JP4818387B2 - Interactive television system, broadcasting device, television receiving device, and response server device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention uses, for example, a currently broadcast text multiplex broadcasting and receiving device, and enables interactive collection and exchange of information meaningful to advertisers and general users, a broadcasting device, and a television receiving device. And a response server device.

  An interactive television system (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2) has been developed by associating a text multiplex broadcasting facility, a text multiplex broadcast receiving apparatus, a telephone line, and a server.

  In an interactive television system, a broadcasting station transmits radio waves by superimposing digital data on a specific horizontal line in a vertical blanking period of a television signal. As the contents of the digital data, there are actual data such as a program (script) for performing data processing and a character code. On the other hand, the television receiver receives the digital data and stores the script data in the program RAM of the internal data processing unit. For actual data, data processing based on a script is performed. The data processing result is processed by the display control unit and displayed as a questionnaire result, product information (price, sales period, etc.), weather forecast, stock information, and the like.

JP-A-9-98401 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-237234

  In the conventional interactive television system, TV shopping, provision of weather forecast information, and provision of various questionnaire results are performed as usage forms. However, when trying to further expand the usage range for the program provider (sponsor), there is a lack of functionality.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an interactive television system, a broadcasting device, a television receiving device, and a response server device that can further improve the utility value for sponsors and general viewers.

In order to achieve the above object, an interactive television system according to the present invention includes a broadcasting apparatus that broadcasts an interactive-related signal related to a product or service together with a main program signal, and the main program signal broadcast from the broadcasting apparatus. And the interactive related signal is received, a program based on the main program signal and a plurality of selection buttons based on the interactive related signal are displayed, and when the user selects any of the plurality of selection buttons, the selection button A television receiver for transmitting selection information and user identification information (user ID) via a communication line, and the user ID and the selection transmitted from the television receiver via the communication line Based on the information, each selection is based on at least the time when the selection information is selected or transmitted. ; And a response server apparatus for generating information representative of the Tan access volume, the broadcast apparatus, a main program signal generator for generating the main program signal, and interactive related signal generator generating the interactive-related signal A synthesizing unit that synthesizes the main program signal and the interactive related signal, and a transmitting unit that performs transmission processing on the synthesized main program signal and interactive related signal and transmits the processed signal to the television receiver. The television receiving device includes a receiving unit that receives the main program signal and the interactive related signal transmitted from the broadcasting device, and a display process for displaying a program based on the main program signal. A main program signal processing unit for performing a main program signal, and a plurality of signals based on the interactive-related signal An interactive related signal processing unit that performs display processing for displaying the selection button on the interactive related signal, a display unit that displays the program and the plurality of selection buttons, and the user displays on the display unit An instruction input unit capable of inputting a selection instruction to a plurality of selected buttons, and a selection instruction from the instruction input unit to any one of the plurality of selection buttons displayed on the display unit An interactive control unit that transmits selection information of the selection button and the user ID to the response server device via the communication line, the response server device from the television receiving device. A receiving unit that receives the selection information and the user ID transmitted via the communication line, and the received selection information and user ID. And an information analysis unit that generates information representing the access volume of each selection button based on at least the time when the selection information is selected or transmitted, and the response server device uses the use A transfer unit that transfers the user ID to the broadcast device according to the content of the selection information based on the user ID and the selection information, and the interactive related signal generation unit in the broadcast device has the user ID When transferred, the user ID transferred is multiplexed on the generated interactive related signal, and the interactive control unit in the television receiving device, the user ID multiplexed on the received interactive related signal And the user ID of the user are compared, and if both user IDs match, To perform display processing for the interactive-related signal thus received to the blanking-related signal processing unit.

The broadcast apparatus according to the present invention receives a broadcast apparatus that broadcasts an interactive related signal related to a product or a service together with a main program signal, and the main program signal and the interactive related signal broadcast from the broadcast apparatus. A plurality of selection buttons based on the program based on the main program signal and the interactive related signal are displayed, and when a user selects any of the plurality of selection buttons, selection information on the selection button and user identification information A television receiver that transmits (user ID) via a communication line, and at least the selection information based on the user ID and the selection information transmitted from the television receiver via the communication line. Information indicating the access volume of each selection button based on the time when is selected or transmitted A broadcast apparatus for use in an interactive television system comprising a response server device for generating a main program signal generating unit for generating the main program signal and an interactive related signal generating unit for generating the interactive related signal A synthesizing unit that synthesizes the main program signal and the interactive related signal, and a transmitting unit that performs transmission processing on the synthesized main program signal and interactive related signal and transmits the processed signal to the television receiver. And the response server device further includes a transfer unit that transfers the user ID according to the content of the selection information based on the user ID and the selection information. Is transferred from the response server device to the generated interactive related signal. By multiplexing the user ID, and characterized by performing a specific service to the user of the television receiver corresponding with the user ID.

The television receiver according to the present invention also includes a broadcast device that broadcasts an interactive related signal related to a product or service together with a main program signal, and the main program signal and the interactive related signal broadcast from the broadcast device. Receiving a program based on the main program signal and a plurality of selection buttons based on the interactive-related signal, and when the user selects any of the plurality of selection buttons, the selection information of the selection button and the user A television receiver that transmits identification information (user ID) via a communication line, and at least the user ID and the selection information that are transmitted from the television receiver via the communication line. Access volume of each selection button based on the time when selection information is selected or transmitted A television receiver for use in an interactive television system comprising a response server device for generating information to be represented, wherein the receiver receives the main program signal and the interactive-related signal broadcast from the broadcast device. And a display process for displaying a plurality of selection buttons based on the interactive related signal, and a main program signal processing unit that performs a display process for displaying the program based on the main program signal with respect to the main program signal An interactive related signal processing unit for performing the interactive related signal, a display unit for displaying the program and the plurality of selection buttons, and a user selecting the plurality of selection buttons displayed on the display unit. One of an instruction input unit capable of inputting an instruction and a plurality of selection buttons displayed on the display unit When there is a selection instruction from the instruction input unit for the selection button, the interactive control unit transmits the selection information of the selection button and a preset user ID to the response server device via the communication line. And the response server device further includes a transfer unit that transfers the user ID to the broadcast device according to the content of the selection information based on the user ID and the selection information. However, when the interactive related signal generation unit multiplexes the user ID transferred from the response server to the generated interactive related signal, the interactive control unit uses the multiplexed multiplexed information on the received interactive related signal. If the user ID is compared with the user ID of the user, and the two user IDs match, the interactive To perform the display processing for the interactive-related signal thus received to the associated signal processing unit, characterized in Rukoto.

The response server device according to the present invention receives a main program signal, a broadcast device that broadcasts an interactive related signal related to a product or service, and the main program signal and the interactive related signal broadcast from the broadcast device. And displaying a program based on the main program signal and a plurality of selection buttons based on the interactive-related signal, and when the user selects any of the plurality of selection buttons, selection information and user identification of the selection button A television receiver for transmitting information (user ID) via a communication line, and at least the selection based on the user ID and the selection information transmitted from the television receiver via the communication line The access volume of each selection button is displayed based on the time when the information is selected or transmitted. The response server device used in an interactive television system comprising a response server device for generating information, wherein the selection information transmitted from the television receiver device via the communication line and the user Information representing the access volume of each selection button based on at least the time when the selection information is selected or transmitted based on the received selection information and user ID based on the received selection information and user ID And an information analysis unit that generates a transfer unit that transfers the user ID to the broadcasting device according to the content of the selection information based on the user ID and the selection information transmitted from the television receiver. comprising the door, in the interactive television system, in the broadcast system, when the user ID is transferred, this The user ID and broadcast included in the interactive-related signal, and performs specific service for the corresponding user of the television receiver having the user ID.

  In the interactive television system, broadcasting apparatus, television receiving apparatus, and response server apparatus configured as described above, as a program provider, any advertisement selection button is accessed at what time zone among the plurality of advertisement selection buttons. Can be understood. This grasping information becomes a wide range. As a result, the program provider (advertiser) can recognize what product or genre the general viewer (consumer) is interested in at what time zone. In other words, market research can be conducted quickly and extensively.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the response server device further includes a transfer unit that transfers the user ID to the broadcasting device according to the content of the selection information based on the user ID and the selection information, When the user ID is transferred, the interactive related signal generation unit in the apparatus multiplexes the transferred user ID in the generated interactive related signal, and the interactive control unit in the television receiving apparatus When the user ID multiplexed on the received interactive related signal is compared with its own user ID and the two user IDs match, the interactive related signal processing unit displays the received interactive related signal on the interactive related signal It is characterized by making it carry out.

  According to the above configuration, a unique service can be provided to each individual viewer in the interactive television system.

  According to the interactive television system, the broadcasting device, the television receiving device, and the response server device according to the present invention, further utility value can be improved for the sponsor and the general viewer.

The figure which shows the whole information processing method using the interactive television system of this invention. The figure which shows the example of a screen in the television receiver which concerns on this invention. The figure which similarly shows the example of a screen in the television receiver which concerns on this invention. The figure which similarly shows the example of a screen in the television receiver which concerns on this invention. The figure which similarly shows the example of a screen in the television receiver which concerns on this invention. Explanatory drawing shown in order to demonstrate the operation example in the television receiver which concerns on this invention. The figure shown in order to demonstrate the example of information analysis in the response server which concerns on this invention. Explanatory drawing shown in order to demonstrate the further another operation example in the television receiver which concerns on this invention. Explanatory drawing shown in order to demonstrate the whole operation example in the system of this invention. The figure shown in order to demonstrate the further another example of the information analysis in the response server which concerns on this invention. The figure shown in order to demonstrate the further another example of the information analysis in the response server which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows an example of the format of the IT related signal utilized with the system of this invention. The figure which shows the other example of the format of the IT related signal utilized with the system of this invention. Explanatory drawing shown in order to demonstrate the other example of the whole operation | movement in the system of this invention. The figure which shows other embodiment of the system of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is an interactive multiplex broadcasting system of complementary information display type that realizes a bidirectional function.

  Broadly classifying networks using the above-described television systems, the networks are classified into broadcasting stations 100, television receivers 200 owned by many viewers, response servers 300, and network service stations 400.

  The main functional blocks of the broadcasting station 100 are described as follows. That is, a main program processing unit 101 for processing a main program signal acquired from a recording medium or a TV camera, a character multiplexed signal processing unit 102 for generating and processing a character multiplexed signal, and an interactive (IT) related signal processing unit 103 Exists. When character multiplex broadcasting is performed when the main program is broadcast, the character multiplex signal is inserted in a predetermined period of the main program signal in the combining unit 105 based on the control of the controller 104. The output signal of the synthesizer 105 is modulated by the transmitter 106 and transmitted as a radio wave via the antenna 107.

  Further, when an interactive related signal is broadcast, an IT related signal (script) is inserted in a predetermined period of the main program signal in the combining unit 105 based on the control of the controller 104. Then, similarly to the case of the character multiplexed signal, the signal is modulated by the transmitter 106 and transmitted as a radio wave via the antenna 107. Here, the entire bit stream of additional information inserted in the data transmission period within the vertical blanking period (VBL) is simply referred to as a script. Therefore, the script includes a header, a form, a resource, a program part (script body), and the like.

  Next, main functional blocks of the television receiver 200 are described as follows. That is, the television signal of the reception channel selected by the antenna 201 and the tuner 202 is supplied to the main program signal processing unit 203, the character multiplexed signal processing unit 204, and the IT related signal processing unit 205. The main program signal processing unit 203 performs various types of processing, brightness / color adjustment, sound processing, and the like on the television signal of the main program, and outputs the result to the image composition unit 206. The output of the image composition unit 206 is given to the display unit 207 and displayed as an image.

  The character multiplexed signal is extracted by the character multiplexed signal processing unit 204, constructed as a display signal, and supplied to the image synthesis unit 206. The IT related signal is processed in the IT related signal processing unit 205.

  The IT-related signal processing unit 205 can store in the program memory a program body that performs data processing in order to realize interactiveness with the viewer. When actual data is transmitted after storing the program, data processing according to the processing procedure of the program can be performed. Furthermore, data input from the viewer through the remote controller 210 can also be processed based on the program. Furthermore, when actual display data is transmitted, the actual display data is processed and supplied to the image composition unit 206 so that the actual display data can be reflected on the display unit 207. it can. In addition, data in response to a viewer operation can be reflected on the display unit 207.

  The operation signal of the remote controller 220 is taken into the main controller 209 via the remote controller receiver 208. The main controller 209 performs data processing according to the operation signal and the command content of the internal program or the program sent from the outside. For example, normal television receiver control such as channel selection, and further data processing based on interactive functions.

  In the data processing based on the interactive function, data decided in advance according to the operation content is transmitted to a network or a telephone line via a modem (modulation demodulator). For example, a response signal for market research, a product order signal by TV shopping, and the like are transmitted.

  In addition, the television receiver 200 is provided with, for example, an ID processing unit 211 for processing a unique signal. Here, the ID signal included in the IT-related signal and the unique ID signal that is owned are not matched. Can be determined. The ID is an identification number assigned in advance to the interactive television receiver 200. Therefore, when the television receiver 200 transmits information to the response server, its own ID (user ID) is added to the data for transmission.

  The response server 300 receives and demodulates the signal sent through the network or telephone line by the modem 301. Data taken from the modem 301 is taken into the various information analysis units 302. In the various information analysis units 302, extraction of personal information based on the ID, tabulation of response data in market research, statistical processing, and analysis of response time zones are performed.

  There are various types of personal information. For example, the viewer's address, telephone number, postal code, gender, and ID assigned to the viewer. If only the ID is extracted from the personal information, the detailed personal information can be grasped. For example, information on the subscribers of the IT system is registered in the viewer database unit 303 by applying in advance. Therefore, for example, accompanying information such as an address and a telephone can be grasped only by transmitting the viewer ID.

  Here, data to be transmitted from the response server 300 to the broadcasting station 100 or the network service unit (mail order company, advertising company, database company, etc.) 400 is processed by the feedback processing unit 304 and is transmitted via the modem 305 to the network. Alternatively, the data is transmitted to the broadcasting station 100 or the network service unit 400 via a telephone line.

  The main controller 306 determines what information is sent out of the information acquired by the various information analysis units 302. The main controller 306 uses the sponsor database 307 in which requests from sponsors are accumulated, determines information requested by the sponsors, and requests information from various information analysis units 302 based on the determination results. Can be extracted and transferred to the feedback processing unit 304. The feedback information processing unit 304 includes not only simply transferring the extracted data to the modem 305 but also various applications for processing the extracted data into a form according to the sponsor's request.

  The broadcasting station 100 receives information transmitted through a network or a telephone line via the modem 108. Then, the received information is sent to the IT related signal processing unit 103 and reflected in the IT related information to be broadcast.

  For example, if a quiz problem is issued as an IT system, an answer is collected from the viewer, and the answer is fed back to the viewer, the answer signal of the quiz problem is broadcast as an IT-related signal. The answer signal is reflected as an image in the television receiver 200.

  At this time, a database of correct answerers (viewers) such as addresses is transmitted together with the correct answerer IDs to the sponsor information part of the network service part 400. Thereby, the correct answerer can receive a free gift or the like at a later date.

  Furthermore, in this system, the problem of the next step can be provided only to the correct person. This is possible when the response server 300 recognizes the correct person (for example, recognition by ID) and transmits the ID to the broadcast station 100. In this case, the IT-related signal processing unit 103 of the broadcasting station 100 can transmit the problem data attached with the correct answerer ID when transmitting the next problem. On the other hand, in the television receiver 200, when data with an ID attached is received, the data is reflected on the display unit only when the ID processing unit 211 operates and has the same user ID as the transmitted ID. It can be done.

  The system of the present invention described above has the following features.

  (1) In the system of the present invention, the response server 300 includes various information analysis units 302. In the various information analysis units 302, when the user accesses the IT-related signal in the television receiver 200. Such information can be analyzed. (2) In the system of the present invention, the user ID can be transmitted from the response server 300 to the broadcast station 100. For this reason, the broadcasting station 100 can designate a specific one of the television receivers 200 and perform an individual service. Further, the ID receiver 211 is provided in the television receiver 200 so that this service can be used.

  The advantages of the above (1) and (2) are further clarified by an operation example of the system of the present invention described below.

  An example using the system of the present invention will be described by showing a screen of a television receiver.

  FIGS. 2 to 5 show examples of a screen 500 that displays a video by selecting a channel on which a program name “24 hours open square” is broadcast, for example. On the first screen of this program, for example, a menu appears as shown in FIG. 2, and a plurality of company names or brand names of products are displayed on this screen. Here, if the user operates the remote control and clicks on an item called “GK”, which is a confectionery manufacturer, for example, as shown in FIG. At the same time, a click button for proceeding to the next step guide screen appears.

  For example, click buttons such as “present”, “campaign”, and “FAX” appear as buttons. “Present” is used, for example, in a program in which the sponsor collects questionnaire information, or the sponsor provides a quiz problem and presents a questionnaire to respondents or quiz correct answerers. In the example of FIG. 3, the “present” button is clicked on the second hierarchy screen. Then, on the third hierarchy screen, a screen with questionnaire survey guidance and benefits appears. Here, when the viewer clicks the start button, the screens of question 1, question 2,... Appear one after another, and the viewer responds to the question by a button selection method. On the second screen from the end, a button indicating whether or not to apply for a present appears. When the viewer clicks on a button indicating that a present is applied, a thank-you comment appears on the last screen.

  The example of FIG. 4 shows an example in which a button “mail order” meaning mail order is clicked on the second hierarchy screen. In this case, when the “mail order” button is clicked, the name of the item being sold appears on the third layer screen. If the viewer clicks a button with the product name “GK watch”, the content appears on the next fourth layer screen. When the “Next” button is clicked, the screen is changed to the fifth layer screen, where a more detailed product name in the GK watch set is presented. Here, when the user clicks the button of the desired product name, the price guidance appears and the sixth hierarchy screen for inputting the order quantity appears.

  Clicking on the price guide button will bring up a screen with more detailed description such as detailed price information and product delivery period. Clicking the “Apply” button on the sixth layer screen will bring up a screen for confirming the product name and quantity that have been applied. If you specifically click the button "Order" here, the final screen will appear and a thank you comment will be displayed.

  An example of FIG. 5 will be described. In this example, the button “FAX” is clicked on the second hierarchy screen. At this time, it is used when the sponsor provides detailed product information by FAX. On the third tier screen, for example, a comment appears that detailed information on various campaigns conducted by the sponsor is sent by FAX. Then, when the user clicks the “Apply” button, the fourth layer screen appears, and an inquiry screen asking which telephone number the user wishes to send by fax appears. When the user specifies a phone number, the final screen is displayed, and a thank-you comment and notes appear in the comment.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a flowchart of a program that is executed when the television receiver 100 receives the above-described program “24-hour open space open” and enters the IT-related signal display mode. On the screen, a plurality of company names (sponsor names) are displayed. This program is broadcast for 24 hours. Now, when the user clicks the company selection button of any company, the code of the company and the time information at the time of operation are collected (steps A1, A2, A3). Time information is taken from a clock circuit built in the television receiver 100.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the operation on the final screen has been completed (step A4). If it has been completed, the user ID and the destination server telephone number are further combined with the company code and time information and sent to the modem 210. The modem 210 matches the data to be transmitted with a predetermined transmission information format, and connects the telephone line to the response server 300 using the telephone number of the destination server. Thereby, the company code and the time information at the time of access are transmitted (steps A5 and A6).

  In the above description, it is described that time information is transmitted from the television receiver 200. However, when information is transmitted from the television receiver 200 side in the response server 300, the time information at that time is stored in the own time. If there is a function to capture from the timer, there is no need to transmit time information from the television receiver 200.

  When the user clicks on the company name and performs the operation described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, the process proceeds to step A7 via step A6 to determine whether or not there is a button operation. When there is a button operation, operation information on the hierarchical screen on which the button is displayed is accumulated in the buffer memory of the IT related signal processing unit 205 (step A8). When there is an operation on the final screen, the process proceeds to step A5 so that the stored information is transmitted with the company code added (step A9). Thereby, the processing of the contents described in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 such as the product order and the questionnaire response is realized.

  FIG. 7 is an example in the case where the information on the company 2 transmitted as described above is analyzed by the various information analysis units 302 of the response server 300. FIG. 7A shows an example in which the number of times (or volume) of the selection button of company A is accessed is analyzed based on time. In this example, many accesses are made in the time zone from 12:00 to 14:00 and 22:00. It has been shown.

  FIG. 7 (B) shows the access amount (volume) based on the age group that accessed the company 2, and it is shown that there are very many people in their 40s to 50s as the people who accessed it. . FIG. 7C shows the result of analysis based on the zip code indicating in which area many people have accessed. It shows that there are many people who have accessed areas C, D, E, and J (volume is large). Such information analysis can be easily analyzed by an application stored in the program memory of the information analysis unit 302 of the response server. In FIG. 7C, the zip code is used to classify the area, but it may be based on the telephone area code or based on the registered address (prefecture, city, etc.).

  The information analyzed in this way is transferred to the company of the desired network service unit 400 via the modem 305, the network or the telephone line. Also in this case, the telephone number of the company registered in advance in the response server 300 is used. The questionnaire information and product order information accumulated in steps A7 to A10, which is the processing routine of FIG. 6, can also be transmitted to a desired company via the modem 305, the network, or the telephone line.

  The above example is an example in which a plurality of company names are displayed on the menu screen to investigate which company is accessed in what time zone, but it is not necessarily limited to such a usage method. Is not limited. For example, even a single company can collect access information regarding various products handled by the company.

  As shown in FIG. 8, on the first hierarchy screen, for example, a plurality of product names handled by the company 1 may be displayed, and access information of each product may be collected. In this case as well, a processing procedure similar to the processing procedure of FIG. That is, the product code of the company and the time information at the time of operation are collected (steps B1, B2, B3).

  Next, it is determined whether or not an operation on the final screen has been performed (step B4). If the operation has been performed, the product ID and time information are combined with the user ID and the destination server telephone number. Is sent to the modem 210. The modem 210 matches the data to be transmitted with a predetermined transmission information format, and connects the telephone line to the response server 300 using the telephone number of the destination server. Thereby, the product code and the time information at the time of access are transmitted (steps B5 and B6).

  Furthermore, when the user clicks on the product name and performs a questionnaire response operation as described in the fourth and subsequent layers of FIG. 3, the process proceeds to step B7 via step B4, and the button operation is performed. Judge whether there was. When there is a button operation, operation information on the hierarchical screen on which the button is displayed is accumulated in the buffer memory of the IT related signal processing unit 205 (step B8). When there is an operation on the final screen, the process proceeds to step B5.

  When the operation described above with reference to FIG. 6 is performed, (1) for a company (sponsor or advertiser), market research can be performed in a wide range. The results of market research can be obtained immediately. In addition, since it is possible to broadcast an IT television program in cooperation with a plurality of companies (sponsors or advertisers), it is possible to conduct market research at a low price that also serves as an advertisement. Furthermore, by conducting 24-hour broadcasting, it is possible to analyze access volume based on region, analysis of access volume based on time, and analysis of access volume based on age and gender. Can be obtained.

  For information operators such as response servers and broadcasting stations, it is possible to raise operating funds from a number of companies (advertisers and sponsors) at once. In addition, since the information of a plurality of companies is handled, it is possible to cover a wide range of user's hobbies and preferences, which is effective for expanding users.

  Further, (2) the system of the present invention is devised so that the ID is effectively used and only a specific television receiver can process the IT related information. By adding this function, IT-related information can be used more effectively.

  For example, in the case of a method in which only the correct answer remains in a long quiz program using IT-related information and the incorrect answerer drops out, it is necessary to provide a problem to the TV of the incorrect answer forever. Absent. Therefore, in this system, it is possible to take measures so that the quiz problem can be viewed only with the correct receiver's television receiver. However, the television receiver of the wrong answerer only provides the quiz problem using the IT-related signal and can watch the main program.

  FIG. 9 shows an extracted function unit for realizing the program as described above. That is, identification numbers ID-1, ID-2, ID-3,... Are assigned to the television receivers 200A, 200B, 200C,. The program will broadcast a quiz problem. Assume that the viewer of each television receiver has answered. This answer information is transferred to the response server 300 together with the ID via the network. Here, various information analysis units 302 in the response server 300 are provided with individual ID processing units 311 corresponding to the programs. The individual ID processing unit 311 extracts the correct answerer and transfers the correct answerer ID to the broadcasting station 100 via the network.

  On the other hand, the broadcast station 100 is also provided with an individual ID processing unit 111. In the individual ID processing unit 111, the correct answerer ID is multiplexed and transmitted on the IT related information of the quiz program being broadcast. Then, on the television receiver side, the transmitted ID is compared with the user ID owned by the television receiver, and the description of the next quiz problem can be displayed only when they match. This is designed to display a quiz problem only when the pre-transfer script (program) compares the user ID and the transmission ID when the ID is transmitted from the broadcasting station, and matches. Because.

  Although the response server 300 has a function of extracting the user ID of the correct answerer from among the quiz answerers, the viewer database 303 includes various personal attribute information. It is also possible to recognize the phone number of the correct person, to recognize the postal code of the correct answerer, to recognize the address of the correct answer, to recognize the sex of the correct answer, to recognize the age of the correct answer.

  Therefore, classification of user IDs based on telephone numbers and postal codes, classification of user IDs based on gender, classification of user IDs based on age groups, and the like are also possible.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a classification table provided in the various information analysis units 302 of the response server 300. For example, if user IDs are classified based on a zip code, it is possible to classify each user area. Furthermore, even if the user ID is classified based on the station number of the telephone number, it is possible to classify by user area.

  Therefore, if it is intended to provide IT-related signal information only to users in a specific area, the following signal processing may be performed. That is, the user ID of the selected area is transferred from the response server 300 to the broadcasting station 100, and the broadcasting station adds the transferred ID signal to, for example, attribute information of the IT related signal and broadcasts. Then, the receiver is set so that the IT-related information can be displayed only when the transmission ID extracted from the attribute information and the user ID owned by the receiver are compared and matched. As a result, it is possible to provide services using IT-related signals to users in a specific area.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10C, user IDs based on age groups can be classified based on the viewer database. By using such a table, it becomes possible to provide information services of IT-related signals that differ for each registered age group. Furthermore, user IDs can be classified based on gender information, and it is possible to provide information services of IT related signals according to gender.

  Furthermore, with this system, individual services can be performed based on the user ID. Therefore, when market research information such as a questionnaire is sent from the receiver, the contents of the survey It is also possible to analyze hobbies and preferences.

  For example, items such as cars, homes, land, home appliances, books, hospitals, sports equipment, clothing, and groceries are broadcast along with the main program so that the selection buttons are displayed, and the selection information is collected by the response server. . In the information analysis unit, the hobby preference of the user can be recognized by analyzing the number of accesses of each item based on the user ID that has made a response.

  FIG. 11 shows a simple table for accumulating response information from users when investigating what fields and products each user is interested in based on the user ID. An example is shown. It is analyzed that the user X1 is interested in the car, the user X2 is interested in the land and the house, and the user X3 is interested in the sports equipment. When accumulating such data, the questionnaire survey method as described above displays a plurality of items (select buttons) on the screen, collects response information from the user, and based on the user ID. This is possible by classifying the response information.

  In this case, when further information regarding the product corresponding to the button selected by the user is requested, the ID of the user can be transmitted to the broadcasting station. The broadcast station recognizes the user ID and transmits the guide information as IT related information so that the user can see more detailed information on the television receiver.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the format of an IT related signal created by the IT related signal processing unit 103 of the broadcast station 100. Attribute information exists after the header, and actual data exists after the attribute information. The header indicates that the subsequent data is an IT-related signal. When the television receiver detects this header, the data is stored according to a predetermined rule. In the header, the existence start location of the attribute information and the existence start location of the actual data are described by the number of bytes from the head. The total number of bytes is also described. As the attribute information, type information indicating whether the actual data is text data, image control information, a program, etc., valid time information indicating a period of using the actual data, a user ID, Other information is described. When this IT-related signal is multiplexed with a television signal, the IT-related signal is appropriately divided and multiplexed within a range that falls within the horizontal scanning period within the vertical blanking interval. Therefore, the divided data units exist as digital data having a framing code at the head during the horizontal scanning period.

  As described above, for example, all 0 is transmitted as the user ID in the attribute information when the user is not specified. In the television receiver 200, when a user ID (transmission ID) is transmitted, the user ID and the transmission ID held by the user are compared, and the program is set so that the actual data is used only when they match. Has been. This program is also transmitted from a broadcasting station.

  In the above method, when specifying a user, the user ID is described as attribute information. However, when specifying many users (for example, a unit of a certain age group, a certain region, etc.), all users are specified. It may take time to transmit the ID. In such a case, a large number of user IDs may be transmitted as actual data.

  FIG. 13 shows an example in which text data, image control information, a program, and user ID discrimination information are used as information indicating the type of actual data in the attribute information. If the type of actual data is a user ID, a large number of user IDs can be inserted into the actual data for transmission.

  When such actual data is transmitted and the television receiver detects the attribute information and recognizes that the user ID has been transmitted, the television receiver can identify itself in each user ID in the actual data. It is detected whether or not the same ID exists. When the same transmission ID as the own ID exists, the program is set to use the actual data of the IT-related signal transmitted next. At this time, a user specifying flag (for example, all “1”) indicating that the user is specified is described in the attribute information, and only the receiver having the matching ID can use the actual data. The program is set. In the related signal that allows all users to utilize the actual data, the user identification flag is all “0”. According to the method of FIG. 13, a large number of users can be specified at one time.

  According to the information analysis result of the response server 300, the system according to the present invention transmits a user ID based on the result to the broadcast station 100 from the response server 300, so that the user who can use the IT related signal as described above. Various selections can be switched. For this reason, it is possible to provide various services using IT-related signals.

  As a further development of the above-described usage pattern, the following operation is also possible.

  For example, in a program with a quiz problem, it is possible to change the icon display of the part that the user has accessed once and answered (for example, masking, changing the display color, or describing that it has been answered). , It is possible to prevent the user from re-accessing unconsciously. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unnecessary data transfer and improve the reliability of collected data.

  Further, it is possible to make a program structure in which the part that has been accessed and answered once proceeds to a step different from the first when it is accessed again. Alternatively, it is possible to change the display example of the part that has been accessed and answered once to another one. For example, when company 1 is accessed and answered, the icon that was company 1 so far is changed to the user as company 2.

  The above operation is a result of the user ID being expanded by being analyzed by the response server and fed back to the broadcast station.

  In addition, the unique service may be canceled after a certain period. This is effective when a temporary service is performed.

  FIG. 14 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is devised so that IT programs can be easily provided simultaneously to users of different languages such as the whole world or the United States. In this embodiment, for example, when the language designation information is sent from the television receiver 200A to the response server 300 along with the switching of the language mode, the individual ID processing unit 311 of the response server 300 performs the following processing. I do.

  In other words, the user ID that has designated the language is transmitted to the broadcasting station 100 through a network such as the Internet or a telephone line. In this case, language designation information is also transmitted. Then, the IT-related signal processing unit 103 of the broadcasting station 100 inserts text data in the designated language into the real data area shown in FIG. 12 or 13 and transmits the user ID of the transmission destination. To do. Then, in the television receiver 200A of the user who designates the language, a questionnaire comment and a quiz question according to the language used by the user are provided.

  By effectively utilizing the user ID in this way, it is possible to expand the range of utilization of a wider variety of IT television systems.

  The idea of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

  Furthermore, the utility value can be greatly expanded by adding a little memory to the television receiver 200 or using an existing memory free space so that various services are possible.

  That is, FIG. 15 shows an example in which a telephone number memory 231, a zip code memory 232, an age and sex memory 233 are further added to the television receiver 200. A viewer can freely input a zip code, a telephone number, an age, and a gender to these memories by a remote controller.

  On the other hand, the broadcasting station 100 is provided with an individual service function. That is, the IT-related signal processing unit 103 is provided with, for example, a distribution area setting unit 131, where a distribution destination of information by data broadcasting can be specified. That is, for example, assuming that a telephone number is used, the following occurs. When a city number is transmitted as attribute information, a television receiver having a telephone number including the city number is identified, and data broadcast in accordance with the city number is identified in the identified television receiver. You can watch the broadcast. This is possible because the program procedure with pre-transmitted scripts is so constructed. That is, the program procedure of the script is constructed so that the broadcasted data is decoded only when the transmitted city number and the city number owned by itself match.

  When such a method is adopted, different broadcast programs can be viewed in different areas even on the same broadcast channel. In the above example, the telephone number is used as a parameter, but the same processing can be performed using the postal code as a parameter.

  The above embodiment can be easily realized by adding a memory for storing personal information to the television receiver 200. Also, from the broadcasting station side, it is possible to manage the television receivers for each group without using a response server.

  Thereby, for example, a delivery area of a newspaper can be specified, and individual information provision for each area can be realized as a commercial. In order to be able to provide a more precise individual service, it is possible to construct a system that combines the embodiment of FIG. 15 with the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 14.

  For example, when market research is performed using a menu screen as shown in FIG. 2, the menu screen can be displayed with different contents or partially overlapping contents for each area. This can be freely set according to the market size desired by the sponsor or the survey requester.

  As described above, the first major feature of the present invention is described. In the television receiver, an application program for performing data processing using data transmitted together with the television signal from the broadcasting station is constructed, A plurality of advertisement selection buttons are displayed on the screen based on the data or the television signal, and when any one of the plurality of advertisement selection buttons is selected by an external operation, the button selection information is displayed. , Stored in association with at least the selection button for advertisement selected together with the time information, and stored information including the stored button selection information and user identification information is transmitted via a transmission line.

  The information analyzing means of the response server responding to this uses the stored information transmitted to the access volume of each selected advertisement selection button based on at least the selected time zone or the transmitted time. Process that is clarified. As a result, market research for many items (company) can be provided at a low price and in a wide range and immediately.

  In addition, to describe the second significant feature of the present invention, in the television receiver, an application program for performing data processing using transmission data transmitted together with the television signal from the broadcasting station is constructed, A selection button is displayed on the screen based on data or the television signal, and when the selection button is selected by an external operation, the button selection information is transmitted together with user identification information through a transmission line. Yes. In response to this, the information analyzing means of the response server transmits the user identification information corresponding to the selection information to the broadcast station according to the content condition of the transmitted button selection information. In response to this, the broadcasting station transmits the new transmission data including the user identification information so that the new transmission data is processed only in a specific television receiver. As a result, interactive broadcast data services can be individually provided to specific users.

  As for the third feature point, a certain memory area is secured for the television receiver so that the telephone number or the postal code, and the age and gender can be stored therein. The side can perform service management for each aggregate as in each area or age group.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Broadcasting station, 103 ... IT related signal processing part, 200 ... Television receiver, 205 ... IT related signal processing part, 207 ... Display part, 211 ... ID processing part, 210 ... Modem, 300 ... Response server, 301 ... Modem, 302... Various information analysis unit, 304... Feedback information processing unit, 205.

Claims (15)

A broadcasting device for broadcasting an interactive related signal related to a product or a service together with a main program signal;
Receiving the main program signal and the interactive-related signal broadcast from the broadcasting device, displaying a program based on the main program signal and a plurality of selection buttons based on the interactive-related signal, and any one of the plurality of selection buttons A television receiver that transmits selection information of the selection button and user identification information (user ID) via a communication line,
Based on the user ID and the selection information transmitted from the television receiver via the communication line, access of each selection button is based on at least the time when the selection information is selected or the time when the selection information is transmitted. A response server device that generates information representing the volume ,
The broadcasting device is:
A main program signal generator for generating the main program signal;
An interactive related signal generation unit for generating the interactive related signal;
A combining unit that combines the main program signal and the interactive-related signal;
A transmission unit that performs transmission processing on the synthesized main program signal and interactive-related signal and transmits the processed signal to the television receiver;
With
The television receiver is
A receiver for receiving the main program signal and the interactive-related signal transmitted from the broadcasting device;
A main program signal processing unit for performing display processing for displaying a program based on the main program signal on the main program signal;
An interactive related signal processing unit that performs a display process for displaying a plurality of selection buttons based on the interactive related signal on the interactive related signal;
A display for displaying the program and the plurality of selection buttons;
An instruction input unit capable of inputting selection instructions to the plurality of selection buttons displayed on the display unit by the user;
When there is a selection instruction from the instruction input unit for any one of the plurality of selection buttons displayed on the display unit, the selection information of the selection button and the user ID are sent to the communication An interactive control unit for transmitting to the response server device via a line;
With
The response server device is:
A receiving unit for receiving the selection information and the user ID transmitted from the television receiver via the communication line;
An information analysis unit that generates information representing an access volume of each selection button based on at least a time when the selection information is selected or transmitted based on the received selection information and a user ID;
With
The response server device further includes a transfer unit that transfers the user ID to the broadcast device according to the content of the selection information based on the user ID and the selection information.
The interactive related signal generation unit in the broadcasting device, when the user ID is transferred, multiplexes the transferred user ID on the generated interactive related signal,
The interactive control unit in the television receiver compares the user ID multiplexed on the received interactive related signal with its own user ID, and if both user IDs match, the interactive related signal processing An interactive television system , wherein a display process is performed on the received interactive-related signal . The response server device, interactive television according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer section for transferring the company corresponding to the selection button corresponding to a result of analyzing the selection information of the selection button via the network John System. A broadcast apparatus that broadcasts an interactive related signal related to a product or service together with a main program signal, the main program signal and the interactive related signal broadcast from the broadcast apparatus, and a program based on the main program signal and the A plurality of selection buttons based on the interactive related signal are displayed, and when the user selects any of the plurality of selection buttons, the selection information of the selection button and the user identification information (user ID) are displayed on the communication line. A television receiving device that transmits the selected information, and at least a time when the selected information is selected or transmitted based on the user ID and the selected information transmitted from the television receiving device via the communication line. A response server device that generates information representing the access volume of each selection button based on time A the broadcast apparatus for use in interactive television systems Bei,
A main program signal generator for generating the main program signal;
An interactive related signal generation unit for generating the interactive related signal;
A combining unit that combines the main program signal and the interactive-related signal;
A transmission unit that performs transmission processing on the synthesized main program signal and interactive related signal and transmits the signal to the television receiver ;
When the response server device further includes a transfer unit that transfers the user ID according to the content of the selection information based on the user ID and the selection information.
The interactive related signal generation unit multiplexes the generated interactive related signal with the user ID transferred from the response server device to the television receiver of the corresponding user having the user ID. A broadcasting apparatus characterized by providing a unique service to the broadcasting apparatus. The selection button is a button for selecting a language of display content based on an interactive-related signal. When the button for selecting the language is selected, the response server device selects a language by the transfer unit. If you transfer your user ID,
The interactive associated signal generator, according to claim 3, wherein the multiplexing and language information based on the language in which the selected and the user ID transferred from the response server device interactively related signal the generating Broadcasting equipment. The response server device further analyzes user selection information by analyzing the selection information of the selection button by the information analysis unit, and a user ID corresponding to the content of the selection information and the user by the transfer unit When transferring the characteristic information corresponding to the ID,
4. The broadcasting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the interactive related signal generation unit multiplexes the transferred user ID with an interactive related signal that matches the characteristic information transferred from the response server apparatus. The broadcasting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the interactive related signal generation unit sets attribute information for designating a distribution area of the interactive related signal to be generated. A broadcast apparatus that broadcasts an interactive related signal related to a product or service together with a main program signal, the main program signal and the interactive related signal broadcast from the broadcast apparatus, and a program based on the main program signal and the A plurality of selection buttons based on the interactive related signal are displayed, and when the user selects any of the plurality of selection buttons, the selection information of the selection button and the user identification information (user ID) are displayed on the communication line. A television receiving device that transmits the selected information, and at least a time when the selected information is selected or transmitted based on the user ID and the selected information transmitted from the television receiving device via the communication line. A response server device that generates information representing the access volume of each selection button based on time A said television reception apparatus for use in interactive television systems Bei,
A receiving unit for receiving the main program signal and the interactive-related signal broadcast from the broadcasting device;
A main program signal processing unit for performing display processing for displaying a program based on the main program signal on the main program signal;
An interactive related signal processing unit that performs a display process for displaying a plurality of selection buttons based on the interactive related signal on the interactive related signal;
A display for displaying the program and the plurality of selection buttons;
An instruction input unit that allows a user to input selection instructions for a plurality of selection buttons displayed on the display unit;
When there is a selection instruction from the instruction input unit for any one of the plurality of selection buttons displayed on the display unit, selection information of the selection button and a preset user ID, And an interactive control unit that transmits the response server device to the response server device via the communication line ,
The response server device further includes a transfer unit configured to transfer the user ID to the broadcasting device according to the content of the selection information based on the user ID and the selection information, and the broadcasting device includes the interactive association When multiplexing the user ID transferred from the response server to the generated interactive related signal by the signal generation unit,
The interactive control unit compares the user ID multiplexed on the received interactive related signal with its own user ID, and if both user IDs match, the interactive related signal processing unit receives the received interactive television receiver, characterized in Rukoto to perform the display processing for the associated signal.   8. The television receiver according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of selection buttons are selection buttons for receiving provision of interactive related signals from different companies. 8. The television receiver according to claim 7 , wherein the selection button is a button for selecting a language of display content based on an interactive-related signal. When the broadcast device sets attribute information for designating a distribution area of an interactive related signal to be generated by the interactive related signal generation unit,
The interactive control unit compares a delivery area specified by the attribute information of the received interactive related signal with a preset self area, and if both areas match, the interactive related signal processing unit receives the reception area. The television receiver according to claim 7, wherein display processing is performed on the interactive related signal. A broadcast apparatus that broadcasts an interactive related signal related to a product or service together with a main program signal, the main program signal and the interactive related signal broadcast from the broadcast apparatus, and a program based on the main program signal and the A plurality of selection buttons based on the interactive related signal are displayed, and when the user selects any of the plurality of selection buttons, the selection information of the selection button and the user identification information (user ID) are displayed on the communication line. A television receiving device that transmits the selected information, and at least a time when the selected information is selected or transmitted based on the user ID and the selected information transmitted from the television receiving device via the communication line. A response server device that generates information representing the access volume of each selection button based on time A the response server apparatus for use in interactive television systems Bei,
A receiving unit for receiving the selection information and the user ID transmitted from the television receiver via the communication line;
An information analysis unit that generates information representing an access volume of each selection button based on at least a time when the selection information is selected or transmitted based on the received selection information and a user ID ;
Based on said user ID and said selection information transmitted from the television receiver, the user ID includes the <br/> a transfer unit that transfers the broadcasting device in accordance with the contents of the selection information ,
In the interactive television system, when the user ID is transferred, the broadcasting device broadcasts the user ID by including the user ID in the interactive related signal, and the corresponding user ID having the user ID is broadcast. A response server device that performs a unique service for a television receiver . A database storage unit in which the address, postal code, name, gender, and telephone number of the user corresponding to the user ID are registered in advance;
The information analysis unit is a process in which an access volume of the selected selection button is clarified based on any one or a combination of the user's address, postal code, name, gender, and telephone number. response server apparatus according to claim 1 1, wherein the performing. The transfer unit, when the button for selecting the language in the television receiver has been selected, according to claim 1 1, wherein the transfer of user ID has been selected language to the broadcast device Response server device. Response server apparatus according to claim 1 1, wherein that the transfer unit further comprises transferring the company corresponding to the selection button corresponding to a result of analyzing the selection information of the selection button via the network. The information analysis unit further analyzes the selection information of the selection button to obtain user characteristic information,
It said transfer unit includes a user ID corresponding to the contents of the selection information, the response server according to claim 1 1, wherein the characteristic information corresponding to the user ID, wherein the transfer to the broadcast system.

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