JP4419912B2 - SEARCH SYSTEM, SEARCH DEVICE, SEARCH METHOD, AND SEARCH PROGRAM, AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND COMMUNICATION PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a search system, a search device, a search method and a search program, and a communication device, a communication method and a communication program that can accurately obtain broadcast information after the broadcast or during the broadcast. .

  Conventionally, there has been a database system that searches data stored in a computer system and stored in a database. The user obtains necessary information directly by operating a terminal device connected to the database system or via a network. For example, the user inputs an appropriate keyword from the terminal device. In the database system, a search is performed based on the input keyword, and the search result is provided to the user via the terminal device. When a large amount of information is provided, the user can set a keyword for the provided information and perform a narrowed search.

  Consider a case where a user searches for music data using a database system that stores music data. For example, the user can know the title information of a CD (Compact Disc) on which a desired music is recorded based on the search result, and can use it as a reference when purchasing the CD. Here, the music data is, for example, information related to music, and includes information such as the name of the music, the name of the performer, the name of the recorded album, that is, the title of the music CD, the release year, the release source, and the like. The music data may include the audio data of the music itself. In the database system, for a piece of music data, for example, some additional information of the music data such as the player name, title, and recorded album name of the music is set as keywords.

  For example, suppose that a user likes a music piece that happened to be broadcast on a radio broadcast, and the user wants to obtain information about the music piece. In that case, after the broadcast, the user searches for music using the music database as described above. For example, a keyword is set based on the accompanying information of the music obtained by introducing the announcer and the like broadcast together with the music, and the search is performed.

  In the conventional music database described above, a desired result cannot be obtained unless a keyword is input accurately. Therefore, conventionally, there is a problem that the target information cannot be obtained when the user forgets the accompanying information of the music broadcast together with the favorite music when searching.

  Also, the information device as a terminal device for the user to search the music database, for example, a portable personal computer or a dedicated search device is always carried around and a search is performed with this information device every time a favorite music is played on a radio broadcast. It is also possible. However, there is a problem that it is very troublesome to always carry information devices for search. Even if portable information devices are used, searching cannot be performed while walking in the city, for example.

  Furthermore, even if a search result is obtained using the above-described information device, there has conventionally been a problem that there is no system that effectively uses the search result. Therefore, the user has only to take a note of the obtained search result on paper and purchase a CD at a CD store, for example, with reference to it.

  Furthermore, there are often cases where the user listens to music in the middle of the music and likes the music. In such a case, since the user cannot know the accompanying information of the music, there is a problem that even when searching with the terminal device for searching, the user does not know what to input as a keyword. .

  In the case of digital broadcasting, it is also conceivable to superimpose accompanying information on the music data to be broadcast. By doing in this way, the user can obtain the information regarding the broadcasted music as digital data. However, in this case, there is a problem in that it is necessary for the user side to prepare a receiving apparatus configured to extract the superimposed accompanying information. Further, the broadcasting station also has a problem that it is necessary to create and superimpose accompanying information for each music data to be transmitted, which places a heavy burden on the broadcasting station.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a search system, a search device, a search method and a search program, and a communication device, a communication method and a communication program that can search the broadcast content without knowing an accurate keyword. It is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the first invention is a search system for searching related information of broadcasted music content, and the first operation unit and the count value when the first operation unit is operated. Counting is continued until the count value is transferred to the external device, and when connected to the external device, the counter value is automatically transferred to the external device, and the counter value is transferred to the external device. A counter that resets the counter value after being transferred to stop the counting operation ; a display control unit that controls display; a playback unit that plays back music data; and a second operation unit. a timer for outputting the current time from the current time output by the timer, by going back by a time corresponding to the count value, and the operation time calculating unit for calculating the operating time of the first operation portion is operated, An external device having a first communication unit for transferring the work time, and a storage unit for the broadcast time of the related information and the music content broadcasted music content is stored in association with, and accumulates the music data Based on the database and the operation time calculated by the operation time calculation unit, a search unit that searches related information of content broadcast at the operation time from the storage unit, and related information searched by the search unit is transferred to an external device . The display control unit displays related information transferred from the second communication unit and information indicating that the music data corresponding to the related information can be auditioned. 1 of the communication unit, when the area corresponding to the information indicating the music data that can be listen is operated by the second operating unit, inspection request information to request the transfer of the music data corresponding to the related information Transfer device, the search unit retrieves the music data corresponding to the request information from the database, the second communication unit transfers the music data searched by the search unit to the external device, the reproduction unit, the second This is a search system that plays back music data transferred from the communication unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the search method for searching for related information of the broadcasted music content, the count value is started when the first operation unit is operated in the communication device, and the count value is external. The counter value continues to be counted until it is transferred to the device. When the counter value is connected to the external device, the counter value is automatically transferred. After the counter value is transferred to the external device , the counter value is reset and the counter operation is started. The counter value counted by the stopped counter is automatically transferred when connected to an external device , and the external device goes back from the current time output by the timer by the time corresponding to the transferred count value. in an operation time of the first operation unit is operated and operation, the search unit, based on the calculated operation time, Seki broadcasted music content on the operation time Searches the storage section and the broadcast time are correlated is accumulated in the related information and the music content information broadcasted music content, and transfers the retrieved related information to an external device, the external device, is transferred The related information and information indicating that the music data corresponding to the related information can be auditioned are displayed, and the area corresponding to the information indicating that the music data can be auditioned is operated by the second operation unit. Request information requesting transfer of music data corresponding to the information is transferred to the search device, the search device searches the database for music data corresponding to the request information, transfers the searched music data to the external device , and externally This is a search method in which transferred music data is played back on the device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a search program for causing a computer device to execute a search method for searching related information of broadcast content, wherein the search method is counted when the first operation unit is operated in the communication device. starts counting value, to continue counting until the counter value count is transferred to an external device, automatically counter value when it is connected to an external device are transferred, the counter value is transferred to the outside The counter value counted by a counter whose counter operation is reset later is automatically transferred when connected to an external device , and is transferred from the current time output by the timer in the external device . was by going back by a time corresponding to the count value, the operation time of the first operation unit is operated and operation, the search unit, the calculated operation time Based, it searches the storage unit and the broadcast time is accumulated in correspondence of related information and music-related content information broadcasted music content broadcasted music content to the operation time, outside the retrieved related information transfer to the device, the external device, a region where the music data corresponding to the transferred related information and related information to display information indicating that possible listen, corresponding to information indicating the music piece data that can be listen first When the operation unit 2 is operated, request information requesting transfer of music data corresponding to the related information is transferred to the search device, and the search device searches the database for music data corresponding to the request information, and searches It has been transferred music data to an external device, the external device, a search program to reproduce the transferred music data.

In addition, the fourth invention includes a storage unit that stores the related information of the broadcasted content and the broadcast time of the content in association with each other, and a database that stores the music data. The storage unit is based on the broadcast time. In the communication device for transferring information for calculating the broadcast time to be transferred to the search device for searching related information stored in the database and searching for music data from the database, the first operation unit, operation unit starts counting the count value when operated, the count value continues counting until the counter value is transferred to the external device, automatically counter value when it is connected to an external device are transferred, the counter value is connected to the counter for counting operation is stopped to reset the count value after being transferred to the external device, the count value counted by the counter with an external device A communication apparatus having a communication unit that automatically transferred upon.

The fifth invention has a storage unit that stores information related to the broadcasted music content and the broadcast time of the music content in association with each other, and a database that stores the music, and stores based on the broadcast time. In a communication method for transferring information for calculating a broadcast time to be transferred to a search device for searching related information stored in the unit and searching for music data from the database, the first operation unit in the communication device There starts counting of the count value when operated, the count value continues counting until the counter value is transferred to the external device, automatically counter value when it is connected to an external device are transferred, the counter self when the value of which is connected a count value counted by the counter reset to counting the count value after being transferred to the external device is stopped with an external device A communication method to forward in manner.

The sixth invention has a storage unit that stores information related to the broadcasted music content and the broadcast time of the music content in association with each other, and a database that stores the music, and stores the information based on the broadcast time. Program for causing a computer device to execute a communication method in which a communication device transfers information for calculating a broadcast time to be transferred to a search device for searching related information stored in a section and searching for music data from a database to an external device in the communication method is a communication device, starts counting of the count value when the first operation unit is operated to continue the count of the counter value until the count value is transferred to the external device, and the external device automatically counter value when connected is transferred, resets the count value after the counter value is transferred to an external device count operation is stopped Is automatically communicated program that transfers when connected that the count value counted by the counter with an external device.

The seventh invention starts counting the count value when the database for storing music data and the first operation unit are operated in a search device for searching related information of the broadcasted music content, Counting of the counter value is continued until the count value is transferred to the external device. When the counter value is connected to the external device, the counter value is automatically transferred. After the counter value is transferred to the external device , the count value is reset. The count value that is automatically transferred when connected to an external device is received from a communication device having a counter whose counting operation is stopped , and the external device uses a timer that outputs the current time by the operation time calculation unit. By going back from the current time output by the time corresponding to the count value, the operation time when the first operation unit is operated is calculated, and the calculated operation time is transferred and transferred. Based on has been operated time, with associated information of the broadcast content to the operation time and the search unit searches the storage unit, and a communication unit for transferring the relevant information retrieved by the search unit to the external device, the search unit When request information for requesting trial listening of music data corresponding to the related information is received from the external device after the related information is transferred, the music data corresponding to the requested information is searched from the database, and the communication unit is searched by the search unit. This is a search device that further transfers the recorded music data to an external device .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the search method for searching for related information of the broadcasted music content, the count value is started when the first operation unit is operated, and the count value is transferred to the outside. The counter value is continuously counted until it is connected to an external device, and the counter value is automatically transferred. After the counter value is transferred to the outside, the counter value is reset and the counting operation is stopped. The external device receives the count value that is automatically transferred when connected to the external device from the communication device, and the external device counts from the current time output by the timer that outputs the current time by the operation time calculator. by going back by a time corresponding to the value, the operation time of the first operation section is operated is calculated, and transfers the calculated operation time, based on the transferred operation time, the operation time The related information of the transmitted music content is searched from the storage unit in which the related information of the broadcasted music content and the broadcast time of the music content are stored in association with each other, and the communication unit stores the searched related information in the communication device. transferred, after the transfer of the relevant information, when receiving the request information that requests the preview of the music data corresponding to the relevant information from an external device, the search portion searches the music data corresponding to the request information from the database, This is a search method in which a communication unit further transfers searched music data to an external device .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a search program for causing a computer device to execute a search method for searching related information of broadcasted music content. The search method counts a count value when the first operation unit is operated. The counter value is counted until the count value is transferred to the outside, and the counter value is automatically transferred when connected to an external device. After the counter value is transferred to the outside, the count value is The external device receives the count value that is automatically transferred when it is connected to the external device from a communication device that has a counter that is reset and stops counting , and the external device uses the operation time calculator to set the current time. The operation time when the first operation unit was operated was calculated by going back from the current time output by the output timer by the time corresponding to the count value, and calculated Transfer the work time accumulation, based on the transferred operation time, and the broadcast time of the related information and the music content is music content broadcast-related information of the broadcast musical piece content to the operation time is associated with accumulation When the request information for requesting the audition of the music data corresponding to the related information is received from the external device after the related information is transferred, the communication unit transfers the related information searched to the communication device to the communication device. the music data corresponding to request information searching the search section from the database, the communication unit the retrieved music data to an external device is a search program to be further transferred.

  As described above, the first to third inventions start counting the count value when the operation unit is operated, and when the count value is transferred to the outside, the count value is reset and the count operation is stopped. The count value counted by the counter is transferred to the outside, and the operation time when the operation unit is operated is calculated according to the current time from the timer that outputs the current time and the transferred count value. Based on the operation time, the related information of the content broadcast at the operation time is searched from the storage unit that stores the related information of the broadcasted content and the broadcast time of the content in association with each other. It is possible to search the related information of the content broadcast at the operation time simply by performing the operation.

  The fourth to sixth inventions start counting the count value when the operation unit is operated. When the count value is transferred to the outside, the count value is reset and the counting operation is stopped. Since the search device calculates the broadcast time based on the count value, the related information of the broadcast content, the broadcast time of the content, and the related information of the broadcast content can be calculated simply by operating the operation unit. Can be stored in association with each other, and a search device that searches for related information stored in the storage based on the broadcast time can search for related information of the content broadcast at the operation time.

  The seventh to ninth inventions start counting the current time from the timer that outputs the current time and the count value when the operation unit of the communication device is operated, and the count value is transferred to the outside. Content that is broadcast at the operation time based on the calculated operation time based on the calculated operation time according to the count value transferred from the communication device having a counter whose count value is reset The related information of the broadcast content is searched from the storage unit that stores the related information of the broadcasted content and the broadcast time of the content in association with each other. Information related to the broadcasted content is searched.

  In the present invention, as described above, counting of the count value is started when the operation unit is operated, and when the count value is transferred to the outside, the count value is reset and the count operation is stopped. The count value is transferred to the outside, the operation time when the operation unit is operated is calculated according to the current time from the timer that outputs the current time, and the transferred count value, and based on the calculated operation time, The related information of the content broadcast at the operation time is searched from the storage unit that stores the related information of the broadcast content and the broadcast time of the content in association with each other. Therefore, the user can obtain the related information of the content broadcast at the operation time only by operating the operation unit of the communication device.

  The present invention will be described below. First, the outline of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 schematically shows an information retrieval system according to the present invention. This system includes two databases 1 and 2, a search engine 3 that searches the databases 1 and 2, and an auxiliary terminal 4 that provides assistance regarding search conditions to the user.

  The database 1 stores information related to broadcast media of contents broadcast on broadcast media such as radio broadcasts. For example, in the database 1, the name of a song broadcast on a radio broadcasting station, time information when the song was broadcast, and broadcast station information are stored in association with each other. Of course, information related to content of broadcast media other than radio broadcasts may be stored in the database 1, and the content at this time is not limited to information related to music, and may be product information, for example.

  Further, the database 1 stores the accompanying information of the music in association with the music name. The accompanying information of the music includes, for example, the number of the music CD on which the music is recorded, CD title information, information on the performer and composer of the music, and the lyrics and explanation of the music. The accompanying information of these music pieces may be accumulated in another database that can be searched from the bookmark search engine 4.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the broadcast media is a radio broadcast, and the content provided from the broadcast media is music.

  The database 2 stores information about the content itself stored in the database 1. For example, if the content is a song broadcast on broadcast media, information related to the content itself, such as the name of the album (CD) on which the song is recorded, player information, release source, release date, etc., is associated with the song name. Accumulated. Further, customer information for this system can be stored in the database 2. Customer ID information based on identification information unique to the auxiliary terminal 4 to be described later and other information related to the customer are stored in the database 2.

  The search engine 3 searches for information stored in the database 1 based on a search condition designated by the user. The engine here refers to a group of configurations that provide a specific function, and the search engine 3 provides a predetermined search function to the user.

  For example, when a user likes a music broadcast on the radio and knows the broadcasting station, the place where the music was broadcast, and the time when the music was broadcast, the location information 5, the broadcast station information 6 and the time information 7 are retrieved from the search engine. 3 is specified as a search condition. The search engine 3 searches the database 1 based on the set search condition, and outputs, for example, a song name as a search result. Further, the search engine 3 searches the database 2 using the song name as a search condition, and outputs, for example, the name of the album in which the song is recorded, the release source of the album, and player information. The search result of the database 2 is returned to the user.

  On the other hand, even if the user listens to the broadcast and wants to search for a favorite song, the information 5, 6 and 7 described above as search conditions may not be understood or may be ambiguous. In this invention, the user holds the auxiliary terminal 4 for obtaining the time information 7 in advance. At the same time, location information 5 and broadcast station information 6 corresponding to the user are registered in the database 2 as customer information in advance.

  That is, when the user likes the broadcasted music, he / she operates the auxiliary terminal 4 to store the time information 7 ′ at that time in the auxiliary terminal 4. Later, the search engine 3 is instructed to search based on the time information 7 ′ stored in the auxiliary terminal 4. The search engine 3 searches the database 1 using the time information 7 ′ and user location information 5 and broadcast station information 6 registered in the database 2 in advance as search conditions. The database 2 is searched based on the music title obtained as a search result. The output search result is returned to the user as a candidate of information desired by the user.

  Thus, by using the system according to the present invention, the user operates the auxiliary terminal 4 when he / she likes the broadcasted music, for example, and stores the time information 7 ′ in the auxiliary terminal 4 to obtain the desired information. Information can be obtained.

  Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the music data search system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the same reference numerals are given to the portions common to FIG. 1 described above, and the detailed description is omitted. The database 1, the database 2, and the search engine 3 constitute a bookmark search engine 10. The bookmark search engine 10 is connected to another website (not shown) via a communication line such as the Internet.

  The Web site is a place where information to be disclosed to the network is placed, and this bookmark search engine 10 is also one of the Web sites. For example, the bookmark search engine 10 is connected to a database (not shown) as another Web site. The location of the Web site is described by address information called URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

  The broadcast station 12 is a radio broadcast station, for example, and broadcasts music or the like as content based on a playlist created in advance. The playlist may be created after broadcasting. Of course, not only music but also product information and other information are broadcast as contents. Furthermore, the broadcasting station 12 is not limited to a radio broadcasting station, but is a television broadcasting station that performs television broadcasting wirelessly or by cable, CATV (Cable Television), a wired broadcasting station that performs wired broadcasting centering on music, and the like. Also good.

  The bookmark search engine 10 and the broadcast station 12 are connected by a communication line such as the Internet. The above-described playlist is transmitted from the broadcast station 12 to the bookmark search engine 10. In the bookmark search engine 10, the received playlist is stored in the database 1. FIG. 3 shows an example of a playlist. In the example of FIG. 3, for one piece of content, for example, one piece of broadcasted music, in the example of FIG. 3, the name (Station Name) of the broadcast station 12 on which the content was broadcast, The broadcast start time (Start Time) of the content (music), the broadcast end time (End Time) of the content, and the content name (Content) are associated with each other.

  In addition, accumulation | storage in the database 1 of a play list is not restricted to the example transmitted from the broadcasting station 12 in which content was actually broadcast. For example, a playlist that is broadcast by collecting information manually may be created, and the created playlist may be supplied to the database 1 via a predetermined storage medium and stored. Further, a playlist may be created by a system different from the broadcasting station 12 and transmitted to the bookmark search engine 10. In the database 1, a playlist of a plurality of different broadcasting stations 12 can be stored by identifying each broadcasting station.

  The bookmark search engine 10 and the gateway device 11 are connected bidirectionally via a communication line 8 such as the Internet. As will be described in detail later, the gateway device 11 is, for example, a personal computer, and can communicate with the bookmark search engine 10 in both directions and can communicate with the auxiliary terminal 4 owned by the user.

  The gateway device 11 is not limited to a personal computer. For example, a set-top box provided for connecting a television receiver and a digital network can be used as the gateway device 11. In another example, an IRD (Integrated Reciever Decoder), which is a receiver for digital broadcasting, can be used as the gateway device 11. Further, the gateway device 11 is not limited to the one that an individual can own as described above. For example, an information terminal device installed in a retail store and made available to the user can be used as the gateway device 11.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the appearance of the auxiliary terminal 4 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the auxiliary terminal 4 is referred to as a book marker 4. The book marker 4 includes, for example, an input unit 20 composed of buttons and a display unit 21 on which the current time is displayed. Moreover, the connector 22 which is an electrical connection point at the time of communicating with the gateway device 11 mentioned above is provided.

  The book marker 4 has a simple configuration as will be described later, and can be stored in a small housing that can be used as a key holder, for example. Not limited to this example, the book marker 4 can be incorporated into various other electronic devices. For example, although an example will be described later, the book marker 4 can be incorporated into a radio receiver, for example. It can also be mounted on a car stereo system mounted on a car. Of course, the target for incorporating the book marker 4 is not limited to an electronic device. It is more preferable that the book marker 4 is incorporated in a device that is used when being moved or carried.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the book marker 4 according to the first embodiment. Although omitted in this figure, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 25 has a configuration such as a memory, a bus, and a predetermined interface. A button 20, a display unit 21, a memory 26, a timer 28 and an interface 29 are connected to the CPU 25. The timer 28 outputs the current time, and the time can be calibrated under the control of the CPU 25. The display unit 21 is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and is controlled by the CPU 25. Time information output from the timer 28 is supplied to the display unit 21 via the CPU 25 and displayed. The display unit 21 can be omitted.

  The operation of the button 20 by the user is detected by the CPU 25, and the time information at that time is stored in the memory 26 based on the output of the timer 28. A plurality of time information can be stored in the memory 26 as shown in FIG. Each time information is provided with a serial number, for example, so that the time information can be distinguished from each other. The terminal ID 27 stored in a predetermined area of the memory 26 is a unique ID that can identify each individual book marker 4.

  In the above description, it has been described that the information stored in the memory 26 by operating the button 20 is only the identification information for identifying each of the time information and the time information, but this is not limited to this example. As an example, time information and classification information corresponding to the time information can be stored in the memory 26. When the user operates the button 20, the CPU 25 detects whether the button 20 is instantaneously pressed, pressed twice within a predetermined time, or kept pressed for a predetermined time or longer. Based on the detection result, the CPU 25 generates classification information, and the generated classification information is stored in the memory 26 together with the identification information and time information.

  For example, when the button 20 is momentarily pressed once, an operation based on radio broadcasting, when the button 20 is pressed twice within a predetermined time, an operation based on television broadcasting, the button 20 is kept pressed for a predetermined time or more. If it is, the operation is classified as an operation outside the user's action area, which will be described later, and the CPU 25 generates corresponding flags as classification information. This flag and the corresponding time information and identification information are associated with each other and stored in the memory 26.

  The interface 29 controls communication with the outside, that is, the gateway device 11 via the connector 22. The interface standard by the interface 29 when communicating with the gateway device 11 is not particularly limited. For example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) can be used as an interface standard for communication between the book marker 4 and the gateway device 11. An interface standard defined by IEEE-1394 can be used. Furthermore, RS-232C can be used as an interface standard for this communication.

  Furthermore, the communication is not limited to wired communication as described above. For example, communication between the bookmarker 4 and the gateway device 11 is performed using an infrared signal using an interface standard based on IrDA (Infrared Data Association). Also good. In this case, the connector 22 and the interface 29 have an infrared signal transmission / reception function.

  Further, the book marker 4 may be configured as an IC card in which an integrated circuit and communication means are embedded in the card, or a PC card according to the regulations of PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) and JEIDA (Japan Electronic Industry Development Association). it can. When the book marker 4 is configured as an IC card, an interface standard suitable for the IC card is used as the interface 29. When the book marker 4 is configured as a PC card, for example, the gateway device 11 is provided with a connector corresponding to the PC card. By directly attaching the book marker 4 as a PC card to a connector corresponding to the PC card, the book marker 4 and the gateway device 11 can communicate with each other.

  The terminal ID 27 and time information stored in the memory 26 can be read from the memory 26 and output to the outside via the interface 29 in accordance with a command from the CPU 25.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the gateway device 11. As described above, a general personal computer can be used as the gateway device 11. FIG. 7 shows an example in which a general personal computer is used as the gateway device 11. A CPU 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a display control circuit 34 and a storage medium such as a hard disk 36 are connected to the bus 30. An input unit 91 that outputs a control signal based on a user's operation, such as a keyboard and a predetermined pointing device, is connected to the bus 30. The CPU 25 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 32 or the hard disk 36, for example, and performs a predetermined process by the operation of the user input means 91. The RAM 33 is used as a work memory of the CPU 31, for example. The display control signal output from the CPU 25 is supplied to the display control circuit 34, and display based on the display control signal is performed on the display 35.

  Further, an interface 37 for communicating with the book marker 4 is connected to the bus 30. The interface 37 is adapted to an interface standard corresponding to the interface 29 of the book marker 4, for example, USB, IEEE-1394, RS-232C and IrDA.

  Further, communication means 38 for communicating with the bookmark search engine 10 via the communication line 8 is connected to the bus 30. The communication means 38 is a modem, for example, and is connected to a public telephone line as the communication line 8. The gateway device 11 can connect to the Internet via a public telephone line using a modem, for example, and can perform bidirectional communication with the bookmark search engine 10 via the Internet.

  Audio processing means 39 connected to the bus 30 converts the digital audio data supplied via the bus 30 into an analog audio signal. The analog audio signal output from the audio processing means 39 is reproduced by the speaker 90, for example.

  As described above, the user needs to register his / her own information in the customer database 2 of the bookmark search engine 10 in advance. This registration can be performed using the gateway device 11. First, the user connects the book marker 4 owned by the user to the gateway device 11 through a predetermined interface. The user operates the gateway device 11 to register the user and the book marker 4 owned by the user.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the registration screen 40 displayed on the display 35 when the gateway device 11 registers the user and the book marker 4 owned by the user. In the “name” column 41, the name of the user is entered. In the “bookmark ID” column 42, the terminal ID 27 of the book marker 4 owned by the user is input.

  The input of the terminal ID 27 described above is performed by communication between the gateway device 11 and the book marker 4. That is, a request for reading the terminal ID 27 is transmitted from the gateway device 11 to the book marker 4. Under the control of the CPU 25 based on this request, the terminal ID 27 is read from the memory 26 in the book marker 4. The read terminal ID 27 is transmitted to the gateway device 11. In the gateway device 11, the received terminal ID 27 is displayed in the “bookmark ID” column 42 of the display 35 and stored in the RAM 33, for example.

  In the “zip code” column 43 and the “area code” column 44, for example, the zip code of the area where the user resides and the area code on the public telephone line are respectively input. Based on the contents input in the columns 43 and 44, the area where the user acts is schematically shown. The area where the user acts is not limited to the zip code or the area code, but information representing a geographical area, for example, may be input. It is also possible to input an area name uniquely set in advance. In the “radio station” column 45, information specifying radio stations frequently selected by the user is input. In this example, the name of the broadcasting station is input. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a frequency band of radio broadcasting may be input.

  In the “card No.” column 46, the user's credit card or cash card number or the like is entered. In the “address” column 47, the user's address is accurately input. These are information used when, for example, a service using the book marker 4 involves a charging process.

  Each information input in the columns 41 to 47 described above is stored in the RAM 33. Then, it is read from the RAM 33 based on a predetermined operation and transmitted to the bookmark search engine 10 by the communication means 38. At this time, it is more preferable to encrypt each transmitted information by a predetermined method.

  On the other hand, the timer 28 is calibrated in the book marker 4. For example, when the book marker 4 and the gateway device 11 are connected to register the terminal ID 27, bidirectional communication is performed between the book marker 4 and the gateway device 11, and a timer (not shown) of the gateway device 11 is provided. The timer 28 of the book marker 4 can be calibrated using the time information output from ().

  Similar processing can also be performed by unidirectional communication from the book marker 4 to the gateway device 11. The book marker 4 and the gateway device 11 are connected, and the terminal ID 27 is transferred from the book marker 4 to the gateway device 11. At the same time, the time information by the timer 28 is transferred from the book marker 4 to the gateway device 11. On the gateway device 11 side, the transferred time information can be compared with time information indicated by a timer (not shown) included in the gateway device 11, and the correct time can be calculated using the difference.

  In these cases, time information by a timer (not shown) of the gateway device 11 needs to be calibrated to a correct time by some method.

  Further, in the above description, the book marker 4 is described as having a timer, but this is not limited to this example. For example, a counter that operates with a clock of a predetermined cycle is provided in the book marker 4, and time information indicating the time when the button 20 is pressed can be obtained from the count value of the counter. For example, the count value when the user operates the button 20 is stored in the memory 26. When the book marker 4 is connected to the gateway device 11 and the count value stored in the memory 26 is transferred to the gateway device 11, the count value at the time of transfer is transferred together with the count value read from the memory 26. 11 is transferred.

  On the other hand, the gateway device 11 calibrates a timer (not shown) using a predetermined method to obtain a master clock. For example, the communication means 38 communicates with the bookmark search engine 10 via the communication line 8 to obtain time information, and the timer of the gateway device 11 is calibrated with this time information. Further, the gateway device 11 may be provided with a predetermined receiving means, receive time information included in the television broadcast or radio broadcast, and calibrate the timer of the gateway device 11 based on the received time information. .

  In the gateway device 11, the difference between the count value transferred from the book marker 4 when the user operates the button 20 and the count value when the transfer from the book marker 4 is performed is obtained. If the count-up cycle of the counter of the book marker 4 is known in advance, based on the timer of the gateway device 11 that generates the master clock, the difference count value is set based on the time when the transfer from the book marker 4 is performed. By going back by the corresponding time, the user operates the button 20 in the book marker 4 and the time when the count value is stored in the memory 26 can be accurately obtained.

  If this method is used, it is not necessary to provide the book marker 4 with a clock (timer 28) and a display unit 21 for displaying time. Also, this method is preferable because it is not necessary to calibrate the timer 28 of the book marker 4.

  When the book marker 4 uses a counter instead of a timer, the count value of the counter becomes a value corresponding to the time information.

  For example, when the book marker 4 is connected to the gateway device 11, the counter value of the book marker 4 is unknown by measuring the count value of the counter of the book marker 4 with a certain period of time by the gateway device 11. It becomes possible to deal with cases.

  In the above description, the counter has been described as counting with a clock having a predetermined period, but this is not limited to this example. The counter can be operated with a clock generated at an arbitrary timing as long as the count value is associated with, for example, the time from the count start time. For example, the counter can be operated with a clock based on an M series generated using a shift register and an exclusive OR circuit. Further, for example, the counter may be operated by periodically changing the clock cycle. Of course, the gateway device 11 needs to know what clock counter the book marker 4 has. By using such a clock to operate the counter, for example, illegal manufacture and use of the book marker 4 can be prevented.

  Furthermore, in the above description, the time when the button 20 is pressed with the book marker 4 is obtained on the gateway device 11, but this is not limited to this example. For example, the gateway device 11 obtains time information indicating the time when the button 20 is pressed with the book marker 4 and time information indicating the time when the time information is transferred from the book marker 4 to the gateway device 11. Then, it is possible to transfer the time information to the search engine 10 and obtain an accurate time when the button 20 is pressed based on the master clock of the search engine 10.

  Furthermore, the timer 28 of the book marker 4 or the counter described above may be operated as a stopwatch. That is, the operation is started when the button 20 is first operated, and the time measurement or the count value is started. The timer 28 or the counter is reset when the time information (or count value) is transferred from the book marker 4 to the gateway device 11, and the operation is stopped. Then, when the button 20 is operated next time, the operation of the timer 28 or the counter is started again. By doing so, power consumption in the book marker 4 can be saved.

  Next, content search processing by the system shown in FIG. 2 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. First, in the first step S10, the terminal ID 27 of the book marker 4 owned by the user is registered in the bookmark search engine 10 in the procedure as described above.

  The user can store time information at an arbitrary place such as a street or a car by using the book marker 4 in which the terminal ID 27 is registered. For example, if the user likes a music played on the radio provided in the car, the user presses the button 20 of the book marker 4 on the spot. Time information when the button 20 is pressed is stored in the memory 26 of the book marker 4 (step S11). A plurality of pieces of time information can be stored within the range of the storage capacity of the memory 26 built in the book marker 4 (step S12).

  In step S13, the book marker 4 and the gateway device 11 (abbreviated as G · D in FIG. 9) are connected. In the next step S14, the time information stored in the memory 26 of the book marker 4 is read out together with the terminal ID 27 and transferred to the gateway device 11 through the predetermined interface described above. The processing in step S14 can be automatically started when the book marker 4 and the gateway device 11 are connected in step S13 described above. In the next step S15, the time information transferred from the book marker 4 to the gateway device 11 and the terminal ID 27 are transferred from the gateway device 11 to the bookmark search engine 10 via the communication line 8.

  In step S <b> 16, the bookmark search engine 10 searches for information based on the time information transferred from the gateway device 11 and the terminal ID 27. Time information is used as a search condition. For example, if you want to know the music information, the database 1 is searched based on the time information, and based on the playlist of each broadcasting station stored in the database 1, the music that was broadcast at each radio station at the time indicated by the time information The title of the song is output.

  In the search in step S16, the search condition is narrowed down using the user registration information in step S10 described above. The database 2 is searched based on the terminal ID 27 transferred from the gateway device 11 and the registration information of the user registered as the terminal ID 27 is output. This registered information is further used as a search condition.

  For example, when searching for a playlist in the database 1, it is specified using the information on the broadcasting station input in the “radio station” column 45 when registering the terminal ID 27 in the bookmark search engine 10 in step S 10 described above. Only playlists from broadcast stations are searched.

  Thus, when the playlist is searched for the target broadcast station (step S17), the search result is returned to the user. That is, the search result in the bookmark search engine 10 is transferred to the gateway device 11. The gateway device 11 displays the transferred search result on a display screen as will be described later, and confirms whether or not the information required by the user has been searched (step S18).

  If the information required by the user is not included in the search result, the information is transferred to that effect from the gateway device 11 to the bookmark search engine 10, and the search is performed again with the search condition changed in step S19. For example, based on the information input in the “postal code” column 43 and the “city code” column 44, all broadcast stations that can be received within the range specified by these information are set as the search conditions. Spread to. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the target of the broadcasting station as a search condition may be expanded to an area adjacent to the area input in the columns 43 and 44, for example.

  In the re-search in step S19, the search condition can be automatically set on the bookmark search engine 10 side. For example, the registration contents registered by the user in the process of step S10 are gradually applied to the search conditions. In addition, the user can directly set the search conditions for the re-search. New search conditions are input to the gateway device 11 by the user. The input search condition is transferred from the gateway device 11 to the bookmark search engine 10.

  Thus, when the information required by the user is searched, the searched information is transferred from the bookmark search engine 10 to the gateway device 11 in step S20. For example, when searching for music information, the audio data of the searched music is transferred from the bookmark search engine 10 to the gateway device 11. The audio data of the music can be stored in the database 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, audio data of a music piece may be requested from another website connected to each other via the Internet, and the audio data may be transferred from the other website.

  The user can store the transferred audio data in, for example, the hard disk 36 of the gateway device 11 and reproduce the audio data by using the audio processing unit 39 and the speaker 90, for example. If the user likes the music of the audio data, the gateway device 11 can be used to communicate with the bookmark search engine 10 to request the purchase of an album (such as a CD) containing the music.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the display screen of the gateway device 11 after step S18. In the upper part of the screen, a user name 51, a terminal ID 27, and an area 52 of user registration information are displayed. In the area 52, the input field is omitted in the registration screen of FIG. In this example, the user registers four broadcast stations, for example, three radio broadcast stations “AAAA”, “BBBB”, and “CCCC”, and one CATV (Cable Television) broadcast station “DDD”. .

  Search results regarding broadcasts of four broadcasting stations by the bookmark search engine 10 based on one time information 53 registered in the book marker 4 are displayed as displays 54, 55, 56 and 57. In this example, the music is broadcast at the time indicated by the time information 53 by the broadcast stations “AAAA”, “BBBB”, and “DDD”. On the other hand, in the broadcast station “CCCC”, advertisements are broadcast. Taking the display 54 indicating the broadcast station “AAAA” as an example, the music broadcasted by the broadcast station “AAA” at the time of the time information 53 is recorded under the broadcast station name and the broadcast frequency band information. The CD jacket image 54A is displayed, the song title and singer name 54B are displayed below it, and the selling price 54C of the CD is displayed.

  Furthermore, buttons 58, 59, and 60 that can be virtually operated by the user interface of the gateway device 11 are arranged below each broadcasting station where the music is broadcast. By operating the button 58, audio data of the music is transferred from the bookmark search engine 10 to the gateway device 11, and is reproduced by the speaker 90 through signal processing of the audio processing unit 39. When the button 58 is operated, the transferred audio data is not stored in a predetermined storage device, for example, the hard disk 36.

  From these jacket image 54A, song name and singer name 54B, song audio data, and the like, the user can select a desired song from among the songs that have been broadcast and searched at each registered broadcast station.

  The button 59 is used, for example, when it is desired to purchase a CD on which the music is recorded. The button 60 is used when, for example, the audio data of the music is downloaded and stored in the hard disk 36, for example. When the user purchases a CD or downloads a song by using the buttons 59 and 60, for example, based on the number entered in the “Card No.” field 46 in FIG. Can be.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the buttons 58, 59 and 60 are not displayed for the advertisement broadcast of the broadcast station “CCCC”, but a button for applying for the purchase of the displayed product is provided separately. It is also possible.

  Further, when the number of registered broadcasting stations is large and cannot be displayed on the screen 50 at a time, information by other registered broadcasting stations can be displayed by operating the button 61.

  In the above description, the book marker 4 is described as a dedicated device for storing time information, but this is not limited to this example. For example, it is easy to give the function of the book marker 4 to a portable communication device such as a mobile phone or a PHS (Personal Handy Phone System). The button 20 can be arranged on the device together with a dial key and the telephone number registered in the device can be used as the terminal ID 27. The function of the button 20 may be realized by a predetermined combination of dial keys. Similarly, it is easy to give the GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver the function of the book marker 4. In addition, when the function of the book marker 4 is given to a device that can detect the position, such as PHS and GPS, the position of the user can be limited. It is possible to perform a more accurate search with.

  Further, a small portable information device called PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) can be used as the book marker 4. In this case, the function of the book marker 4 is provided as software to the PDA, and the PDA virtually operates as the book marker 4.

  Furthermore, as the gateway device 11, a mobile phone that can support a connection service to the Internet can be used. For example, the book marker 4 and a strap for suspending and holding a mobile phone are integrated, and one end of the strap is a connector 22 and the other end is attached to the mobile phone. For example, a connector is provided in a lower part of a mobile phone that can support an Internet connection service so that data to be transferred to the Internet can be input. When transferring the time information stored in the book marker 4 integrated with the strap to the mobile phone as the gateway device 11, the connector 22 at one end of the strap is connected to the connector at the bottom of the mobile phone. Transfer of time information from the gateway device 11 to the bookmark search engine 10 can be easily performed by connecting to the Internet with a mobile phone.

  As a modification of the first embodiment, the button 20 can be realized in software in the gateway device 11. For example, a function of the button 20 for storing time information is assigned to a predetermined key of the gateway device 11 or a predetermined position on the screen. A predetermined icon displayed on the screen may have the function of the button 20. The time information is stored by operating the icon having the function of the button 20 using a pointing device such as a mouse. The terminal ID 27 is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 32, RAM 33 or hard disk 36 of the gateway device 10.

  When the user operates an icon or the like assigned to the gateway device 11 as the button 20, time information indicating the time when the operation is performed is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 or the hard disk 36. The stored time information is read out, and both the time information and the terminal ID 27 are transferred to the bookmark search engine 10 via the communication line 8. The bookmark search engine 10 performs a search based on the transferred information, and the search result is transferred from the bookmark search engine 10 to the gateway device 11 via the communication line 8.

  In the search by the bookmark search engine 10, a unique terminal ID 27 is supplied to each book marker 4 from each book marker 4. By using this terminal ID 27, for example, it is possible to know how many people requested and downloaded which music, and it can be used for market research or the like.

  Next, a more specific example of the above-described book marker 4 will be described. The book marker 4 can take various forms as long as it can store time information at a timing desired by the user.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the book marker 4. As shown in FIG. 11A, in this example, notches 101 and 102 are provided at both ends of the book marker 4. For example, the book marker 4 can be carried in a pendant manner, for example, by passing a string or chain through the notches 101 and 102. A display unit 21 is provided in a substantially central part, and a button 20 is provided in the lower part of the display unit 21.

  The notch 101 side is a cap 103, and a connector 22 for connecting to the gateway device 11 is accommodated in the cap 103. When the cap 103 is pulled upward, as shown in FIG. 11B, the cap 103 is detached from the book marker 4 body, and the connector 22 is exposed. That is, the connector 22 is structured to protrude directly from the book marker 4 body. In this example, the interface 29 of the book marker 4 is assumed to be compatible with USB, and the connector 22 is a USB male connector.

  Since the connector 22 is projected directly from the book marker 4 main body, the book marker 4 and the gateway are inserted by inserting the connector 22 of the book marker 4 main body into the connector (female side) of the interface 37 corresponding to the gateway device 11. The device 11 can be connected. When the USB connector is an A type, it is easy to achieve compatibility when a personal computer is used as the gateway device 11, which is preferable.

  Depending on the structure around the connector of the gateway device 11, there may be a case where the bookmark 4 main body and the gateway device 11 cannot be directly connected, for example, mechanically as described above. Therefore, in this embodiment, a repeater provided with a USB female connector and a connection line to the gateway device 11 is used. This repeater is called a cradle. FIG. 12 shows an appearance of an example of the cradle 110 and shows how the bookmark 4 is attached to the cradle 110.

  The cradle 110 of this example has a hemispherical appearance, and has a structure in which a female connector 111 corresponding to the connector 22 (male side) of the book marker 4 is provided at the apex portion. Of course, the external appearance of the cradle 110 is not limited to a hemispherical shape, and may be any shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped, a quadrangular pyramid, and other complicated shapes. Further, a connection line 112 for connecting to the gateway device 11 is drawn out from the connector 111.

  The connection line 112 is connected to a predetermined connector of the gateway device 11, the connector 22 of the book marker 4 is inserted into the connector 111 of the cradle 110, and the book marker 4 is attached to the cradle 110, thereby storing in the memory 26 of the book marker 4. The time information thus made can be transferred to the gateway device 11.

  On the display unit 21, the number of pieces of time information currently stored in the book marker 4 is indicated by ball-shaped displays 100, 100, 100,. As described above, the book marker 4 can generate the classification information corresponding to the time information by the operation method of the button 20, and can store the time information and the classification information in the memory 26. This classification information can be reflected in the display showing the time information displayed on the display unit 21.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 11, the classification information is expressed by a ball-shaped display 100 displayed as a black circle and a ball-shaped display 100 'displayed as a white circle. For example, the ball display 100 is a display corresponding to the operation of the button 20 based on radio broadcast, and the ball display 100 'is a display corresponding to the operation of the button 20 based on television broadcast. Although illustration is omitted, the display corresponding to the operation of the button 20 based on the outside of the area is also displayed by another display method.

  Of course, the time information is not limited to black circle display and white circle display, and may be displayed by other display methods. For example, the number of cases actually stored may be expressed by numbers. Further, the number of cases already stored in the book marker 4 can be subtracted and displayed.

  The display on the display unit 21 can be changed when the time information stored in the memory 26 of the book marker 4 is transferred to the gateway device 11. FIG. 13 shows an example of display on the display unit 21 during transfer. Note that FIG. 13 is shown with the cap 103 in FIG. 11 described above facing downward. Time elapses in the order of FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C. In FIG. 13A, seven ball-shaped displays 100 and 100 ′, which are displayed, are gradually reduced in number as time passes, and the display is changed so as to be sucked in the direction of the connector 22. Is displayed. As a result, the state in which the data stored in the memory 26 is sucked into the gateway device 11 via the connector 22 and the data is transferred is virtually represented.

  The display at the time of transfer can be performed on the gateway device 11 in the same manner. By providing an audio playback unit in the gateway device 11, it is possible to output audio as the display changes or time elapses during transfer. Furthermore, the actual data transfer is performed in an extremely short time compared with the decrease rate of the display number of the display unit 21, and it is not necessary to correspond the actual transfer rate and the display change rate of the display unit 21. As described above, when transferring the time information stored in the memory 26, the user transfers the time information to the gateway device 11 by changing the display or outputting sound as time elapses. Can be grasped intuitively.

  In addition to the above, various displays can be considered during transfer. For example, the gateway device 11 can display some character. Further, the display of the display unit 21 of the book marker 4 and the display of the gateway device 11 can be linked to continuously display the state in which data is transferred from the book marker 4 to the gateway device 11.

  FIG. 14 shows a modification of an example of the above-described book marker 4. This is an example in which the lower notch portion 102 is not provided in the form of an example of the book marker 4 described above. 14A shows a state where the cap 103 is attached, and FIG. 14B shows a state where the connector 103 is exposed by removing the cap 103. In the example of FIG. 14, the button 20 is configured to be operated by being pushed in from below.

  FIG. 15 shows another modification of the example of the above-described book marker 4. This is an example in which the display of the number of pieces of time information on the display unit 21 is a bar-shaped display 120 in contrast to the above-described example of the book marker 4 (see FIG. 11). FIG. 15A shows a state where the cap 103 is attached, and FIG. 15B shows a state where the connector 103 is exposed by removing the cap 103.

  FIG. 16 shows still another modification of the example of the above-described book marker 4. In contrast to the above-described example of the book marker 4 (see FIG. 11), the notch portions 101 and 102 are not provided, and the non-slip portion 130 made of rubber is provided on the side surface of the book marker 4 main body. Is an example. In this example, the number of pieces of time information is displayed by the area display 131 in the display unit 21. FIG. 16A shows a state in which the cap 103 is attached, and FIG. 16B shows a state in which the cap 103 is removed and the connector 22 is exposed.

  FIG. 17 shows another example of the book marker 4. In this example, the ring 150 is attached to the cap 103 of the book marker 4, and the book marker 4 can be used as a key holder, for example, with the cap 103 attached to the book marker 4.

  The above-described cradle 110 can be applied to the book marker 4 shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 described above.

  FIG. 18 shows another example of the book marker 4. In this example, the book marker 4 is configured in a wristband shape. The display unit 21 is composed of a plurality of lighting units made up of, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that are lit up by the number corresponding to the number of stored time information. All the lighting parts may be turned on in advance, and the lighting parts may be turned off according to the number of stored time information. As for the connector 22, the connection line 140 is drawn from one end of the book marker 4 body, and the connector 22 is provided at the end of the connection line 140. Further, a mechanism capable of fitting the connector 22 is provided at the other end of the book marker 4 main body. By fitting the connector 22 using this mechanism, the whole book marker 4 forms a ring shape.

  FIG. 19 shows another example of the form of the book marker 4. The book marker 4 shown in FIG. 19 is placed on a desk or the like, for example, like a table clock. A button 20 is provided on the upper surface of the book marker 4, and a display unit 21 is provided on the front surface. In this example, the stored time information is displayed in the squares 160 and 160 '. For example, a square 160 shown in black represents time information based on radio broadcasting, and a square 160 'shown in white represents time information based on television broadcasting. The display position is determined at random with respect to, for example, the storage order of the time information. The connector 22 for connecting to the gateway device 11 is provided on the back side (not shown), for example. In the example of FIG. 19, a USB female connector may also be provided on the book marker 4 side, and the gateway device 11 may be connected via a connection line whose both ends are male.

  An upper limit can be set for the number of pieces of time information that can be stored in the book marker 4. For example, in consideration of later search, the upper limit that can be stored is set to several to about ten. At this time, when the number of stored time information reaches the upper limit or when the upper limit approaches, the user may be notified by some method. For example, the book marker 4 may be provided with sound generation means such as a beep sound. When the time information is stored by operating the button 20 using this sound generation means, a warning sound is generated when the remaining number of records is one. When the number of records that can be stored is zero, a warning sound is generated when the button 20 is pressed.

  Further, the sound generated by the sound generation means is not limited to the warning sound described above. For example, a predetermined sound can be generated every time the user operates the button 2 of the book marker 4. In this way, the user can know that the button 20 has been pressed reliably without looking at the display unit 21 of the book marker 4. Further, different sounds can be generated depending on how the button 20 is pressed.

  It is also possible to provide a cancel button on the book marker 4 so that the stored time information can be deleted, for example, in order from the oldest or newest. The stored time information can be selected and deleted.

  Further, the book marker 4 is not limited to the above example, and can be incorporated into various other electronic devices. For example, the book marker 4 can be incorporated into a radio receiver, for example. It can also be mounted on a car stereo system mounted on a car. Of course, the target for incorporating the book marker 4 is not limited to an electronic device. The book marker 4 is preferably incorporated into a device that is used when it is moved or carried.

  Further, in the above description, the book marker 4 is provided with only one button 20 as an operation unit for storing time information, and a plurality of classification flags are generated by pressing the button 20 separately. This is not limited to this example, and a plurality of buttons may be provided on the book marker 4 and different classification flags may be assigned to the buttons. For example, a radio button 20 and a television button 20 'can be provided. In addition, it is possible to generate more types of classification flags by combining a plurality of buttons.

  Moreover, the operation part for memorize | storing time information of the book marker 4 is not restricted to a push button. For example, a rotation switch that switches the contact point by rotating it may be provided, and time information may be stored by operating this rotation switch. A touch sensor that detects human contact can also be used as the operation unit.

  Furthermore, in the above description, the interface between the book marker 4 and the gateway device 11 is used as an interface such as a USB that is configured to transfer data in a computer system, but this is not limited to this example. That is, since the amount of data transferred from the book marker 4 to the gateway device is extremely small, an interface with a slower data transfer rate can be used. For example, it is possible to transfer data using a normal shield line as used in headphones.

  Furthermore, the book marker 4 can also be realized as software on a personal computer. In this case, a personal computer in which the book marker 4 is configured may be prepared separately. However, when the gateway device 11 is a personal computer, the gateway device 11 itself can be used as the book marker 4. Software for realizing the book marker 4 on a personal computer can be obtained by downloading from a communication network such as the Internet. Of course, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed or sold.

  It can also be obtained from another Web site via the bookmark search engine 10 to which the gateway device 11 is connected. Furthermore, the software may be placed on the bookmark search engine 10 and downloaded directly from the gateway device 11. Time information is stored by a user performing a predetermined operation on a personal computer on which software for realizing the book marker 4 is activated.

  Next, an application example of the first embodiment will be described. In the application example of the first embodiment, in addition to the personal computer owned by the user, the above-described information terminal device installed in a retail store or the like and made available to the user is used as the gateway device 11. .

  This information terminal device is installed, for example, in a relatively large CD sales store or a so-called convenience store, and is connected to a predetermined network. The user can obtain selected information by operating according to a menu displayed on the screen of the information terminal device. The obtained information can be obtained, for example, on a screen or as a recording medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM. It is also possible to provide a predetermined interface in the information terminal device and directly transfer the obtained information as data to an information device having a corresponding interface brought by the user. Hereinafter, this information terminal device is referred to as a “kiosk terminal”.

  Since the kiosk terminal can be realized with a configuration substantially similar to the configuration of a general computer as shown in FIG. 7 described above, for example, detailed description of the configuration is omitted. For example, a kiosk terminal has a bus, and a CPU and a memory are connected to the bus. In addition, a display and an input interface for realizing a GUI are connected to the bus, and further, a large-capacity storage medium such as an HDD, a data output unit, a network connection unit, and the like are provided.

  Although illustration is omitted, this kiosk terminal is connected to the bookmark search engine 10 described above. Furthermore, this kiosk terminal is provided with an interface corresponding to the connector 22 provided on the book marker 4 described above, so that data can be transferred between the book marker 4 and the kiosk terminal. By using this kiosk terminal, the user can use the above-described search service using the book marker 4 even if the user does not own or possess the gateway device 11.

  A kiosk terminal can always be connected to a communication line having a higher data transfer rate than a network used in a general home. A storage medium such as a memory or an HDD can be mounted with a larger capacity. Therefore, the user can receive a service different from the case of using a personal computer as the gateway device 11 by using the kiosk terminal.

  For example, a memory having a relatively large storage capacity is mounted on the book marker 4. The book marker 4 is connected to a kiosk terminal, and music data is searched using the kiosk terminal based on the time information stored in the memory 26. On the display of the kiosk terminal, for example, the display as shown in FIG. 10 described above is performed. If the kiosk terminal is provided with voice playback means, by operating the button 58, the music data of the search result can be played and auditioned by the voice playback means of the kiosk terminal.

  Further, by operating the button 60, the music data of the search result can be downloaded to the book marker 4 via the connector 22. At this time, if charging is required for the download, the download can be performed by inserting a predetermined amount into a money slot further provided in the kiosk terminal. The downloaded music data is later transferred by the user to, for example, a personal computer or a dedicated music data playback device. Note that it is preferable that the music data to be downloaded is compression-encoded by a predetermined compression encoding method because the memory capacity and the download time can be saved.

  For example, MP3 (Moving Picture Experts Group 1 Audio Layer 3), ATRAC (Adaptive Tranform Acoustic Coding), and ATRAC2 and ATRAC3, which are further improved from the ATRAC system, can be used as the compression encoding system for music data. The compression encoding method is not limited to these, and PASC (precision adaptive sub-band coding), TwinVQ (trademark), RealAudio (trademark), LiquidAudio (trademark), or the like can also be used.

  At this time, by installing a decoder and sound reproducing means corresponding to a predetermined music data compression and coding system on the book marker 4, it is possible to decode and reproduce the music data downloaded and stored in the memory. Thereby, the user can reproduce and enjoy the downloaded music data using only the book marker 4. As an audio reproducing means, an audio reproducing system using headphones or the like can be considered.

  Note that when music data is directly downloaded to the bookmark 4, there may be a problem of copyright of the downloaded music data. This can be solved by encrypting music data to be downloaded in a predetermined encryption method in advance and incorporating a mechanism for decrypting the encrypted music data in the book marker 4. For example, encrypted music data is decrypted only when it is played back by the book marker 4. Even if the music data downloaded to the book marker 4 is transferred to a personal computer or the like, it cannot be decrypted unless the user has a key for decrypting the encrypted data in a form usable by the personal computer. .

  Furthermore, if the retail store where the kiosk terminal is installed can sell music CDs, the user can purchase music CDs based on the search results based on the time information stored in the book marker 4. For example, an order sheet based on the search result is issued, and the user takes it to the counter and places an order. By incorporating a cart system for transporting music CDs into the kiosk terminal, music CDs based on search results can be directly ejected from the kiosk terminal.

  Next, search of music data based on time information stored in the book marker 4 and purchase of a music CD based on the search result according to the first and second embodiments described above will be described more specifically. 20 and 21 are flowcharts schematically showing a process from when the user obtains the book marker 4 until the music CD is purchased. 22 to 27 show examples of display screens displayed on the gateway device 11 in accordance with the flowcharts of FIGS. 20 and 21. 20 and FIG. 21 are flowcharts showing a continuous process, and “A” and “B” in FIG. 20 indicate that the process shifts to the corresponding location in FIG. 21, respectively.

  In order for the user to use the book marker 4, it is necessary to perform user registration for the book marker 4 that the user owns. In FIG. 20, when the user registration has already been completed in the first step S30, the process proceeds to step S33. If the book marker 4 is held but the user registration has not been completed, the book marker 4 is connected to the gateway device 11 in step S31, and in accordance with a predetermined operation of the gateway device 11 in step S32. User registration is performed. The gateway device 11 may be a personal computer owned by the user or the kiosk terminal described above. When user registration is performed, the process proceeds to step S33.

  If the user is registered for the book marker 4, the button 20 is pressed in step S33 when the user listens to a bookmark operation, that is, a favorite piece of music, and the time information at that time is stored. In response to the book marker 4. As described above, the stored time information is classified according to how the button 20 is pressed (step S34). In the case of storing outside the area registered in the user registration, the button 20 is kept pressed for a predetermined time or more (step S35). If the storage is based on radio broadcast, the button 20 is momentarily pressed only once (step S36). If the storage is based on television broadcasting, the button 20 is pressed twice within a predetermined time (step S37). When the button is pressed as described above, the time information and identification information when the button 20 is pressed and the classification flag classified according to how the button 20 is pressed are stored in the memory 26 of the bookmark 4 in step S38.

  If one or more pieces of time information are stored in the memory 26 of the book marker 4, the stored time information can be swept out of the memory 26 and searched by the bookmark search engine 10 (step S39). If so, the process proceeds to step S40. Further, if it is desired to store time information in the book marker 4, the process returns to step S33.

  As described above, the search using the time information stored in the book marker 4 is performed by connecting the book marker 4 to the gateway device 11 using the personal computer (PC) or kiosk terminal possessed by the user as the gateway device 11. Done in If a search is performed using the personal computer owned by the user as the gateway device 11, the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, the book marker 4 is connected to the personal computer. Furthermore, a personal computer is connected to the Internet, for example, and in step S42, the personal computer is connected to a website that can use the bookmark search engine 10 for searching with the book marker 4.

  The time information stored in the memory 26 of the book marker 4 is transferred from the book marker 4 to the personal computer. FIG. 22 shows an example of the time information selection screen 200 displayed on the personal computer when the time information is transferred to the personal computer. In this example, the time information (1) to (9) stored in the book marker 4 is transferred to the personal computer, and for each of the time information (1) to (9), the date and time when the time information is stored. Are displayed on the displays 201-209.

  The user selects desired information from these displays 201-209. For example, a desired device is selected from the displays 201 to 209 by a pointing device such as a mouse and a cursor display that is moved in the screen in accordance with the movement of the mouse, and is determined by pressing a mouse button. The selected information is transferred from the personal computer to the bookmark search engine 10 together with the terminal ID 27 of the book marker 4. The transfer data has a configuration in which, for example, the terminal ID 27 is used as a header and time information and a classification flag corresponding to the time information are paired.

  In the bookmark search engine 10, based on the transferred time information and the terminal ID 27, the title information of the music broadcast on the broadcast station registered in association with the terminal ID 27 at the time (and date and time) indicated in the time information. Is searched. At this time, corresponding to the transferred classification flag, a search is appropriately performed from the radio station and the television station. When a TV station is targeted for search, the TV broadcast is not limited to music broadcasted on a music program, for example, music used for commercial broadcasting, music used as a theme song or insertion song for a drama program, Can be searched.

  When the classification flag is a flag indicating that the area is out of the area, it is broadcast in a broadcasting station outside the range based on the user's area information registered in association with the terminal ID 27, for example, based on the user's postal code. Is the target of the search.

  The search result obtained by the bookmark search engine 10 is transferred to a personal computer. FIG. 23 shows an example of a search result display screen 210 displayed on the personal computer based on the transferred search results. In this example, in FIG. 22 described above, the user selects time information (2) on the display 202, and the bookmark search engine 10 searches for music information based on the selected time information (2). Music information 211, 212, and 213 obtained as a result of the search are displayed.

  That is, at 12:00 am on October 18, 1999 shown in the time information (2), the music information 211, 212, and 213 is transmitted from the broadcast station “AAAA”, the broadcast station “ABCD”, and the broadcast station “BBBB”, respectively. It is obtained as a search result that the music shown in is broadcast. It is highly likely that the user listened to any of these songs and operated the button 20 of the book marker 4 at the time indicated by the time information (2).

  When the user operates the button 20 of the book marker 4, the operation of the button 20 is not always performed at the moment that the user likes to hear. It is fully conceivable that the button 20 is operated after the music is over. For this reason, it is more preferable that the bookmark search engine 10 has a slight margin for the broadcast time of music when searching for music information. In this case, for example, music information for two songs is displayed as indicated by a display 217.

  The user looks at the display of the music information 211, 212, and 213 on the search result screen 210, listens at the time indicated by the time information (2), and determines whether there is a music stored in the book marker 4. (Step S43). When the user wants to listen to the music, the LISTEN button 214 arranged in the display of the music information 211, 212, and 213 is operated (step S45). When the LISTEN button 214 is operated, a preview screen 220 for previewing the music, which is shown as an example in FIG. 24, is displayed.

  That is, when the LISTEN button 214 is operated, which button 214 is operated among the display portions of the music information 211, 212, and 213 is transferred from the personal computer to the bookmark search engine 10. Here, for example, it is assumed that the LISTEN button 214 of the music information 212 is operated. In the bookmark search engine 10, based on the transferred information, the database 1 searches the music CD information on which the music is recorded. The searched music CD information is transferred to the personal computer, and as shown in the sample listening screen 220, for example, accompanying information of the music CD such as a song name recorded on the music CD is displayed on the CD information display unit 221. Listed and displayed.

  In the example of FIG. 24, an operation unit for controlling the reproduction of music is arranged on the right side of the CD information display unit 221. By operating the PLAY button 222, the music corresponding to the operated LISTEN button 214 can be auditioned. When the user operates the PLAY button 222, information indicating that is transmitted to the bookmark search engine 10. For example, music data is stored in the database 1 of the bookmark search engine 10, and music data corresponding to the selected music information is transferred from the bookmark search engine 10 to the personal computer.

  Note that the music data may be transferred from another Web site connected to the book Kirk search engine 10 via a network.

  The user, for example, listens to the transferred music data using the audio reproduction means 39 and the speaker 90 provided in the personal computer (step S46). In FIG. 24, the operation unit 223 is a volume slider for adjusting the volume of the reproduced sound. Also, in the trial listening, it is preferable to limit the length of the music to be played out of the music performance time, for example, to play back for 15 seconds from the beginning or the main part of the music.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 21, it is determined whether or not there is a desired song in step S43, and then the sample music is auditioned in step S45. You may make it judge. If the desired music information is not obtained as a search result in step S43, for example, as shown in step S44, the search conditions can be set manually to obtain the music information.

  The user desires to purchase desired music from the music information 211, 212, and 213 as search results (step S47). This is performed based on the result of the trial listening in step S46 or directly from the displayed music information 211, 212, and 213. As will be described later, the music is purchased by, for example, purchasing a music CD on which the music is recorded. Not limited to this, the purchase of music units is also possible.

  If the purchase of the music is not performed immediately, the purchase of the music can be suspended (step S48), and the search result can be stored. When the purchase of the music is put on hold, the music information of the search result can be stored in the website of the bookmark search engine 10 (step S49). By operating the SAVE button 215 in each piece of music information 211, 212, and 213 on the search result screen 210, and operating the SAVE button 224 on the piece of music information display screen 220, for example, the terminal in the database 2 in the bookmark search engine 10 The music information of the search result is stored together with the user information such as ID27.

  When the SAVE button 215 or the SAVE button 224 is operated, a save screen 230, an example of which is shown in FIG. 25, is displayed, and the music information 231 saved by the operation is displayed and the music saved by the user is displayed. Information is shown in a list. By operating the Listen button 233 on the storage screen 230, the corresponding music can be auditioned. Further, by operating the Buy button 232, it is possible to instruct the purchase of the corresponding music. Further, by operating the Delete button 234, the corresponding music information can be deleted from the storage screen 230, and the storage of the music can be canceled.

  By operating the BUY button 216 on the search result display screen 210, the BUY button 225 on the preview screen 220, or the Buy button 232 on the save screen 230, it is possible to instruct the purchase of the corresponding music piece. The information of the music for which purchase is instructed is associated with the user information such as the terminal ID 27 and is temporarily stored in a predetermined memory area of the bookmark search engine 10 (step S50). This memory area is called a shopping cart.

  FIG. 26 shows an example of the shopping cart screen 240 that displays the contents of the shopping cart. A list 241 is displayed of information on the music CD that the user wishes to purchase and the music CD stored in the shopping cart and the music CD on which the music is recorded. The user can select a store where the music CD is actually purchased from the shopping cart screen 240 (step S51). In this example, a plurality of dealers that can order music CDs on the network are registered, and the buttons 242A, 242B, and 242C are operation buttons for moving to the respective dealers' websites. Yes. By operating these buttons 242A to 242C, the user can move to a website of a favorite store and purchase a music CD.

  Although illustration is omitted, by operating the button 243, an editing screen for adding and deleting a registered music CD store can be displayed.

  As an example, an example in which the button 242C is operated will be described. When the button 242C is operated, the bookmark search engine 10 is moved to the “CDSHOP C” website (step S52). FIG. 27 shows an example of a purchase screen 250 when moving to the “CDSHOP C” website. In this example, the purchase screen 250 is vertically divided into two, the upper side is the website screen 251 of the bookmark search engine 10, and the lower side is the website screen 252 of “CDSHOP C”.

  The data stored in the shopping cart of the book marker search engine 10 is transferred to the “CDSHOP C” website as it is, and displayed in the purchased product list 253. The user determines whether or not the price is appropriate based on the price information of each music CD displayed in the list 253 (step S53). If it is determined that the price is appropriate, the music displayed in the list 253 in step S54. Instruct the purchase of a CD. For example, by operating the BUY buttons 254A, 254B, 254C, and 254D, the corresponding music CD can be ordered and purchased from “CDSHOP C”. The payment is made by, for example, registering the user's credit card number in “CDSHOP C” in advance and withdrawing the card.

  If the presented price is not appropriate in step S53 described above, the process ends. In addition, as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 21, it is possible to return to the shopping cart screen 240 and select a different store.

  On the other hand, when the kiosk terminal is selected in step S40 described above, the user connects the book marker 4 to a predetermined connection terminal of the kiosk terminal via the connector 22 (step S55). The time information, identification information, classification flag, and terminal ID 27 stored in the book marker 4 are transferred from the book marker 4 to the kiosk terminal. The kiosk terminal searches for music information based on the transferred information, uses a predetermined GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on the display of the kiosk terminal, presents the search results to the user, and listens to the music. In addition, it confirms whether or not it intends to purchase a music CD.

  When the desired music and music information are found (step S56), it is determined in step S53 described above whether the price of the music CD on which the music is recorded is appropriate. If appropriate, the user purchases the music CD in step S54. In this case, it is assumed that the kiosk terminal is installed in, for example, a CD store. Therefore, if the desired music is searched and the title or CD number of the music CD on which the music is recorded is known, The music CD can be purchased as it is, just as a music CD is purchased at a CD store.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the search target in the bookmark search engine 10 is only the music broadcast by radio broadcasting and television broadcasting. In the second embodiment, in the television broadcasting, The search target is a product broadcast in a commercial.

  FIG. 28 shows an example of the configuration of a search system according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 28, the same reference numerals are given to portions common to the configuration of FIG. 2 described above, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the second embodiment, since an item broadcasted by commercial broadcasting is a search target, an advertiser 500 exists. Further, it is conceivable that the advertiser 500 requests the production of a commercial broadcast to the advertising agency 502, for example, and the advertising agency 502 provides the commercial to the broadcasting station 12.

  The advertiser 500 has a Web site 501 on the Internet that introduces the products that the advertiser 500 advertises with the above-mentioned commercials and that allows the accessing user to purchase the products. The Web site 501 can be accessed from the gateway device 11.

  On the other hand, in the bookmark search engine 10, the database 1 in FIG. 2 described above is a broadcast content database 1 ', and the database 2 is a customer database 2'. In the broadcast content database 1 ′, for example, a play list in which the broadcast time of a program broadcast on the broadcast station 12 is recorded is stored. In the playlist, only information related to commercials broadcast on the broadcast station 12 may be described.

  The broadcast content database 1 ′ further stores the URL of the above-described advertiser 500 website 501 and the advertiser name, which is the name of the advertiser 500, in association with the above-described playlist. Stores the name of the product associated with and advertised in the commercial. That is, by searching the broadcast content database 1 ′ using the broadcast time as a key, the advertiser 500 is advertised with the name of the advertiser 500, the URL of the website 501 of the advertiser 500, and the commercial broadcast at the key broadcast time. Product names can be obtained as search results.

  In the customer database 2 ′, the terminal ID 27 for each book marker 4 and the user data of the book marker 4 are stored as in the first embodiment. Further, the customer database 2 ′ can further store information related to user preferences, such as user favorite radio stations and television programs registered by the terminal ID 27.

  In the second embodiment, the bookmark search engine 10 is provided with an interface 503 that can easily update predetermined information stored in the broadcast content database 1 ′ from the outside. For example, the advertiser 500 can update information regarding commercials provided by the advertiser 500 in the playlist stored in the broadcast content database 1 ′ via the interface 503. The update by the advertiser 500 may be performed via the advertising agency 502. Also, the playlist regarding the content broadcast by the broadcast station 12 can be updated by the broadcast station 12 via the interface 503.

  Such an interface 503 can be configured, for example, by a database management system that restricts access to the broadcast content database 1 ′ via a predetermined filter for external access. It is more preferable that the interface 503 has a GUI in which an external client permitted to access the broadcast content database 1 ′ can easily update the contents of the broadcast content database 1 ′.

  In such a configuration, the user operates the button 20 of the book marker 4 and broadcasts time information to the memory 26 of the book marker 4 when a commercial that wants to know information or a commercial that interests the user is broadcast by television broadcasting. Remember me. Later, the user connects the book marker 4 to the gateway device 11 and transfers the time information stored in the memory 26 from the bookmark 4 to the gateway device 11 together with the terminal ID 27 and the like. These time information and terminal ID 27 are further transferred from the gateway device 11 to the bookmark search engine 10.

  The bookmark transfer engine 10 confirms the user based on the transferred terminal ID 27 and searches the broadcast content database 1 ′ based on the time information. The name of the advertiser 500, the URL of the website 501 of the advertiser 500, the name of the product broadcast on the commercial, and the like obtained by searching the database 1 'are transferred to the gateway device 11.

  The user broadcasts at the time indicated by the time information stored in the book marker 4 based on the transferred information such as the name of the advertiser 500, the URL of the advertiser 500's Web site 501 and the name of the product broadcast on the commercial. Necessary information can be obtained about the commercials that have been made. In addition, since the URL of the website 501 of the advertiser 500 can be known, the gateway device 11 is used to access the website 501 to obtain more detailed product information, or for other products handled by the advertiser 500. Information can be obtained.

  Further, if the Web site 501 is configured so that the product can be purchased, the user can order the product from the gateway device 11 to the advertiser 500.

  Further, if information about user preferences is stored in the customer database 2 ′, the advertiser 500 can know the preferences of users who have accessed the website 501 by searching the customer database 2 ′. It is possible to provide relevant information to the user.

  In the example of the first embodiment described above, when the button 20 is pressed twice within a predetermined time, the classification flag becomes compatible with the television broadcast, and the bookmark search engine 10 uses the television broadcast. Storage of time information can be determined. By utilizing this, it is possible to make the search system according to the second embodiment of the present invention compatible with the music data search system according to the first embodiment described above.

  For example, the book marker 4 is provided with a first operation unit that stores time information by radio broadcasting and a second operation unit that stores time information by television broadcasting, and the second operation unit is pushed and separated. Then, a classification flag related to music and a classification flag related to commercial are generated. The bookmark search engine 10 determines whether the user wants to know the information of the music used in the commercial or the information of the product advertised in the commercial even with the time information in which the broadcast time of the commercial is stored. It becomes possible.

  In the second embodiment, there is a possibility that money flows between the advertiser 500, the broadcast station 12, the bookmark search engine 10, and the user. FIG. 29 schematically shows the flow of money generated in the second embodiment.

  First, an advertisement broadcasting fee M1 is generated between the broadcasting station 12 and the advertiser 500. The advertisement broadcasting fee M1 moves from the advertiser 500 to the broadcasting station 12. Further, when the user accesses the Web site 501 of the advertiser 500 and purchases a product based on the information obtained by the bookmark search engine 10, a service fee M2 of the bookmark search engine 10 is generated. The service fee M2 moves from the advertiser 500 to the bookmark search engine 10. With the information obtained from the bookmark search engine 10, the service fee M <b> 2 can be moved even when the user simply accesses the Web site 501. Furthermore, when the user accesses the Web site 501 using information obtained from the bookmark search engine 10 and purchases the product of the advertiser 500, the user pays the product price M1 to the advertiser 500.

1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an information search system according to the present invention. It is a basic diagram which shows an example of a structure of the music data search system by the 1st Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows an example of a play list. It is a basic diagram which shows an example of the external appearance of the auxiliary terminal by the 1st Embodiment, ie, a book marker. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the book marker by the 1st Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of the time information memorize | stored in memory of a book marker. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a gateway device. An example of the display of the registration screen of the user and the book marker owned by the user by the gateway device is shown. It is a flowchart of an example of the content search process by this invention. It is a basic diagram which shows an example of the display screen of the gateway device by the 1st Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the form of an example of a book marker. It is a basic diagram which shows a mode that a cradle is mounted | worn with the external appearance of an example of a cradle. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of a display of the display part at the time of transfer of time information. It is an approximate line figure showing a modification of an example form of a book marker. It is a basic diagram which shows the other modification of the form of an example of a book marker. It is a basic diagram which shows the further another modification of the example of a form of a book marker. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of the other form of a book marker. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of the further another form of a book marker. It is a basic diagram which shows another example of the form of a book marker. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the process from a user obtaining a book marker until purchasing a music CD. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the process from a user obtaining a book marker until purchasing a music CD. It is a basic diagram which shows an example of the time information selection screen displayed on a personal computer when time information is transferred to the personal computer. It is a basic diagram which shows an example of the search result display screen displayed on a personal computer based on the transferred search result. It is a basic diagram which shows an example of the trial listening screen for previewing a music displayed on a personal computer. It is a basic diagram which shows an example of the preservation | save screen for preserve | saving music information displayed on a personal computer. It is a basic diagram which shows an example of the shopping cart screen which displays the content of a shopping cart. It is a basic diagram which shows an example of the purchase screen at the time of moving to the web site which can purchase a music CD. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an example of the search system by the 2nd Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows roughly the flow of the money which generate | occur | produces in the 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Database for storing playlists by broadcast media 2 Database for storing information related to content 3 Search engine 4 Book marker (auxiliary terminal)
5 Location information 6 Broadcasting station information 7 Time information 10 Bookmark search engine 11 Gateway device 20 Book marker input unit 21 Display unit 22 Connector 25 CPU
26 Memory 27 Terminal ID
28 Timer 29 Interface 31 CPU
37 Interface 38 Communication means 40 Registration screen 103 Cap 110 Cradle 200 Time information selection screen 210 Search result display screen 220 Audition screen 230 Storage screen 240 Shopping cart screen 250 Purchase screen 500 Advertiser 501 Website 502 Advertising agency 503 Interface

Claims (18)

In a search system for searching related information of broadcasted music content,
A first operation unit;
Counting of the count value is started when the first operation unit is operated, counting of the count value is continued until the count value is transferred to the external device, and automatically when the external device is connected A counter that transfers a counter value to an external device, resets the counter value after the counter value is transferred to the external device, and stops the counting operation;
A communication device having
A display control unit for controlling the display;
A playback unit for playing music data;
A second operation unit;
A timer that outputs the current time,
An operation time calculation unit that calculates the operation time when the first operation unit is operated by going back from the current time output by the timer by a time corresponding to the count value;
A first communication unit for transferring the operation time;
An external device having
A storage unit that stores the related information of the broadcasted music content and the broadcast time of the music content in association with each other;
A database for storing song data ;
Based on the operation time calculated by the operation time calculation unit, a search unit that searches the storage unit for related information of the content broadcast at the operation time, and the related information searched by the search unit is transferred to the external device . A second search unit having a second communication unit,
The display control unit displays information indicating that the related information transferred from the second communication unit and music data corresponding to the related information can be auditioned,
The first communication unit requests transfer of music data corresponding to the related information when an area corresponding to information indicating that the music data can be auditioned is operated by the second operation unit. Transfer the request information to the search device,
The search unit searches the database for music data corresponding to the request information,
The second communication unit transfers the music data searched by the search unit to the external device ,
The retrieval system, wherein the reproduction unit reproduces the music data transferred from the second communication unit. The search system according to claim 1,
The search device further includes a storage unit that stores desired broadcast station information corresponding to the user identification information,
The communication device transfers user identification information together with the count value to the search device via the external device ,
The search unit searches for desired broadcast station information from the storage unit based on the user identification information transferred via the external device by the communication device , and at a broadcast station corresponding to the desired broadcast station information, A search system for searching related information of music contents broadcast at the operation time. The search system according to claim 1,
The search device further includes a storage unit that stores a zip code corresponding to the user identification information,
The communication device transfers user identification information together with the count value to the search device via the external device ,
The retrieval unit retrieves the zip code from the storage unit based on the user identification information transferred by the communication device, and the music content broadcast at the operation time at a predetermined broadcasting station corresponding to the zip code A search system that searches related information. The search system according to claim 1,
The search system, wherein the search unit searches the title information of the music broadcast at the operation time as the related information. The search system according to claim 1,
The search system in which the music data reproduced by the reproduction unit is limited in the length of reproduction of the musical performance time. The search system according to claim 1,
The display control unit is capable of purchasing music related to the related information together with information indicating that the related information transferred from the second communication unit and music data corresponding to the related information can be auditioned. Display information showing
A search system for instructing the purchase of a music piece when an area corresponding to information indicating that the music piece can be purchased is operated by the second operation unit. In a search method for searching related information of broadcasted music content,
In the communication device, starts counting of the count value when the first operation unit is operated to continue the count of the counter value until the count value is transferred to the external device, when connected with the external device automatically to the counter value is transferred, automatically when the counter value is connected counted counter value by the counter for resetting the counter value after being transferred to the external device counter operation is stopped and the external device Forward,
In the external device , the operation time when the first operation unit is operated is calculated by going back from the current time output by the timer by the time corresponding to the transferred count value,
In search device, based on the calculated the operation time, and the broadcast time information about the musical composition contents are associated with the accumulation of broadcasted music content related information broadcasted music content to the operation time Search from the storage unit, transfer the searched related information to the external device ,
In the external device , display the related information transferred and information indicating that the music data corresponding to the related information can be auditioned,
When the area corresponding to the information indicating that the song data can be auditioned is operated by the second operation unit, the request information for requesting the transfer of the song data corresponding to the related information is transferred to the search device,
In the search device, the music data corresponding to the request information is searched from a database, the searched music data is transferred to the external device ,
A search method for reproducing the transferred music data in the external device . In a search program for causing a computer device to execute a search method for searching related information of broadcast content,
The above search method is
In the communication device, starts counting of the count value when the first operation unit is operated to continue the count of the counter value until the count value is transferred to the external device, when connected with the external device automatically The counter value is automatically transferred when the counter value is transferred to the outside and the counter value counted by the counter is reset after the counter value is transferred to the outside and connected to the external device. Forward,
In the external device , the operation time when the first operation unit is operated is calculated by going back from the current time output by the timer by the time corresponding to the transferred count value,
In search device, based on the calculated the operation time, and the broadcast time information about the musical composition contents are associated with the accumulation of broadcasted music content related information broadcasted music content to the operation time Search from the storage unit, transfer the searched related information to the external device ,
In the external device , display the related information transferred and information indicating that the music data corresponding to the related information can be auditioned,
When the area corresponding to the information indicating that the song data can be auditioned is operated by the second operation unit, the request information for requesting the transfer of the song data corresponding to the related information is transferred to the search device,
In the search device, the music data corresponding to the request information is searched from a database, the searched music data is transferred to the external device ,
A search program for reproducing the transferred music data in the external device . A storage unit for storing the related information of the broadcasted content and the broadcast time of the content in association with each other, and a database for storing the music data, and the related information stored in the storage unit based on the broadcast time In a communication device for transferring information for calculating the broadcast time to be searched and transferred to a search device for searching music data from the database to an external device ,
A first operation unit;
Starts counting a count value when said first operation unit is operated, the count value is continuously counting counter value to be transferred to the external device, automatically when it is connected to the external device the counter value is transferred, the counter in which the counter value is reset to counting the count value after being transferred to the external device is stopped,
A communication device comprising: a communication unit that automatically transfers a count value counted by the counter when connected to the external device. The related information stored in the storage unit based on the broadcast time, the storage unit storing the related information of the broadcasted music content and the broadcast time of the music content in association with each other, and the database storing the music a communication method for retrieval and transfer information for calculating the broadcast time to transfer the search device for searching the music data from the database to an external device,
In the communication device, starts counting of the count value, the count value is continuously counting counter value to be transferred to the external device is connected to the external device when the first operation portion is operated automatically counter value is transferred, when the counter value is connected to the count value counted by a counter counting operation resets the count value after being transferred to the external device is stopped and the external device automatically communicate how to transfer to. The related information stored in the storage unit based on the broadcast time, the storage unit storing the related information of the broadcasted music content and the broadcast time of the music content in association with each other, and the database storing the music In a communication program for causing a computer device to execute a communication method in which a communication device transfers information for calculating the broadcast time to the external device and the information for calculating the broadcast time transferred to the search device that searches for music data from the database.
The above communication method is
In the communication device, starts counting of the count value, the count value is continuously counting counter value to be transferred to the external device is connected to the external device when the first operation portion is operated automatically counter value is transferred, when the counter value is connected to the count value counted by a counter counting operation resets the count value after being transferred to the external device is stopped and the external device automatically communication programs that transfer to. In a search device for searching related information of broadcasted music content,
A database for storing song data ;
Starts counting of the count value when the first operation unit is operated, the count value continues counting until the counter value is transferred to the external device, automatically counter value when it is connected to the external device count but is transferred, the counter value is automatically transferred when connected with the external device from the communication apparatus having a counter counting resets the count value after being transferred to the external device is stopped The external device receives the value, and the operation time calculation unit operates the first operation unit by going back from the current time output by the timer that outputs the current time by the time corresponding to the count value. and calculating the operation time, and transfers the computed the operation time, based on the transferred operation time, the related information of the broadcast content to the operation time to search than the storage unit test And parts,
The relevant information retrieved by the upper Symbol search unit and a communication unit for transferring to the external device,
When the search unit receives request information requesting to listen to music data corresponding to the related information from the external device after the related information is transferred, the search unit searches the database for music data corresponding to the request information. ,
The communication device, wherein the communication unit further transfers the music data searched by the search unit to the external device. The search device according to claim 12 , wherein
Furthermore, it has a storage unit for storing desired broadcast station information corresponding to the user identification information,
The search unit searches for desired broadcast station information from the storage unit based on user identification information transferred from the communication device via the external device, and at the broadcast station corresponding to the desired broadcast station information, A search device for searching related information of music contents broadcast at an operation time. The search device according to claim 12 , wherein
Furthermore, it has a storage unit for storing a zip code corresponding to the user identification information,
The retrieval unit retrieves the zip code from the storage unit based on user identification information transferred by the communication device via the external device, and at a predetermined broadcasting station corresponding to the zip code at the operation time. A search device for searching related information of broadcasted music content. The search device according to claim 12 , wherein
The search device, wherein the search unit searches the title information of the music broadcast at the operation time as the related information. The search device according to claim 12 , wherein
The search device in which the music data to be reproduced by the reproduction unit is limited in the length of reproduction of the musical performance time. In a search method for searching related information of broadcasted music content,
Counting of the count value starts when the first operation unit is operated, continues counting until the count value is transferred to the outside, and automatically transfers the counter value when connected to an external device The counter value is automatically transferred when connected to the external device from a communication device having a counter that resets the count value and stops the count operation after the counter value is transferred to the outside. The device receives the signal, and the external device operates the first operation unit by going back from the current time output by the timer that outputs the current time by the operation time calculation unit by a time corresponding to the count value. and calculating the operation time, and transfers the computed the operation time, transferred on the basis of the operation time, musical piece container broadcast-related information of the broadcast musical piece content to the operation time Tsu related information and to a broadcast time corresponding to music piece content searched from the storage unit to be stored in the communication unit transfers the retrieved the related information to the communication device,
After the transfer of the related information, upon receiving the request information that requests the preview of the music data corresponding to the related information from the external device searches search unit music data corresponding to the request information from the database ,
A search method in which the communication unit further transfers the searched music data to the external device . In a search program for causing a computer device to execute a search method for searching for related information of broadcasted music content,
The above search method is
Counting of the count value starts when the first operation unit is operated, continues counting until the count value is transferred to the outside, and automatically transfers the counter value when connected to an external device The counter value is automatically transferred when connected to the external device from a communication device having a counter that resets the count value and stops the count operation after the counter value is transferred to the outside. The device receives the signal, and the external device operates the first operation unit by going back from the current time output by the timer that outputs the current time by the operation time calculation unit by a time corresponding to the count value. and calculating the operation time, and transfers the computed the operation time, transferred on the basis of the operation time, musical piece container broadcast-related information of the broadcast musical piece content to the operation time Tsu related information and to a broadcast time corresponding to music piece content searched from the storage unit to be stored in the communication unit transfers the retrieved the related information to the communication device,
After the transfer of the related information, upon receiving the request information that requests the preview of the music data corresponding to the related information from the external device searches search unit music data corresponding to the request information from the database ,
A search program in which the communication unit further transfers the searched music data to the external device .

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