JP3767635B2 - Interactive program broadcast method, interactive program response method and response apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an interactive program broadcasting method for responding through a telephone line, a response method for an interactive program, and a response device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the current telephone network, when access is temporarily concentrated in a certain area, a so-called telephone line becomes punctured, making it difficult or difficult to make a call. This puncture state of the telephone line occurs when calls and call requests are concentrated on a specific telephone line and exceed the processing capacity of the telephone line.
[0003]
For example, it is often difficult to make a call to a disaster-affected area where an earthquake or other disaster has occurred and vice versa. This is not because the telephone network and telephone office equipment were destroyed by the disaster, but telephones to confirm the safety of residents in the disaster-affected areas were temporarily concentrated from other areas, and from residents in the disaster-affected areas. This happens because calls to inform other areas of safety are temporarily concentrated.
[0004]
In order to avoid the puncture of the telephone line as described above, for example, in a company that uses a telephone line to reserve and sell tickets, measures such as preparing equipment for almost one telephone station have been Has been taken. In addition, when the concentration of calls is expected, such as the start time of ticket sales for popular singers, NTT restricts outgoing calls to the local exchange (in the Kanto region if it is a Kanto lecture ticket). For example, connecting to a call once).
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, viewer participation programs by telephone line access are performed in television broadcasts and radio broadcasts. This is broadcast, for example, as TV shopping, questionnaire surveys, and quiz programs with audience participation. The broadcaster announces the reception telephone number for response, and superimposes for an appropriate time. By displaying on the screen, the viewer is notified of the destination of the response, and the viewer responds by telephone or facsimile.
[0006]
For example, according to television shopping, a large number of viewers can be made as purchasers of goods, and a large amount of goods can be sold. However, if there are a lot of viewers who want to purchase because there are restrictions on the number of items to be sold or attractive prices such as low prices, the number of viewers who want to purchase increases and it is used for purchase applications. The telephone line may be in a so-called puncture state as described above.
[0007]
In the case of television shopping or the like, as shown in FIG. 17, responses from viewers are concentrated immediately after the start of response reception and immediately before the end of response reception, and the line is congested at this concentrated portion. Or there is a tendency to become punctured. This is because a viewer who wants to accept a purchase request as soon as possible concentrates immediately after accepting a response, and a viewer who wants to make a purchase but hesitates to purchase finishes accepting the response This is to concentrate immediately before.
[0008]
Further, in the case of a quick-press quiz program, since responses are to be transmitted as soon as possible, responses from viewers are concentrated immediately after the response permission start time as shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the case of a contemplation type quiz program, in order to transmit a more accurate answer, as shown in FIG. 19, it concentrates immediately before the response permission end time. In any case, the number of viewers of interactive television broadcasting is unspecified, and there is a high possibility that the telephone line is congested, making it difficult to make a call, or a so-called puncture state.
[0009]
In the case of the quiz program as described above, the access answer is determined by winning first, or the response time limit is determined. And when call requests are concentrated on a specific telephone line and exceed the processing capacity of that line, there is a situation where the telephone does not go well, and depending on the response timing, the telephone access later may be connected first In spite of the response within the time limit, reception at the reply destination is outside the time limit.
[0010]
Also, depending on the regional characteristics, priority may be given on the telephone relay station side, so the response from the viewer over the telephone line cannot be handled fairly by the conventional method in which the telephone is connected. There was also a problem.
[0011]
Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a telephone station and one station as in the above-described ticket reservation system. However, not only is the cost high, but in the case of a program with a high audience rating, the telephone call is concentrated due to the concentration of responses. There is a risk of line congestion and puncture.
[0012]
In view of the above points, the present invention can prevent congestion of a telephone line and a so-called puncture state due to transmission of a response from a viewer to an interactive program, and performs a fair process of responses from the viewer. The purpose is to be able to.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the first invention of the response method to the interactive program,
  Multiple distributed calls with a time width corresponding to the data length of the telephone line type and response information, which is the time after the receiver's response operation, and the time width corresponding to the data length of the response information. The transmission of the response is delayed and distributed in one of the time zones.
[0015]
Which of the plurality of distributed transmission time zones is selected may be determined based on a random number or pseudo-random number acquired at the time when a response operation to the interactive program is performed.
[0016]
  The response method for the interactive program1st inventionCorrespondingly, in the interactive program broadcasting method according to the present invention,
  In a method of broadcasting an interactive program that expects a response from the receiver via a telephone line, the response from the receiver is transmitted after a time when the response operation is performed by the receiver, with a predetermined time width. When the transmission of the response is delayed and distributed in one of a plurality of distributed transmission time zones having a unit time width as
  The receiver's response device multiplexes a broadcast signal with information used to determine at least the length of the distributed transmission time zone, and broadcasts the information.
[0017]
[Action]
  According to the response method of the first invention,The transmission of the response is distributed in one of a plurality of distributed transmission time zones in which a predetermined time width after the point of the response operation by the receiver is a unit time width. Since the time width of this distributed call time zone is set to a time width corresponding to the type of the telephone line and the data length of the response information, congestion of response transmission can be avoided more reliably.
[0020]
That is, the puncture of the telephone line is a mechanism that occurs not only in the state where the line is actually connected but also because the load is already applied in the part of the operation to connect the line. In other words, just raising the handset will already take up the capacity of one line. For example, if all the telephones in the area managed by a certain telephone office raise the handset at the same time, the line will puncture alone. Become.
[0021]
  Above1st inventionIn this case, the time width of the distributed transmission time zone is determined by considering the type of line such as a tone line (PB line) or dial pulse line and the data length required for a response. The time width for completing the response transmission process can be used. So this1st inventionAs described above, it is possible to reliably avoid congestion of the line by distributing response transmissions in a plurality of distributed transmission time zones.
[0022]
In particular, in the case of a broadcasting method in which information specifying the size of the time width of the distributed transmission time zone is multiplexed from the broadcast side, the data length of the response information to be acquired is known in advance on the broadcast side. By considering the line that takes a long time to transmit information as the type of information, it is possible to easily specify the optimal time width of the distributed transmission time zone and reliably avoid congestion of the line Is possible.
[0023]
【Example】
Prior to the description of specific embodiments of the present invention, an outline of the present invention will be described.
[0024]
The avoidance of congestion of response transmission, which is an object of the present invention, can be achieved by the configuration of only the interactive program response device, or by using interactive program related information multiplexed on the broadcast signal from the broadcast side. It can also be realized.
[0025]
In any case, the response device for interactive programs according to the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as response device) sends a response later than the actual user's response operation time in order to avoid congestion of response transmission. The delay is distributed over the time.
[0026]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main functions of an embodiment of a response device according to the present invention as a block.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1, the response device of this example includes a response operation detection unit 101, a random number acquisition unit 102, a response transmission time setting unit 103, a clock circuit 104, a response transmission time detection unit 105, and transmission execution. Means 106.
[0028]
The response operation detection unit 101 detects the timing of response operation for an interactive program performed by the user. For example, when the response operation input unit is a remote control transmitter, the response operation detection unit 101 includes a remote control signal receiving unit supplied from the remote control transmitter, and receives the remote control signal at a predetermined cycle. The timing of the response operation by the user is detected by monitoring the control unit and detecting the supply of the remote control signal from the remote control transmitter. Further, when the response device of this example is provided with an operation panel having a button switch group capable of performing a response operation, the response operation detecting means 101 scans these button switch groups at a constant cycle. Thus, the timing of the response operation performed by the user is detected.
[0029]
The random number acquisition unit 102 acquires a random number or a pseudo random number at the timing of the response operation detected by the response operation detection unit 101 described above.
[0030]
Various configurations are possible for the configuration of the random number acquisition means 102. One example is that a random number generator such as an M series is provided, and the generation timing of the random number from this random number generator is set according to the timing of the search cycle of the response operation in the response operation detection means. When a response operation is detected, a random number from the random number generator is acquired at that timing.
[0031]
In another example, in the random number acquisition means 102, one value is selected from a plurality of selectable values existing in the response device, and this value is used as a seed for generating a pseudorandom number to be simulated. This is a method of obtaining a random number.
[0032]
In the case of this latter method, a plurality of selectable values that are seeds for generating pseudo-random numbers are, for example, values that change over time. As will be described in detail later, the count value of a software counter whose starting point is indefinite. Alternatively, the address of the I / O port of the response device in this example that was accessed at the timing of the response operation is used.
[0033]
Therefore, at the stage of obtaining the seed of pseudo random number generation, a plurality of response devices having the same response operation timing can also obtain seeds of pseudo random number generation having different values. For this reason, the pseudo random number obtained by calculation based on the seed of this pseudo random number generation is a random value.
[0034]
In addition, when there are a large number of choices, such as a pseudo-random number generation value is multi-valued, the obtained seed itself can be used as a pseudo-random number instead of calculating a pseudo-random number by calculation. .
[0035]
Next, the response transmission time setting unit 103 sends a response to be transmitted through a telephone line, which will be described later, based on the random number or pseudo-random number acquired by the random number acquisition unit 102 as described above. The response transmission time is set to be performed at the same timing. Thereby, the transmission of the response with respect to the some response operation concentrated on the same timing can be disperse | distributed to the time after the timing of a response operation.
[0036]
In the case of this example, the response transmission time setting means 103 sets a response transmission distribution time range, and distributes the response transmission within this time range. As will be described later, when the response operation permission time range is set in the interactive program, the response transmission dispersion time range is set after the response operation permission time range elapses. As will be described later, the response operation permission time range can be detected by the response device based on information multiplexed on the broadcast signal.
[0037]
The response transmission time setting means 103 sets the time at which the response transmission is executed at any timing in the response transmission distributed time range. For example, the transmission time is set as the delay time from the beginning of the response transmission distribution time range to the actual response transmission.
[0038]
The clock circuit 104 receives information on the response transmission dispersion time range from the response transmission time setting means 103, and performs time measurement within the response transmission dispersion time range. And the time information is notified to the response transmission time detection means 105.
[0039]
The response transmission time detection unit 105 detects the actual response transmission timing from the transmission time information set from the response transmission time setting unit 103 and the time information from the clock circuit 104. When the actual response transmission timing comes, the response transmission execution means 106 is activated.
[0040]
The response transmission execution means 106 transmits an actual response through a telephone line, and transmits response information as necessary. If the response is a call to a telephone voting service called so-called telegong, the response information is not transmitted and the call is terminated.
[0041]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the response transmission time set by the response transmission time setting means 103 and the timing of the response operation.
[0042]
In FIG. 2, the response operation time range is a range in which the user can perform a response operation, and is normally provided as a response operation permission time from the broadcast side that provides the interactive program. The response transmission distributed time range is a time during which a response to a bidirectional program from a user can be transmitted. As will be described later, the response transmission time of a plurality of response devices is within this response transmission distributed time range. Are set to be distributed.
[0043]
Further, in this example, the response transmission distributed time range is provided as a response transmission permission time from the broadcast side providing the interactive program, and as shown in FIG. 2, the response transmission distributed time immediately after the response operation time range ends. A range is set.
[0044]
The provision of interactive program-related information such as the response operation time range and response transmission distribution time range provided by the broadcast side will be described in detail later, but the interactive program-related information is converted into an audio signal transmitted from the broadcast side. In the case of television broadcasting, it is provided by being superimposed on an unused horizontal scanning period of the vertical blanking period of the video signal. Then, the provided interactive program-related information is supplied to the response device of this example, decoded, and stored and held in a memory such as a RAM (not shown in FIG. 1).
[0045]
As shown in response devices a, b, and c in FIG. 2, when the users of the response devices a, b, and c perform a response operation within the response operation time range, in each response device a, b, and c, As described above, a pseudorandom number is acquired at the response operation timing, and the response transmission time setting unit 103 sets the response transmission time based on the pseudorandom number. In this case, the response transmission time is set as a delay time from the top OE of the response transmission dispersion time range. This is hereinafter referred to as a response transmission delay time.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 2, even when the response operations in the response devices a, b, and c are performed in a very short time, the response devices a, b, and c have different time widths. The response transmission delay times DTa, DTb, and DTc that are included are set.
[0047]
Then, each response device a, b, c sends a response at time points dt1, dt2, dt3, which are the end times of the response transmission delay times DTa, DTb, DTc. As shown in J1, J2, and J3, reception of responses corresponding to response operations performed in a concentrated manner is distributed.
[0048]
The response device of this example manages the response operation time range by the clock circuit 104 or the like, thereby responding to meaningless response operations outside the response operation time range as shown in the response device d of FIG. Can also be prevented.
[0049]
Next, another example of the response transmission time setting method in the response transmission time setting means 103 will be described with reference to FIGS. In this example, a plurality of distributed transmission time zones having a predetermined time width as a unit time width are provided, and one of them is selected, and a response is transmitted at, for example, the central time point of the selected distributed transmission time zone. Do it. Thereby, congestion of response transmissions from a plurality of response devices is prevented, and transmission of responses is effectively distributed.
[0050]
In this example, the unit time width of the plurality of distributed transmission time zones described above is a response completion time which is a time until one response to an interactive program is completed in order to prevent congestion of response transmission. It is set to be the same or longer.
[0051]
Specifically, the response completion time is as follows: from the start of dial processing for calling in the response device, the transmission of response information for the interactive program is terminated, and the telephone line connected to the reply destination is disconnected. This is the time it takes to be done.
[0052]
Therefore, as will be described in detail later, based on information such as the type of the telephone line to which the response device of this example is connected and the data length of the response information, the unit time width of the distributed call time zone is set for each response device. In FIG.
[0053]
Moreover, you may make it provide the unit time width | variety of a distributed transmission time slot | zone as one of the interactive program relevant information from the broadcast side. This is because the broadcast side can predict the length of response information and set the unit time width according to the slow line speed.
[0054]
The responding device can determine the time width of the distributed transmission time zone by itself and set the number of distributed transmission time zones by itself. When both are set, the response transmission dispersion time range is determined. The number of distributed transmission time zones is set to a number that enables effective delay dispersion of response transmission.
[0055]
When specifying the time width of the distributed transmission time zone and the number of distributed transmission time zones from the broadcast side, specify the response transmission distributed time range and the time width of the distributed transmission time zone or the number of distributed transmission time zones. Good. However, since the response transmission distributed time range is determined if the time width and number of the distributed transmission time zone are determined, the start point of the response transmission distributed time range may be specified.
[0056]
Then, as described above, the response device of this example acquires a pseudo-random number at the timing of the response operation. And based on this pseudorandom number, one is selected from a plurality of distributed transmission time zones.
[0057]
The distributed transmission time zone is selected by, for example, setting the range in which the pseudo random number is acquired to be within the range of the number of distributed transmission time zones, and selecting the distributed transmission time zone directly by the acquired pseudo random number. Also, by dividing the acquired pseudo random number by the number of distributed transmission time zones and selecting the distributed transmission time zone by the remainder, the distributed transmission time zone can be obtained without narrowing the acquisition range of pseudo random numbers. Can also be selected.
[0058]
Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, when a response operation for the interactive program is performed in the response devices a, b, and c, the response devices a, b, and c are based on the pseudo-random numbers acquired at the timing of the response operation. To select the distributed transmission time zone.
[0059]
That is, the number of the distributed transmission time zone from the head OE of the response transmission distributed time range is determined according to the acquired pseudo-random number. Then, an actual response is transmitted at the central point of the distributed transmission time zone of the determined order.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 3, the response devices a, b, and c are the delay times Ta, Tb from the head OE of the response transmission distributed time range to the central point of the distributed transmission time zone obtained as described above. , Tc is measured and a response to the interactive program is transmitted at time points HT1, HT2, and HT3.
[0061]
Since the transmission of the response from each response device is completed by the central point of the next distributed transmission time zone, the response transmission of the response device that has selected another distributed transmission time zone is the distributed transmission time. The time width of the belt is guaranteed. Since this time width is a time width for completing one response, congestion of transmission of the response is reduced.
[0062]
Next, a method for setting the unit time width of the above-described distributed transmission time zone will be described.
[0063]
In the response device of this example, the time required for the call processing to the reply destination and the transmission time of the response information vary depending on the type of the telephone line used.
[0064]
  For example, in the case of a 10 PPS dial pulse line, the communication speed is 10 milliseconds and the minimum pause is 600 milliseconds or more. Similarly, in the case of a 20 PPS dial pulse line, the communication speed is20 millisecondsThe minimum pose is 450 milliseconds or more. In the case of a tone-type line, the communication speed is 50 milliseconds, and the minimum pause is 70 milliseconds or more.
[0065]
For example, when a telephone number “0180-20-0000” is transmitted through a telephone line of each method having different communication speeds, the time from the start of dialing to the end is shown in FIG. As shown, there is a difference between telephone lines of different systems.
[0066]
That is, FIG. 4 enumerates the time required for dialing each digit of the telephone number and the minimum pause time required for dialing each digit of the telephone number for each telephone line of a different system. It is a table showing the time required for the dial processing.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 4, in the case of the 10PPS system, it takes 13.5 seconds from the start of dialing a telephone number to the completion of dialing, and in the case of the 20PPS system, it takes 8.5 seconds. In the case of the tone method, it takes 1.13 seconds.
[0068]
As is clear from FIG. 4, in the unspecified number of response devices using different types of lines, the time required for dial processing when the distributed transmission time zone for distributing the transmission of responses is 10PPS. If it is shorter, the transmission of responses becomes congested and the transmission of responses cannot be effectively distributed.
[0069]
Therefore, the time width of the distributed call time zone is set according to the line type. Regardless of the line, for example, when setting the time width of the distributed call time zone as in the case of setting from the broadcast side, the dial processing time of the 10 PPS method, which takes time to call the phone number, is used as a reference. In addition, taking into account the time OD required from the off-hook to the dial pulse or dial tone detection, the time HT required from the completion of transmission to the arrival (polarity reversal), and the time CT from on-hook to line disconnection, Response completion time T is
T = OD + ((100 milliseconds × first digit number) + (100 milliseconds × second digit number) +... (100 milliseconds × n digit number) + (600 milliseconds × (n−1))) + HT + CT (1)
It can ask for.
[0070]
As described above, the response completion time is also affected by the data length of the response information. The data length of the response information varies depending on the contents of the interactive program.
[0071]
For example, in the case of simply applying for a viewer present, only the reply destination identification information (hereinafter referred to as the identification ID) for identifying the user (viewer) may be transmitted from the user side to the reply destination. In the case of a push quiz, the identification ID and time information about the response operation, in the case of a price quiz, the identification ID and price information, in the case of first-come-first-served basis TV shopping, the identification ID and the time information about the response operation And order data and settlement data are required as response information.
[0072]
Therefore, considering the data length of the response information, the response completion time T obtained by equation (1) plus the response information transmission time is set as the unit time width WT of the distributed transmission time zone. The
[0073]
Note that the transmission time of the response information based on the data length of the response information is a very short time, and when the unit time width WT is set in the response device, a predetermined time predetermined as the transmission time of the response information is set. Add time.
[0074]
Further, as described above, when the unit time width WT is provided from the broadcast side, the transmission side of the response information corresponding to the data length of the response information is also considered on the broadcast side. The width WT can be set.
[0075]
[Description of specific examples]
Next, a more specific description will be given by taking as an example a case where an embodiment of a response apparatus for interactive programs according to the present invention is applied to a television receiver.
[0076]
In this example, on the broadcast side that provides the interactive program, when broadcasting the interactive program, as the sub broadcast information, for example, a reply destination telephone number, a response permission time for limiting a response operation time by the user, Interactive program related information including a response transmission permission time for limiting the transmission period of response information from the user side is multiplexed and broadcast on a broadcast signal.
[0077]
On the other hand, the receiving side separates and reproduces the interactive program-related information from the received broadcast signal and stores it in the memory of the response device, for example, for use in generating response information for the interactive program or transmitting it.
[0078]
In this example, the program-related information of the interactive program is mainly obtained by an audio band signal that can be easily distinguished from the main broadcast audio, for example, a DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) signal used in a telephone push line. Superimpose it on the broadcast audio signal.
[0079]
That is, on the broadcast station side, the program related information as sub broadcast information is multiplexed (mixed) with the main broadcast audio signal as a DTMF signal format signal broadcast. On the other hand, the receiving side separates and decodes the DTMF signal from the received broadcast audio signal, reproduces the program related information, stores it in the memory, and uses it when transmitting the response information to the reply destination.
[0080]
[DTMF signal]
First, the DTMF signal will be described with reference to FIG.
The DTMF signaling is an audio band signaling that sends two tones simultaneously, one in a low frequency group (low group) and the other in a high frequency group (high group). Each of these low and high frequency groups consists of four audio band frequency tones, none of which are in articulation.
[0081]
In the DTMF signal, the four frequencies in the low group are, for example, 697 Hz, 770 Hz, 852 Hz, and 941 Hz, and the four frequencies in the high group are, for example, 1209 Hz, 1336 Hz, 1477 Hz, and 1633 Hz. Then, one frequency in each of the low group and the high group is combined, and each DTMF signal (each of these DTMF signals is hereinafter referred to as a function signal) consisting of the combination is divided into four rows as shown in FIG. It is assigned to push buttons “0” to “D” arranged in four rows, respectively.
[0082]
In telephone communication, of the 16 combinations of DTMF signals, only 12 are generally used for subscriber address (telephone number) signals. That is, the above-mentioned 12 combinations of function signals correspond to the numbers “0” to “9” used as a so-called numeric keypad and the symbols “*” and “#”. The function signals corresponding to the characters “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” shown by the broken lines in FIG. 5 are not generally used in Japan, and a push button (PB) dial is used. It is only used for data transmission.
[0083]
When performing line selection by telephone number using such a DTMF signal, signal transmission conditions are defined as shown in FIG.
[0084]
The DTMF signal rarely occurs in the natural world due to the combination of the two frequencies and the transmission conditions as described above, and can be clearly distinguished from natural sounds such as human voices. The signal can be multiplexed (mixed) and broadcast, and separation on the receiving side is relatively easy.
[0085]
By the way, the DTMF signal is also used in multi-function telephones. When you are away from home, you can play a message recorded on your home phone by operating a push button type telephone, You can record, play, and delete requirements.
[0086]
[Broadcast of sub broadcast information]
In the transmission side of this embodiment, that is, on the broadcasting station side, “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” that are not used for PB line selection as described above are transmitted when sub broadcast information is transmitted. Among the meaning function signals, the function signals “A”, “B”, and “C” are used as transmission start information of sub-broadcast information, and the function signal “D” is used as transmission end information.
[0087]
Since there are three types of transmission start information, in this example, three types of sub-broadcast information can be distinguished and transmitted. That is, the three types of sub-broadcast information are broadcast by being divided into one of the function signals “A”, “B”, and “C” and the function signal “D” for each type.
[0088]
For example, information related to response access to interactive programs, for example, sub-broadcast information such as the access destination telephone number (acceptance telephone number) and transmission rate is transmission end information with the function signal “A” as transmission start information. It is transmitted between the function signals of “D”. Similarly, for example, sub-broadcast information related to environment settings such as the tail limit of the telephone number on the responding side and the current time setting clears the received data between the function signal “B” and the function signal “D”. The information on the information is multiplexed and broadcast as a signal sandwiched between the function signal “C” and the function signal “D”.
[0089]
On the receiving side, numerical values or symbol data sandwiched between any one of the function signals “A”, “B”, and “C” as transmission start information and the function signal “D” as transmission end information. Are regarded as sub-broadcast data strings (information groups), and are distinguished and stored in predetermined storage areas of the memory, as will be described later.
[0090]
For example, as information related to response access for television shopping, a receiver with interactive television standard version 00 is set to receive telephone number 0990-1234-1234 as a response reply destination for 120 minutes at a transmission rate of 300 bps. Sub-broadcast information,
00 # 120 # 0990 * 1234 * 1234
A data string composed of the functional signals of the DTMF signal is multiplexed and transmitted to the main broadcast audio signal in a state sandwiched between the functional signal of “A” and the functional signal of “D”. The
[0091]
Here, in the data string, the first 00 indicates that the interactive (interactive) television standard version is 00 (transmission rate 300 bps), and the numerical data after the symbol “#” is the reception telephone number of the reply destination. .
[0092]
As information on response access of a quick-press quiz program, an interactive television standard version 01 receiver is accessed at a transmission rate of 1200 bps for 1 minute at a telephone number 0990-1234-1235 as a response reply destination. If you allow it,
01 # 001 # 0990 * 1234 * 1235
A data string composed of the functional signals of the DTMF signal is multiplexed and transmitted to the main broadcast audio signal in a state sandwiched between the functional signal of “A” and the functional signal of “D”. The
[0093]
Here, the first 01 in the data string indicates that the interactive (interactive) television standard version is 01 (transmission rate 1200 bps), and the numerical data after the symbol “#” is the reception telephone number of the reply destination. .
[0094]
In the data string related to response access as described above, the symbol “#” represents a separator (separation of individual data), and the symbol “*” represents a pause.
[0095]
When restricting access to only viewers who have a specific phone number (subscriber number) as information related to environment settings, for example, when permitting access only to numbers whose phone number ends with 0,
0 # 0
When the data string composed of the function signals of the DTMF signal such as
0 # 1
A data string composed of the functional signals of the DTMF signal is multiplexed with the main broadcast audio signal in a state of being sandwiched between the functional signal “B” and the functional signal “D”. Sent out. In this case, the number “0” before the symbol “#” means that access from a telephone number having the number after the symbol “#” at the end is permitted.
[0096]
If you want to allow access only to numbers that end with an even number,
0 # 0 * 0 # 2 * 0 # 4 * 0 # 6 * 0 # 8
A data string composed of the functional signals of the DTMF signal is multiplexed and transmitted to the main broadcast audio signal in a state sandwiched between the functional signal “B” and the functional signal “D”. The Here, the symbol “*” means a logical sum.
[0097]
Further, as time information for broadcast program reception reservation or recording reservation, for example, if the current time is 7:00 on Tuesday, December 15, 1993,
1 # 1993121520700
A data string composed of the functional signals of the DTMF signal is multiplexed and transmitted to the main broadcast audio signal in a state sandwiched between the functional signal “B” and the functional signal “D”. The
[0098]
Also, if a broadcast program is broadcast from 7:00 to 7:29 on the next Sunday as seen from the present time,
10 # 07000729
A data string composed of the function signals of the DTMF signal is sent between the function signal “B” and the function signal “D”, and another broadcast program is sent on the next Monday 12. When broadcasting from 0:00 to 14:15,
11 # 12001415
A data string composed of the functional signals of the DTMF signal is sandwiched between the functional signal “B” and the functional signal “D” and transmitted.
[0099]
In the data string related to the environment setting as described above, the symbol “#” represents a separator, and the symbol “*” represents “OR (logical sum)”.
[0100]
And as information about clearing received data, for example, in the case of clearing number restrictions,
99 # 0
When a data string composed of each function signal of the DTMF signal is sandwiched between the function signal of “C” and the function signal of “D”, and the reception telephone number is cleared Is
99 # 1
A data string composed of the function signals of the DTMF signal is sandwiched between the “C” function signal and the “D” function signal and transmitted.
[0101]
As described above, function signals of “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” that are not used as a telephone line selection signal are used as transmission start information and transmission end information of sub broadcast information. Thus, for example, even when a DTMF sound is transmitted in a scene of making a drama phone call, it is not confused with program-related information. Further, the sub broadcast information can be reliably transmitted and received.
[0102]
[Configuration of response device]
Next, the configuration of an embodiment of a television receiver compatible with an interactive broadcast program to which the response apparatus for an interactive program according to the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG.
[0103]
In FIG. 7, 10 is a signal system of a television receiver, and 20 is its control system.
[0104]
Broadcast radio waves received by the antenna 1 are supplied to the tuner 11. A tuning signal is supplied to the tuner 11 from the control system 20, and a broadcast signal of a desired channel is selected by the tuner 11 and converted into an intermediate frequency signal. This intermediate frequency signal is supplied to the intermediate frequency circuit 12. The intermediate frequency circuit 12 includes a video demodulator 13 and an audio demodulator 14, and demodulates the video signal and the audio signal.
[0105]
The video signal S13 from the video demodulator 13 is supplied to the picture tube 16 through the video signal processing circuit 15. The audio signal S14 from the sound demodulator 14 is supplied to the sound multiplex decoder 17, and the bilingual signal or the stereo signals SL and SR are decoded. These signals SL and SR are supplied to the left and right speakers 19L and 19R through the amplifiers 18L and 18R, respectively.
[0106]
The audio signal S14 from the audio demodulator 14 is also supplied to the DTMF decoder 32 via the preprocessing circuit 31. The DTMF decoder 32 always searches the DTMF signal in the input signal, and when detecting the DTMF signal, decodes which function signal the DTMF signal is. That is, the numbers “0” to “9”, “#”, “*”, and “A” to “D” are decoded. Then, the decoded data is supplied to the control system 20.
[0107]
In the case of this example, as the DTMF decoder 32, a commercially available DTMF decoder widely used is used. The pre-processing circuit 31 is provided to perform pre-processing for enabling decoding of a DTMF signal with higher accuracy even when a commercially available DTMF decoder is used as the DTMF decoder 32 as described above. That is, the preprocessing circuit 31 removes frequency components other than the DTMF signal from the audio signal S14 so that the input signal of the DTMF decoder 32 becomes a signal allowed by a commercially available DTMF decoder. Consists of.
[0108]
Further, in this embodiment, a modem (modem / demodulator) 33 for data communication is provided in order to cope with a bidirectional broadcast program such as a response to a viewer participation program. A telephone line 2 is connected to the line connection terminal Line of the modem 33, and a telephone 3 is connected to the telephone terminal Tel. This modem 33 is connected to the system bus 200 of the control system 20. Further, data from the modem 33 is supplied to the DTMF decoder 32 so that a DTMF signal sent via the telephone line 2 can be decoded by the DTMF decoder 32 and taken into the control system 20. Has been.
[0109]
The control system 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a DRAM 23, an SRAM 24, and a video RAM 25, and each is connected to the system bus 200. The ROM 22 stores a DTMF data reception / acquisition processing program, a pseudo-random number acquisition processing program, a transmission time setting program for distributed delay processing of response transmission, and various control programs. Graphic data is also stored. The DRAM 23 is mainly used as a work area for calculation, and the SRAM 24 stores setting information and identification information of the television receiver itself as a response device.
[0110]
Here, the identification information of the receiver itself is an identification number unique to each device set at the time of production of the television receiver compatible with the interactive broadcasting program, such as “SONY-00-00000001”. is there. After purchasing a television receiver compatible with an interactive broadcast program, the user receives the identification information of the receiving device and the name, address, telephone number, etc. of the user as a reply destination for the response of the viewer of the interactive television. Register in the database. In the database center, personal information corresponding to the identification information of the television receiver is managed in the database. By including the identification information of the receiver in the response information for the interactive program, it is possible to easily identify who the response is from in the database center of the reply destination.
[0111]
The video RAM 25 is used for display. A display controller 25C is provided for the video RAM 25. The display controller 25C controls reading and writing of video data to the video RAM 25 and converts the read video data into an analog video signal. The analog video signal obtained from the display controller 25C is supplied to the video signal processing unit 15, and in combination with the control of the video signal processing unit 15 from the control unit 20, the analog video signal is converted into a video signal from the intermediate frequency circuit 12. Superposed or switched to be combined.
[0112]
The control system 20 also includes I / O ports 261, 262, 263, 264 and a VTR control port 27. A control signal is supplied to the video signal processing circuit 15 and the audio multiplex decoder 17 through the I / O port 261. Further, for example, an infrared remote control signal from the remote control transmitter 34 is received by the remote control receiver 35, the received remote control signal is decoded by the remote control decoding circuit 36, and the decoded remote control signal is the I / O port 261. It is taken into the control system 20 more.
[0113]
Then, the CPU 21 performs control according to a user operation on the remote control transmitter 34 in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 22. For example, in the case of remote control operations such as tuning and volume control, tuner tuning and volume control are executed, and at the same time, font data for displaying necessary characters and symbols is read from the ROM 22 and transferred to the video RAM 25. Transferred. Then, the data in the video RAM 25 is supplied to the video signal processing circuit 15 and is combined with the video signal S13 (for example, superimposed), so that it is displayed on the screen of the picture tube 16 for an appropriate time.
[0114]
Data such as channel selection and volume control is written to the non-volatile SRAM 24 for each operation. When the power is turned off and then turned on again, the same channel with the same volume as that immediately before the power is turned off. A so-called last memory function for viewing is realized.
[0115]
A channel selection signal is supplied to the tuner 11 through the I / O port 263. In this embodiment, the time information from the timer circuit 37 for notifying the current time and generating an interrupt for a predetermined time is input to the control system 20 through the I / O port 264. In addition, the timer circuit 37 has an area where the time is progressively advanced, and can reset the area as necessary to manage the relative time from the time of the reset. . In this example, in the control system 20, the time information from the timer circuit 37 recognizes the time when the response operation is performed (response operation time), and, as will be described later, the response transmission time setting is calculated. Used for.
[0116]
In this example, the control port 27 of the VTR is configured to be able to control three VTR1, VTR2, and VTR3. The control system 20 can supply a control signal to the VTR through the control port 27 and can take in a status signal from the VTR and perform desired control on the VTR.
[0117]
Each VTR incorporates a tuner and an intermediate frequency circuit, and is connected to the antenna 1 via a distributor, for example, and can perform scheduled recording under the control of the control system 20.
[0118]
[Distributed response transmission]
Next, response transmission delay dispersion processing in the case of the response device of the embodiment of FIG. 7 will be described.
[0119]
In this embodiment, the delay distribution processing described with reference to FIG. 2 is performed. In this example, a pseudo-random number is acquired at the response operation timing by the user, and based on the pseudo-random number, the start time of the response transmission distribution time range is obtained. The delay time from OE (refer FIG. 2) is set as a response transmission time.
[0120]
In this embodiment, as described above, the information on the starting point for response processing is multiplex broadcast in the DTMF signal format, and the time measurement of the timer circuit 37 is started based on the information on the starting point. The Similarly, information on the response operation permission time and information on the response transmission permission time are broadcast as relative times from the starting point, multiplexed on the broadcast signal.
[0121]
In the response device, the response transmission permission time is recognized as a response transmission dispersion time range, and response transmission delay dispersion according to the user's response operation performed within the response operation permission time is performed within the response transmission permission time. Like that.
[0122]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the broadcast side and the user who performs the response operation and the flow of processing contents of the response device. FIG. 9 is a flow of processing in the CPU 21 of the response device in that case It is a flowchart which shows. The processing routine of FIG. 9 starts with the above-described starting point information that permits the actual start of the response.
[0123]
Hereinafter, with reference to these FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the distributed processing of response transmission in this example will be further described.
[0124]
First, as shown in FIG. 8, the broadcast side broadcasts an interactive program obtained by multiplexing the interactive program related information in the DTMF signal format in the main broadcast audio signal as described above (block 301).
[0125]
The broadcast signal in which the DTMF signal is multiplexed is received and selected by the response device of this example, and the video signal and the audio signal are demodulated by the video demodulator and the audio demodulator of the intermediate frequency circuit 12. Then, the DTMF signal is extracted from the audio signal from the audio demodulator 14 by the pre-processing circuit 31 and the DTMF decoder 32, decoded into data of numbers and symbols, and for example, the DRAM 23 of the control system 20 via the I / O port 262. Is taken in. Then, the response starting point information, the reply destination telephone number, the response operation permission time A, and the response transmission permission time B are written and held in the SRAM 24 (block 302).
[0126]
In the processing of block 302, in the response device, in the timing ST at which the DTMF signal indicating the response start point provided from the broadcast side is decoded, the time of the timer circuit 37 is cumulatively advanced. Is reset to “0” and time measurement is started (step 401 in FIG. 9).
[0127]
When the step of the cumulative time of the timer circuit 37, that is, time measurement is started, the user can perform a response operation. At this timing, the broadcast side provides a response request by text display or voice message after transmitting the aforementioned interactive program related information.
[0128]
The response request is, for example, an option for a question if it is a quiz program, and the user performs a response operation by operating the remote control transmitter 34 or the like (block 303 in FIG. 8).
[0129]
Then, when the user does not perform a response operation for the response request within the response operation permission time, the response device discriminates it at Step 402 and Step 403 in FIG. 9, and at Step 404, the response operation permission time. Therefore, it is warned by displaying, for example, a superimpose on the screen that the response input operation cannot be performed, and this processing routine is terminated. Since the processing routine of FIG. 9 does not start until the broadcast that holds the next response is started, even if the user performs a response operation thereafter, the response device ignores it.
[0130]
On the other hand, when the response operation of the user is performed within the response operation permission time A, the response device detects that in step 402 and proceeds to step 405.
[0131]
Then, the response device forms response information to be transmitted to a reply destination composed of information input by the user and a response operation time acquired from the timer circuit 37, for example, a relative time from the time point ST. In addition, as described above, a value that is a seed of pseudorandom number generation is obtained, a pseudorandom number is obtained by calculation based on this value, and a response transmission delay time DT is set based on this pseudorandom number (block in FIG. 8). 304, step 406 of FIG. 9).
[0132]
In this example, the value that becomes the seed of random number generation obtained in the process of block 304 is, for example, a so-called software that performs count processing at the same timing as the interrupt control repeat timing for searching for remote control operations. Acquired by wear counter. This pseudo-random number acquisition process will be described in detail later.
[0133]
Then, the control system 20 of the response device monitors the cumulative advance time of the timer circuit 37 to determine whether or not the response operation permission time A has expired. Recognize as the start of time (block 305). Subsequently, the system waits so as not to send a response until the transmission time dt set in block 304 is reached (block 306 in FIG. 8 and step 407 in FIG. 9).
[0134]
Then, when it is detected that the transmission delay time DT set in the block 304 has elapsed from the cumulative advance time of the timer circuit 37 monitored by the control system 20 (step 407 in FIG. 9), the response The device transmits a response and transmits response information as necessary (block 307 in FIG. 8, step 408 in FIG. 9).
[0135]
Thereby, the reply destination on the broadcast side receives the response information transmitted at the transmission time distributed based on the pseudo random number, not the time when the user performed the response operation (block 308 in FIG. 8).
[0136]
In this way, in a response device used by an unspecified number of users, a value that is a seed of random number generation is individually obtained, a pseudo random number is obtained based on this seed, and response information is obtained based on this pseudo random number. By setting the transmission time, it is possible to distribute the responses corresponding to the concentrated response operations within the response operation permission time A in a distributed manner within the response operation permission time B.
[0137]
In this example, the value used as the seed of random number generation acquired in the processing of the block 304 in FIG. 8 is one count value in the same cycle as the interrupt timing of the interrupt program controlled by the timer circuit 37. A so-called software counter, which is incremented one by one, is used.
[0138]
This software counter, for example, starts counting when the responding device in this example is turned on, and the count value at the start of counting is not fixed, and the starting point of each responding device is indefinite. It is a counter.
[0139]
For example, when interrupt control is performed at a cycle of 5 milliseconds, if the last two digits of the count value of the software counter are used as a seed value for random number generation, within 5 milliseconds × 99 (about 0 Within 100 seconds, 100 count values from 00 to 99 are generated.
[0140]
Therefore, one of 100 values from 00 to 99 is selected and acquired as a seed value for random number generation acquired at a timing determined by the user's response operation.
[0141]
An arithmetic method for obtaining a pseudo-random number using a value that is a seed of random number generation obtained from the software counter is, for example, a nonlinear function used in a function prepared in a library of UNIX OS 4.2. An additive feedback method is used.
[0142]
Then, based on the obtained pseudo random number, the response transmission time dt is set within the response transmission permission time B in which the time Te shown in FIG. 8 is the maximum value. That is, when the pseudo random number to be used is 2 digits, the maximum value “99” is used to divide the response transmission permission time B to obtain a quotient, and the quotient is multiplied by the obtained pseudo random number. The response transmission time dt can be obtained as the relative time from the top OE of the response transmission permission time, that is, the transmission delay time DT.
[0143]
In this example, the value that is a seed for random number generation is acquired from the software counter, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the value was accessed immediately before the timing for acquiring the value that is a seed for random number generation. Provides multiple selectable values that change over time, such as I / O port addresses, checksums of past response histories, response selection numbers, or time information when response operations are performed Anything is possible.
[0144]
In addition, as described above, the random number may be obtained by a random number generator formed as hardware as described above, without being limited to the method of obtaining a pseudo random number by calculation based on a value that is a seed of random number generation. Alternatively, random number data written in a memory such as a ROM may be read out and used based on the acquired pseudo-random number.
[0145]
Further, for example, the time information obtained from the timer circuit 37, such as the time information acquired at the timing of the response operation, and the response information selection number input by the user are combined and used as a value that becomes a seed of random number generation. It may be. In this case, the value to be combined is not limited to this example, and values obtained by various combinations can be used as a seed for generating random numbers.
[0146]
If the response is a call to the telephone number of the telephone voting service (calling), the transmission of the response is completed by the call, but if it is necessary to send an option number or a user ID, etc. The response information in the format is formed and transmitted to the reply destination.
[0147]
FIG. 10 shows an example of the format of response information (reply data) sent to the reply destination via the modem 33 and the telephone line.
[0148]
In FIG. 10, the reply data identification information at the head is an identifier for distinguishing whether the data received on the broadcast station side is reply data or other access.
[0149]
The next check data includes data length information and consistency check data. The data length indicates the data length of reply data and reply source identification information described later. The consistency check data is data for checking such as a checksum of reply data and reply source identification information described later. This check data is used to match whether or not the data has changed due to a bit drop, noise, or the like during transmission of the reply information.
[0150]
The next reply data includes selection procedure identification information and selection result information. Among the reply data, the selection procedure identification information is the selection procedure identification information in the sub-broadcast information multiplexed on the broadcast signal, and as described above, the answer from the viewer is the menu, Which question is the answer is determined. Even if broadcasts are broadcast in the order of question 1, question 2, etc., depending on the situation of the telephone line, responses from viewers are not always returned in the same order as broadcast. Identification information is required.
[0151]
As the selection result information, information indicating the finally selected menu item, the time when the selection operation is performed (response operation time), and the like are returned. In this case, the time of the timer circuit 37 is used as time information.
[0152]
Note that the response operation time may be a difference between the transmission time and the response operation time instead of the response operation time itself. In that case, since the response information is received almost at the transmission time at the reply destination, the response operation time can be recognized as the time before the difference from the time received at the reply destination.
[0153]
Further, for example, in order to identify the response operation time point in a quick press quiz program, the numbers and symbols of “DT” to “9” of the DTMF signal are multiplexed and broadcasted in the same manner as described above, A number or symbol as a DTMF signal received immediately after the response operation time may be returned from the receiving device side as information related to the response operation time of the reply data.
[0154]
The viewer input data in the selection result information takes into account that some broadcast programs may prompt the viewer to input during the selection procedure. As the viewer input data, for example, the viewer's credit card number may be returned or a telephone number may be returned to TV shopping.
[0155]
As the reply source identification information next to the reply data, a unique number for the viewer, for example, a so-called identification number such as a viewer's telephone number or a receiving device manufacturing number is used. Next to the reply source identification information, a reply data end code indicating the end of reply data is sent.
[0156]
As described above, even when the viewer performs a response operation with the remote control transmitter 34 and many viewers watching the same interactive television program overlap and concentrate, the actual response Can be distributed. As a result, transmission of response information temporarily concentrated on a specific telephone line can be distributed, and the telephone line can be prevented from entering a so-called puncture state.
[0157]
Since the response information transmitted from the receiving side (viewer side) includes information related to the response operation time, the time when the response information was actually transmitted has passed the response permission end time. Even if it is, the reply destination can determine that the response is before the response permission end time. In addition, since the point at which the response operation is actually performed can be identified by the reply destination regardless of the arrival time of the response information at the reply destination, it is possible to cope with a quick-press type quiz program.
[0158]
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the response device for interactive programs according to the present invention will be described. Each of the above embodiments is a case where the present invention is applied to a television receiver having a built-in DTMF decoder and modem. In this example, the response device is configured as an adapter device separate from the television receiver. This is the case.
[0159]
If the multiplexing method of interactive program-related information is to mix DTMF signals with broadcast sound, the sound output from the speaker of the television receiver is picked up by a microphone, and a DTMF decoder is picked up from the picked-up sound signal. The interactive program related information can be extracted by using it. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the DTMF decoder and modem and the related control system are housed in a casing separate from the television receiver, and are configured as an adapter device for the television receiver. .
[0160]
That is, FIG. 11 shows an example of the overall configuration in that case. In the case of this example, unlike the example of FIG. 7, the television receiver 40 has a conventional structure that does not include a DTMF decoder or a modem. On the other hand, the adapter device 50 includes an adapter main body 51 connected to the telephone line L, and a remote control commander 52 for inputting a response operation and a telephone number. The adapter main body 51 includes a light receiving unit PD that receives an infrared command from an infrared light emitting unit SD as a transmitter of a commander 52 remote control command signal.
[0161]
The adapter main body 51 includes a microphone MC that collects the reproduction sound of the speaker 40SP of the television receiver 40, and includes a DTMF decoder, a memory that stores bidirectional related information, and a microcomputer that controls the whole. Prepare. Reference numeral 54 denotes a telephone.
[0162]
When interactive program-related information in the DTMF signal format is multiplexed, DTMF sound is mixed with broadcast sound and reproduced from the speaker 40SP of the television receiver 40. The adapter main body 51 picks up the reproduction sound of the speaker 40SP by the microphone MC, and separates and reproduces the DTMF sound from the sound with the DTMF decoder. Then, using this information, the above-described distributed transmission delay processing and transmission of response information are executed.
[0163]
In this example, response transmissions are distributed over a plurality of distributed transmission time periods in the case of the example of FIG. 3 described above. In the case of this example, the unit time width and number of distributed transmission time zones (referred to as the number of divisions), the start time of response transmission permission time, and the like are designated from the broadcast side. On the broadcast side, the length of the response information data is known in advance, and the telephone line can be set to an appropriate unit time width of the distributed transmission time zone by assuming that the speed is slow, In addition, the number of divisions can be set by predetermining the expected number of responses.
[0164]
In the case of this example, when a variety of data is multiplexed as a DTMF signal on the broadcast audio signal, the DTMF sound is frequently mixed into the broadcast audio, which is bothersome and a comparison is made until all the multiplexed information is broadcast. Considering that it takes a long time, the adapter main body 51 is provided with a memory such as a ROM in which interactive program related information is stored in advance as a table, and necessary information in the table is designated from the broadcast side. ing.
[0165]
In this way, only the designated data is required as information to be multiplexed and sent from the broadcast side. Then, the adapter main body 51 as a response device reads necessary interactive program related information from the ROM based on the data, and performs response transmission delay distribution processing, generation of response information, acquisition of a response reply destination telephone number, and the like. .
[0166]
In the case of this example, the ROM of the adapter device 51 is provided with a parameter table used for forming and transmitting response information for the interactive program, and a parameter table specifying table (hereinafter referred to as a specifying table) for specifying the parameter table. Is done.
[0167]
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the parameter table and the designation table, and FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the parameter table.
[0168]
As shown in FIG. 12, in this example, the designation table is a two-dimensional table, and a parameter table corresponding to the designation data is obtained by using a 2-digit numerical value for each digit in the X direction and the Y direction as a read address. Address data indicating the stored position is held. In this example, 100 parameter tables from 00 to 99 can be specified.
[0169]
Therefore, in this example, a parameter table to be used can be read out using 2-digit designation data. For this reason, the information provided from the broadcast side need only be information indicating the start of response and the specified data of two digits.
[0170]
For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the parameter table is formed by writing information necessary for forming response information for an interactive program and information necessary for transmitting response information.
[0171]
In FIG. 13, “response number” is a number that can be selected by the user in response to a response request such as a quiz question provided by the interactive program. The “response destination telephone number” is a destination telephone number to which response information is transmitted. In this example, the “response destination telephone number” is set corresponding to each response number. In addition, as the “response destination telephone number”, the same telephone number may be set for different response numbers, or the same telephone number may be set for all response numbers because the response destination is one place.
[0172]
“Presence / absence of transmission information” is information indicating the presence / absence of response information to be transmitted. When this information is “0”, the response information to be transmitted is “none” and only a call is made. Become. This is a case of response using so-called telegong.
[0173]
When the response destination is telegong with the transmission information “none”, the telephone number is determined as 0180 xxxxxx, so the upper 4 digits 0180 are omitted and only the lower 6 digits are stored in the table. You can memorize it.
[0174]
“Transmission delay” is information indicating whether or not to delay response transmission from the user. Further, “ID information” is information indicating whether or not the above-described identification ID is included in response information, and “time information” is similarly transmitted or not including response operation time in response information. It is the information which shows.
[0175]
The “order number” and “card ID” are used in interactive programs such as TV shopping, and are information indicating whether the order number or card ID is included in response information for transmission.
[0176]
The “delay interval” indicates the time width of one distributed transmission time slot when the response transmission is distributed and delayed when the “transmission delay” is “present”. “Delay division” is information indicating how many distributed transmission time zones are provided. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, when the “delay interval” is 10 seconds and the “delay division” is 10 divisions, 10 distributed transmission time zones having a time width of 10 seconds are set as 10 continuous time zones. It is possible to distribute response transmission.
[0177]
The “response time” indicates a time during which the user can input a response operation. In this example, as described above, the response start information is sent from the broadcast side to the microcomputer 300 of the adapter device of this example. Specified as relative time from the time provided.
[0178]
In addition, “transmission time” indicates a response transmission start time at which a user can make a response transmission. In this example, as with “response time”, as a relative time from the time of response start information, It is shown.
[0179]
Such a parameter table and a specification table are prepared in a memory such as a ROM of the adapter device 51 of this example, and based on the parameter table determined by the specification data provided as a DTMF signal from the broadcast side, it has been described above. In this way, response information formation processing and response information transmission processing are performed.
[0180]
Further, it is conceivable that the response information is different for each response number. In this case, the parameter table structure shown in FIG. 13 has a parameter attached to each response number.
[0181]
[Configuration of adapter device]
FIG. 14 shows a specific configuration example of the adapter main body 51 and the commander 52. As described above, in this example, the adapter main body 51 sends a response to the interactive program via the telephone line (in this example, a call to a telephone number corresponding to an option for the question), and a television receiver. 40 has a function of picking up sound from the speaker 40SP, extracting only DTMF sound in the sound, decoding interactive program related information, and receiving an infrared remote control signal from the commander 52.
[0182]
In addition, the adapter main body 51 of this example needs to have a function of sending a response to a two-way program via a telephone line. Therefore, the adapter body 51 does not have a handset by using this more actively. So that it has a function as a so-called hands-free telephone. First, an NCU (network control unit) system for the telephone function will be described.
[0183]
201 is a modular jack on the telephone line side, and 202 is a modular jack on the external telephone side. Between the modular jacks 201 and 202, an off-hook detection circuit 203 for the external telephone is connected. The off-hook detection circuit 203 of the external telephone detects the off-hook when the external telephone connected to the modular jack 202 is off-hook, and notifies the microcomputer 300 (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) of the detection output.
[0184]
The telephone line modular jack 201 is also connected to the transformer 209 via a surge protection circuit 204, a ring detection circuit 205, a polarity inversion detection circuit 206, a dial switch 207, and a hook switch 208. Here, the line side and the microcomputer 300 side are insulated.
[0185]
When ring detection circuit 205 detects a call signal in which a voltage of 16 Hz and 75 V is intermittent at the time of an incoming call via a telephone line, it notifies microcomputer 300 of the detection output.
[0186]
When the polarity reversal detection circuit 206 detects that the polarity of the telephone line has been reversed, the polarity reversal detection circuit 206 notifies the microcomputer 300 of the detected output. Thereby, the microcomputer 300 recognizes that the line is connected, that is, that the incoming call has been received.
[0187]
The dial switch 207 dials according to the line type and dial data sent from the microcomputer 300 through the dialer 210 at the time of calling. The line type is set by the user for a line type setting DIP switch (not shown). If the setting is a dial line, the microcomputer 300 controls the dial switch via the dialer 210 and dials with a pulse of 10 pps / 20 pps. If the setting is a PB line (push line), the microcomputer 300 passes the dial switch 210. The sending amplifier 211 is dialed with a PB signal (DTMF signal).
[0188]
When the adapter main body 51 and the commander 52 are used as a hands-free telephone, the dial data is sent out from the microcomputer 300 when the microcomputer receives a key operation for inputting the telephone number of the user. When the adapter main body 51 and the commander 52 are used as response operation devices for interactive programs, the response destination telephone number stored in the memory of the microcomputer 300 is read out, sent from the microcomputer 300, and automatically dialed. The
[0189]
The hook switch 208 switches between an on-hook (line open) state and an off-hook (DC loop closed) state under the control of the microcomputer 300. In this example, the hook switch 208 is switched according to the operation of the on-hook button and the off-hook button of the commander 52.
[0190]
The speakerphone 212 is a speech path circuit that performs two-wire / four-wire conversion, and supplies the other party's voice (received voice) sent from the telephone line through the transformer 209 to the speaker SP via the speaker amplifier 213. The sound picked up by the microphone MC and sent through the microphone amplifier 214 (sent voice) is sent out to the telephone line via the transformer 209.
[0191]
The received voice from the transformer 209 is also supplied to the tone detection circuit 215. The tone detection circuit 215 detects various call progress tones such as a busy tone, a ringback tone, and a dial tone, and notifies the microcomputer 300 of them.
[0192]
The DTMF receiver 217 extracts a DTMF signal from the input voice and decodes it into numerical information and symbol information such as #, *, A, B, C, and D. To the DTMF receiver 217, either the received voice through the transformer 209 or the voice picked up by the microphone MC and through the amplifier 214 is switched and selected by the analog switch circuit 216. The switch circuit 216 is switched by the switching signal from the microcomputer 300 so as to select the voice signal from the amplifier 214 when not talking and to select the received voice signal from the transformer 209 when talking.
[0193]
A decode signal of the DTMF signal from the DTMF receiver 217 is supplied to the microcomputer 300. The microcomputer 300 extracts response start information and the designated data described above from the decoded signal of the DTMF signal and performs processing corresponding thereto. This process will be described in detail later.
[0194]
The microcomputer 300 has a configuration of a so-called one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and fixed data, and a nonvolatile RAM and a volatile RAM. In this example, a memory 218 is connected to the outside of the microcomputer 300. The memory 218 is composed of an electrically erasable and writable ROM, and stores information on the parameter table and parameter designation table described above. In addition, an identification ID unique to each receiving apparatus is set in the memory 218 at the time of shipment from the factory, and a user identification ID is registered according to user input settings. For example, a user telephone number is registered as the user identification ID.
[0195]
A timer circuit 220 is connected to the microcomputer 300, and the current time is notified, or after the reset process, the time is cumulatively counted up by the control of the microcomputer 300, and the relative time from the reset process point is calculated. It can manage and provide time.
[0196]
Although not shown in FIG. 14, the adapter main body 51 of this example has a button switch section as shown in FIG. 11, and the adapter main body 51 is at a position that can be reached by the user, for example. In some cases, an operation such as inputting response information for an interactive program can be performed without using the commander 52.
[0197]
The display element LD is for turning on / off the power of the adapter main body 51, during reception decoding of the DTMF signal necessary for response, for displaying the cut-through state of the telegong and the telephone number of the response destination. The microcomputer 300 controls lighting, extinguishing, and blinking.
[0198]
The remote control light receiving unit PD receives the infrared remote control signal from the commander 52 and notifies the microcomputer 300 of the remote control signal. The microcomputer 300 is a built-in demodulator and decodes the remote control signal.
[0199]
The commander 52 includes a one-chip microcomputer 231, a button group 232 composed of buttons such as numbers, on-hook buttons, and off-hook buttons, and a transmission unit 233 including a light emitting unit SD. The microcomputer 231 scans the button group 232 at a constant cycle and detects the button press. Then, when the microcomputer 231 detects a button press, the microcomputer 231 sends a remote control signal corresponding to the pressed button to the transmission unit 233. The transmitting unit 233 transmits the remote control signal from the light emitting unit as infrared rays to the light receiving unit PD.
[0200]
Reference numeral 219 denotes an alarm buzzer used to notify that the response operation is inappropriate when the response is limited or when the user performs a response operation outside the time limit. Be controlled.
[0201]
[Using the adapter device as a hands-free phone]
When making a call from the adapter device as a hands-free telephone, the user presses the off-hook button of the commander 52 and then operates the numeric buttons to enter the destination telephone number. Then, the microcomputer 231 of the commander 52 detects this, turns on an LED embedded in the off-hook button, for example, displays an off-hook state, and sends information on pressing the off-hook button via the transmission unit 233. The microcomputer 300 is notified, and then the telephone number information is notified.
[0202]
The microcomputer 300 displays the telephone number on the display element LD, controls the NCU system described above, and dials the other party. Then, after waiting for a response from the other party, the DC loop is closed to make a call possible state. In this call-capable state, the user transmits the transmitted voice from the microphone MC and listens to the received voice from the other party from the speaker SP.
[0203]
When the call ends, press the on-hook button. Then, the microcomputer 231 turns off the LED of the off-hook button and turns on the LED embedded in the on-hook button only while the button is being pressed. Then, the commander 52 notifies the microcomputer 300 of the adapter body 51 of information on pressing the on-hook button. The microcomputer 300 receives this and sets the line open.
[0204]
Further, when an incoming call from the other party is received by the adapter device as a hands-free telephone, the user presses the off-hook button. When the adapter main body 51 receives the off-hook button remote control signal from the commander 52, the adapter main body 51 closes the direct current loop and makes the telephone call ready. After that, it is almost the same as when a call is made. As described above, the adapter device can be used as a hands-free telephone.
[0205]
[Reception and response of interactive program related information]
When the DTMF sound is received and extracted from the sound emitted from the speaker of the television receiver, the microphone MC of the adapter body 51 is directed toward the speaker 40SP of the television receiver 40.
[0206]
When the on-hook button or the off-hook button is not operated, the switch circuit 216 is switched to the microphone amplifier 214 side. Extract. A decode signal of the DTMF signal from the DTMF receiver 217 is supplied to the microcomputer 300.
[0207]
In this example, the decode signal of the DTMF signal supplied to the microcomputer 300 is a function signal “AA” that is information indicating a response start, and a designation that specifies interactive program-related information stored in the ROM of the microcomputer 300. Data.
[0208]
The microcomputer 300 reads the interactive program related information stored in the memory 218 based on the designated data, forms response information based on the read information, and sets the response transmission time. The delay time interval of the response information transmission time is obtained. Then, the response transmission time is set based on the delay interval, the response transmission permission time, and the pseudo random number acquired in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0209]
The microcomputer 300 monitors the timer circuit 220, and when the current time reaches the set response transmission time, the microcomputer 300 controls the hook switch circuit 208 to place the adapter main body 51 in the off-hook state, and the read interactive program. Based on the telephone number of the reply destination in the related information, the dialer 210 is controlled and dialed.
[0210]
That is, when the connected telephone line is a tone line, the dialer 210 transmits a dial to the transmission amplifier 211 by a DTMF signal.
[0211]
As a result, the transmission amplifier 211 sends dial information based on the DTMF signal to the telephone line, and makes a call to the reply destination to which the response information is transmitted. When the incoming call is received at the reply destination, the polarity reversal detection circuit 206 notifies the microcomputer 300 that the call has arrived.
[0212]
The microcomputer 300 confirming the incoming call receives response information including information input by the user by operating the remote control transmitter 23, time information acquired from the timer circuit 220, identification ID stored in the memory 218, and the like. The dialer 210 is controlled and transmitted to the reply destination via the telephone line.
[0213]
Next, as described above, the response processing for the interactive program in the response device of the adapter device configuration of this example using the parameter table and the designation table for responding to the interactive program will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described with reference to a flowchart.
[0214]
When the information “AA” indicating the start of response and the designated data are output as the reproduced sound of the DTMF signal from the speaker 40SP of the television receiver 40 receiving and selecting the interactive television program, the adapter main body 51 Picks up this and decodes it. When the microcomputer 300 of the adapter main body 51 detects the signal “AA” indicating the start of response, the timer circuit 220 resets the area where the time is progressively incremented, and increments the relative time from this point. Then, the timer circuit 220 is operated (step 501).
[0215]
By the processing in step 501, the user can perform a response operation. In this example, a response request from an interactive program, for example, provision of an option for a quiz question, etc. is performed prior to transmission of information “AA” indicating the start of response and designated data. .
[0216]
Then, when the microcomputer 300 detects the designated data, the microcomputer 300 reads out the corresponding parameter table also stored in the ROM through the designation table stored in the memory 218 based on the designated data (step 502). ).
[0217]
Next, the microcomputer 300 starts monitoring whether or not there is a response operation by the user (step 503). If there is no response operation, the microcomputer 300 is provided by the timer circuit 220 that has started to advance as described above. It is determined whether or not the relative time exceeds the response operation permission time indicated by the “response time” in the read parameter table (step 504).
[0218]
In the determination process of step 504, when the relative time provided by the timer circuit 220 exceeds the response operation permission time, it is determined that the subsequent response operation is not permitted, for example, the buzzer 219 or the LED unit LD. The user is notified by turning on the LED (step 505), and the response transmission process is terminated.
[0219]
In the determination process of step 504, when the response operation permission time has not yet elapsed, the process of step 503 is repeated.
[0220]
In the process of step 503, when it is detected that a response operation by the user has been performed, the microcomputer 300 acquires a value that becomes a seed of random number generation as in the first embodiment (step 506). Also in this example, the value that is the seed of random number generation is obtained from a so-called software counter that performs count processing in synchronization with interrupt control by the timer circuit 220.
[0221]
Next, the microcomputer 300 determines whether or not the information on the time when the response operation is performed indicated by the “time information” in the read parameter table is required as the response information (step 507). If the “time information” is set to “none”, the process proceeds to step 509.
[0222]
If the “time information” in the parameter table is “present” in the determination processing in step 507, the relative time being advanced as described above, which is indicated by the timer circuit 220, is acquired (step 508).
[0223]
Then, it is determined whether there is information that the user needs to input (hereinafter simply referred to as input information) as indicated by, for example, “order number” or “card ID” in the parameter table (step 509). If the information is not set in the parameter table, the process proceeds to step 513.
[0224]
When the input information is set in the parameter table, for example, when the interactive program is TV shopping, as described above, the “order number” requesting the input of the order number of the product ordered by the user, or settlement If “card ID”, which is credit card identification information, which is information about the method, is “present”, a predetermined LED of the buzzer 219 or LED section LD is turned on, etc. To prompt input (step 510).
[0225]
When the user inputs input information by operating the commander 52, the adapter main body 51 receives the input information into the microcomputer 300 via the remote control light receiving unit PD and holds it in a memory such as a RAM (step 511). ).
[0226]
When the processing in step 511 is completed, the microcomputer 300 confirms the parameters related to the input information in the parameter table and determines whether there is other information that needs to be input (step 512). If it is determined in step 512 that there is other information that needs to be input, the processing from step 510 is repeated.
[0227]
When all the input information has been input, or when the input information is unnecessary as described above, the presence / absence of the designation to delay and distribute the transmission of the response is determined from the parameter of “delay delay” in the parameter table. (Step 513).
[0228]
If the “transmission delay” is “none” in step 513, the response information transmission processing in step 520 is performed, and the response is transmitted and the response information is transmitted immediately after the response operation by the user.
[0229]
In the determination processing of step 513, when “transmission delay” is “present”, the subsequent processing waits until the transmission reference timing designated by “transmission time” in the parameter table (step 514).
[0230]
In step 514, when the time indicated by the “transmission time” in the parameter table has elapsed, the microcomputer 300 has specified a delay time interval width that is the time width of the distributed transmission time zone indicated by the “delay interval” in the parameter table. It is determined whether or not (step 515).
[0231]
In the determination processing in step 515, for example, when the “delay interval” is designated as “10 seconds” as shown in FIG. 13, the processing proceeds to step 517. If there is no setting information in the “delay interval”, a delay time interval in which the response device confidence is the time width of the distributed transmission time zone is calculated (step 516).
[0232]
As described above, the processing in step 516 is processing for setting a delay time interval in consideration of the type of the telephone line, the telephone number of the reply destination, the length of the response information data, and the like.
[0233]
When the delay time interval of the time width of the distributed transmission time zone is set, the microcomputer 300 calculates the response transmission time (step 517). In this step 517, a pseudo random number is generated by calculation based on the seed value of the random number generation obtained in the above step 506, and a response is transmitted in any distributed transmission time zone based on the pseudo random number. Decide what to do.
[0234]
In this example, as described with reference to FIG. 13, the number of distributed transmission time zones is instructed by “delay division” of the parameter table. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, when the “delay division” is “10 divisions”, the transmission time is set so that the transmission of responses is almost uniformly distributed over 10 consecutive distributed transmission time zones. Is set.
[0235]
Therefore, for example, when the “delay division” is “10 divisions”, a pseudo digit of one digit is obtained by calculation in the same manner as in the first embodiment, using the value that is the seed of random number generation obtained in step 506. Random numbers are obtained, and in what distributed transmission time zone the transmission time is set.
[0236]
If the delay time interval obtained in step 516 or the “delay interval” is set by the broadcaster, this value is multiplied by a one-digit pseudorandom number obtained in step 517 in this example. By doing so, the actual transmission time of the response can be obtained.
[0237]
Then, the microcomputer 300 performs control so that a response is not transmitted until the transmission time set in step 517 matches the relative time indicated by the timer circuit 220 (step 518). ). When the transmission time and the relative time indicated by the timer circuit 220 coincide with each other (step 519), the microcomputer 300 forms an off-hook state, automatically dials based on the “return destination telephone number” in the parameter table, and sets the parameter table. The response information formed based on the designation is transmitted (step 520), all the response information is transmitted, and the response transmission process is terminated.
[0238]
In this way, the response transmission is distributed over a plurality of continuous time zones having a predetermined delay time interval or a delay time interval obtained by calculation in the adapter device, according to parameters in the parameter table. Thus, congestion of transmission of response information can be effectively prevented.
[0239]
Also in this example, the random number may be directly acquired by writing a hardware random number generator or random number data in a memory and reading and using it.
[0240]
In both the first and second embodiments, when a so-called software counter is used, the seed of random number generation obtained by this software counter may be used as a pseudo-random number.
[0241]
The first and second embodiments are examples of interactive television programs, and the interactive program-related information is multiplexed with the main broadcast audio signal and transmitted in the DTMF signal format. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be multiplexed and extracted and decoded in an empty horizontal section within the vertical blanking period of the television signal, similarly to the text multiplex broadcasting.
[0242]
Also, interactive program related information and designated data may be multiplexed on the sub audio channel of audio multiplex broadcasting.
[0243]
In addition, the interactive program is not limited to the television broadcast, and if the DTMF signal format is used as a multiplexing system, the present invention can be applied even to a radio broadcast interactive program.
[0244]
In the second embodiment, the interactive program related information has been described as being stored in advance in the ROM built in the microcomputer 300. However, the interactive program related information is For example, the broadcast side may broadcast as a DTMF signal and store it in a memory such as a RAM built in the microcomputer 300 before requesting a response.
[0245]
In the case of the second embodiment, interactive program related information may be provided from the broadcast side via a telephone line and stored in the memory of the microcomputer 300. Further, the table data in the memory 218 may be appropriately changed from the broadcast side via a telephone line.
[0246]
When the pseudo-random number is obtained by software, it is not necessary to provide hardware such as a random number generator, so that it is possible to easily distribute the transmission time.
[0247]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in response to a response request provided to an unspecified number of viewers by a broadcast program, such as television shopping and interactive broadcasting, an unspecified number of viewers In the case of sending responses through the network, the sending of responses can be prevented from being temporarily concentrated and distributed. This is because the response transmission is not performed at the same time as the response operation is performed, but the response operation time and the response transmission time are made different to distribute the transmission of responses from an unspecified number of viewers. As a result, the load on the telephone line can be reduced, and the telephone line can be prevented from entering a so-called puncture state.
[0248]
Further, in the present invention, since the transmission of the response is distributed at the time after the response permission time ends, the distribution effect is great.
[0249]
Further, even when the transmission of responses is concentrated immediately after the response permission start time or when the transmission of responses is concentrated immediately before the response permission end time, the concentration of transmission can be distributed.
[0250]
Further, since access is distributed on the calling side, it is not necessary to perform reception processing at a high speed at the reply destination, the cost for the receiving equipment at the reply destination can be reduced, and the effect of protecting the communication line is great.
[0251]
Also, by dividing the response transmission permission time into a plurality of time zones and distributing the response transmission within this distributed delay interval, the call distribution processing is performed efficiently and the load on the exchange is reduced. This makes it difficult for call processing congestion to occur.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment of a response device for an interactive program according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a response method for an interactive program according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining another example of a response method for an interactive program according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram used for explaining the example of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a DTMF signal;
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a transmission condition of a DTMF signal.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment of a response apparatus for an interactive program according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining processing for distributing response transmissions in an embodiment of a response apparatus for interactive programs according to the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing for distributing response transmissions in an embodiment of a response apparatus for interactive programs according to the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of response information according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the response device for interactive programs according to the present invention.
12 is a block diagram for explaining an example of FIG. 11; FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the embodiment of FIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a response device for an interactive program according to the present invention.
15 is a diagram showing a part of a flowchart for explaining processing for distributing response transmissions in the response device of the embodiment of FIG. 14; FIG.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the remaining part of the flowchart for explaining the processing for distributing the response transmission in the response device of the embodiment of FIG. 14;
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the frequency of responses from viewers to interactive programs.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of the frequency of response from the viewer side to the interactive program.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another example of the frequency of response from the viewer side to the interactive program.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Signal system
13 Video demodulator
14 Audio demodulator
20 Control system
21 CPU
23 DRAM
24 SRAM
31 Pre-processing circuit
32 DTMF decoder
33 Modem
34 Remote control transmitter
37 Timer circuit

Claims (13)

In the interactive program broadcasting method in which a response from the receiver of the interactive program via the telephone line is expected on the transmission side ,
The transmission of the response from the receiver is performed in one of a plurality of distributed transmission time zones having a predetermined time width as a unit time width after the response operation time of the receiver, When delaying the transmission of the above response,
A broadcast method of an interactive program, wherein information used to determine at least the length of the distributed transmission time zone is multiplexed with a broadcast signal and broadcasted by the receiver's response device. The interactive program broadcasting method according to claim 1,
The broadcast signal includes an audio signal, and the information used to determine the length of the distributed transmission time zone is a combination of a plurality of frequencies that are alternatively selected from a plurality of frequency groups within the audio signal band. A broadcast method for an interactive program, wherein the broadcast signal is multiplexed with the audio signal of the broadcast signal in the form of a multi-frequency signal.   Multiple distributed calls with a time width corresponding to the data length of the telephone line type and response information, which is the time after the receiver's response operation, and the time width corresponding to the data length of the response information. A response method for an interactive program characterized in that the response transmission is delayed and distributed in one of the time zones. When a response operation for interactive programs is performed, a random number or pseudo-random number is acquired.
4. The interactive program according to claim 3 , wherein one of the distributed transmission time zones is selected based on the acquired random number or pseudo random number, and the transmission of the response is delayed and distributed. Response method. A response operation input means for performing a response operation to the interactive program;
Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random number or a pseudo-random number when a response operation is performed by the response operation input means;
One of a plurality of distributed transmission time zones having a predetermined time width as a unit time width after the time when the response operation is performed through the response operation input means is set as a response transmission time. A response transmission time setting means for selecting and setting based on a random number or a pseudo-random number acquired through the random number acquiring means;
A response transmission time detecting means for detecting the set response transmission time;
Response responding apparatus for interactive program, comprising: response transmitting means for transmitting the response through a telephone line with the response transmission time detected by the response transmission time detecting means. The random number acquisition means selects one value from a plurality of selectable values, and obtains and acquires the random number or pseudo-random number by calculation using the selected value as a random number or pseudo-random number generation seed. The response device for an interactive program according to claim 5 . Response time information acquisition means for acquiring time information at the time when a response operation is performed by the response operation input means;
Wherein the time information of the time the operation is performed in response retrieved in the response-time information acquisition unit to claim 5, characterized in that a means included in the information of the response transmitted from the response transmitting means Response device for interactive programs. In the response apparatus with respect to the interactive program of Claim 6 ,
An apparatus for responding to an interactive program, characterized in that the time widths of the plurality of distributed transmission time zones are set to be equal to or longer than a time at which one response transmission is completed according to the type of the telephone line. A plurality of distributed transmission times in which the transmission of a response from the receiver to the interactive program via the telephone line is after the time of the response operation of the receiver and the predetermined time width is a unit time width. A response device for an interactive program that is performed in one of the bands and delays the transmission of the response,
Multiple information extraction means for extracting information multiplexed on a broadcast signal of an interactive program;
A response operation input means for performing a response operation to the interactive program;
Obtaining information used to determine the time width of the distributed transmission time zone from the multiplex information obtained by the multiple information extracting means, determining the time width of the distributed transmission time zone, and A response transmission time calculating means for obtaining a time for performing transmission from the plurality of distributed transmission time zones, and
A response transmission time detecting means for detecting a time for transmitting the response obtained by the response transmission time calculating means;
Response responding apparatus for interactive program, comprising: response transmitting means for transmitting the response through a telephone line with the response transmission time detected by the response transmission time detecting means. The response transmission time calculation means obtains information used to determine the number of distributed transmission time zones from the multiplexed information obtained by the multiple information extraction means, and determines the number of distributed transmission time zones. The response apparatus for an interactive program according to claim 9 , wherein the response apparatus is an interactive program. The response transmission time calculation means obtains information used to determine the response reception time that enables reception of the response from the multiplex information obtained by the multiplex information extraction means, and calculates the response reception time. obtained, wherein the response reception time to claim 9, characterized in that as divided into a plurality at the time width of the dispersion outgoing time slot, to determine the dispersion outgoing time slot for that one as the response transmitting time Response device for interactive programs. A storage unit for storing table data of parameters for calculation in the response transmission time calculation unit;
The information multiplexed on the broadcast signal of the interactive program includes designation information for designating parameters used for calculation by the response transmission time calculation means from the table data,
The response transmission time calculation means calculates a time for transmitting the response using the parameters read from the table data of the storage unit based on the designation information obtained by the multiple information extraction means. The response apparatus for an interactive program according to claim 9 , wherein the response apparatus is an interactive program. Random number obtaining means for obtaining a random number or pseudo-random number when a response operation is performed by the response operation input means,
10. The response transmission time calculation means according to claim 9 , wherein the response transmission time calculation means calculates a response transmission time based on the random number or pseudo-random number and information obtained from the multiple information extraction means. Response device for interactive programs.

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