot be accessed as in the case where the access restriction is set.

  For example, when the period for providing content is limited, a notification indicating that it is outside the period for providing content may be prepared in advance on the server device side. When there is an access to the content during a period outside the provision valid period, the server device transmits a provision valid period notice instead of the content. In this case, the client terminal receives the notification of the provision valid period and displays on the screen that the content is not currently provided. Further, the server device may transmit information indicating a period during which the content is provided and a determination flag indicating whether or not the content can be accessed in the future together with the notification. The client terminal that has received such a notification can display “provided on the day of the month from the day of the month of XX” on the screen based on the information indicating the period. Further, when the content can be accessed in the future, the client terminal automatically accesses the server device during the period in which access is possible based on the information indicating the period and the determination flag, and acquires and stores the content. It is also possible.

  In this example, the access restriction determination and the processing associated therewith are performed at the client terminal. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a user ID in a broadcast service with access restriction may be transmitted to the server side using a secure protocol such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), and the access restriction may be performed on the server side.

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing the implementation of a simple information server device. Assume that address information similar to that shown in FIG. 31 is sent from the client terminal to the information server apparatus.

  In step S1421, the transmitted address information is analyzed. However, here, regardless of the time and other information, the same web page (eg http://www.asa-tv.co.jp/index.html) is always used regardless of the address at which the request comes. 1422 is output.

  By implementing such an implementation, it is possible to construct a server that can transmit information in response to a request from a client terminal with a minimum modification to a server that currently has a web page. In other words, various implementations are possible, from a server that always transmits the same content, ignoring information such as time, to a server that can change content every second in synchronization with a CM or the like. Therefore, it is possible to change to an advanced server step by step without changing the client terminal.

<Modification 5 of Embodiment 3>
FIG. 52 shows an example of another client terminal. The client terminal can handle both receiving information from the network in synchronization with the currently broadcasted broadcast and receiving information from the network corresponding to the broadcast time of the already recorded broadcast. Something is desirable. The client terminal shown in FIG. 46 has such a function.

  Referring to FIG. 52, this client terminal has a hard disk VTR 1334 and a speaker for displaying / reproducing programs or contents (video, music, etc.) reproduced on hard disk VTR 1334 or transmitted from the Internet. An attached monitor 1335, an Internet modem 1331, and a remote controller 1333 are included.

  In the case of a type of device that records a broadcast such as a hard disk VTR, the base address associated with the video and the start time of the video are stored together with the video. At the time of reproduction, the base address is set in the base address storage unit 1314 in FIG. 30 and the video start time is set in the timer 1317. By doing this, for example, if you watch a video recorded one day ago and access the network there, you can specify the time one day ago and create an address from the server that is synchronized with the recorded time. It is. In a DVD or the like, the content corresponding to the progress of the DVD can be obtained by setting the timer 1317 in synchronization with the DVD video (for example, the start of the video is time 0).

  In the case of a transmission-type broadcast in which all page data seen at a certain time is periodically and repeatedly transmitted according to a predetermined schedule, such as data broadcasting, the base address of the related information of the broadcast page and the data The display time after displaying the broadcast page is stored together. When acquiring the related information of this broadcast program, the base address and the display time are transmitted together to the server.

  Note that the related information of the broadcast program is not limited to Web information related to the display content, but may be data that merges a part of broadcast data constituting a data broadcast page, that is, replaces a part thereof. .

  In addition, when the video broadcast and the data broadcast are linked in different channels, the channel may be switched using a button such as “data linkage”. When the display unit shown in FIG. 30 is displaying a notification of Web related information during video broadcasting, the related Web information is acquired and the Web information display is switched by pressing a “data link” button. When the notification of the related information is not displayed, a function of switching to the data broadcasting channel by pressing the “data linkage” button may be provided.

<Modification 6 of Embodiment 3>
In addition, a terminal such as a mobile phone terminal that has a network function and an information display function but does not have a function to receive or display a broadcast signal has a function to cooperate with a client terminal device that displays a broadcast program. Broadcast program related information can be acquired. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which a user acquires and displays related information of a program being displayed on a TV using a mobile phone or the like.

  FIG. 53 shows an example of a cooperation function between a client terminal device and a sub-client terminal device that does not have a video reception device. Referring to FIG. 53, this system includes a network subsystem 1200 for providing content synchronized with a broadcast signal, and a client terminal subsystem 1300B used by a user such as a home or office. The client terminal subsystem 1300B includes a client terminal 1500 such as a TV. The client terminal subsystem 1300B further has a function of acquiring from the client terminal an address of information corresponding to the video being displayed on the client terminal and an address recorded in the client terminal, and a function of communicating with the network subsystem 1200. A sub-client terminal 1502 provided. As the sub client terminal 1502, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like can be used.

  FIG. 54 shows a block diagram of a typical one assumed as the configuration of the sub-client terminal 1502. Referring to FIG. 54, this sub-client terminal 1502 issues an address acquisition request for desired information and receives a reply to the requested address, with a user input unit 1511 having a user interface for the user to perform an operation. Address request transmission / reception unit 1512, address storage unit 1513 for storing the address acquired by address request transmission / reception unit 1512, address acquired by address request transmission / reception unit 1512, or address stored in address storage unit 1513 Originally, it includes an information transmitting / receiving unit 1514 for transmitting an information acquisition request and receiving corresponding information, and a network interface 1515 for transmitting a signal to the actual network.

  The sub-client terminal 1502 further includes a browser 1516 for assembling the information received by the information transmitting / receiving unit 1514 into a form to be displayed (presented to the user), and a display for displaying the information assembled by the browser to the user. Part 1517.

  The user input unit 1511 requests the client terminal 1500 to request an address of information corresponding to the video being displayed on the client terminal 1500 and an address recorded in the client terminal 1500, and an operation to display the stored address. And a user interface for the user to perform an operation for requesting the network subsystem 1200 for the information of the selected address.

  When the user input unit 1511 issues an address acquisition request, the address request transmission / reception unit 1512 creates an address request and transmits it to the client terminal 1500. In addition, an address notification is received from the client terminal 1500, analyzed, and the notified address is stored in the address storage unit 1513.

  It should be noted that the format of the address request and address notification is assumed to differ depending on the network path with the client terminal 1500, such as a mail format and a notification message format. Therefore, it is desirable to have a function for selecting the format according to the network route selected by the user. In addition, it is desirable to add information related to program information stored in other client terminals to the address notification from the client terminal 1500. The additional information is preferably broadcast time, broadcast station name, and general broadcast information.

  The network interface 1515 preferably includes a plurality of communication means. When a mobile phone or a personal computer is used as the sub client terminal 1502, it is desirable that the client terminal 1500 including a television receiver and the sub client terminal 1502 communicate with each other by infrared rays, radio waves, or the like.

  FIG. 55 shows an example of a user interface in which a user uses a mobile phone as the sub client terminal 1502 to acquire and display information related to the content being viewed while viewing a broadcast program by a client terminal 1500 such as a TV. Examples of mobile phone operation and screen display are shown. Referring to FIG. 55, when the user presses the menu button, the mobile phone displays menu screen 1520 on the display screen. After selecting the “linked URL” item 1522 in the menu screen 1520 with the up and down buttons, the linked URL screen 1524 is displayed by pressing a decision button (not shown). After selecting the “access” item 1526 in the linked URL screen using the up and down buttons, a linked URL acquiring screen 1528 is displayed by pressing a decision button (not shown).

  In the link URL acquisition screen, during the transmission / reception of the address notification with the client terminal 1500, a communication status display 1530 indicating that the client terminal 1500 is being addressed is displayed, and information is being transmitted / received to / from the network subsystem 1200. Displays a communication status display 1532 indicating that information is being acquired from the network subsystem 1200. However, these are examples of operations for presenting to the user that the network path is switched, and audio output may be used. After obtaining the information, the information is analyzed and displayed on the browser display screen 1534. Also, when the program information summary information added to the address notification is received, the summary information display 1536 is displayed after the address notification is analyzed.

  FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed on sub client terminal 1502. Referring to FIG. 56, first, in step S1551, a so-called standby screen is displayed. Subsequently, in step S1552, it is determined whether or not there has been an input of pressing a menu button. If the determination result is “YES”, the control proceeds to step S1553. If the determination result is “NO”, the control returns to step S1551 and enters an input waiting state.

  In step S1553, a menu screen is displayed. In a succeeding step S1554, it is determined whether or not the “linked URL” menu is selected by the user. If the determination result is “YES”, the control proceeds to step S1555. If the determination result is “NO”, the control returns to step S1551.

  In step S1555, the “linked URL” menu is displayed. Subsequently, in step S1556, a determination is made as to what key input has been made. In this example, the input is performed by displaying a menu as shown in FIG. 55 on the screen of the mobile phone and selecting by software. However, the present invention is not limited to this method. Hardware for inputting a key input such as an input using a button may be used.

  The control flow branches as follows according to the result of the determination process in step S1556. That is, if the selected key is an “access” key, “URL acquisition” key, “mail” key, or “storage list” key, control proceeds to steps S1557, S1562, S1565, and S1570, respectively.

  In the processing after step S1557, processing when the “access” key is selected is executed. This process is a process for acquiring the URL of related information related to the broadcast program being displayed on the client terminal 1500 from the client terminal 1500 and acquiring information from the network subsystem 1200 using the acquired URL.

  In step S1557, an address request is created, and the created address request is transmitted to the client terminal. In a succeeding step S1558, address information of program related information is received from the client terminal.

  In step S1559, an information acquisition request is transmitted to the network subsystem 1200 using the acquired address. In step S1560, information corresponding to the address acquired in step S1558 is transmitted, and is received. In step S1561, the information received in step S1560 is displayed to the user. Thereafter, control returns to step S1551.

  When the “URL acquisition” key is selected, control proceeds from step S1556 to step S1562. In step S 1562, an address request is created, and the created address request is transmitted to the client terminal 1500. In a succeeding step S1563, the address information of the program related information is received from the client terminal 1500. In step S1564, the acquired address information is stored. Control returns to S1551.

  When the “mail” key is selected, the control proceeds to S1565. In the following processing, processing for acquiring an address and notifying other devices is performed. In step S1565, an address request is created, and the created address request is transmitted to the client terminal 1500. In a succeeding step S1566, the address information of the program related information is received from the client terminal 1500.

  In step S1567, a mail is created by the mail function of the mobile phone terminal. In step S1568, the address information acquired in step 1566 is attached to the mail. In the following step 1569, this mail is transmitted. After this, control returns to step S1551. Here, the mail function of the mobile phone terminal is taken as an example, but any function may be used as long as it is an information notification function to other terminals provided in the sub-client terminal.

  When the “store list” key is selected, control proceeds from step S 1556 to step S 1570. The processes after step S1570 are processes for reading the stored address and acquiring information on the address.

  In step S1570, the address information already stored by the process in step S1564 is read and displayed on the screen. In step S1571, the linked URL menu is displayed again, and a selection decision input by the user is requested. In step S1571, a determination is made as to what kind of key input the selection decision input by the user was. If the “access” key is selected, control proceeds to S 1559. If the “mail” key is selected, control proceeds to step S 1567.

<Modification 7 of Embodiment 3>
The sub-client terminal can further have a function of acquiring channel information from the client terminal and creating an address. FIG. 57 shows a block diagram of what can be assumed as a configuration of a sub-client terminal having such a function. Referring to FIG. 57, this sub-client terminal includes a user input unit 1511, an address storage unit 1513, and a network interface 1515, similarly to sub-client terminal 1502 shown in FIG.

  This sub-client terminal further issues a channel information acquisition request for the broadcast channel being displayed on the client terminal, receives a response to the requested channel information, and a base address for storing a base address for each broadcast channel Storage unit 1602, timer 1603 for counting time, base address held in base address storage unit 1602, address generation unit 1604 for generating an address from the current time of timer 1603, and generated address And an information transmission / reception unit 1605 for issuing an information acquisition request from the stored address and receiving a reply of the requested information, and for assembling the information received by the information transmission / reception unit 1605 to be displayed (presented to the user) Browser 1606 and assembled with browser The information includes a display portion 1607 for displaying to the user.

  When the sub-client terminal according to this modification is activated and a user performs using the user input unit 1511, in response to the input, the channel information transmission / reception unit 1601 creates a request for channel information, and creates the created request. Send to client terminal. The client terminal returns channel information of the requested channel to the sub-client terminal.

  The sub-client terminal that has received the channel information via the network interface 1515 updates the base address for each broadcast channel stored in the base address storage unit 1602 using the acquired channel information, and sets the timer 1603 To do.

  The address creation unit 1604 refers to the base address storage unit 1602 using the channel information acquired from the client terminal, determines the base address of the desired information, and adds the time information acquired from the timer 1603, thereby adding the address. create. Here, it is desirable to acquire time information from the timer 1603 and store it temporarily during key input operations on the user input unit 1511.

<Modification 8 of Embodiment 3>
The client terminal requests and receives information, and the received information can be displayed on another sub-client terminal having a display function. FIG. 58 shows an example of the system. Referring to FIG. 58, this system includes a network subsystem 1200 and a client terminal subsystem 1300C used by a user at home, office, etc., as in the system shown in FIG. The client terminal subsystem 1300C includes a client terminal 1700 such as a TV and a sub client terminal 1702.

  In this system, a client terminal 1700 requests and receives information. After reception, the received information is transferred to the mobile phone terminal 1702, and the mobile phone terminal 1702 receives and displays the transfer information from the client terminal 1700.

  Assuming that there are a plurality of sub-client terminals having a display function, it is desirable that the client terminal can select a sub-client terminal device that displays the acquired information. FIG. 59 shows the configuration of a client terminal having such a selection function. Referring to FIG. 59, this client terminal has substantially the same configuration as that of the client terminal according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, this client terminal differs from the client terminal shown in FIG. 30 in that it has a transfer destination storage unit 1324 for storing the network ID and communication path of the terminal to which the acquired program related information is transferred instead of the information storage unit 1323. Including.

  An external input through the user input unit 1315 or the network interface 1319 is acquired. The network ID and communication path of the terminal capable of transferring the program related information to be acquired are received and stored in the transfer destination storage unit 1324, respectively. While viewing a broadcast program, the user issues a request for acquiring information related to the program using the remote controller. In response to an acquisition request command from the user, the client terminal creates an address, requests information, and receives provided information. This operation is as described with reference to FIG. After receiving the information, the transfer destination of the received information is selected by the user input unit 1315, for example, and the information transmitting / receiving unit 1318 transmits the information to the transfer destination specified using the terminal information in the transfer destination storage unit 1724.

<Other variations>
A mobile phone may be used as the client terminal. In this case, it is possible to receive and display video by receiving video in the form of an Internet stream, receiving broadcast waves of terrestrial digital broadcasting, and downloading contents synchronized with the video from the Internet.

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

1 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of an information providing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the utilization form of the user in the client terminal which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view of an example of the remote control attached to the client terminal concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the client terminal device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the broadcast channel number-information source specific information table (1st table) of the client terminal device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the information server apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the program relevant information provision table (2nd table) of the information server apparatus which provides the broadcast program relevant information in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the user request information management table (3rd table) of the information server apparatus which provides the broadcast program relevant information in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the content provider terminal device 131 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the client terminal device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the control part of the client terminal device of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the control part of the client terminal device of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed by the control part of the information server apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a system block diagram which shows the whole structure of the information provision system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the client terminal device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the information server apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the program related information provision table (2nd table) of the information server apparatus which performs a user number count-up and network delay detection based on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the user request information management table (3rd table) of the information server apparatus which provides the broadcast program relevant information which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the program related information provision table (2nd table) of the information server apparatus which provides the multiple broadcast program related information which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention simultaneously. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the relevant information provision table (2nd table) of the information server apparatus which provides the storage media relevant information which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the control part of the client terminal device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the control part of the client terminal device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the control part of the client terminal device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the control part of the information server apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the control part of the information server apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. The block diagram of the broadcast subsystem of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, and the subsystem for networks is shown. It is a figure which shows the example of the content time table of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the client terminal device of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram by the side of the client terminal device of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the information server apparatus of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the client terminal device of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a motion of the address relevant setting in the client terminal device of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is an example of the display in the client terminal device of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the other display with the client terminal device of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the further another display with the client terminal device of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the further another display with the client terminal device of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the memorize | stored address in the client terminal device of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the remote control of the client terminal device of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the state transition for the network access in the client terminal device of the system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the state transition for the network access in the client terminal device of the system which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows a menu display example. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed when the "net later" key is pressed in the system which concerns on the modification 1 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a state display in the client terminal device of the system which concerns on the modification 2 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the other remote control of the client terminal device of the system which concerns on the modification 3 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the further another example of the state transition for the network access in the client terminal device of the system which concerns on the modification 3 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state transition of the display by another key operation in the client terminal device of the system which concerns on the modification 3 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state transition of the display by another key operation in the client terminal device of the system which concerns on the modification 3 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart of the other program run with the client terminal device of the system which concerns on the modification 3 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program for implement | achieving the access restriction in the modification 4 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed by the information server apparatus side of the system which concerns on the modification 4 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of a structure of the client terminal device in the modification 5 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. In the system which concerns on the modification 6 of Embodiment 3 of this invention, it is a figure which shows the whole structure of the system which has a cooperation function between a client terminal device and a subclient terminal device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the subclient terminal concerning the modification 6 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state transition of the display screen in the case of acquiring and displaying a farming method using the mobile phone which concerns on the modification 6 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the subclient terminal which concerns on the modification 6 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the sub client terminal which further has a function which acquires the channel information from a client terminal and produces an address based on the modification 7 of Embodiment 3 of this invention. In the system which concerns on the modification 8 of Embodiment 3 of this invention, it is a figure which shows the whole structure of the other system which has a cooperation function between a client terminal device and a subclient terminal device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the client terminal which has a function which selects the subclient terminal which displays the acquired information in the client terminal of the system which concerns on the modification 8 of Embodiment 3 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  101, 101A client terminal device, 116, 116A information server device, 127, 127A, 133, 133A database, 131, 131A content provider terminal device, 102 channel selection input unit, 103 information source specifying information input unit, 104 time information input Part, 104 keyword input part, 105 display part, 106 storage part, 107, 123, 123A, 124, 124A table, 108, 125, 125A information registration part, 109, 129, 129A table reference part, 110, 119 synchronization acquisition part 111, 120 timer, 112 user request information creation unit, 113, 118, 132 communication unit, 114 provided information storage unit, 115, 115A, 130, 130A, 136 control unit, 117 storage unit, 121 comparison unit, 122 use Request information solution Parts, 128,135 accumulation unit, 1502,1702 sub-client terminal device

Claims (16)

A client terminal device that transmits information source specifying information to an information server device and receives corresponding information from the information server device,
Means for obtaining the current time;
Means for adding current time information as time specifying information to information source specifying information;
Means for transmitting an information acquisition request including a set of the information source specifying information and the time specifying information to the information server device;
Means for displaying information returned from the information server device in response to the information acquisition request. The client terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising means for automatically calibrating a timer used when acquiring the current time. The client terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the time specifying information is an occurrence time of an information acquisition request in the client terminal device. The client terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the time specifying information is a relative time from a reproduction start time of the storage medium in the client terminal device. The client terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the time specifying information is a relative time from an occurrence time of an information acquisition request in the client terminal device. The client terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the time specifying information includes both a relative time from a reproduction start time in the client terminal device and a current time. Storage means for storing the information acquisition request;
The client terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising a reading unit for reading any of the plurality of information acquisition requests stored in the storage unit. Receiving means for receiving notification information from the information server device;
Analyzing means for analyzing the notification information received by the receiving means;
The client terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising: an information acquisition unit for automatically acquiring information from the information server device based on a result analyzed by the analysis unit. Means for receiving access information transmitted from the information server device;
The client terminal apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for displaying access information received by the receiving means. The client terminal device according to claim 9, further comprising an access control means for automatically controlling suspension and execution of access to the information server device in response to an analysis result by the analysis means. The client terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information acquisition request includes a set of the information source specifying information and time specifying information and additional information necessary for the information server apparatus to specify information. An information processing method in a computer for transmitting information source specifying information to an information server device and receiving information corresponding thereto,
Operating the computer to obtain the current time;
Operating the computer to add current time information as time specifying information to information source specifying information;
Operating the computer to transmit a set of the information source specifying information and time specifying information to the information server device as an information acquisition request;
Operating the computer to display information returned from an information server device in response to the information acquisition request. A computer-executable program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to operate so as to perform the information processing method according to claim 12. Information provision in an information providing system including a client terminal device that transmits information source identification information to an information server device and receives information corresponding to the information source device from the information server device, and an information server device that provides information to the client terminal device A method,
In the client terminal device, identifying the current time;
In the client terminal device, adding time specifying information for specifying time to the information source specifying information;
In the client terminal device, transmitting an information acquisition request including a set of the information source specifying information and time specifying information to the information server device;
In the information server device, receiving the information acquisition request from the client terminal device;
Analyzing the information acquisition request in the information server device;
In the information server device, selecting information based on an analysis result in the analyzing step;
In the information server device, returning the information selected in the selecting step to the client terminal device;
And displaying the information returned from the information server device in the client terminal device. The information providing method according to claim 14, further comprising a synchronization step of synchronizing time between the information server device and the client terminal device. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 13 is recorded.

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