JP2012244286A - Information processing terminal, application-cooperative content management server and location resolution server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing terminal, application-cooperative content management server and location resolution server, enabling the use of an application related to program content.SOLUTION: The information processing terminal includes: a program content reception unit 61 for receiving a program content signal through broadcast or communication; a content identification information extraction unit 66 for extracting content identification information to uniquely identify program content included in the program content signal; a terminal information management unit 67 for managing information relative to the self-terminal; a cooperative application information acquisition request unit 68 for reading out the terminal information from the terminal information management unit 67 and for transmitting the terminal information and the content identification information to an application-cooperative content management server 1; an application acquisition request unit 70 for transmitting cooperative application information to an application distribution server 3; and an application execution unit 72 for executing the cooperative application transmitted from the application distribution server 3.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing terminal that processes a program content signal transmitted via broadcast or communication, and an application-linked content management server and a location resolution server that communicate with the information processing terminal.

  In recent years, digitalization of television receivers and sophistication of information communication technology have advanced, and advanced services utilizing communication functions can be enjoyed even by television receivers. In addition to dedicated programs and software (hereinafter referred to as applications) having specific functions that are installed in the television receiver in advance, various applications existing on the network can be downloaded and viewers can use various communication services. The environment has also been studied (for example, Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, in addition to mobile phones, smartphones and tablet information terminals are rapidly spreading, and an environment in which an individual owns an information terminal for individuals has been established. As these terminals have become more sophisticated and have a wider network bandwidth, large volumes of data (text, still images, moving images, etc.) can be received and played back via browsers and other applications. And it is possible to receive advanced services.

  Under such circumstances, it is expected that each terminal can use a related application that allows the user to enjoy the program content effectively while viewing the program content on the television receiver.

  In addition, as a technology for displaying related information on a television receiver according to a program that is currently being viewed, in digital broadcasting, data broadcasting content described in a multimedia coding system BML (Broadcast Markup Language) is displayed on the screen. Can be displayed. In Non-Patent Document 1, it is possible to include an application information table (AIT) in which information related to an application and an activation state are stored in a broadcast wave, and to issue an application activation state change instruction from a broadcast station.

  Furthermore, a technique for displaying related information or the like on an information terminal for individuals is considered in, for example, Patent Document 2. Patent Document 2 describes a method of specifying the current content and outputting the content on the mobile terminal based on channel selection control information, time information, progress schedule information, and the like. As a result, it is possible to display information related to the program currently being viewed on the television program even on the mobile terminal.

Japanese Patent No. 4045805 JP 2007-36523 A

Radio Industry Association, April 22, 2011 search, Internet (URL: http://www.arib.or.jp/tyosakenyu/kikaku_hoso/hoso_std-b023.html)

  By the way, when an actual viewing scene is assumed, it is assumed that a plurality of people watch program content in front of a television receiver while holding various types of personal terminals (for example, mobile phones). The

  In such a case, an environment in which an application related to program content is not limited to being used by a television receiver but can also be used by the personal terminal is desired. The same environment is desired not only for program content by broadcast waves, but also when viewing program content provided via communication such as VOD (Video On Demand).

  However, for example, data broadcasting and techniques such as those described in Non-Patent Document 1 are based on the assumption that program content is received by broadcast waves, and reception of program content via communication is not assumed. The use of personal terminals without functions is not expected.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, a technique for presenting information related to a program by a mobile terminal that does not have a broadcast receiving function is proposed, but how to specifically provide related information to a personal terminal. Is not shown. In addition, since the platform, function specifications, and the like differ depending on the terminal, it is necessary to consider the application execution environment and the expression range (for example, the presence / absence of audio output and video resolution).

  Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to use a program content-related application regardless of a program content providing method (broadcasting / communication) and a use terminal (a television receiver or a plurality of personal information terminals). One purpose.

  Another object of the present invention is to easily specify the location of a server that manages a management application even in a situation where related applications are managed in a distributed manner. Another object of the present invention is to link related applications in stages according to attribute information of program content.

  An information processing terminal according to the present invention is an information processing terminal having a program content receiving unit that receives a program content signal configured by multiplexing a plurality of pieces of information together with program content via broadcasting or communication, A content identification information extraction unit for extracting content identification information for uniquely identifying program content included in the program content signal; a first terminal information management unit for managing various information relating to the own terminal; and the program content signal Based on the terminal request information included in the terminal information, one or more pieces of information are read out as terminal information from the first terminal information management unit, and the content identification information is transmitted to the application-linked content management server together with the terminal information. Then, the first cooperation that inquires cooperation application information that cooperates with the program content One or more pieces of cooperative application information are received by the application information acquisition requesting unit, the first cooperative application information receiving unit that receives cooperative application information from the application cooperative type content management server, and the first cooperative application information receiving unit. A first application acquisition request unit that acquires the cooperative application by transmitting the selected cooperative application information to the application distribution server when one piece of cooperative application information is selected from the cooperative application information obtained. And when a cooperative application is transmitted from the application distribution server in response to a request from the first application acquisition requesting unit, a first application executing unit that executes the cooperative application is It was obtain configuration.

  According to such a configuration, the information processing terminal according to the present invention specifies the identification information of the program content regardless of whether the program content is received by broadcast or communication, and further inquires the cooperative application together with the terminal information. Therefore, it is possible to acquire and execute an application that can be executed or recommended by the terminal itself.

  The information processing terminal may include a content-related information transmission unit that transmits the content identification information extracted by the content identification information extraction unit to another information processing terminal.

  According to such a configuration, the information processing terminal according to the present invention is currently viewing from a use terminal having a program content receiving unit to a use terminal that does not have peripheral program content receiving means or does not view program content. The program content identification information can be delivered.

  Further, in the information processing terminal, the content related information transmission unit may transmit to the other information processing terminal including the terminal request information included in the program content signal.

  According to such a configuration, the information processing terminal according to the present invention is currently viewed from a main use terminal having a program content receiving unit to a use terminal that does not have program content receiving means or does not view program content. It is possible to deliver terminal request information necessary for acquiring cooperative application information of the program content inside.

  The information processing terminal further includes a content related information acquisition request receiving unit that receives the content identification information or the content identification information and the request request for the terminal request information from the other information processing terminal, and transmits the content related information. The content identification information extracted by the content identification information extraction unit when receiving the content identification information or the content identification information and the terminal request information acquisition request by the content related information acquisition request reception unit The information or the content identification information and the terminal request information may be transmitted to the other information processing terminal.

  According to this configuration, the information processing terminal according to the present invention causes the content identification information extraction unit to receive the content identification information from another information processing terminal or the acquisition request for the content identification information and the terminal request information. Since the extracted content identification information, or content identification information and terminal request information are transmitted to another information processing terminal, a so-called pull-type service can be provided.

  Further, in the information processing terminal, for a terminal search unit that searches for one or more other information processing terminals arranged in the vicinity, and other information processing terminals that have responded by the search of the terminal search unit, A predetermined application is activated from other information processing terminals responding to the search by the terminal search unit based on the inquiry result by the state inquiry unit and the state inquiry unit that inquires about the current state A cooperative terminal determination unit that determines what can operate in cooperation with the content-related information transmission unit, the content identification information extracted by the content identification information extraction unit, or the content identification information The terminal request information is sent to another information processing terminal that is determined to be capable of operating in cooperation with the cooperation terminal determination unit. It may be configured to.

  According to such a configuration, the information processing terminal according to the present invention can grasp other utilization terminals (sub utilization terminals) arranged in the vicinity and operate in cooperation with a predetermined application (self terminal). Since the content identification information or the content identification information and the terminal request information are transmitted on condition that the application is activated, a so-called push-type service can be provided.

  An information processing terminal according to the present invention includes a content-related information receiving unit that receives the content identification information from a main information processing terminal, a second terminal information management unit that manages various information about the terminal, Read one or more pieces of information as terminal information from the second terminal information management unit, and transmit the content identification information received by the content related information receiving unit together with the terminal information to the application-linked content management server, A second cooperative application information acquisition requesting unit that inquires of cooperative application information that cooperates with the program content, a second cooperative application information receiving unit that receives cooperative application information from the application cooperative content management server, and the second Linked application information receiver When one or more pieces of linked application information are obtained and one piece of linked application information is selected from the pieces of linked application information, the selected piece of linked application information is transmitted to the application distribution server, and the linked application information is transmitted. A second application acquisition requesting unit that acquires the cooperative application, and a second application execution unit that executes the cooperative application when the cooperative application is transmitted from the application distribution server in response to a request from the second application acquisition requesting unit. It was set as the structure provided.

  According to this configuration, the information processing terminal according to the present invention does not have a program content receiving unit or is a user terminal that is not viewing program content, for example, a main user terminal (for example, viewing program content). Based on the content identification information received from the terminal and the predetermined terminal information, an application linked to the program content can be acquired from the application distribution server and executed.

  In the information processing terminal, the content-related information receiving unit receives terminal request information included in the program content signal transmitted from the main information processing terminal, and acquires the second cooperative application information. The request unit may be configured to read the terminal information from the second terminal information management unit based on the terminal request information.

  According to this configuration, the information processing terminal according to the present invention does not have a program content receiving unit or is a user terminal that is not viewing program content, for example, a main user terminal (for example, viewing program content). Based on the terminal request information received from the terminal), the necessary terminal information is read out, and the cooperative application is inquired based on the terminal information and the identification information of the program content. Application can be obtained and executed.

  The information processing terminal further includes a content related information acquisition request transmission unit that makes an acquisition request for the content identification information or the content identification information and the terminal request information to the main information processing terminal. The related information receiving unit may receive the content identification information transmitted from the main information processing terminal, or the content identification information and the terminal request information.

  According to this configuration, the information processing terminal according to the present invention transmits the content identification information or the content identification information and the request for acquiring the terminal request information to the main information processing terminal, so that the content is received from the main information processing terminal. Since identification information or content identification information and terminal request information can be acquired, a so-called pull-type service can be provided.

  Further, in response to a request from the main information processing terminal, the information processing terminal transmits a set address of the own terminal, and transmits the address of the own terminal by the terminal address response unit. After that, a state inquiry reception unit that receives an inquiry about the current state transmitted from the main information processing terminal, an application management unit that manages an application being executed by the second application execution unit, When an inquiry about the current state is received by the state inquiry receiving unit, the application management unit is inquired whether a predetermined application is activated, and a response is made that the predetermined application is activated. If the specified application is running A status response unit that transmits a message to the main information processing terminal, and the content related information reception unit transmits to the main information processing terminal that the predetermined application is activated by the status response unit. Thereafter, the content identification information, or the content identification information and the terminal request information may be received from the main information processing terminal.

  According to such a configuration, the information processing terminal according to the present invention responds to a request from the main information processing terminal, responds with necessary information, and operates in accordance with a predetermined application (main information processing terminal). The content identification information transmitted from the main information processing terminal, or the content identification information and the terminal request information can be received on the condition that the application capable of being activated) is activated.

  In addition, the application cooperation type content management server according to the present invention is the application cooperation type content management server that transmits / receives information to / from the information processing terminal, and receives the content identification information and the terminal information transmitted from the information processing terminal. Received linked application information acquisition request receiving unit, and application linked content management unit that associates and manages profile information of terminals that can execute or recommend linked applications together with content identification information of program content and linked application identification information Search for the application cooperation type content management unit, and from the identification information of the cooperation application corresponding to the content identification information received by the cooperation application information acquisition request reception unit, the terminal information A cooperative application search unit that extracts identification information of a cooperative application associated with profile information that satisfies the requirements, and a cooperative application information transmission that transmits identification information of the cooperative application searched by the cooperative application search unit to the information processing terminal It was set as the structure provided with a part.

  According to such a configuration, the application cooperation type content management server according to the present invention manages the content identification information in association with the identification information of the cooperation application in association with the executable or recommended terminal information of the application. In response to an inquiry from the terminal, it is possible to provide cooperative application information that can be executed or recommended to be executed by the terminal.

  In the application-linked content management server, the application-linked content management unit includes content identification information of program content, identification information of the linked application, and a corresponding profile of a terminal that is capable or recommended to execute the linked application. A configuration in which priorities of linked applications are associated and managed may be used.

  According to such a configuration, when a plurality of applications are linked to one program content, the application-linked content management server according to the present invention provides an appropriate presentation according to attribute information such as the priority of the application. It can be carried out.

  Further, in the application-linked content management server, the application-linked content management unit has a hierarchical structure, and the identification information of the linked application and the corresponding terminal that can execute or recommend the linked application in each layer. Profile information is managed in association with each other, and the content identification information is composed of a plurality of character strings so as to correspond to the hierarchical structure, and program content can be uniquely specified. In the configuration, the unit performs a search on the application cooperation type content management unit, and extracts the identification information of the cooperation application managed in each layer by tracing the hierarchical structure based on the content identification information. good.

  According to such a configuration, the application-linked content management server according to the present invention describes the content identification information in a hierarchical manner, so that it is possible to efficiently manage linked applications.

  In addition, the location resolution server is a location resolution server that transmits and receives information to and from the information processing terminal. An application location management unit that manages linked application identification information and location information of the linked application in association with each other, and the information An application acquisition request receiving means for receiving cooperative application identification information from a processing terminal, and a location resolution unit that refers to the application location management unit and extracts location information of the corresponding cooperative application based on the cooperative application identification information And a location transmission unit that transmits the location information of the cooperative application to the information processing terminal.

  According to such a configuration, the location resolution server according to the present invention specifies the location of the application distribution server in accordance with the cooperative application, even in an environment where the cooperative application is distributed and managed on a plurality of servers, and serves as a use terminal. Application can be provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the related application of a program content can be provided irrespective of the provision method (broadcasting or communication) of a program content, and a utilization terminal (a television receiver and several information terminal for individuals).

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the application cooperation type content provision system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of a pull type | mold utilization terminal (main). It is a figure which shows typically the example of a screen presentation by a utilization terminal (main). It is a figure which shows the structure of the utilization terminal (sub) which cooperates with the utilization terminal (main) shown in FIG. In 1st Embodiment, it is a flowchart with which it uses for description about the flow until a cooperation application is acquired by a utilization terminal (main). It is a figure which shows the structure of a push type | mold utilization terminal (main). It is a figure which shows the structure of the utilization terminal (sub) which cooperates with the utilization terminal (main) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart with which it uses for description about the flow until a cooperation application is acquired by the utilization terminal (sub) which cooperates with a utilization terminal (main). It is a figure which shows the structure of the application cooperation type content management server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure shown about an example of the table managed by the application cooperation type content management server. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the application cooperation type content provision system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of a location solution server. It is a figure shown about an example of the table managed by the application location management part with which the location solution server is equipped. It is a figure with which it uses for description about the method of managing application identification information by a hierarchical structure with an application cooperation type content management server.

<First Embodiment (1)>
An example of the overall configuration of an application-linked content providing system (hereinafter referred to as a content providing system) 100 according to the first embodiment is shown in FIG. In the content providing system 100, an application-linked content management server 1, an application distribution server 3, and an information processing terminal (hereinafter referred to as “use terminal”) 5 are connected via a communication network N. The use terminal 5 includes at least one information processing terminal (hereinafter referred to as use terminal) 6 (main) capable of receiving program content via broadcasting or communication. In addition, the use terminal 5 may include an information processing terminal (hereinafter referred to as a use terminal) 8 (sub) that does not have a function of receiving program content or does not view the program content.

  The user terminal 6 (main) receives a program content including video / audio content and content identification information created by a content creator such as the broadcasting station 9 via a digital broadcast signal or a communication network, and displays, speakers, etc. And a terminal having an application execution environment.

  The use terminal 8 (sub) is a terminal having an application execution environment. The use terminal 8 (sub) does not particularly require a program content receiving function, but may have the function.

  The application-linked content management server 1 is a server that manages program content to be linked with an application and responds with appropriate linked application information based on the content identification information.

  The application distribution server 3 is a server that can distribute a cooperative application in response to a request from the use terminal 5.

Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.
The configuration of the user terminal 6 (main) will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, functions necessary for the operation of application-linked content will be mainly described.

  The usage terminal 6 (main) includes at least a program content reception unit 61, an analysis unit 62, an operation determination unit 63, a control unit 64, a presentation unit 65, a content identification information extraction unit 66, and a terminal information management unit. 67, a cooperative application information acquisition request unit 68, a cooperative application information reception unit 69, an application acquisition request unit 70, an application reception unit 71, an application execution unit 72, and a communication unit 73.

  Further, the use terminal 6 (main) may also include an application storage unit 74. In addition, when the content providing system 100 includes the usage terminal 8 (sub), the usage terminal 6 (main) includes a content related information acquisition request receiving unit 75 that performs processing with the usage terminal 8 (sub). A configuration including the content related information transmitting unit 76 is preferable.

  The program content receiving unit 61 receives a program content signal configured by multiplexing a plurality of pieces of information together with program content via broadcasting or communication. Specifically, the program content receiving unit 61 receives a video / audio content signal (hereinafter, referred to as program content) to which content identification information is added via digital broadcasting or a communication network. The program content may include subtitles and other data.

  The program content includes an operation control program for controlling application-linked content. This may be described in, for example, Ecma Script in the multimedia coding system BML (Broadcast Markup Language) adopted in the current data broadcasting standard for digital broadcasting.

  Here, the content identification information is information that can uniquely identify the program content. For example, the concept of CRID (Content Reference Identifier: content reference ID) may be applied.

  The program content receiving unit 61 sends the video / audio content included in the received program content to the presentation unit 65. Although details are omitted, the video / audio content is output to a display, a speaker, or the like via the presentation unit 65 after decoding processing or the like.

  In addition, the program content receiving unit 61 sends data including content identification information and an operation control program included in the program content to the analysis unit 62. When the program content is received by broadcasting, the above-described data corresponds to PSI / SI (Program Specific Information / Service Information) information and BML data content.

  When program content is received by communication, for example, metadata described in XML or an operation control program described in Java script (registered trademark) corresponds to the above-described data (description method is Not limited).

  The analysis unit 62 analyzes the operation control program from the data received by the program content receiving unit 61, and acquires information related to cooperation application acquisition (the address of the instructed application cooperation type content management server 1 or the application cooperation type content management server 1). The transmission items to be transmitted to the application, the address of the application distribution server 3, etc.) Here, the transmission item is an information item necessary for searching for an application suitable for the use terminal 5 in the application-linked content management server 1, and designated terminal information (OS information, CPU information, display information, etc.). Resolution information, etc.).

  Also, the content identification information included in the PSI / SI, metadata, etc. is sent to the content identification information extraction unit 66. The analysis unit 62 can also detect the switching of program content based on EIT (Event Information Table) and metadata information included in the PSI / SI, and the operation control described above can be performed. By notifying the control unit 64 by a program, it is possible to instruct the linked application information acquisition request and the timing of application execution / stop operation control.

  The operation determination unit 63 detects an operation from an external interface (for example, a remote controller), determines the operation content, and passes it to the control unit 64. For example, the operation determination unit 63 determines a selection operation, a determination operation, and the like via a remote control by the user.

  The control unit 64 controls the operation of the entire use terminal 6 (main). Based on the instruction from the analysis unit 62, the control unit 64 sends the specified m-th order (where m is a natural number) transmission information (for example, OS information, CPU information) to the application-linked content management server 1. The coordinated application information acquisition request unit 68 is controlled to make an inquiry using the display resolution information and the content identification information.

  Further, the control unit 64 can acquire cooperative application information based on the determination result from the operation determination unit 63 and can control execution or stop of the application. The control unit 64 may be configured to acquire cooperative application information and to control execution or stop of the application based on the program switching information notified from the analysis unit 62.

  The presentation unit 65 is controlled by the control unit 64, presents content such as video and audio on the display, and outputs audio and the like from the speaker. In addition, the presentation unit 65 can display the cooperative application information and the execution result of the application selected by the user on the display in accordance with the control of the control unit 64 based on the determination result of the operation determination unit 63. is there.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the presentation unit 65 displays video or subtitles (hereinafter referred to as a broadcast screen or the like) distributed by broadcasting or communication on the upper part a of the display, and the lower part b of the display. Presents information on linked applications such as icons. In the example shown in FIG. 3, when the “caption application” is selected by the remote controller, the user terminal 6 (main) acquires subtitle applications in various languages from the application distribution server 3, When “application” is selected, for example, a video of another angle is distributed from the application distribution server 3 as another material viewing application. When “comment posting application” is selected, a comment is received from the application distribution server 3. Get a posting application. In addition, attribute information such as application creator information and priority of the application may be displayed together with the cooperative application information.

  The content identification information extraction unit 66 extracts content identification information that uniquely identifies the program content included in the program content signal. Specifically, the content identification information extraction unit 66 extracts the content identification information via the analysis unit 62 and passes it to the cooperative application information acquisition request unit 68.

  For example, when the content identification information is included in the SI, the content identification information extraction unit 66 has a function of extracting a packet having a predetermined PID (Packet Identifier) such as EIT and obtaining the content identification information. ing.

  The content identification information extraction unit 66 has a function of obtaining content identification information by parsing XML, for example, when content identification information is distributed in XML format metadata.

  The terminal information management unit 67 (first terminal information management unit) manages various information related to the own terminal. Specifically, the terminal information management unit 67 includes one or more terminal types (manufacturer, model name, etc.), terminal profile information (OS, CPU performance, video resolution, etc.), application execution environment, and the like. Manages terminal information.

  The cooperative application information acquisition request unit 68 (first cooperative application information acquisition request unit) receives one or more pieces of information from the terminal information management unit 67 based on the terminal request information (transmission item) included in the program content signal. Is transmitted as terminal information, and content identification information is transmitted to the application cooperation type content management server 1 together with the terminal information to inquire about cooperation application information that cooperates with the program content.

  Specifically, the cooperative application information acquisition request unit 68 is controlled by the control unit 64, and manages terminal information based on the content identification information delivered from the content identification information extraction unit 66 and the transmission item instructed by the control unit 64. The terminal information acquired from the unit 67 is transmitted to the application cooperation type content management server 1 and a cooperation application information acquisition request is made.

  In this way, the use terminal 6 (main) combines the content identification information with the terminal information acquired from the terminal information management unit 67 based on the transmission item, and sends the cooperative application information to the application cooperative content management server 1. Since the acquisition request is made, it is possible to acquire information on a linked application that is linked to the content identification information and that can be used (or recommended to be used) by the terminal itself.

  The cooperative application information receiving unit 69 (first cooperative application information receiving unit) acquires cooperative application information (a list of cooperative application identification information and their simple information (icons, etc.)) from the application cooperative content management server 1. Then, the control unit 64 is notified.

  The control unit 64 displays the cooperative application information received by the cooperative application information receiving unit 69 on the display via the presentation unit 65 (see FIG. 3). However, when the cooperative application information received by the cooperative application information receiving unit 69 includes only one application, the processing described above may be omitted.

  The application acquisition request unit 70 (first application acquisition request unit) obtains a plurality of pieces of cooperative application information by the cooperative application information receiving unit 69, and one piece of cooperative application information is selected from the plurality of pieces of cooperative application information. In this case, the control unit 64 instructs to transmit the selected cooperative application information to the application distribution server 3. However, when the cooperative application information received by the cooperative application information receiving unit 69 includes only one application, the control unit 64 determines that the application has been selected, and the application acquisition request unit 70 determines the cooperative application information. May be controlled to be transmitted to the application distribution server 3.

  Specifically, the application acquisition request unit 70 sends application identification information to the application distribution server 3 for an application selected by the user's operation or automatically from the cooperative application information acquired by the cooperative application information receiving unit 69. Originally request.

  The application receiving unit 71 receives an application distributed from the application distribution server 3.

  The application execution unit 72 (first application execution unit) receives the cooperation application from the application distribution server 3 in response to a request from the application acquisition request unit 70 and executes the cooperation application received by the application reception unit 71.

  Specifically, the application execution unit 72 causes the control unit 64 to operate the acquired application in the application execution environment. The result processed by the executed application can be presented on the display via the presentation unit 65.

  The communication unit 73 communicates with an external server such as the application cooperation type content management server 1 or the application distribution server 3 via the Internet or the like. For example, communication is performed using a general protocol such as TCP / IP.

  Further, as described above, when the content providing system 100 includes the usage terminal 8 (sub), the usage terminal 6 (main) includes the content-related information acquisition request reception unit 75 and the content-related information transmission unit 76. . The content-related information acquisition request receiving unit 75 receives a content-related information acquisition request from the usage terminal 8 (sub) via the communication unit 73 and notifies the control unit 64 to that effect. In addition, the utilization terminal 6 (main) and the utilization terminal 8 (sub) perform transmission / reception of information using short-distance wireless communication, for example.

  The content related information transmission unit 76 transmits at least the content identification information received from the content identification information extraction unit 66 to the user terminal 8 (sub) based on the control from the control unit 64. Further, the terminal information transmission item instructed together with the program content, and the address of the application cooperation type content management server 1 or the application distribution server 3 may be transmitted together.

  Further, when the use terminal 6 (main) includes the application storage unit 74, the application received by the application reception unit 71 can be stored. In the case of such a configuration, the control unit 64 can store the selected application in the application storage unit 74 based on the cooperative application information received by the cooperative application information receiving unit 69. , Can start and run the accumulated application.

Next, the configuration of the user terminal 8 (sub) will be described with reference to FIG.
The user terminal 8 (sub) includes at least a content related information acquisition request transmission unit 81, a content related information reception unit 82, an operation determination unit 83, a control unit 84, a presentation unit 85, and a terminal information management unit 87 ( Second terminal information management unit), cooperative application information acquisition request unit 88 (second cooperative application information acquisition request unit), cooperative application information reception unit 89 (second cooperative application information reception unit), and application acquisition A request unit 90 (second application acquisition request unit), an application reception unit 91, an application execution unit 92 (second application execution unit), and a communication unit 93 are provided. Further, the use terminal 8 (sub) may also include an application storage unit 74.

  The content related information acquisition request transmission unit 81 uses the function (short-distance wireless function) of the communication unit 93 with respect to the use terminal 6 (main) at the timing instructed from the operation determination unit 83 to the control unit 84. A content related information acquisition request is transmitted.

As a response to the content related information acquisition request transmission unit 81, the content related information receiving unit 82 receives at least identification information of the program content currently being viewed from the user terminal 6 (main).
Further, the cooperation application information acquisition request may include a transmission item of necessary terminal information.

  The operation determination unit 83 detects an operation from an external interface (for example, a touch panel), determines the operation content, and hands it over to the control unit 84, similarly to the operation determination unit 63 of the use terminal 6 (main).

  The control unit 84 controls the operation of the entire use terminal 8 (sub). Based on an instruction from the operation determination unit 83, the control unit 84 controls execution or stop of the application, and controls the content related information acquisition request transmission unit 81 and the like.

  Further, the control unit 84 controls the cooperative application information acquisition request unit 88 based on the content identification information received from the content related information receiving unit 82 and the transmission items of terminal information.

  The presentation unit 85 is controlled by the control unit 84, presents content such as video and audio on the display, and outputs audio and the like from the speaker. In addition, the presentation unit 85 can display the cooperative application information and the execution result of the application selected by the user on the display in accordance with the control of the control unit 84 based on the determination result of the operation determination unit 83. is there.

  The terminal information management unit 87 manages various information related to the own terminal, as with the terminal information management unit 67 of the use terminal 6 (main). Specifically, the terminal information management unit 87 includes one or more of terminal types (manufacturer, model name, etc.), terminal profile information (OS, CPU performance, video resolution, etc.), application execution environment, and the like. Manages terminal information.

  The communication unit 93 communicates with an external server such as the application cooperation type content management server 1 or the application distribution server 3 via the Internet or the like. For example, communication is performed using a general protocol such as TCP / IP. Moreover, the communication part 93 communicates between the utilization terminals 6 (main) using a near field communication function.

  Note that the cooperative application information acquisition request unit 88, the cooperative application information reception unit 89, the application acquisition request unit 90, the application reception unit 91, the application execution unit 92, the communication unit 93, and the application storage unit 74 are used. Cooperation application information acquisition request unit 68 of terminal 6 (main), cooperation application information reception unit 69, application acquisition request unit 70, application reception unit 71, application execution unit 72, communication unit 73, application storage unit Since it is the same structure as 74, the details are omitted.

  Next, the flow of processing until the cooperation application is acquired by the use terminal 6 (main) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step ST1, the program content receiving unit 61 receives program content.

  In step ST2, the analysis unit 62 determines whether the program content received by the program content reception unit 61 is application-linked content. Specifically, the analysis unit 62 analyzes the operation control program and identifies a specified predetermined flag to determine whether the program content is application-linked content. If it is application-linked content (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST3. If it is not application-linked content (No), the process ends.

  In step ST <b> 3, the application execution unit 72 clearly indicates to the presentation unit 65 that the program content currently being viewed is application-linked content, under the control of the control unit 64. For example, information indicating that the cooperative application can be used is displayed on the display.

  In step ST <b> 4, the control unit 64 determines whether or not to request information about the cooperative application. Specifically, the user operates the remote controller to request the use terminal 6 (main) to acquire information on the cooperative application. The operation determination unit 63 detects the operation signal output from the remote controller, determines the operation content, and passes it to the control unit 64. The control unit 64 determines that information on the cooperative application has been requested. In this way, if it is determined that information on the cooperative application has been requested (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST5, and if it is determined that information on the cooperative application has not been requested (No), the process ends.

  In step ST <b> 5, the content identification information extraction unit 66 extracts content identification information via the analysis unit 62 in accordance with a request from the cooperation application information acquisition request unit 68, and delivers it to the cooperation application information acquisition request unit 68.

  In step ST6, the cooperative application information acquisition request unit 68 reads one or more pieces of information as terminal information from the terminal information management unit 67 based on the terminal request information (transmission item) included in the program content signal.

  In step ST7, the cooperative application information acquisition request unit 68 transmits the terminal information and the content identification information to the application cooperative content management server 1 via the communication unit 73, and acquires the cooperative application information that is linked to the program content. Request.

  In step ST8, the cooperative application information receiving unit 69 acquires cooperative application information (a list of cooperative application identification information and their simplified information (icons)) from the application cooperative content management server 1, and notifies the control unit 64 of the cooperative application information. .

  In step ST9, the control unit 64 displays the cooperative application information received by the cooperative application information receiving unit 69 on the display via the presentation unit 65 (see FIG. 3). However, when the cooperative application information received by the cooperative application information receiving unit 69 includes only one application, this step may be skipped.

  In step ST10, the application acquisition request unit 70 determines whether to request the application distribution server 3 to acquire an application. Specifically, when one application is selected by the user's operation from the cooperative application information acquired by the cooperative application information receiving unit 69, the application acquisition requesting unit 70 uses the identification information of the selected application as an application. Transmit to the distribution server 3. In this way, when the acquisition of the application is requested (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST11, and when the acquisition of the application is not requested (No), the process is terminated.

  In step ST11, the application receiving unit 71 acquires (receives) the application distributed from the application distribution server 3.

  In addition, when the cooperation application information acquired at the process of step ST8 is only the information regarding a single application, step ST9 and step ST10 may be skipped and it may progress to step ST11.

  When the user terminal 6 (main) and the user terminal 8 (sub) operate in cooperation, the user terminal 6 (main) performs the following processing.

The content-related information acquisition request receiving unit 75 receives a content-related information acquisition request from the usage terminal 8 (sub) via the communication unit 73 and notifies the control unit 64 to that effect. Next, based on the control from the control unit 64, the content related information transmission unit 76 transmits the content identification information extracted by the content identification information extraction unit 66 and the transmission item of the terminal information instructed together with the program content. And transmitted to the use terminal 8 (sub). Further, the terminal information transmission item instructed together with the program content, and the address of the application cooperation type content management server 1 or the application distribution server 3 may be transmitted together.
In addition, the use terminal 8 (sub) performs the following processing.

  The cooperative application information acquisition request unit 88 performs the same processing as the steps ST6 and ST7. Next, the cooperative application information receiving unit 69 performs the same process as in step ST8. Next, the control part 84 performs the process similar to the process of step ST9. Next, the application acquisition request unit 90 executes the same process as in step ST10. Then, the application reception unit 71 executes the same process as that in step ST11.

  When the user terminal 6 (main) and the user terminal 8 (sub) are operated in cooperation, for example, a broadcast screen or the like is displayed on the display of the user terminal 6 (main), and the user terminal 8 (sub) ) Displays information on the linked application.

<First Embodiment (2)>
In the above description, in the cooperative operation between the user terminal 6 (main) and the user terminal 8 (sub), the user terminal 8 (sub) mainly takes the request for acquiring content-related information from the user terminal 6 (main). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which content-related information is transmitted to the user terminal 8 (sub) mainly by the user terminal 6 (main) is not limited to this. (A so-called push-type configuration) may be used.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the user terminal 6 (main) has a program content receiving unit 61, an analysis unit 62, an operation determination unit 63, a control unit 64, a presentation unit 65, and content identification. Information extraction unit 66, terminal information management unit 67, cooperative application information acquisition request unit 68, cooperative application information reception unit 69, application acquisition request unit 70, application reception unit 71, application execution unit 72, communication Unit 73, terminal search unit 77, terminal state inquiry unit 78, and linked terminal determination unit 79. Further, the use terminal 6 (main) may also include an application storage unit 74.

  The terminal search unit 77 searches for one or a plurality of other information processing terminals arranged in the vicinity (for example, in the home network). For example, the terminal search unit 77 searches for another information processing terminal using Upnp (universal plug and play) or the like.

  The terminal state inquiry unit 78 inquires of the other information processing terminal that has responded by the search of the terminal search unit 77 about the current state.

  Based on the inquiry result from the terminal state inquiry unit 78, the cooperation terminal determination unit 79 selects other information processing terminals (hereinafter referred to as “use terminal 8 (sub))” that have responded by the search by the terminal search unit 77. When a predetermined application (for example, an application launcher for acquiring a cooperative application) is activated, an application that can operate in cooperation is determined.

  The content-related information transmission unit 76 uses the content identification information extracted by the content identification information extraction unit 66 to be operated by the cooperation terminal determination unit 79 in a use terminal 8 (sub). Send to. Note that the content-related information transmission unit 76 transmits at least content identification information to the use terminal 8 (sub). Further, the terminal information transmission item instructed together with the program content, and the address of the application cooperation type content management server 1 or the application distribution server 3 may be transmitted together.

  In this way, the use terminal 6 (main) grasps the use terminal 8 (sub) arranged in the vicinity, and a predetermined application (an application that can operate in cooperation with the own terminal) is activated. Since the content identification information is transmitted on the condition that it is, a so-called push-type service can be provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the use terminal 8 (sub) includes a content related information receiving unit 82, an operation determination unit 83, a control unit 84, a presentation unit 85, a terminal information management unit 87, and a cooperative application. Information acquisition request unit 88, cooperative application information reception unit 89, application acquisition request unit 90, application reception unit 91, application execution unit 92, communication unit 93, terminal address response unit 95, and status inquiry reception unit 96, an application management unit 97, and a state response unit 98. Further, the use terminal 8 (sub) may also include an application storage unit 94.

  The terminal address response unit 95 transmits the set address of the own terminal in response to a request from the use terminal 6 (main).

  The state inquiry reception unit 96 transmits the address of the own terminal by the terminal address response unit 95, and then receives an inquiry about the current state transmitted from the use terminal 6 (main).

  The application management unit 97 is a so-called application manager that manages applications executed by the application execution unit 92.

  When the state response receiving unit 96 receives an inquiry about the current state, the state response unit 98 makes an inquiry to the application management unit 97 as to whether or not the predetermined application is activated, and the predetermined application is activated. When the response is made, the fact that a predetermined application is activated is transmitted to the use terminal 6 (main).

  According to such a configuration, the content-related information receiving unit 82 transmits the fact that the predetermined application is activated by the state response unit 98 to the use terminal 6 (main), and then transmits from the use terminal 6 (main). The received content identification information is received. The content-related information receiving unit 82 receives terminal request information (transmission item) included in the program content signal and addresses of various servers from the user terminal 6 (main) together with the content identification information. These terminal request information and the like are also received.

  In this way, the use terminal 8 (sub) responds to a request from the use terminal 6 (main) with necessary information and operates in cooperation with a predetermined application (use terminal 6 (main)). Content identification information and terminal request information transmitted from the use terminal 6 (main) is received on the condition that the application is enabled, the terminal information and the content identification information based on the terminal request information are applied to the application. By transmitting to the cooperative content management server 1, it is possible to acquire information on a cooperative application that is linked to the content identification information and that can be used (or recommended to be used) by the terminal itself. By transmitting application information to the application distribution server 3, the application distribution server 3 It is possible to get a mobile application.

  Next, the flow of processing between the user terminal 6 (main) and user terminal 8 (sub) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step ST21, the control unit 64 of the user terminal 6 (main) determines whether the program content received by the program content reception unit 61 is application-linked content based on the analysis result of the analysis unit 62. Specifically, the analysis unit 62 analyzes the operation control program and identifies a specified predetermined flag to determine whether the program content is application-linked content. In the following description, it is assumed that the program content is application-linked content.

  In step ST22, the terminal search unit 77 of the use terminal 6 (main) searches for the use terminal 8 (sub) arranged in the home network according to the control of the control unit 64. Specifically, the terminal search unit 77 requests the use terminal 8 (sub) arranged in the home network to transmit an address assigned in the home network.

  In step ST23, the terminal address response unit 95 of the user terminal 8 (sub) transmits the set address of the own terminal in response to a request from the user terminal 6 (main).

  In step ST24, the terminal state inquiry unit 78 of the user terminal 6 (main) inquires of the user terminal 8 (sub) that has transmitted the address in step ST23 about the current state. Specifically, the terminal state inquiry unit 78 inquires whether a predetermined application (for example, an application launcher for acquiring a cooperative application) is activated.

  In step ST25, the state inquiry receiving unit 96 of the user terminal 8 (sub) receives an inquiry about the current state transmitted from the user terminal 6 (main). Then, the status response unit 98 inquires of the application management unit 97 whether or not the predetermined application is activated, and when the response is made that the predetermined application is activated, the predetermined application is activated. To the use terminal 6 (main). When the predetermined application is not activated, the state response unit 98 transmits that fact to the use terminal 6 (main).

  In step ST <b> 26, the link terminal determination unit 79 of the use terminal 6 (main) determines whether or not a predetermined application is activated in the use terminal 8 (sub) based on the response from the state response unit 98. If it is determined that the predetermined application is activated (Yes), the process proceeds to step ST27. If it is determined that the predetermined application is not activated (No), the process is terminated.

  In step ST27, the content related information transmission unit 76 of the usage terminal 6 (main) transmits the content identification information extracted by the content identification information extraction unit 66 to the usage terminal 8 (sub). Note that the content-related information transmission unit 76 may also transmit terminal request information (transmission item) and addresses of various servers included in the program content signal to the use terminal 8 (sub) together with the content identification information.

  In step ST28, the content related information receiving unit 82 of the usage terminal 8 (sub) receives the content identification information transmitted from the usage terminal 6 (main). The content-related information receiving unit 82 receives the terminal request information (transmission item) included in the program content signal and the addresses of various servers together with the content identification information from the use terminal 6 (main). The terminal request information is also received.

  In step ST29, the cooperative application information acquisition request unit 88 of the using terminal 8 (sub) receives terminal information management based on terminal request information (transmission item) received by the content related information receiving unit 82 or specified in advance. One or more pieces of information are read out from the unit 87 as terminal information, and content identification information is transmitted to the application-linked content management server 1 together with the terminal information.

  In step ST30, the cooperative application information receiving unit 89 of the user terminal 8 (sub) acquires cooperative application information (a list of cooperative application identification information and simple information (icons, etc.) thereof) from the application cooperative content management server 1. The control unit 84 is notified. The control unit 84 controls the presentation unit 85 to present the notified cooperative application information.

  In step ST <b> 31, the application acquisition request unit 90 of the usage terminal 8 (sub) transmits the identification information of the application selected by the operation determination unit 83 among the cooperative application information to the application distribution server 3.

  In step ST <b> 32, the application receiving unit 91 of the usage terminal 8 (sub) receives the application distributed from the application distribution server 3.

  In this way, the use terminal 8 (sub) responds to a request from the use terminal 6 (main) with necessary information and operates in cooperation with a predetermined application (use terminal 6 (main)). Content identification information transmitted from the use terminal 6 (main) is received on the condition that the application capable of being activated) is activated, so that the terminal information and the content identification information based on the designated terminal request information are linked to the application. By transmitting to the content management server 1, it is possible to acquire information on a cooperative application that is linked to the content identification information and that can be used (or recommended to be used) by the terminal itself. By sending the information to the application distribution server 3, the application distribution server 3 cooperates. You can obtain the application.

<Configuration of Application-Linked Content Management Server 1>
Next, the configuration of the application-linked content management server 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The application cooperation type content management server 1 is a server that transmits / receives information to / from the use terminal 5 described above, and includes a cooperation application information acquisition request reception unit 11, an application cooperation type content management unit 12, and a cooperation application search. Unit 13, cooperative application information transmission unit 14, and communication unit 15.

  The cooperative application information acquisition request receiving unit 11 receives the cooperative application information acquisition request from the use terminal 5, and delivers the content identification information and the terminal information included therein to the cooperative application search unit 13.

  The application cooperation type content management unit 12 manages the content identification information of the program content in association with the identification information of the cooperation application. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the application cooperation type content management unit 12 associates content identification information, cooperation application identification information, an icon, a corresponding profile, and a priority (recommended degree) with each of the tables. To manage.

  The cooperative application identification information is identification information that can uniquely identify an application, and may be an application identifier or a URI. In addition, each application has a corresponding profile managed, and m-order items (for example, Platform (OS information), Video (display resolution information), etc.) that are necessary or recommended for the execution of the application. Can be specified. For example, the example of FIG. 10 shows a case where m = 3, and three conditions “Platform”, “Video”, and “Audio” are designated.

  Further, for example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the program content with the content identification number “3029879873” indicates that two applications “3A0i9j3r4g” and application “59332lk4hr” are linked.

  In addition, as a condition of a terminal that can execute or recommend execution of the application “3A0i9j3r4g”, that the platform is “OS1” and a terminal having an audio function (no video condition is set in particular) is set. Yes. As a condition of the terminal that can execute or recommend the application “59332lk4hr”, the platform is “OS2” and the screen resolution is QVGA (320 × 240) or more (there is no particular presence or absence of the voice function) ) Is set.

  This correspondence profile may be set by one item. In that case, it is a condition that each user terminal is labeled based on a plurality of items of terminal information. For example, a profile of a terminal having a voice function with the platform “OS1” may be labeled “Type1”.

  Furthermore, the application-linked content management unit 12 can also manage attribute information such as priority for the application.

  The cooperative application search unit 13 makes an inquiry to the application cooperative content management unit 12 based on the content identification information and the terminal information, and executes the use terminal 5 that has received the request among the application information associated with the corresponding content. Get application information that satisfies the conditions.

  In addition, when there are m items of terminal information, the cooperative application search unit 13 checks the conditions for the m corresponding profiles, and when there is even one item outside the conditions, the application information is displayed. The structure excluded from search object may be sufficient.

  In addition, the application information acquired by the cooperative application search unit 13 includes at least application identification information and an icon. Further, when priority is given as attribute information of the application, the application information is also included. May be obtained.

  The cooperative application information transmission unit 14 transmits the application information acquired by the cooperative application search unit 13 to the use terminal 5 via the communication unit 15.

  The communication unit 15 communicates with the user terminal 5 via the Internet or the like. For example, communication is performed using a general protocol such as TCP / IP.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, an example of the overall configuration of an application-linked content providing system (hereinafter referred to as a content providing system) 101 according to the second embodiment is shown in FIG.
The content providing system 101 includes a location resolution server 2 in addition to the configuration of the content providing system 100 according to the first embodiment.

  According to such a content providing system 101, even when there are a plurality of application distribution servers 3 and the applications are managed in a distributed manner, the location of each application is resolved, and the usage terminal 5 acquires the application. Is possible.

Next, the configuration of the location resolution server 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
The location resolution server 2 is a server that transmits / receives information to / from the use terminal 5 described above, and includes an application acquisition request reception unit 21, an application location management unit 22, a location resolution unit 23, and a location transmission unit 24. And a communication unit 25.

  The application acquisition request receiving unit 21 receives an application acquisition request from the usage terminal 5. The application acquisition request includes an application identification number.

  The application location management unit 22 associates and manages the identification information of the cooperative application and the location information of the cooperative application. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the application location management unit 22 manages the application identification number and the address (for example, URL) of the application distribution server 3 that distributes the application in association with each other.

  The location resolution unit 23 refers to the application location management unit 22 based on the identification information of the cooperative application received by the application acquisition request reception unit 21 and extracts the location information of the corresponding cooperative application, thereby managing the cooperative application. Resolve the location that is being used. Specifically, the location resolution unit 23 specifies the URL of the application distribution server 3 that manages the cooperative application.

  The location transmission unit 24 transmits the location information of the cooperative application via the communication unit 25 to the use terminal 5 that has made the application acquisition request. Specifically, the location transmission unit 24 may transmit the address of the corresponding application distribution server 3, or may perform a redirect instruction based on the URL of the application.

  The communication unit 25 communicates with the use terminal 5 via the Internet or the like. For example, communication is performed using a general protocol such as TCP / IP.

  Further, the user terminal 6 (main) in the content providing system 101 operates as follows.

  The cooperative application information acquisition request unit 68 transmits the content identification information and terminal information to the application cooperative content management server 1 and makes a cooperative application information acquisition request.

  Next, the cooperative application information receiving unit 69 acquires cooperative application information (a list of cooperative application identification information and their simple information (icons)) from the application cooperative content management server 1 and notifies the control unit 64 of the cooperative application information.

  Next, the application acquisition request unit 70 transmits the identification information of the cooperative application to the location resolution server 2.

  Next, the use terminal 6 (main) receives the location information of the cooperative application transmitted from the location resolution server 2 by the cooperative application information receiving unit 69, for example, and the application acquisition request unit 70 converts the location information into the location information. Based on this, the cooperative application information is transmitted to the application distribution server 3.

  The application receiving unit 71 receives the cooperative application distributed from the application distribution server 3.

  In this way, the use terminal 6 (main) uses the location resolution server 2, so that the application distribution server that manages the cooperative application is managed even in an environment where the cooperative application is distributed and managed in a plurality of servers. 3 position (location) can be acquired and a cooperation application can be received.

  Note that the use terminal 8 (sub) uses the location resolution server 2 in the same manner as the use terminal 6 (main), so that the cooperation application can be managed even in an environment where the cooperation application is distributed and managed on a plurality of servers. The position (location) of the managed application distribution server 3 can be acquired and the cooperative application can be received.

  Further, when there is a redirect instruction from the location resolution server 2, the use terminal 6 (main) and the use terminal 8 (sub) perform redirection and acquire the requested application from the application distribution server 3. In addition, when the address of the application distribution server 3 is returned from the location resolution server 2, the use terminal 6 (main) and the use terminal 8 (sub) again specify the application identification number for the address. Then, it may be configured to make an application acquisition request.

<When content identification information is managed hierarchically>
In addition, the application-linked content management server 1 manages content identification information in a hierarchical structure by combining a plurality of attribute information so that applications can be linked at different levels for each attribute of program content. Content management may be performed. A specific management method will be described below. Hereinafter, a case where CRID is used as identification information for uniquely specifying program content will be described.

  In CRID, it is described in a description format of CRID: // <authority> / <data>. However, by describing in more detail, applications can be linked in stages.

For example, the program content can be described in a format of CRID: // <authority> / <genre> / <contents> / <time> / <segment>.
When described in this way, <authority> indicates the provider of the program content, <genre> indicates the genre of the program content such as drama, news, variety, etc., and <contents> indicates the program content. <Time> indicates the broadcast date and time of the program content (in the case of provision by communication, by a description of a specific character), and <segment> indicates the scene code of the program content.

  In such a case, the program content is uniquely identified, and from which provider, the genre, the program, and when the program content is provided It is possible to specify whether it has been done. For example, by analyzing the program content described in this way, when the program content is composed of a plurality of scenes, the program content currently being viewed, including which scene it is currently in Can be obtained.

  In the application cooperation type content management server 1, the program contents described in this way are managed hierarchically as shown in FIG. 14, and application identification information is managed in association with each node.

  The example shown in FIG. 14 shows a content management model that can identify program content by combining five attributes <authority>, <genre>, <content>, <time>, and <segment>. Yes.

  Further, each node of the tree structure shown in FIG. 14 is assigned Value of attribute information corresponding to the depth of the tree structure. For example, an operator name such as “nhk”, “ABC”, “DEF”,... Is assigned to each node of <authority> having a depth of 1.

  In addition, although the example shown in FIG. 14 has shown the example which manages all the program content with the one application cooperation type content management server 1, it is not restricted to this. For example, when program content is managed for each business operator, each node of <authority> may be a root node, and the program content may be managed in a distributed manner for each business operator. That is, in this embodiment, it is assumed that there are a plurality of application-linked content management servers 1 for each business operator.

  In addition, the application cooperation type content management server 1 can manage the identification information of the application to be associated with each node in association with each node. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 14, application identification information “ap001” is associated with a node having a value “nhk” of <authority>, and a node having a value “00” of <genre> The application identification information “ap002” is associated, the application identification information “ap003” is associated with the node having the value “212920” of <content>, and the node having the value “01” of <segment> On the other hand, an application “ap004” is associated. Further, the application-linked content management server 1 may manage application attribute information (priority etc.) together for each node.

  Next, a specific operation of the application-linked content management server 1 when content identification information is managed in a hierarchical manner as described above will be described.

  In the application-linked content management server 1, when a linked application information acquisition request based on the content identification information is received from the use terminal 5, the linked application search unit 13 searches the application-linked content management unit 12 for application information. To do. At that time, the cooperative application search unit 13 traces the nodes in ascending order from the root node based on the content identification information, and extracts all application information associated with each node traced in the process.

  For example, the operation of the cooperative application search unit 13 when the cooperative application information acquisition request receiving unit 11 receives Crid: /// nhk / 00/211920/2011110201110000/01 as content identification information will be described below. Note that the application-linked content management unit 12 is associated with four pieces of application identification information “ap001”, “ap002”, “ap003”, and “ap004” in a hierarchical structure.

  The cooperative application search unit 13 analyzes Crid: /// nhk / 00/211920 / 2011102011120,000 / 02, and extracts three application-related information of “ap001”, “ap002”, and “ap003”.

  With this configuration, the application-linked content management server 1 can perform efficient management because the content identification information is described hierarchically.

  Furthermore, the application-linked content management server 1 may manage each application by associating the corresponding profile information of the terminal and the attribute of the application.

The main effects of the content providing system 100 and the content providing system 101 are listed below.
As described above, the content providing system 100 and the content providing system 101 manage not only the main components of the program content, but also the applications that the broadcast station 9 and the program producer want to link together. An application associated with a broadcast program or a communication program (VOD, video on demand) can be specified and provided to the user terminal 5.

  Further, the content providing system 100 and the content providing system 101 are not limited to the television receiver, and can be executed or recommended according to the function of the user terminal 5 while widely linking to the personal information terminal. In order to provide an application, one application-linked content can be provided to a plurality of use terminals.

  In addition, the content providing system 100 and the content providing system 101 can also manage applications that cooperate with program content in a distributed manner.

  Further, the content providing system 100 and the content providing system 101 can link related applications in stages according to the attribute information of the program content, and can efficiently perform application-linked content management.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Application cooperation type content management server 2 Location resolution server 3 Application delivery server 5, 6, 8 Use terminal 11 Cooperation application information acquisition request reception part 12 Application cooperation type content management part 13 Cooperation application search part 14 Cooperation application information transmission part 15, 25, 73, 93 Communication unit 21 Application acquisition request reception unit 22 Application location management unit 23 Location resolution unit 24 Location transmission unit 61 Program content reception unit 62 Analysis unit 63, 83 Operation determination unit 64, 84 Control unit 65, 85 Presentation unit 66 Content identification information extraction unit 67, 87 Terminal information management unit 68, 88 Linked application information acquisition request unit 69, 89 Linked application information receiving unit 70, 90 Application Acquisition request unit 71, 91 application reception unit 72, 92 application execution unit 74, 94 application storage unit 75 content related information acquisition request reception unit 76 content related information transmission unit 77 terminal search unit 78 terminal status inquiry unit 79 linked terminal determination unit 81 content related information acquisition request transmission unit 82 content related information reception unit 95 terminal address response unit 96 status inquiry reception unit 97 application management unit 98 status response unit 100, 101 application cooperation type content providing system N communication network

Claims (13)

An information processing terminal having a program content receiving unit for receiving a program content signal configured by multiplexing a plurality of pieces of information together with program content via broadcasting or communication,
A content identification information extracting unit for extracting content identification information for uniquely identifying program content included in the program content signal;
A first terminal information management unit for managing various information about the own terminal;
Based on terminal request information included in the program content signal, one or more pieces of information are read out as terminal information from the first terminal information management unit, and the content identification information is used as application-linked content together with the terminal information. A first cooperative application information acquisition request unit that transmits to the management server and inquires cooperative application information that cooperates with the program content;
A first cooperative application information receiving unit that receives cooperative application information from the application cooperative content management server;
When one or more pieces of linked application information are obtained by the first linked application information receiving unit and one piece of linked application information is selected from the linked application information, the selected linked application information is distributed as an application. A first application acquisition request unit that transmits to the server and acquires the cooperative application;
An information processing terminal including a first application execution unit that executes a cooperation application when the cooperation application is transmitted from the application distribution server in response to a request from the first application acquisition request unit. An information processing terminal according to claim 1,
An information processing terminal comprising a content-related information transmission unit that transmits the content identification information extracted by the content identification information extraction unit to another information processing terminal. An information processing terminal according to claim 2,
The content-related information transmission unit is an information processing terminal that transmits to the other information processing terminal including terminal request information included in the program content signal. An information processing terminal according to claim 2 or 3,
A content-related information acquisition request receiving unit that receives the content identification information from the other information processing terminal or the acquisition request for the content identification information and the terminal request information;
The content related information transmitting unit is extracted by the content identification information extracting unit when the content identification information or the acquisition request for the content identification information and the terminal request information is received by the content related information acquisition request receiving unit. An information processing terminal that transmits the content identification information or the content identification information and the terminal request information to the other information processing terminal. An information processing terminal according to claim 2 or 3,
A terminal search unit for searching for one or more other information processing terminals arranged in the vicinity;
A state inquiry unit that inquires about the current state for other information processing terminals that have responded by searching the terminal search unit,
Based on the result of the inquiry by the state inquiry unit, it is possible to operate in cooperation by starting a predetermined application from among other information processing terminals responding by the search of the terminal search unit. It has a linked terminal determination unit that determines things,
The content-related information transmission unit can operate in cooperation with the content identification information extracted by the content identification information extraction unit or the content identification information and the terminal request information by the cooperation terminal determination unit. An information processing terminal that transmits to another information processing terminal determined to be. A content-related information receiving unit that receives the content identification information from the main information processing terminal according to claim 2;
A second terminal information management unit for managing various information related to the own terminal;
One or more pieces of information are read out as terminal information from the second terminal information management unit, and the content identification information received by the content related information receiving unit is transmitted to the application-linked content management server together with the terminal information. A second cooperative application information acquisition request unit that inquires of cooperative application information that cooperates with the program content;
A second cooperative application information receiving unit that receives cooperative application information from the application cooperative content management server;
When one or more pieces of cooperative application information are obtained by the second cooperative application information receiving unit and one piece of cooperative application information is selected from the cooperative application information, the selected cooperative application information is used as the application. A second application acquisition request unit that transmits to the distribution server and acquires the cooperative application;
An information processing terminal comprising a second application execution unit that executes a cooperation application when the cooperation application is transmitted from the application distribution server in response to a request from the second application acquisition request unit. An information processing terminal according to claim 6,
The content-related information receiving unit receives terminal request information included in the program content signal transmitted from the main information processing terminal;
The second cooperative application information acquisition request unit is an information processing terminal that reads the terminal information from the second terminal information management unit based on the terminal request information. An information processing terminal according to claim 6 or 7,
A content-related information acquisition request transmission unit that makes an acquisition request for the content identification information or the content identification information and the terminal request information to the main information processing terminal,
The content-related information receiving unit is an information processing terminal that receives the content identification information transmitted from the main information processing terminal, or the content identification information and the terminal request information. An information processing terminal according to claim 6 or 7,
In response to a request from the main information processing terminal, a terminal address response unit that transmits a set address of the terminal,
A state inquiry receiving unit for receiving an inquiry about the current state transmitted from the main information processing terminal after transmitting the address of the own terminal by the terminal address response unit;
An application management unit for managing an application being executed by the second application execution unit;
When an inquiry about the current state is received by the state inquiry receiving unit, the application management unit is inquired whether a predetermined application is activated, and a response is made that the predetermined application is activated. A state response unit that transmits to the main information processing terminal that the predetermined application is activated,
The content-related information receiving unit transmits to the main information processing terminal that the predetermined application is activated by the state response unit, and then transmits the content identification information or the content from the main information processing terminal. An information processing terminal that receives identification information and the terminal request information. In the application cooperation type content management server which transmits / receives information between the information processing terminal according to claim 1 or the information processing terminal according to claim 6,
A cooperative application information acquisition request receiving unit that receives content identification information and terminal information transmitted from the information processing terminal;
Together with content identification information of program content and identification information of a cooperative application, an application-linked content management unit that associates and manages profile information of a terminal that can execute or recommend a cooperative application;
Profile information that fulfills the terminal information from the identification information of the cooperative application corresponding to the content identification information received by the cooperative application information acquisition request receiving unit is searched for the application cooperative content management unit. A cooperative application search unit for extracting identification information of the associated cooperative application;
An application cooperation type content management server comprising a cooperation application information transmission unit that transmits identification information of a cooperation application searched by the cooperation application search unit to the information processing terminal. The application-linked content management server according to claim 10,
The application cooperation type content management unit associates and manages the priority of the cooperation application together with the content identification information of the program content, the identification information of the cooperation application, and the corresponding profile of the terminal that can execute or recommend the cooperation application. Application-linked content management server. The application-linked content management server according to claim 10,
The application-linked content management unit has a hierarchical structure, and manages the identification information of the linked application and the corresponding profile information of a terminal that can execute or recommend the linked application in association with each layer. ,
The content identification information is composed of a plurality of character strings so as to correspond to the hierarchical structure, and can uniquely identify program content.
The cooperative application search unit performs a search for the application cooperative content management unit, and traces the hierarchical structure based on the content identification information, thereby obtaining identification information of the cooperative application managed in each layer. Application-linked content management server to extract. In the location resolution server that performs transmission and reception of information with the information processing terminal according to claim 1 or the information processing terminal according to claim 6,
An application location management unit that associates and manages identification information of a cooperative application and location information of the cooperative application;
Application acquisition request receiving means for receiving identification information of a cooperative application from the information processing terminal;
A location resolution unit that refers to the application location management unit and extracts location information of the corresponding cooperative application based on the identification information of the cooperative application;
A location resolution server comprising a location transmission unit that transmits location information of the cooperative application to the information processing terminal.

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