JP4184204B2 - Program reservation system, program reception control system, and reservation information distribution method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program reservation system, an audio device, a program reception control system, and a reservation information distribution method.

  Conventionally, audio devices including FM / AM tuners, MD (mini disk) recorders, and the like have been widely used.

Using such an audio device, for example, a user listens to a radio program (broadcast program) broadcast from an arbitrary FM broadcast station, or records music flowing in the program on an MD (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-23360 A (page 4-6, FIG. 1)

Many users who listen to a broadcast program prefer to select a program in which their favorite artist appears or a program in which the music they want to listen to is broadcast. Such a user, for example, refers to newspapers, information magazines, etc., sequentially confirming the contents of each program, and selects the broadcast program to be listened to from the program contents such as artist and song title described therein. It will be.
The user remembers the broadcast station and broadcast time of the selected broadcast program, and when the broadcast start time is reached, the user operates the audio device to select the target broadcast station and listen to the target broadcast program. Is common.

  If the audio device has a timer function, the user operates the audio device to set the target broadcast program (such as the frequency of the broadcast station and the broadcast start time) by himself / herself, thereby setting the target broadcast. You can also listen to the program.

However, checking the contents of a program with reference to a newspaper or an information magazine is not only very complicated for the user, but also there is a possibility that the contents of the program may be overlooked.
Also, even if the user can select a favorite broadcast program that the user wants to listen to without overlooking the program content, the user may miss the broadcast station or broadcast time and miss the desired broadcast program. In some cases, even if the broadcast station and the broadcast time are accurately remembered, the program start time has passed without realizing it and the target broadcast program has been missed.

  On the other hand, by using the timer function of the audio equipment and setting the reservation of the target broadcast program, it can be expected to prevent missed listening. Nevertheless, since the reservation setting of the audio device is manually performed by the user, not only is it extremely complicated, but a setting error may occur. Also, if the user overlooks the content of the program at the stage of selecting a broadcast program, it will not even be a target for reservation setting.

  In any case, it is necessary not only for the user to exert a great effort to listen to a favorite broadcast program, but there is still a possibility that the user may miss the target broadcast program.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a program reservation system, an audio device, a program reception control system, and a reservation information distribution method capable of appropriately receiving and receiving a user-preferred broadcast program. Objective.

In order to achieve the above object, a program reservation system according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A program reservation system in which a server and an audio device are connected via a network,
The server
Program information storage means for storing program information defining the contents of broadcast programs broadcast respectively at a plurality of broadcast stations;
A user ID for identifying a user of the audio device, and user information storage means for storing information including the address of the user;
Preference information generating means for generating preference information related to user preferences according to the access status from the audio device to music information that can be provided;
Request information receiving means for receiving request information for requesting distribution of program reservation information from the audio device;
In response to the request information received by the request information receiving means, preference information acquiring means for acquiring the preference information generated by the preference information generating means;
Reservation information generation means for searching the program information storage means according to the preference information acquired by the preference information acquisition means and generating program reservation information related to a broadcast program that matches the user's preference information;
Reservation information transmitting means for transmitting the program reservation information generated by the reservation information generating means to the audio device,
The audio equipment is
Request information transmitting means for transmitting request information for requesting distribution of program reservation information to the server;
Reservation information receiving means for receiving program reservation information sent from the server in response to the request information transmitted by the request information transmitting means;
Accordance program reservation information the reservation information received by the receiving means comprises a reservation reception setting means for setting a reservation receiving of the broadcast program of interest, and
The request information transmitting means of the audio device transmits request information including a user ID to the server,
The reservation information generation means of the server searches for the user's address from the user information storage means based on the user ID included in the request information, and the broadcast station that can be received at the searched address. Generate program reservation information for broadcast programs that match the preference information from the broadcast programs.
It is characterized by that.

The server
Table storage means for storing an information table defining the relationship between the area and the broadcasting station;
Providing means for providing music data of music or related information of the music in response to access from the audio device;
The preference information generating means generates preference information including at least one of genre, music, and artist information according to the access status to the music data or the related information,
The reservation information generating means extracts a broadcast station that can be received in the area of the address searched from the user information storage means from the information table, and matches the preference information from the broadcast programs of the extracted broadcast station. Program reservation information for broadcast programs to be played may be generated.

In order to achieve the above object, a program reception control system according to the second aspect of the present invention provides:
A program reception control system in which a server and an audio device are connected via a network,
The server
Program information storage means for storing program information defining the contents of broadcast programs broadcast respectively at a plurality of broadcast stations;
A user ID for identifying a user of the audio device, and user information storage means for storing information including the address of the user;
Preference information generating means for generating preference information related to user preferences according to the access status from the audio device to music information that can be provided;
Request information receiving means for receiving request information for requesting distribution of program information from the audio device;
In response to the request information received by the request information receiving means, preference information acquiring means for acquiring the preference information generated by the preference information generating means;
Program information generating means for searching the program information storage means based on the preference information acquired by the preference information acquiring means and generating program information relating to a broadcast program that matches the user's preference information ;
Program information transmitting means for transmitting the program information generated by the program information generating means to the audio device,
The audio equipment is
Request information transmitting means for generating request information for requesting distribution of program information, and transmitting the generated request information to the server;
Program information receiving means for receiving program information transmitted by the transmitting means based on the request information transmitted by the request information transmitting means;
On the basis of the program information program information received by the receiving means comprises a receiving setting means for receiving settings of the broadcast program of interest, and
The request information transmitting means of the audio device transmits request information including a user ID to the server,
The program information generation means of the server searches for the user's address from the user information storage means based on the user ID included in the request information, and the broadcast station that can be received at the searched address. Generate program information of broadcast programs that match the preference information from the broadcast programs.
It is characterized by that.

The server
Table storage means for storing an information table defining the relationship between the area and the broadcasting station;
Providing means for providing music data of music or related information of the music in response to access from the audio device;
The preference information generating means generates preference information including at least one of genre, music, and artist information according to the access status to the music data or the related information,
The program information generation means extracts broadcast stations that can be received in the area of the address searched from the user information storage means from the information table, and matches the preference information from the broadcast programs of the extracted broadcast stations. Program information of broadcast programs to be played may be generated.

In order to achieve the above object, the reservation information delivery method according to the third aspect of the present invention provides:
And servers, and the audio device a reservation information distribution method in a system connected to via a network,
The server stores its own program information that defines the contents of broadcast programs broadcast by a plurality of broadcast stations, a user ID for identifying the user of the audio device, and information including the address of the user. Is stored in the storage unit,
A preference information generation step of generating preference information related to the user's preference at the server according to the access status from the audio device to the music information that can be provided;
A request information transmission step of transmitting request information for requesting distribution of program reservation information to a server;
In response to the request information sent in the request information transmission step, a preference information acquisition step for acquiring the preference information generated in the preference information generation step in the server ;
Reservation information generation step of searching program information stored in the storage unit of the server according to the preference information acquired by the preference information acquisition means , and generating program reservation information related to the program information matching the user's preference information at the server When,
A reservation information receiving step of receiving the program reservation information generated in the reservation information generating step by an audio device ,
The request information transmission step transmits request information including a user ID to a server,
The reservation information generation step searches for the user's address from the storage unit of the server based on the user ID included in the request information, and programs from broadcast programs of broadcast stations that can be received at the searched address. Generate reservation information,
And wherein a call.
The server further stores an information table that defines the relationship between the area and the broadcasting station in its storage unit.
In response to access from the audio device, further comprising a step of providing the audio device with music data of the music stored in the storage unit of the server or related information of the music,
The preference information generation step generates preference information including at least one of genre, music, and artist information according to the access status to music data or related information,
In the reservation information generation step, a broadcast station that can be received in the area of the address searched from the storage unit of the server is extracted from the information table, and the broadcast program that matches the preference information from the extracted broadcast programs of the broadcast station Program reservation information may be generated.

  According to the present invention, a user-preferred broadcast program can be appropriately reserved and received.

  A program reservation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a program reservation system applied to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this system includes an audio device 1 that receives a broadcast program sent from a broadcast station 5, and a data server 3 to which program information (information related to the broadcast program) is supplied from the broadcast station 5. .
The audio device 1 and the data server 3 are connected via a network 9 such as the Internet. The broadcast station 5 is abbreviated to a plurality of radio broadcast stations (for example, FM broadcast stations) having different broadcast frequencies.

First, the audio device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the audio device 1. As shown in the figure, the audio device 1 includes a tuner unit 11, an MD recording / reproducing unit 12, a signal processing unit 13, a network adapter 14, a hard disk 15, a flash memory 16, a timing unit 17, and an operation unit 18. A display unit 19, a control unit 20, a source selection unit 21, an amplifier 22, and a speaker 23.
The configuration of the audio device 1 is an example. For example, instead of the MD recording / reproducing unit 12, a recording / reproducing unit using a CD-RW (CD ReWritable), DVD-RW (DVD ReWritable), or the like as a recording medium is used. May be included.

The tuner unit 11 is a unit that receives AM broadcast, FM broadcast, and the like via a predetermined antenna, and supplies the sound of an arbitrary broadcast station (broadcast program) to the source selection unit 21.
Specifically, the tuner unit 11 is controlled by the control unit 20, tuned to an arbitrary reception frequency, and demodulates an audio signal of a program (broadcast program) broadcast on the broadcast station 5. Then, the demodulated audio signal is supplied to the source selection unit 21.

The MD (minidisc) recording / reproducing unit 12 is controlled by the signal processing unit 13 and records music data on the MD (recording MD).
For example, the MD recording / reproducing unit 12 is a recording / reproducing unit conforming to the NetMD (registered trademark) standard, and records music data stored in the hard disk 15 (for example, music data downloaded from the data server 3) on the MD. (Check out) and return the music data recorded in the MD to the hard disk 15 (check in). Note that the MD recording / reproducing unit 12 can also audio-record the broadcast program received by the tuner unit 11 in the MD.
The MD recording / reproducing unit 12 reproduces an audio signal from music data recorded on the MD and supplies the reproduced audio signal to the source selection unit 21.

The signal processing unit 13 includes, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and controls the recording / reproducing operation of the MD recording / reproducing unit 12 in accordance with an operation command supplied from the control unit 20.
Further, the signal processing unit 13 extracts and decrypts music data (encrypted ATRAC3 data, PCM data, etc.) stored in the hard disk 15, and reproduces an audio signal. Then, the reproduced audio signal is supplied to the source selection unit 21.

The network adapter 14 includes, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) card, a high-speed modem, and the like, and is controlled by the control unit 20 to transmit / receive necessary information to / from the data server 3 via the network 9.
For example, the network adapter 14 transmits to the data server 3 request information for requesting information related to a user-preferred broadcast program broadcast on the broadcast station 5. The reservation information sent from the data server 3 in response to the request information is received.
In addition, the network adapter 14 also receives music data sent from the data server 3. For example, the network adapter 14 transmits, to the data server 3, related information request information for requesting related information related to music broadcast on the broadcast station 5 and distribution request information for requesting music distribution.

The hard disk 15 is composed of a magnetic disk unit having a predetermined capacity, and stores reservation information received by the network adapter 14.
For example, the hard disk 15 stores reservation information including a broadcast frequency, a program start / end time (broadcast time) and the like in addition to a broadcast station name and a broadcast program name.
The hard disk 15 also stores music data received by the network adapter 14. Then, it is controlled by the control unit 20 and supplies the stored music data to the signal processing unit 13 and the like.

The flash memory 16 includes an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) or the like, and stores a user ID, a password, a terminal ID, and the like.
These user IDs, passwords, and the like are appropriately read by the control unit 20 and used for user authentication when the audio device 1 first accesses the data server 3 via the network 9.

The clocking unit 17 is composed of, for example, a clock circuit that operates by a standby current or a built-in battery, and the current date (year / month / day) and the current date even when the audio device 1 is not powered on (power off state). Time is measured (hours, minutes, seconds).
The time measuring unit 17 also has a timer function, and instructs the control unit 20 to start a predetermined operation when the set date and time comes.
For example, the timing unit 17 instructs the control unit 20 to receive a reserved program when the program start time included in the reservation information stored in the hard disk 15 is reached. When the audio device 1 is in a power-off state, a power-on instruction is also supplied to the control unit 20, a power circuit (not shown), and the like.

The operation unit 18 includes a plurality of key switches, analog switches, and the like disposed on the front surface of the audio device 1. The operation unit 18 inputs instruction information according to a user operation and supplies the instruction information to the control unit 20.
For example, the operation unit 18 inputs information such as an artist name, a song name, a program genre name, and a broadcast time zone that the user likes according to the user's operation, and supplies the input information to the control unit 20. .
Further, the operation unit 18 includes a related information request key for requesting related information related to the broadcasted music, a distribution request key for requesting distribution of the music, and the like.

  The display unit 19 includes a fluorescent display tube, a liquid crystal display unit, and the like. For example, when the audio device 1 receives a reserved program according to the reservation information, the display unit 19 displays a message informing that reservation reception starts.

  The control unit 20 includes a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls the entire audio device 1.

For example, the control unit 20 inputs information such as an artist name, a song name, a program genre name, and a broadcast time period in accordance with a user instruction via the operation unit 18. Then, request information including the acquired information is generated, the network adapter 14 is controlled, and the request information is transmitted to the data server 3.
In response to the request information transmitted in this manner, when the reservation information related to the user-preferred broadcast program is returned from the data server 3, the control unit 20 receives the reservation information via the network adapter 14, and the hard disk 15, and the program start time and the like are reserved and set in the timing unit 17.

Further, the control unit 20 controls the tuner unit 11 to select a target broadcast station when the program start time reserved in the time measurement unit 17 is reached (when the program start time is timed), and the source The input source of the selection unit 21 is switched to the tuner unit 11, and the sound of the broadcast program (reserved program) received by the tuner unit 11 is output from the speaker 23. At that time, the control unit 20 may control the MD recording / reproducing unit 12 and the like to record the sound of the broadcast program in the MD.
When the audio device 1 is turned off and the program start time is reached, the control unit 20 starts the operation upon receiving a power-on instruction from the timing unit 17 in advance, and performs a predetermined diagnostic check at the time of activation, etc. After performing the above, the tuner unit 11, the source selection unit 21 and the like are controlled.

  The source selection unit 21 includes an input changeover switch and the like, and is controlled by the control unit 20 to select any one of the tuner unit 11, the MD recording / playback unit 12, and the signal processing unit 13 as an input source. The source selection unit 21 supplies an audio signal output from the selected input source to the amplifier 22.

  The amplifier 22 includes a predetermined amplifier circuit and the like, amplifies the audio signal supplied via the source selection unit 21 as appropriate, and supplies the amplified audio signal to the speaker 23.

  The speaker 23 is a stereo speaker or the like, and outputs sound (musical sound or the like) according to the sound signal amplified by the amplifier 22.

  Next, the data server 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the data server 3. As illustrated, the data server 3 includes a database 30, a process control unit 41, and a communication control unit 42.

  The database 30 includes, for example, a program information management DB 31 and a user information management DB 32 in addition to a content management DB (not shown) that manages music data and related information.

The program information management DB 31 is a database that manages program information regarding broadcast programs broadcast by the broadcast station 5 (a plurality of different broadcast stations). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the program information management DB 31 stores information such as the broadcast time of broadcast programs and program contents. The program content includes information such as a program genre, broadcast music, and artist.
Note that the program information management DB 31 stores information such as a broadcast station name and a program name in addition to the broadcast station frequency (broadcast frequency).

  The user information management DB 32 is a database that manages information about users who can use various services in the data server 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the user information management DB 32 has a user address (installation location of the audio device 1), etc., in addition to the user ID, password, and user name information for identifying the user. The information is also stored.

Returning to FIG. 3, the processing control unit 41 includes a predetermined computer unit and controls the entire data server 3.
For example, when receiving the request information sent from the audio device 1 through the communication control unit 42, the processing control unit 41 searches the program information management DB 31 for a user-preferred broadcast program. Then, reservation information is generated from the searched broadcast program, and the generated reservation information is distributed to the audio device 1 via the communication control unit 42.
Further, when receiving the related information request information and the distribution request information sent from the audio device 1, the processing control unit 41 searches a content management DB (not shown) in the program information management DB 31 and the database 30, and related information, music data, etc. To get. Then, the acquired related information, music data, and the like are distributed toward the audio device 1 via the communication control unit 42.

The communication control unit 42 includes a line control device, a gateway device, and the like, and transmits / receives necessary information between the data server 3 and the audio device 1 via the network 9.
Note that the communication control unit 42 may transmit / receive program information and the like to / from the broadcast station 5 via a predetermined dedicated line or the like.

The operation of the program reservation system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First, request information including user preference information is sent to the data server 3, and in response to this, reservation information relating to a user-preferred broadcast program is transmitted to the audio device 1 with reference to FIG. To explain.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the reservation information request process executed by the audio device 1 and the reservation information distribution process executed by the data server 3.
In the audio device 1, it is assumed that reservation information request processing is executed by the control unit 20 in response to a user input operation via the operation unit 18. In the data server 3, it is assumed that the reservation information distribution process is executed by the process control unit 41 in response to an access from the audio device 1 through the network 9.

  First, the control unit 20 of the audio device 1 acquires arbitrary preference information from the operation unit 18 (step S11). That is, the control unit 20 acquires preference information including an artist name, a song name, a program genre name, a broadcast time zone, and the like that the user likes in accordance with an input operation of the operation unit 18.

  The control unit 20 generates request information by adding identification information such as a user ID to the acquired preference information, and transmits the request information to the data server 3 via the network adapter 14 (step S12). Prior to the transmission of the request information, the control unit 20 may transmit the user ID and password read from the flash memory 16 to the data server 3 to obtain user authentication. In this case, after obtaining user authentication, the control unit 20 transmits to the data server 3 request information for requesting distribution of reservation information related to a user-preferred broadcast program.

  Thereafter, the control unit 20 waits for subsequent processing until reservation information sent from the data server 3 in response to the transmitted request information is received (step S13).

  Also, when the processing control unit 41 of the data server 3 starts the reservation information distribution process in response to the access from the audio device 1, it waits for reception of request information via the communication control unit 42 (step S21).

When the request information sent from the audio device 1 is received, the process control unit 41 searches the program information management DB 31 according to the received request information (step S22).
For example, the process control unit 41 sends a broadcast program that matches the preference information (artist name, song name, program genre name, broadcast time zone, etc.) included in the request information from the program information management DB 31 as shown in FIG. Search for.
Prior to the search of the program information management DB 31, the processing control unit 41 may extract broadcast stations that can be received by the audio device 1 in consideration of the user's address and the like. That is, the process control unit 41 searches the user information management DB 32 using the user ID included in the request information as a key, and acquires the user's address and the like. Then, a broadcast station that can be received by the audio device 1 of the user is extracted using an information table that defines the relationship between the area and the broadcast station.
In this case, the process control unit 41 can search for a broadcast program preferred by the user from broadcast programs of a broadcast station that can be received by the user's audio device 1.

  The process control unit 41 generates reservation information from the program information obtained by the search (step S23). For example, the process control unit 41 generates reservation information including a broadcast station name, a broadcast program name, a broadcast frequency, a broadcast start time / end time (broadcast time), and the like.

  The process control unit 41 transmits the generated reservation information to the audio device 1 (step S24). That is, the process control unit 41 distributes the reservation information including at least the broadcast frequency and the broadcast start time to the audio device 1 via the communication control unit 42.

When receiving the reservation information sent from the data server 3, the control unit 20 of the audio device 1 stores the reservation information in the hard disk 15 and sets the reservation content in the timing unit 17 in accordance with the received reservation information (step S14).
For example, the control unit 20 sends the time information such as the program start time and the information for specifying the reservation information stored in the hard disk 15 (for example, the storage address and the identification number of the reservation information) to the timing unit 17. Set a reservation.
When the reservation time is reached by this reservation setting (when the timing unit 17 measures the program start time), the timing unit 17 instructs the control unit 20 to start reservation reception. At that time, information for specifying the target reservation information is also supplied to the control unit 20.

As described above, the user-preferred broadcast program is automatically selected from the broadcast programs broadcast by the broadcast station 5 (a plurality of broadcast stations) by the above-described reservation information request process and reservation information distribution process. Then, reservation information related to the selected broadcast program is distributed to the audio device 1 and reserved in the audio device 1.
For this reason, the user's favorite broadcast program is automatically selected from the program contents and the like, and is automatically reserved and set, so that the user is not forced to perform complicated operations.

Next, the operation of the audio device 1 after the reservation setting is made will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a reserved program reception process executed by the control unit 20 in the audio device 1.
This reserved program reception process is automatically started after the above-described reservation information request process of FIG.

  First, the control unit 20 waits until a predetermined time before the reservation date and time set by the timing unit 17 (step S31). For example, the control unit 20 waits for subsequent processing until 10 seconds before the program broadcast start time reserved in the timing unit 17. Specifically, it is assumed that when the timing unit 17 measures 10 seconds before the program broadcast start time, instruction information for instructing reservation reception preparation is supplied from the timing unit 17 to the control unit 20.

  When it is a predetermined time before the reservation date and time, the control unit 20 generates a message for notifying the user that reservation reception will start soon, and displays it on the display unit 19 (step S32).

  And the control part 20 waits until it becomes a reservation date (step S33). Specifically, when the timing unit 17 measures the program broadcast start time, the instruction information for instructing reservation reception and the information for identifying the corresponding reservation information (reservation information stored in the hard disk 15) are controlled. It is assumed that it is supplied to the unit 20.

  When the reservation date / time is reached, the control unit 20 instructs the tuner unit 11 to select a channel specifying the frequency (broadcasting frequency of the broadcasting station) (step S34). That is, when the control unit 20 refers to the reservation information stored in the hard disk 15 and reads the broadcast frequency included in the reservation information, the control unit 20 instructs the tuner unit 11 to tune to the broadcast frequency.

  And the control part 20 switches the source selection part 21 to the tuner unit 11, and starts the output of a program audio | voice (step S35). That is, the control unit 20 causes the speaker 23 to output the sound of the user-preferred broadcast program (reserved program) received by the tuner unit 11.

  As described above, the broadcast program preferred by the user is automatically received by the audio device 1 among the broadcast programs broadcast by the broadcast station 5 (a plurality of broadcast stations) by the reserved program reception process described above.

Therefore, the user can listen to the target broadcast program without requiring a complicated operation to listen to the favorite broadcast program.
As a result, a user-preferred broadcast program can be appropriately reserved and received.

In the above embodiment, the case where the frequency is used to identify each broadcasting station has been described. However, when the program information of broadcasting stations in a wide range (for example, all in Japan) is managed by the data server 3. In some cases, the frequencies of different broadcasting stations are the same. For example, the same frequency is used by the X broadcast station in the Tohoku region and the Y broadcast station in the Kyushu region.
In order to cope with such a case, each broadcast station may be identified using a unique identification code (such as a broadcast station ID) instead of the frequency.

Specifically, the program information management DB 31 stores program information including a broadcast station ID for identifying a broadcast station as shown in FIG. “X broadcast” and “Y broadcast” in the figure have the same frequency, but have different broadcast station IDs, and can be identified as different broadcast stations.
On the other hand, the broadcasting station ID of each broadcasting station that can be received at the installation location (user location, etc.) is set (stored usable) on the audio device 1 side. Note that the broadcast station ID setting method in the audio device 1 is arbitrary.
For example, the flash memory 16 of the audio device 1 stores in advance broadcast station IDs of receivable broadcast stations corresponding to a plurality of regional codes (for example, regional codes assigned to each prefecture). ing. When an arbitrary area code is input by the user, for example, during the initial operation of the audio device 1, the broadcast station ID of each broadcast station corresponding to the area code may be set.
In addition to this, when the data server 3 manages the broadcast station ID of each broadcast station corresponding to a plurality of regional codes, and an arbitrary regional code is transmitted from the audio device 1 during the initial operation or the like. The broadcast station ID of each broadcast station corresponding to the area code may be returned to the audio device 1 and set in the audio device 1. In addition, when the user's address is registered in the user information management DB 32 (for example, at the time of user registration), the data server 3 identifies an area code corresponding to the address, and each broadcasting station corresponding to the area code is identified. The broadcast station ID may be transmitted to the audio device 1.

  When the broadcast station ID of each receivable broadcast station is set in the audio device 1 in this way, the broadcast station ID is used instead of the frequency of the received broadcast station (broadcast program). That is, the broadcast station ID is included in the information transmitted from the audio device 1 to the data server 3. Then, the data server 3 can appropriately search for a broadcast program with a matching broadcast station ID from the program information management DB 31 as shown in FIG.

Further, the broadcast station ID may be appropriately specified on the data server 3 side without setting the broadcast station ID in the audio device 1.
For example, the audio device 1 transmits information including a frequency of a broadcasting station (broadcast program), a user ID, and the like to the data server 3. On the other hand, the data server 3 searches the user information management DB 32 using the received user ID as a key, and acquires the user's address. Then, the broadcast station ID is specified from the acquired address and the received frequency information.
Also in this case, even if the frequencies of different broadcasting stations match, the broadcasting station that is received by the audio device 1 can be appropriately identified.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the audio device 1 acquires the preference information input from the user and transmits the acquired preference information (request information including the preference information) to the data server 3 has been described. However, the preference information of each user may be automatically generated (acquired) on the data server 3 side according to the access status from the audio device 1 to the data server 3 or the like.

Specifically, the data server 3 receives related information request information (information for requesting related information regarding a song to be broadcast) and distribution request information (information for requesting distribution of a song) from the audio device 1. When received, the artist name, the song name, the program genre name of the broadcast program that broadcasts the song, the broadcast time zone, and the like are searched from the content management DB (not shown) in the database 30 and the program information management DB 31. . The retrieved information is stored in the user information management DB 32 as preference information in association with the user (user ID).
Since a lot of related information request information and distribution request information can be sent from the audio device 1, the artist information, the music title, the program genre name, the broadcast time zone, etc. are digitized and stored in the preference information. Is done. Further, the weighting in the digitization may be changed corresponding to the case where the related information request information is sent and the case where the distribution request information is sent.

In this case, the audio device 1 transmits request information (not including preference information) requesting distribution of reservation information to the data server 3 in accordance with a user instruction.
In response to this, the data server 3 acquires the preference information associated with the user (user ID) from the user information management DB 32, and subsequently matches the acquired preference information from the program information management DB 31. Search for broadcast programs.
Then, the data server 3 generates reservation information from the program information obtained by the search, and transmits it to the requesting audio device 1.
When receiving the reservation information, the audio device 1 stores the received reservation information in the hard disk 15 and sets reservation contents in the timing unit 17 according to the reservation information.
Also in this case, it is possible to appropriately receive and receive broadcast programs preferred by the user.

  In the above embodiment, the request information for requesting delivery of the reservation information is transmitted from the audio device 1 to the data server 3, and the reservation information is delivered from the data server 3 in response to this request information. explained. However, the reservation information may be automatically distributed from the data server 3 to the audio device 1 at a predetermined timing.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the address of the audio device 1 and user preference information are stored in advance in the user information management DB 32. As described above, the preference information may be automatically generated by the data server 3 according to the access status from the audio device 1 or the like.
Furthermore, when the audio device 1 receives the related information of the music piece sequentially from the data server 3 while receiving the broadcast program, the preference information is based on the related information transmitted from the data server 3 to the audio device 1. May be generated. At that time, the reception status of the broadcast program that triggered the transmission of related information or the like may be considered. For example, the preference information may be generated based on the fact that the same broadcast program is continuously received for a predetermined time or more. In these cases, it is not necessary for the user to operate the audio device 1 to instruct the acquisition of related information, so the load on the user is reduced.
Note that the address of the audio device 1 in the figure is an IP address of IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) as an example, but it is a unique address and an address by which the audio device 1 can be specified from the outside. It is optional if it exists.

  And the data server 3 (process control part 41) performs the reservation information delivery process shown in FIG. 10 at the timing when new program information is supplied from the broadcasting station 5, for example. Hereinafter, the reservation information distribution process of FIG. 10 executed by the process control unit 41 will be briefly described.

First, the process control unit 41 reads one piece of user information from the user information management DB 32 shown in FIG. 9 (step S41).
The process control unit 41 determines whether the preference information has been set in the read user information (step S42). If the process control unit 41 determines that the preference information has not been set, the process control unit 41 proceeds to step S46 described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the preference information has been set, the process control unit 41 searches the program information management DB 31 according to the read preference information (step S43).
The process control unit 41 generates reservation information from the program information obtained by the search (step S44).
Then, the process control unit 41 transmits the generated reservation information toward the target audio device 1 using the address of the audio device 1 included in the user information (step S45).

The process control unit 41 determines whether or not the process has been completed for all user information (step S46).
If the process control unit 41 determines that the process has not been completed for all user information, the process control unit 41 returns the process to step S41 and repeatedly executes the processes of steps S41 to S46 described above. On the other hand, when it is determined that the processing of all user information has been completed, the process control unit 41 ends the reservation information distribution process.

  Then, when the reservation information sent from the data server 3 is received, the control unit 20 of each audio device 1 stores the reservation information sent from the data server 3 in accordance with the received reservation information. The reservation content is set in the timing unit 17.

Also by such reservation information distribution processing, a user-preferred broadcast program is automatically selected from broadcast programs broadcast by the broadcast station 5 (a plurality of broadcast stations). Then, reservation information related to the selected broadcast program is distributed to the audio device 1 and reserved in the audio device 1.
For this reason, the user's favorite broadcast program is automatically selected from the program contents and the like, and is automatically reserved and set, and similarly, the user is not forced to perform complicated operations. When the reserved date / time is reached, the user can listen to a favorite broadcast program (reserved program).
As a result, a user-preferred broadcast program can be appropriately reserved and received.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which all the reservation information sent from the data server 3 is adopted in the audio device 1 and a reservation is set in the timing unit 17. However, the user may be able to instruct whether to accept the reservation information.
For example, the control unit 20 of the audio device 1 displays the contents of the reservation information on the display unit 19 before setting the reservation in the timing unit 17 using the reservation information sent from the data server 3. Then, only when the user instructs the adoption of the reservation information via the operation unit 18, the control unit 20 may make a reservation setting in the timing unit 17 using the reservation information.

  In the above embodiment, a broadcast program broadcasted by a radio station has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be appropriately applied to other broadcast programs broadcasted on television. For example, the present invention can be applied to a case where a monitor device is added to the audio device 1 and a video signal received by the tuner unit 11 capable of receiving VHF broadcast, UHF broadcast, or the like can be supplied to the monitor device. By storing TV broadcast program information in the program information management DB 32 of the data server 3 as well, a user-preferred broadcast program can be appropriately reserved and received.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the audio device 1 makes a program reservation based on the reservation information sent from the data server 3 has been described. However, the broadcast program desired by the user may be listened to by a method other than such reservation.
For example, the audio device 1 and the data server 3 are always connected via a communication line, or are connected periodically at predetermined time intervals. When the data server 3 detects a current broadcast program (broadcast content) that matches the preference information or a broadcast program that is broadcast after a predetermined time has elapsed, the data server 3 selects channel selection information (for example, channel selection of the broadcast program). Broadcast station frequency, broadcast time, etc.) are transmitted to the audio device 1.
On the other hand, the audio device 1 that has received the channel selection information receives a broadcast program based on the channel selection information.
In this case, even when the broadcast program is changed due to the convenience of the broadcast station or the like, the audio device 1 can cope with the occasional change based on the received channel selection information. And it can prevent appropriately that a user misses listening to a desired broadcast program.
Further, since the audio device 1 performs channel selection immediately according to the received channel selection information, it is not necessary to hold the channel selection information for a long time. Therefore, the necessary storage capacity can be suppressed to a very small level, and a memory such as a RAM provided in the audio device 1 can be used as it is.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a user-preferred broadcast program can be appropriately reserved and received.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the program reservation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of an audio equipment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a data server. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the specific content of program information management DB. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the specific content of user information management DB. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the reservation information request | requirement process and reservation information delivery process which concern on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the reservation program reception process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the specific content of program information management DB which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the specific content of user information management DB which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the reservation information delivery process which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Audio equipment 11 Tuner unit 12 MD recording / reproducing unit 13 Signal processing part 14 Network adapter 15 Hard disk 16 Flash memory 17 Timekeeping unit 18 Operation part 19 Display part 20 Control part 21 Source selection part 22 Amplifier 23 Speaker 3 Data server 30 Database 31 Program Information management DB
32 User information management DB
41 Processing Control Unit 42 Communication Control Unit 5 Broadcasting Station 9 Network

Claims (6)

A program reservation system in which a server and an audio device are connected via a network,
The server
Program information storage means for storing program information defining the contents of broadcast programs broadcast respectively at a plurality of broadcast stations;
A user ID for identifying a user of the audio device, and user information storage means for storing information including the address of the user;
Preference information generating means for generating preference information related to user preferences according to the access status from the audio device to music information that can be provided;
Request information receiving means for receiving request information for requesting distribution of program reservation information from the audio device;
In response to the request information received by the request information receiving means, preference information acquiring means for acquiring the preference information generated by the preference information generating means;
Reservation information generation means for searching the program information storage means according to the preference information acquired by the preference information acquisition means and generating program reservation information related to a broadcast program that matches the user's preference information;
Reservation information transmitting means for transmitting the program reservation information generated by the reservation information generating means to the audio device,
The audio equipment is
Request information transmitting means for transmitting request information for requesting distribution of program reservation information to the server;
Reservation information receiving means for receiving program reservation information sent from the server in response to the request information transmitted by the request information transmitting means;
Accordance program reservation information the reservation information received by the receiving means comprises a reservation reception setting means for setting a reservation receiving of the broadcast program of interest, and
The request information transmitting means of the audio device transmits request information including a user ID to the server,
The reservation information generation means of the server searches for the user's address from the user information storage means based on the user ID included in the request information, and the broadcast station that can be received at the searched address. Generate program reservation information for broadcast programs that match the preference information from the broadcast programs.
A program reservation system characterized by that. The server
Table storage means for storing an information table defining the relationship between the area and the broadcasting station;
Providing means for providing music data of music or related information of the music in response to access from the audio device;
The preference information generating means generates preference information including at least one of genre, music, and artist information according to the access status to the music data or the related information,
The reservation information generating means extracts a broadcast station that can be received in the area of the address searched from the user information storage means from the information table, and matches the preference information from the broadcast programs of the extracted broadcast station. Generate program reservation information for broadcast programs
The program reservation system according to claim 1. A program reception control system in which a server and an audio device are connected via a network,
The server
Program information storage means for storing program information defining the contents of broadcast programs broadcast respectively at a plurality of broadcast stations;
A user ID for identifying a user of the audio device, and user information storage means for storing information including the address of the user;
Preference information generating means for generating preference information related to user preferences according to the access status from the audio device to music information that can be provided;
Request information receiving means for receiving request information for requesting distribution of program information from the audio device;
In response to the request information received by the request information receiving means, preference information acquiring means for acquiring the preference information generated by the preference information generating means;
Program information generating means for searching the program information storage means based on the preference information acquired by the preference information acquiring means and generating program information relating to a broadcast program that matches the user's preference information ;
Program information transmitting means for transmitting the program information generated by the program information generating means to the audio device,
The audio equipment is
Request information transmitting means for generating request information for requesting distribution of program information, and transmitting the generated request information to the server;
Program information receiving means for receiving program information transmitted by the transmitting means based on the request information transmitted by the request information transmitting means;
On the basis of the program information program information received by the receiving means comprises a receiving setting means for receiving settings of the broadcast program of interest, and
The request information transmitting means of the audio device transmits request information including a user ID to the server,
The program information generation means of the server searches for the user's address from the user information storage means based on the user ID included in the request information, and the broadcast station that can be received at the searched address. Generate program information of broadcast programs that match the preference information from the broadcast programs.
A program reception control system characterized by the above. The server
Table storage means for storing an information table defining the relationship between the area and the broadcasting station;
Providing means for providing music data of music or related information of the music in response to access from the audio device;
The preference information generating means generates preference information including at least one of genre, music, and artist information according to the access status to the music data or the related information,
The program information generation means extracts broadcast stations that can be received in the area of the address searched from the user information storage means from the information table, and matches the preference information from the broadcast programs of the extracted broadcast stations. Generate program information for broadcast programs
The program reception control system according to claim 3. And servers, and the audio device a reservation information distribution method in a system connected to via a network,
The server stores its own program information that defines the contents of broadcast programs broadcast by a plurality of broadcast stations, a user ID for identifying the user of the audio device, and information including the address of the user. Is stored in the storage unit,
A preference information generation step of generating preference information related to the user's preference at the server according to the access status from the audio device to the music information that can be provided;
A request information transmission step of transmitting request information for requesting distribution of program reservation information to a server;
In response to the request information sent in the request information transmission step, a preference information acquisition step for acquiring the preference information generated in the preference information generation step in the server ;
Reservation information generation step of searching for program information stored in the storage unit of the server according to the preference information acquired by the preference information acquisition means , and generating program reservation information related to the program information that matches the user's preference information at the server When,
A reservation information receiving step of receiving the program reservation information generated in the reservation information generating step by an audio device ,
The request information transmission step transmits request information including a user ID to a server,
The reservation information generation step searches for the user's address from the storage unit of the server based on the user ID included in the request information, and programs from broadcast programs of broadcast stations that can be received at the searched address. Generate reservation information,
Reservation information delivery method which is characterized a call. The server further stores an information table that defines the relationship between the area and the broadcasting station in its storage unit.
In response to access from the audio device, further comprising a step of providing the audio device with music data of the music stored in the storage unit of the server or related information of the music,
The preference information generation step generates preference information including at least one of genre, music, and artist information according to the access status to music data or related information,
In the reservation information generation step, a broadcast station that can be received in the area of the address searched from the storage unit of the server is extracted from the information table, and the broadcast program that matches the preference information from the extracted broadcast programs of the broadcast station Generate program reservation information for
The reservation information delivery method according to claim 5, wherein:

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