JP2010086289A - Service information providing device, mobile terminal device, multimedia device, and service providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enjoy convenient services by using past history information at home even when a user uses a multimedia device outside a house. <P>SOLUTION: A service information providing device is provided with: a service request receiving part 21 for receiving a service request including access information for accessing a TV 1 where use history information about a specific user is accumulated, a PC2, and an HDD recorder 3 from a TV 7 where the use history information about the specific user is not accumulated; a user information acquisition part 24 for accessing the TV1, the PC2, and the HDD recorder 3 by using the access information to acquire the use history information about the specific user; a response generation part 26 for acquiring information about the acquired use history information about the specific user and the service request and generating response information to the service request; and a service response transmission part 27 for transmitting the generated response information to the TV 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for providing information recommending at least one service related to usage history information based on usage history information of a multimedia device.

  In recent years, with the spread of the constant Internet connection environment to homes, networking in homes is progressing. Many multimedia devices and home appliances are equipped with a network communication function. In such a situation, for example, it is a common practice to shop not only digital contents but also articles such as books and CDs (Compact Disk) using a PC (Personal Computer). In addition, with the spread of network content distribution services, networking is also progressing in multimedia devices such as television receivers and hard disk recorders. Furthermore, with the development of remote control technology, home appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators equipped with network communication functions are increasing. These various devices are connected to a network, and a wide variety of Internet services for these devices are provided.

  Under such circumstances, the usage history of the user is accumulated in each device and is reflected in the provision of the Internet service. That is, information and services suitable for each user are extracted based on the user's usage history, and recommended information is provided for each user. For this reason, there are many devices that users use on a daily basis, including digital content viewing histories, Internet shopping purchase histories, device data being used, and usage histories of each user's life rhythm. User information is stored.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for using information stored in a home server in a home from a remote location via a public network. In this technique, the server device generates a first password necessary for connecting to the server device, stores the first password in the second storage means, and carries the first password and the address information of the server device. Send to the terminal. The information utilization device that has received the address information and the second password via the portable terminal matches the second password transmitted to the server device and the first password stored in the second storage means. In this case, the server device connects to the information utilization device. On the other hand, if the second password transmitted from the information utilization device and the first password stored in the second storage means do not match, the server device refuses the connection from the information utilization device.

The control system disclosed in Patent Literature 2 includes a mobile terminal and an information processing device. The information processing apparatus can be remotely controlled using a portable terminal. The information processing apparatus receives the control information transmitted from the portable terminal and the unique information of the portable terminal, records a plurality of data on a recording medium, and reproduces the data recorded on the recording medium. Further, history data in which unique information of a plurality of portable terminals and reproduction history information for each of a plurality of data are associated is stored in a memory. When the information processing apparatus receives control information and unique information for requesting one of a plurality of pieces of data from the mobile terminal, the information processing apparatus reads the reproduction history information corresponding to the unique information from the history data. The data is reproduced according to the above.
JP 2004-348236 A JP 2006-311165 A

  However, when there are a plurality of server devices that provide services, the conventional technology does not propose sharing information between server devices. Therefore, even if user usage history information is accumulated, this information is stored in the server It is difficult for devices to share. In particular, in the Internet service, it is difficult to link information if operators are different. For example, when a user uses a service provided by a certain business operator, the history information cannot be used by a service provided by another business operator. Furthermore, history information when a user uses a multimedia device at a facility outside the house such as a hotel cannot be used by a device at home.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when a user uses a multimedia device outside the home, a highly convenient service can be provided using past history information at home. It is an object of the present invention to provide a service information providing device, a portable terminal device, and a multimedia device that can be enjoyed.

  (1) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following measures. That is, the service information providing apparatus according to the present invention relates to the usage history information based on usage history information of a multimedia device that records or reproduces multimedia data including at least one of character data, image data, and audio data. A service information providing device that provides information recommending at least one service that stores usage history information of a specific user from a first multimedia device that does not store usage history information of the specific user. A service request receiving unit for receiving a service request including access information for accessing at least one second multimedia device; and accessing the second multimedia device using the access information, User information acquisition unit for acquiring usage history information, and the acquisition The usage history information of the specific user and the information related to the service request are acquired, a response information generating unit that generates response information for the service request, and the generated response information is transmitted to the first multimedia device. And a response information transmission unit.

  In this way, the access information is used to access the second multimedia device, acquire the usage history information of the specific user, acquire the acquired usage history information of the specific user and information related to the service request, and Since response information for the request is generated and the generated response information is transmitted to the first multimedia device, it is possible to recommend a service based on user usage history information in the first multimedia device. . Thus, for example, using a usage history accumulated in a TV, PC, HDD recorder, or the like at the user's home, a highly convenient service is provided on the TV or the like outside the user's home, just as at home. It becomes possible.

  (2) Also, in the service information providing apparatus of the present invention, the response information transmitting unit sends the first information to the portable terminal device that has made a service request including the access information to the first multimedia device. It is characterized by transmitting usage history information in one multimedia device.

  Thus, since the usage history information in the first multimedia device is transmitted to the portable terminal device that has made a service request including the access information to the first multimedia device, the portable terminal device It is possible to store usage history information in the first multimedia device. For example, when a service is used on a TV or the like outside the user's home, usage history information cannot be stored in a multimedia device in the user's home, but can be stored in a mobile terminal device. As a result, even when a device outside the home is used, it can be used as a usage history when the next service is received.

  (3) In the service information providing apparatus of the present invention, the access information includes information designating an address for acquiring the usage history information of the specific user for each of the second multimedia devices. It is said.

  With this configuration, it is possible to specify an address for acquiring usage history information of a specific user for each of the second multimedia devices.

  (4) Further, in the service information providing apparatus of the present invention, the access information includes authentication information necessary for acquiring the history information of the specific user.

  As described above, the access information includes the authentication information necessary for acquiring the history information of the specific user, so that the security of the information can be ensured.

  (5) In the mobile terminal device of the present invention, the service information providing device provides access information for accessing at least one second multimedia device in which usage history information of a specific user is stored. An access information acquisition unit acquired from the second multimedia device, an access information storage unit that stores the acquired access information, and the first multimedia device in which usage history information of a specific user is not stored And a service request transmission unit that transmits a service request including the access information.

  In this way, access information for accessing at least one second multimedia device in which usage history information of a specific user is stored is acquired from the second multimedia device, and the acquired access information is stored. Therefore, the user can carry around usage history information at home. Since the service request including the access information is transmitted to the first multimedia device in which the usage history information of the specific user is not accumulated, it is used not only at home but also outside the home in the same manner as at home. A highly convenient service based on the history information can be received.

  (6) In the mobile terminal device of the present invention, the access information storage unit stores usage history information using the first multimedia device.

  As described above, since the usage history information using the first multimedia device is stored, the usage history information in the first multimedia device can be stored in the mobile terminal device. For example, when a service is used on a TV or the like outside the user's home, usage history information cannot be stored in a multimedia device in the user's home, but can be stored in a mobile terminal device. As a result, even when a device outside the home is used, it can be used as a usage history when the next service is received.

  (7) In the mobile terminal device of the present invention, the access information includes authentication information necessary for acquiring the history information of the specific user from the second multimedia device.

  Thus, since the access information includes authentication information necessary for acquiring the history information of the specific user from the second multimedia device, it is possible to ensure information security.

  (8) In addition, the mobile terminal device of the present invention is characterized in that after transmitting the service request, the updated access information is received from the second multimedia device, and the held access information is updated.

  In this way, after transmitting the service request, the updated access information is received from the second multimedia device and the held access information is updated, so that whenever the service provided by the present invention is used, It is possible to control information provided from the second multimedia device to the service information providing device at a timing when the user wants to change.

  (9) In the mobile terminal device of the present invention, the access information includes information that limits a range of information that can be acquired.

  With this configuration, it is possible to control information provided from the second multimedia device to the service information providing device.

  (10) Further, in the mobile terminal device of the present invention, the access information is characterized in that authentication information can be set for each type of information that can be acquired.

  As described above, since the access information can set the authentication information for each type of information that can be acquired, the security of the information is enhanced and the information provided from the second multimedia device to the service information providing device is controlled. It becomes possible to do.

  (11) The multimedia device of the present invention is a multimedia device connected to a home network and recording or reproducing multimedia data including at least one of character data, image data, and audio data. A recording unit that records access history information and access information for permitting access from an external device, and outputs the access information to the mobile terminal device in response to a request from the mobile terminal device, while the service information An output unit that outputs the usage history information of the specific user recorded in the recording unit to the service information providing device when there is a request for acquisition of the usage history information of the specific user based on the access information from the providing device It is characterized by providing these.

  In this way, when there is a request for acquiring usage history information of a specific user based on access information from the service information providing device, the recorded usage history information of the specific user is output to the service information providing device. It is possible to recommend a service based on user usage history information. Thus, for example, using a usage history accumulated in a TV, PC, HDD recorder, or the like at the user's home, a highly convenient service is provided on the TV or the like outside the user's home, just as at home. It becomes possible.

  (12) In addition, the multimedia device of the present invention collects usage history information of a specific user stored in another second multimedia device connected to the home network, and from the service information providing device, Based on the access information, when there is a request for acquisition of usage history information of a specific user stored in another second multimedia device, it is stored in the collected other second multimedia device. The usage history information of a specific user is output to the service information providing apparatus.

  Thus, since the usage history information of the specific user accumulated in the other second multimedia device collected is output to the service information providing device, without modifying the existing multimedia device, The service provided by the present invention can be received.

  (13) In addition, the multimedia device of the present invention updates the access information after providing information to the service information providing device based on the access information, and transmits the updated access information to the mobile terminal device. It is characterized by.

  Thus, after providing information to the service information providing device based on the access information, the access information is updated, and the updated access information is transmitted to the mobile terminal device. It is possible to control information provided from the media device to the service information providing device.

  (14) In the multimedia device of the present invention, an information acquisition request including the access information is received from the mobile terminal device, and the access information is transmitted to the service information providing device based on the received information acquisition request. A user selection unit that includes a transmission / reception unit that receives a response information to the service request from the service information providing device while requesting a service using the information held by the second multimedia device using the included information; And providing a service based on the response information.

  In this way, the information acquisition request including the access information is received from the mobile terminal device, and the second information is received from the service information providing device based on the received information acquisition request using the information included in the access information. Requesting a service using the information held by the multimedia device, while receiving response information for the service request from the service information providing device and providing a service based on the response information according to a user's selection. It is possible to recommend a service based on user usage history information. Thus, for example, using a usage history accumulated in a TV, PC, HDD recorder, or the like at the user's home, a highly convenient service is provided on the TV or the like outside the user's home, just as at home. It becomes possible.

  (15) In the multimedia device of the present invention, the transmission / reception unit transmits history information indicating that a service based on the response information is provided to the mobile terminal device.

  Thus, since history information indicating that a service based on response information has been provided is transmitted to the mobile terminal device, usage history information in the multimedia device can be stored in the mobile terminal device. For example, when a service is used on a TV or the like outside the user's home, usage history information cannot be stored in a multimedia device in the user's home, but can be stored in a mobile terminal device. As a result, even when a device outside the home is used, it can be used as a usage history when the next service is received.

  (16) Further, the service providing system of the present invention accumulates the usage history information of the specific user, and provides at least one second of the accumulated usage history information of the specific user or a part to be specified by communication. The first multimedia device capable of receiving a service by making a service request by communication, and the access history information of a specific user stored in the second multimedia device. Access information is acquired from the second multimedia device, and the acquired access information is provided to the first multimedia device from the first multimedia device and the second multimedia device. Receiving the service request including access information of a multimedia device and using the service request A service information providing device that provides the first multimedia device with service information generated using the usage history information of the specific user acquired from the second multimedia device. Yes.

  In this way, the access information is used to access the second multimedia device, acquire the usage history information of the specific user, acquire the acquired usage history information of the specific user and information related to the service request, and Since response information for the request is generated and the generated response information is transmitted to the first multimedia device, it is possible to recommend a service based on user usage history information in the first multimedia device. . Thus, for example, using a usage history accumulated in a TV, PC, HDD recorder, or the like at the user's home, a highly convenient service is provided on the TV or the like outside the user's home, just as at home. It becomes possible.

  According to the present invention, the access information is used to access the second multimedia device, acquire the usage history information of the specific user, acquire the acquired usage history information of the specific user and information related to the service request. Since the response information for the service request is generated and the generated response information is transmitted to the first multimedia device, it is possible to recommend a service based on the user history information in the first multimedia device. It becomes. Thus, for example, using a usage history accumulated in a TV, PC, HDD recorder, or the like at the user's home, a highly convenient service is provided on the TV or the like outside the user's home, just as at home. It becomes possible.

  Next, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a service providing system according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the multimedia device means a device having a function of recording or reproducing multimedia data including at least one of character data, image data, and audio data. User A has a plurality of multimedia devices in home a. For example, the TV 1 is a television receiver that can be connected to a network. In addition to watching TV broadcasts, the TV 1 can receive a TV video service 14. The PC 2 is a personal computer and can use the product sales service 11 and the video service 12 for PC.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) recorder 3 is a recorder equipped with a home server function, and can use a video service 13 for TV that can be recorded. The HDD recorder 3 provides a content viewing function to devices in the home network in conformity with the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) protocol. It is also possible to store recorded broadcast content, digital photos uploaded from digital cameras, and the like. The HDD recorder 4 is not equipped with a network communication function and is connected to the TV 1. In this embodiment, unlike the HDD recorder 4, it is not necessary for all devices to be configured to respond to the concierge service. For example, the home gateway becomes a second multimedia device representing the home network, and information on devices connected by the home network or wireless or wired communication means is related to the address or acquisition information described in the access information. Collect using information. And you may make it respond to a concierge service collectively. The TV 1 can acquire content information recorded by the HDD recorder 4 or viewed by a built-in tuner. The router 5 constructs a home network, controls the home network, and connects a multimedia device having a communication function in the home network and an external communication network. Note that the TV 1, the PC 2, and the HDD recorder 3 correspond to the second multimedia device.

  The mobile phone 6 can communicate via a mobile phone communication network. Using the mobile phone service 10, it is possible to download music and standby digital data (images, music, etc.), and to use an Internet information service for mobile phones such as ticket reservation. Further, the cellular phone 6 is necessary for an external device outside the home to access each device from the TV 1, the PC 2, and the HDD recorder 3 by using short-range wireless communication means such as infrared communication or Bluetooth (registered trademark). To acquire and save access information. This access information is information necessary for an external device to acquire information stored in each multimedia device and to control device functions such as recording reservation setting. The access information includes an access address and authentication information. The mobile phone 6 corresponds to a mobile terminal device.

  In the present embodiment, each multimedia device is equipped with an HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) server function, receives a request in URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) format, and receives information and information that each multimedia device has. Using the function, it is possible to receive a service provided by an external device. In the present embodiment, it is desirable that each multimedia device perform a function of providing information after authenticating with a password when receiving a request. It is also desirable to update the password every time the user uses it. The mobile phone 6 is provided with an update password creation function, an update password for each multimedia device is created using the function, and the update password is transmitted to each multimedia device. This makes it possible to update the password in each multimedia device every time the user uses it.

  In FIG. 1, a TV 1, a PC 2, and an HDD recorder 3 are multimedia devices corresponding to the concierge service realized by this embodiment. Each of these multimedia devices accumulates user service usage history information and user information, and can provide them to the concierge service server 15. For this purpose, the concierge service server 15 needs to acquire access information held and managed by the mobile phone 6. The concierge service server 15 can access each multimedia device by using the access information acquired from the mobile phone 6. And the concierge service server 15 acquires each data which each has accumulated from each multimedia apparatus, and creates response information suitable for the user as a concierge using this. The concierge service server 15 corresponds to a service information providing device.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 1, there is a TV 7 in a friend's house b outside the home a of the user A. The TV 7 acquires access information from the mobile phone 6 possessed by the user A by near field communication means such as infrared communication. Then, the acquired access information is embedded in request information for receiving a service and transmitted to the concierge service server 15. As a result, the concierge service server 15 obtains access information, so that it is possible to access the TV 1, the PC 2, and the HDD recorder 3 to acquire information stored in each multimedia device. If the mobile phone 6 is compatible with the concierge service according to the present embodiment, the concierge service server 15 accesses the mobile phone 6 based on the access information and acquires user information held by the mobile phone 6. can do. Thereby, since the concierge service server 15 can acquire the history information used by the user A in the past from a plurality of multimedia devices, it is possible to provide a highly convenient service according to the preference of the user A. It becomes. The TV 7 corresponds to the first multimedia device.

  In FIG. 1, the TV 7 can receive a customized service for the user A who owns the cellular phone 6 by specifying the TV video service 16 that can be received by the TV 7. After the user A uses the service on the TV 7, the usage history information is transmitted from the TV 7 to the mobile phone 6 using a short-distance wireless communication means such as infrared communication. Then, in the cellular phone 6, it is stored as usage history information, and provided when requested by the concierge service server 15.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the concierge service server 15. The service request receiving unit 21 receives a service request request from an external device. In the present embodiment, the service request reception unit 21 implements the HTTP protocol, and after uploading access information data with a PUT request, the service request receiving unit 21 processes until a service is acquired with a GET request specifying the information. The uploaded access information data is stored as a file in the user device information storage unit 23. The access information extraction unit 22 extracts the access information received by the service request reception unit 21 and specified by the GET request from the user device information storage unit 23.

  The user device information storage unit 23 records the upload data received by the service request reception unit 21. The user information acquisition unit 24 acquires user information from each multimedia device using the access information extracted by the access information extraction unit 22 from the request received by the service request reception unit 21. This access information includes the URI and authentication password of each multimedia device for obtaining the information. The user information storage unit 25 stores and manages the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 24 for each request received by the service request reception unit 21.

  The response generation unit 26 generates response information using them when all the information is collected for each request in the user information storage unit 25. The response information includes, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for making an inquiry to an external server device and acquiring a service provided to the user, such as the TV video service 16. The external service that the user desires to use can be described in a part of the data of the access information by the service request receiving unit 21 and can be restricted by that. The response generation unit 26 corresponds to a response information generation unit.

  When the TV 7 recognizes that there is a limit to the services that can be used by itself, the TV 7 adds the fact to the access information and transmits it to the concierge service server 15. On the other hand, if there is no particular limitation, the concierge service server 15 inquires all server devices and creates response information indicating services that can be provided.

  The service response transmission unit 27 transmits the response information generated by the response generation unit 26 to the requesting multimedia device. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that HTML format data including address information (URI) for the user to use an external service recommended to the user is transmitted. The service response transmission unit 27 corresponds to a response information transmission unit.

  The functions of the concierge service server 15 as described above are realized by a computer executing software. Software in which these functions are implemented is stored on the HDD of the computer, and is executed in a RAM (Random Access Memory) at the time of execution. The concierge service server 15 includes a communication interface, and the communication function of each software is realized via the communication interface. Requests, collected user information, and the like are stored as a file system on the HDD.

  FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mobile phone 6. Here, only the main part for implementing this invention in the mobile telephone 6 is demonstrated. In the main part 30 of the mobile phone 6, the access information acquisition part 31 is configured such that the concierge service server 15 has at least one second multimedia device (TV 1, PC 2, HDD recorder 3) in which usage history information of a specific user is stored. Access information for accessing at least one) is obtained from the second multimedia device. The access information storage unit 32 stores the access information acquired by the access information acquisition unit 31. The service request transmission unit 33 transmits a service request including access information to a first multimedia device (for example, the TV 7) in which usage history information of a specific user is not accumulated. Each of these components is connected to each other by a control bus 34, and data can be transmitted and received.

  FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the TV 1, the PC 2, and the HDD recorder 3 as the second multimedia device. Here, only the main part for implementing the present invention in these second multimedia devices will be described. In the main part 40 of the second multimedia device (TV1, PC2, HDD recorder 3), the recording unit 41 records usage history information of a specific user and access information for permitting access from an external device. The output unit 42 outputs access information to the mobile phone 6 in response to a request from the mobile phone 6, while there is a request for acquisition of usage history information of a specific user based on the access information from the concierge service server 15. In addition, the usage history information of the specific user recorded in the recording unit 41 is output to the concierge service server 15. These constituent elements are connected to each other by a control bus 43, and data can be transmitted and received. The second multimedia device is connected to the home network and records or reproduces multimedia data including at least one of character data, image data, and audio data.

  FIG. 2D is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the TV 7 as the first multimedia device. Here, only the main parts for implementing the present invention in these first multimedia devices will be described. In the main unit 50 of the first multimedia device (TV 7), the transmission / reception unit 51 receives an information acquisition request including access information from the mobile phone 6, and accesses the concierge service server 15 based on the received information acquisition request. Using the information included in the information, a service using the information held by the second multimedia device is requested. On the other hand, response information for the service request is received from the concierge service server 15. Then, the first multimedia device provides a service based on the response information according to the user's selection.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing main operations of the concierge service server 15. First, when the service request receiving unit 21 receives a service request via the Internet (step S1), the access information extracting unit 22 extracts access information from the service request received in step S1 (step S2). In the present embodiment, the access information is registered with the concierge service (user name and password), and the concierge service server 15 acquires the user information from the multimedia device (device) storing the user information. Information list (communication address of the device, information type permitted to provide information, password for information acquisition for each information type).

  Next, using the access information extracted in step S2, the user information acquisition unit 24 makes an information provision request to each device in the information list for user information acquisition, and acquires permitted information. (Step S <b> 3) Information that has been successfully acquired is stored in the user device information storage unit 23. The user device information storage unit 23 stores (saves) the user information acquired in step S3 for each user registered in the concierge service (step S4).

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that user information is stored permanently and updated as information is changed. Since the user information is personal information, it is assumed that the information is not leaked to the outside, and is encrypted and stored. In this case, only the difference between the updated information needs to be acquired, so that there is an advantage that the time to response can be shortened. On the other hand, an embodiment is also possible in which the user information is permanently stored outside by deleting the information every time a service request from the user is completed.

  Next, when information acquisition processing from all devices is completed (step S5), including the case of failure in information acquisition in step S4, the response generation unit 26 generates response information for the first received request. In creating the response information, a response is created in consideration of the user's history and preferences based on the information accumulated in the user device information accumulation unit 23 (step S6).

  For example, when a request for viewing a sports broadcast is received, information on a sports program is acquired from an external EPG (Electronic Program Guide) (registered trademark) service. Then, information received from the user device, for example, a list of programs narrowed down to recommended programs from the types of sports programs viewed on the TV 1 or sorted in the recommended order is created as a response. Specifically, direct information such as events (baseball, soccer, tennis, etc.) and program attribute information (country (Japan, US, Europe), tournament name, team name, broadcasting station, commentator / guest) In addition to extracting information such as purchased CDs, DVDs, merchandise, books, etc., it guesses. For example, in Internet shopping, if there is a purchase history of team A in a replica uniform, a program related to team A is preferentially presented.

  Also, if you want to purchase a dress through internet shopping, request a concierge service, and the user's preference is based on the purchase history of past clothes, the recent purchase of shoes and hats, as well as the color and shape of what you purchase, not just clothing. It is possible to present recommended products by guessing the tendency.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the service providing system according to the present embodiment. First, the in-home devices 1 to 4 such as the TV 1, the PC 2, the HDD recorder 3 and the HDD recorder 4 shown in FIG. 1 provide access information to the mobile phone 6 (step S41). The access information includes the communication address used when the concierge service server 15 communicates with the in-home devices 1 to 4 in order to acquire the information of the in-home devices 1 to 4, the type of information held in each device, and the access to it. Includes a password to allow. At this time, the in-home devices 1 to 4 and the mobile phone 6 communicate with each other using short-range wireless communication means such as infrared rays or a wireless LAN. Thereby, the mobile phone 6 holds the access information of the in-home devices 1 to 4.

  The user carries the mobile phone 6 holding the access information acquired in step S41. For example, information stored in the in-home devices 1 to 4 can be used in the TV 7 of a friend's home away from home. The user activates the application for using the concierge service installed in the mobile phone 6 and transmits a request for using the concierge service to the TV 7 (step S42). In the present embodiment, the request can be reliably transmitted to the TV 7 by using the infrared communication means. In the present embodiment, the user inputs a request using a concierge service utilization application installed in the mobile phone 6. For example, if a natural language form such as “I want to watch sports broadcasts” or “I want a dress” is input, the mobile phone 6 analyzes the natural language and generates a request. Here, a format such as “action (attribute)” is used, such as “Request 1 = viewing (sports)” and “request 2 = shopping (one piece)”.

  5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams showing examples of screen display of the mobile phone 6 when a request is transmitted from the mobile phone 6 to the TV 7. FIG. The screen of the mobile phone 6 includes only the selected device information in the request transmitted to the TV 7. Request data is transmitted from the mobile phone 6 to the TV 7 by infrared communication. FIG. 5A also describes an example of request data. As shown in FIG. 5A, the request data includes <request type>, <user ID>, <device information>, and the like. The TV 7 acquires such request data from the mobile phone 6.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a screen display example in which the type of information can be specified. For example, in the TV 1, “viewing channel”, “viewing time”, and “viewing title” can be selected. In the PC 2, “purchased product”, “viewing time”, “viewing title”, and “download history” can be selected. FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a screen display example in which a period of information to be provided can be designated or changed. As the information period, for example, an information period from January 1, 2008 to July 11, 2008 can be designated. Further, as the type of information, for example, in the TV 1, “viewing channel”, “viewing time”, and “viewing title” can be selected. In the PC 2, “purchased product”, “viewing time”, “viewing title”, and “download history” can be selected.

  However, these are merely examples, and any user input may be converted into a format that accepts a concierge service request. By determining the data format using tags such as XML, it is possible to define a request with ease of use and expandability for each concierge service. In the present embodiment, file transmission is performed in both step S41 and step S42.

  Next, the TV 7 transmits a request to the concierge service server 15 (step S43). In this case, a request using the HTTP protocol is performed. 6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams illustrating an example of a format format when the TV 7 transmits a request to the concierge service server 15. FIG. Here, an XML file is shown. As shown in FIG. 6A, the request data includes <access information>, <user ID>, <device information>, and the like. Note that the type of information is not controlled in the device shown in FIG. 6A.

In FIG. 6B, information that can be provided for each device can also be listed. Access control is possible by attaching a password to each piece of information. In FIG. 6B, the type of information is described, but this is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as provided in the following description, it is possible to describe information provided in a period.
<Information>
<Type> Viewing Channel </ Type>
<Period> 20080101 -20080711 </ Period>
<Password> 654 </ password>
</ Information>
Viewing channel information accumulated from January 1 to July 11, 2008

  In FIG. 6C, the period for recording the information provided by the device is designated. For example, since information from January 1, 2008 to July 11, 2008 is recorded, this means that this information can be provided. Note that HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol over SSL) in consideration of security may be used. More preferably, a session may be established between the session TV 7 and the concierge service server 15 using SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), and communication may be performed using the HTTP protocol within the session. As described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 3, the concierge service server 15 makes a request for information acquisition to each of the in-home devices 1 to 4 using the access information (step S 44), and as a result, each of the in-home devices 1 to 1. 4 to obtain information. Also in this case, in this embodiment, the request is performed using a request using the HTTP protocol, and various information stored in the DB (Database) by each device is stored as a response to the HTTP request to the concierge service by a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) mechanism. respond.

  The concierge service server 15 selects a server (in this example, the TV video service 16) that can provide the requested service to the TV 7 that is the service request source, and obtains necessary information from the server. A request is made (step S46). In this case, there may be a plurality of services corresponding to the concierge service, and in response to a request from the TV 7, a service that can be recommended is selected and information about the service is acquired. When the concierge service server 15 obtains necessary information from the TV video service 16 (step S47), it creates response information for the service request in step S46. This response information is information of content and products recommended for the request, and this response information is transmitted to the TV 7 (step S48).

  The TV 7 presents the information acquired in step S48 to the user. This makes it possible to propose a service according to the user's preference. In step S48, a file including the name of the service (product, content, etc.) and the address for acquiring or using the service is transmitted. The user selects a service via the TV 7, and the TV 7 requests the selected video service 16 from the TV video service 16 (step S49). The TV video service 16 transmits content and information in response to the request from the TV 7 (step S50).

  Next, after using the concierge service on the TV 7, the mobile phone 6 transmits a type and range of data permitted to provide information to each of the in-home devices 1 to 4 and a password change request when operated by the user (step S 51). Each of the in-home devices 1 to 4 returns the result as a response (step S52). This makes it possible to control the information provided from each of the in-home devices 1 to 4 to the concierge service server 15 every time the concierge service is used and when the user wants to change the information. In that case, the setting change password is included in the access information transmitted from each of the in-home devices 1 to 4 to the mobile phone 6. The setting change password is used when each home device 1 to 4 has a function to be generated. This makes it possible to change settings only from the mobile phone 6 having a password.

  As described above, the sequence chart of FIG. 4 is used only for one request. However, as another embodiment, session management is performed between the TV 7 and the concierge service server 15, and only one use is performed. It is also possible to manage the use of the concierge service in units of a series of multiple requests, and to change the settings (information provision range and password) of each in-home device 1 to 4 at the end of the session Forms are also feasible. Requests from the mobile phone 6 to each of the in-home devices 1 to 4 preferably use the secure HTTPS protocol using the Internet. In addition, by using the setting change password as an encryption key, it is possible to make a request by e-mail attached with data obtained by encrypting access information to be changed. In that case, the mail server is periodically polled from each of the in-home devices 1 to 4 to acquire and change the mail that matches the subject for the request mail defined in advance.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence chart showing an operation when a password is updated each time a request is made. Here, an operation example via the TV 1 will be described, but other devices operate in the same manner. First, the mobile phone 6 transmits access information to the TV 7 in the friend's house b (step S71). The TV 7 transmits access information to the concierge service server 15 (step S72). The concierge service server 15 makes a request for acquiring information to the TV 1 (step S73). In response to the request from the concierge service server 15, the TV 1 transmits information to the concierge service server 15 (step S74). Here, the TV 1 generates an update password (step S75), and changes the database password for access setting. Then, the updated “accessinfo.xml” is encrypted and transmitted to the mobile phone 6 by e-mail (step S76). Here, it is assumed that the password of the encryption key is set and held in advance in the TV 1 and the mobile phone 6. As a result, thereafter, the TV 1 does not provide information unless there is a new password. On the other hand, the mobile phone 6 decrypts and holds the new “accessinfo.xml” using the access information update password shared with the TV 1 based on the data attached to the received e-mail. It is replaced with “accessinfo.xml” (step S75).

  The security may be doubled by separating the access information update password and the encryption password. The password can also be divided in detail for each device (device) and for each information.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition in the TV 7 as the service using device. In this example, when the user selects “movie recommendation service” from the concierge service list of the mobile phone 6, a request signal is transmitted from the mobile phone 6 to the TV 7. The TV 7 receives the movie recommendation service option screen from the concierge service server 15 and displays the received option screen (D50). The user selects “action” as the genre using the concierge service using application of the mobile phone 6 as in the case of remote control operation of the TV (D51).

  After this selection, the concierge service server 15 uses the screen of the TV 7 to confirm whether or not to use the user information (D52). If the user selects “Yes”, the screen changes to “Please send access information” (D53). When the screen of D53 is displayed, the access information for accessing each of the home devices 1 to 4 at home is obtained on the TV 7 by performing an “access information transmission” operation from the concierge service use application of the mobile phone 6. Infrared transmitted. The account information (user name and password) of the concierge service server 15 is transmitted to the TV 7 by infrared rays, and a request indicating “request (view (action movie))” is transmitted from the TV 7 to the concierge service server 15. At that time, the access information is added and transmitted, and the access information is encrypted based on the password when the user registers in the concierge service. For this reason, the TV 7 needs to send the user name of the concierge service received from the mobile phone 6 to the concierge service server.

  When the TV 7 receives access information for each of the in-home devices 1 to 4 from the concierge service, the TV 7 transitions to a screen such as D54 and notifies the user to search for recommendations. In D55, recommended information and information on the basis thereof are presented to the user. When the user selects Yes, the screen changes to a recommended content viewing screen as shown in D56.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the concierge service server 15 accesses each of the in-home devices 1 to 4 using the access information, acquires the usage history information of the specific user, and acquires the acquired specific user Since the usage history information and information related to the service request are acquired, response information for the service request is generated, and the generated response information is transmitted to the TV 7, the TV 7 recommends a service based on the user usage history information. It becomes possible. Thus, for example, using a usage history accumulated in a TV, PC, HDD recorder, or the like at the user's home, a highly convenient service is provided on the TV or the like outside the user's home, just as at home. It becomes possible.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the service provision system which concerns on this embodiment. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a concierge service server 15. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mobile phone 6. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of TV1, PC2, and HDD recorder 3 as a 2nd multimedia apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of TV7 as a 1st multimedia apparatus. 4 is a flowchart showing main operations of the concierge service server 15. It is a sequence chart which shows operation | movement of the service provision system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of the mobile telephone 6 at the time of transmitting a request from the mobile telephone 6 to TV7. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of the mobile telephone 6 at the time of transmitting a request from the mobile telephone 6 to TV7. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of the mobile telephone 6 at the time of transmitting a request from the mobile telephone 6 to TV7. It is a figure which shows an example of the format format at the time of TV7 transmitting a request with respect to the concierge service server 15. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the format format at the time of TV7 transmitting a request with respect to the concierge service server 15. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the format format at the time of TV7 transmitting a request with respect to the concierge service server 15. FIG. It is a sequence chart which shows operation | movement in the case of updating a password whenever it makes a request. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen transition in TV7 as a service utilization apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 TV
2 PC
3 HDD recorder 4 HDD recorder 5 Router 6 Mobile phone 7 TV
13 Video service for TV 14 Video service for TV 15 Concierge service server 16 Video service for TV 21 Service request reception unit 22 Access information extraction unit 23 User device information storage unit 24 User information acquisition unit 25 User information storage unit 26 Response generation unit 27 Service response transmitter 30 Mobile phone main unit 31 Access information acquisition unit 32 Access information storage unit 33 Service request transmitter 34 Control bus 40 Main unit 41 such as TV1 Recording unit 42 Output unit 43 Control bus 50 Main unit 51 of TV7 Part

Claims (16)

Based on usage history information of a multimedia device that records or plays back multimedia data including at least one of character data, image data, and audio data, information that recommends at least one service related to the usage history information is provided. A service information providing device,
A service request including access information for accessing at least one second multimedia device in which usage history information of a specific user is stored from a first multimedia device in which usage history information of the specific user is not stored A service request receiver for receiving
A user information acquisition unit that accesses the second multimedia device using the access information and acquires usage history information of a specific user;
A response information generating unit that acquires the usage history information of the acquired specific user and information related to the service request, and generates response information for the service request;
A service information providing apparatus comprising: a response information transmitting unit configured to transmit the generated response information to the first multimedia apparatus.   The response information transmission unit transmits usage history information in the first multimedia device to a mobile terminal device that has made a service request including the access information to the first multimedia device. The service information providing apparatus according to claim 1.   3. The service information provision according to claim 1, wherein the access information includes information for designating an address for acquiring the usage history information of the specific user for each of the second multimedia devices. apparatus.   The service information providing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the access information includes authentication information necessary to acquire history information of the specific user. 2. The service information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein access information for accessing at least one second multimedia apparatus in which usage history information of a specific user is stored is acquired from the second multimedia apparatus. An access information acquisition unit,
An access information storage unit for storing the acquired access information;
A mobile terminal device comprising: a service request transmission unit configured to transmit a service request including the access information to the first multimedia device in which usage history information of a specific user is not accumulated.   6. The portable terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the access information storage unit stores usage history information using the first multimedia device.   The mobile terminal according to claim 5, wherein the access information includes authentication information necessary to obtain history information of the specific user from the second multimedia device. apparatus.   8. The mobile terminal device according to claim 7, wherein after the service request is transmitted, the updated access information is received from the second multimedia device, and the held access information is updated.   9. The mobile terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the access information includes information that limits a range of information that can be acquired.   10. The mobile terminal device according to claim 9, wherein the access information can set authentication information for each type of information that can be acquired. A multimedia device connected to a home network for recording or reproducing multimedia data including at least one of character data, image data, and audio data,
A recording unit that records usage history information of a specific user and access information for permitting access from an external device;
The access information is output to the mobile terminal device in response to a request from the mobile terminal device according to claim 5, while the usage history information of a specific user based on the access information is output from the service information providing device according to claim 1. And an output unit that outputs the usage history information of the specific user recorded in the recording unit to the service information providing apparatus when there is an acquisition request.   Collecting usage history information of a specific user stored in another second multimedia device connected to the home network, from the service information providing device according to claim 1, based on the access information, When there is a request for acquisition of usage history information of a specific user stored in the second multimedia device, the usage history information of the specific user stored in the other second multimedia device is collected. 12. The multimedia apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the multimedia apparatus outputs to a service information providing apparatus.   12. The multimedia apparatus according to claim 11, wherein after providing information to the service information providing apparatus based on the access information, the access information is updated, and the updated access information is transmitted to the mobile terminal apparatus. An information acquisition request including the access information is received from the mobile terminal device according to claim 5, and based on the received information acquisition request, information contained in the access information is used for the service information providing device according to claim 1. A transmission / reception unit for requesting a service using information held by the second multimedia device and receiving response information for the service request from the service information providing device,
A multimedia device that provides a service based on the response information according to a user's selection.   15. The multimedia device according to claim 14, wherein the transmission / reception unit transmits history information indicating that a service based on the response information is provided to the mobile terminal device according to claim 5. At least one second multimedia device that accumulates the usage history information of the specific user and provides all or a part of the specified usage history information of the specific user by communication;
A first multimedia device capable of making a service request by communication and receiving a service;
Access information for accessing usage history information of a specific user stored in the second multimedia device is acquired from the second multimedia device, and the acquired access information is acquired from the first multimedia device. A mobile terminal device to provide
Usage history of the specific user acquired from the second multimedia device using the service request, the service request including the access information of the second multimedia device received from the first multimedia device A service providing system comprising: a service information providing device that provides service information generated using information to the first multimedia device.

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