JP5582907B2 - Information distribution apparatus and information distribution method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information distribution apparatus and an information distribution method, and more particularly to a technique for distributing information related to data broadcasting contents to a viewer through a facsimile.

  Data broadcasting such as BS, CS data broadcasting, terrestrial digital data broadcasting and the like is becoming widespread, and various programs are provided to viewers through these transmission media.

  On the other hand, there is a demand for viewers to temporarily store various information related to the contents of such data broadcasting. For example, cooking recipes introduced in cooking programs, places and telephone numbers of restaurants, entertainment commercial facilities, etc. introduced in travel programs and town information programs, dates and access methods for various events, etc. It is difficult to remember all the information in it, so you may want to keep it at hand.

  In such cases, methods such as taking notes or recording during broadcasting have been conventionally used, but it is troublesome to perform such work while watching the program, and the speed of taking notes is real time. In many cases, the speed of broadcasting provided is not sufficient, or preparation for recording is not in time.

  Also, not only for the viewer but also for the station side or the sponsor side, the information related to the program can be kept at the viewer's hand, which increases the advertising effect of the program content and increases the convenience of the program itself. There is an advantage that the rate can be increased.

  On the other hand, there has been proposed a technique for providing digital viewers with their contents via a route different from that of the broadcasts, specifically, attaching them to an e-mail to viewers (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2001-309347 A

  By the way, if the technology described in the above-mentioned patent document is used, the viewer can obtain the content related to digital broadcasting by order. However, even though PCs (personal computers) and e-mails have become popular in recent years, there are still many viewers who do not use them at all, and the technology described in the above-mentioned patent document provides content to these viewers. I can't do it.

  On the other hand, some digital broadcast programs also provide interactive services. However, even with such a program, the viewer can only provide simple information to the broadcast station, and conversely, the information is distributed from the station side to individual viewers according to each viewer's request. I can't do it.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide various information related to the broadcast contents of data broadcasting in response to a viewer's request without using a personal computer or electronic mail.

  In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, an information distribution apparatus according to the present invention calls broadcast related information related to broadcast contents broadcast on a television receiver capable of viewing data broadcasts to a viewer's FAX communication apparatus. An information distribution apparatus that distributes through a line, the broadcast-related information storage unit that stores at least one broadcast-related information that can be transmitted by facsimile together with broadcast-related information identification information that identifies the broadcast-related information, and the television receiver A distribution request receiving unit that receives a distribution request including broadcast-related information identification information of broadcast-related information that is transmitted from the device and requested by the viewer, and broadcast-related information identification information included in the distribution request. A distribution request processing unit that acquires broadcast-related information from the broadcast-related information storage unit, and a broadcast-related information acquired by the distribution request processing unit; Through and a FAX transmission unit to be transmitted to the FAX communication apparatus.

  Facsimile (FAX communication apparatus) is widely used by users (viewers) in many homes and offices and is still used. The information distribution apparatus of the present invention distributes information related to data broadcasting using this FAX communication apparatus.

  Specifically, various broadcast-related information is stored in a broadcast-related information storage unit (for example, a database) together with identification information that can identify these, and viewing transmitted from a data broadcasting-compatible television receiver capable of viewing data broadcasting. In response to the request of the viewer, the broadcast-related information designated by the viewer is distributed to the viewer's FAX communication device through the facsimile.

  Information to be distributed is not particularly limited, but can be roughly classified into two types. One is a type that completes by transmitting a FAX to the viewer, and the other is a type that requests the viewer to reply to the transmitted information.

  As the first type, which is completed by sending a fax to the viewer, for example, when a cooking program is broadcast, the cooking recipe cooked in the program, a travel program, or a town information program is taken up in the program An example is an access map of restaurants, entertainment commercial facilities, etc., coupons (discount coupons) that can be used at those facilities, and a route map followed by a program reporter.

  On the other hand, examples of the second type requesting the viewer to return include applications for various events, workshops, and TV shopping. Viewers can apply by filling in these forms sent by FAX and returning them.

In addition, in the present onset Akira, registered in advance the audience to use the delivery of broadcast-related information, and distributes only to those of the viewer (user). Specifically, the information distribution device further includes a user information storage unit that stores user identification information for identifying a user and a line number of the FAX communication device in association with each other, and the FAX transmission unit includes: Broadcast-related information is transmitted only to the viewer's FAX communication apparatus registered in advance as a user in the user information storage unit.

In such a book onset bright, the information distribution apparatus further transmits a registration confirmation line number to the television receiver which receives the line number of the FAX communication apparatus sent from the television receiver The registration reception unit receives an incoming call from the FAX communication device by the registration confirmation line number, and compares the source line number acquired by the incoming call with the line number of the FAX communication device received by the registration reception unit. A registration confirmation unit, and the user information storage unit performs temporary registration by storing the line number of the FAX communication apparatus received by the registration reception unit in association with the newly generated user identification information. When the transmission source line number matches the line number of the FAX communication apparatus received by the registration receiving unit, the line number of the FAX communication apparatus that has performed the temporary registration You registration user identification information as the user.

  The data broadcast processing apparatus according to the present invention is provided on the viewer side, and is connected to an information distribution apparatus that distributes broadcast-related information related to the broadcast contents of the data broadcast to the viewer's FAX communication apparatus via a telephone line. A data broadcast processing device capable of storing user identification information transmitted from the information distribution device, the user identification information stored in the storage unit, and the broadcast related information A distribution request including broadcast-related information identification information to be identified can be transmitted to the information distribution apparatus.

  In the present invention, the type of “data broadcasting” is so-called program-linked data broadcasting that performs data broadcasting in conjunction with the program being broadcast, or information related to the program is also displayed at times when the program is not being broadcast. So-called complementary data broadcasting performed by data broadcasting may be used, and further, so-called independent data broadcasting completed only by the data broadcasting service may be used. From the viewpoint of transmission media, “data broadcasting” referred to in the present invention includes, for example, BS data broadcasting, BS digital data broadcasting, CS data broadcasting, and terrestrial digital data broadcasting. It may be a wired data broadcast or the like via. The television receiver is compatible with at least one of these.

  The information distribution method according to the present invention is the above-described information distribution apparatus viewed from the viewpoint of the method, and broadcast-related information related to the broadcast content broadcast on a television receiver capable of viewing data broadcasts is transmitted to the viewer. An information distribution method that distributes to a FAX communication apparatus via a telephone line, and stores at least one broadcast-related information that can be transmitted by facsimile in a broadcast-related information storage unit together with broadcast-related information identification information that identifies the broadcast-related information. Receiving a distribution request including broadcast-related information identification information of broadcast-related information transmitted from the television receiver and requested by the viewer, and broadcast-related information identification information included in the distribution request. Acquiring the broadcast-related information to be specified from the broadcast-related information storage unit, and the broadcast-related information acquired from the broadcast-related information storage unit. And sending the FAX communication device via facsimile.

The information delivery method further includes the step of storing the user identification information for identifying the user and the line number of the FAX communication device in association with the line number of the FAX communication device, as in the information delivery device, that sends the broadcasting-related information only to pre-registered viewers FAX communication device as the user in the user information storage unit.

The distribution method also includes a step of receiving a line number of the FAX communication apparatus transmitted from the television receiver, a step of transmitting a registration confirmation line number to the television receiver, and the registration confirmation line. Receiving an incoming call from the FAX communication device by a number, comparing a source line number acquired by the incoming call with a line number of the FAX communication device transmitted from the television receiver, and the user information The storage unit performs temporary registration by storing the line number of the FAX communication apparatus transmitted from the television receiver in association with the newly generated user identification information, and the comparing step includes the source When the line number matches the line number of the FAX communication apparatus transmitted from the television receiver, the user information storage unit Steps and further including the registration line number and user identification information of the FAX communication apparatus that has performed the temporary register as users.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, various information relevant to the broadcast content of a data broadcast can be provided in response to a viewer's request without using a personal computer or electronic mail.

  Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present invention described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of records (attributes) stored in the storage unit of the data broadcast processing unit in the information distribution system of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of records (attributes) stored in the user database in the information distribution system of the embodiment.

  In the information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a viewer performs a predetermined operation (such as pressing a button) on a data broadcast screen provided by digital broadcast such as BS digital broadcast, CS digital broadcast, or terrestrial digital broadcast. Thus, the viewer can receive one or more pieces of information provided by the broadcasting station by FAX (facsimile). In addition, registration of viewers who use the facsimile distribution service and confirmation of legitimacy (access rights, etc.) are also performed by operation on the data broadcast screen and a telephone function attached to the FAX communication apparatus.

〔System configuration〕
As shown in FIG. 1, the information distribution system according to the present embodiment provides a data broadcasting-compatible television receiver 11 installed in the viewer's 1 home, a FAX receiving device 15 installed in the viewer's home, and a service. Side information distribution server 21.

  The television receiver 11 includes an image display unit 12 that displays an image including an image display device (display) such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL display, and a BML (Broadcast Markup Language) browser. And a data broadcast processing unit 13 for receiving a broadcast signal and displaying the broadcast on the display 12. The data broadcast processing unit 13 includes a storage unit 14 that stores information such as a user ID described later.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit 14 is provided inside the television receiver 11 (data broadcast processing unit 13). However, a set top box (STB: Set Top Box) externally attached to the television receiver 11 is used. ), Or a removable storage medium such as a memory card, which may be detachably provided in the set top box or the television receiver 11. Further, the data broadcast processing unit 13 may be built in the television receiver 11 as in the present embodiment, but may be provided externally in the television receiver 11 so as to be provided in the set top box. Absent.

  On the other hand, the information distribution server 21 includes a user management unit 22 that performs user management such as registration, deletion, and confirmation of a user (viewer 1), and an information distribution processing unit 31 that distributes broadcast-related information.

  The user management unit 22 includes a registration receiving unit 23 that receives a registration request transmitted from the television receiver 11 (data broadcast processing unit 13) via the Internet 2 by the viewer 1, and the viewer 1 receives the FAX communication device 15. Information about a registration confirmation unit 24 that receives a registration confirmation request transmitted from a public line (telephone line) 3 from the public line (telephone line) 3 and information about the user 1 who is a viewer who uses the broadcast distribution information FAX distribution service according to this embodiment. And a user information storage unit 25 for storing.

  The data broadcast processing unit 13 and the registration receiving unit 23 can be connected to the Internet 2 and exchange information via the Internet 2. However, the data broadcast processing unit 13 and the registration receiving unit 23 exchange information other than the Internet such as a dedicated line such as a cable TV line. It is also possible to use a transmission line. In addition, the transmission path between the data broadcast processing unit 13 and the registration receiving unit 23 and the distribution request receiving unit 32 described later is the Internet 2 in the present embodiment as described above, and the standard protocol TCP / IP and Basically, it uses HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) and HTTPS (hypertext transfer protocol security) that operate, but as long as information can be transferred in both directions, the line type, communication speed, protocol, etc. are specific. It is not limited to things.

  The registration confirmation unit 24 can be connected to the public line (telephone line) 3 and has a public line number (FAX number / registration confirmation telephone number) that can receive an incoming call from the FAX communication device 15. Yes. Further, the user information storage unit 25 includes a user database that stores user information and a database management system (DBMS) that manages the user database (the same applies to a distribution information storage unit 37 described later).

  The information distribution processing unit 31 receives a distribution request that the data broadcast processing unit 13 of the television receiver 11 transmits via the Internet (a request that the viewer 1 requests FAX distribution of broadcast-related information / described in detail later). A distribution request processing unit 33 for processing the distribution request, a distribution request storage unit 34 for storing a distribution request received from the viewer 1 received by the distribution request receiving unit 32, and a distribution process for distributing the distribution process. A distribution unit 35; a FAX transmission unit 36 that transmits a facsimile (broadcast related information) to the FAX communication device 15 of the viewer 1 connected to the public line 3; a distribution information storage unit 37 that stores the broadcast related information; And an information acquisition unit 38.

  In order to use this service, it is first necessary to perform usage registration with the user management unit 22 of the information distribution server 21. This usage registration is performed and processed in the following procedure.

[Registration]
(1) The viewer 1 operates a remote controller for operation attached to the television receiver 11 (for example, pressing operation of a designation key for performing use registration), and switches to a data broadcasting screen. The data broadcast processing unit 13 receives the signal transmitted from the remote controller, switches the image displayed on the display 12 to the data broadcast screen, and displays an input screen for use registration.
(2) The viewer 1 inputs the line number of the FAX communication apparatus 15 installed in the home in the designated input field of the data broadcast screen. This input information is transmitted from the data broadcast processing unit 13 to the registration receiving unit 23 of the information distribution server 21 via the Internet 2.
(3) The registration receiving unit 23 inquires of the user information storage unit about the line number received from the data broadcast processing unit 13.
(4) Upon receipt of this inquiry, the user information storage unit 25, if the line number has already been registered (stored in the user database), returns to that effect to the registration receiving unit 23 for registration. The receiving unit 23 transmits this to the data broadcast processing unit 13 that is the request source.

(5) On the other hand, when the line number of the FAX communication device 15 is not registered, the user information storage unit (DBMS) 25 generates a unique user ID in the storage unit 25 and uses the generated usage The user ID and the line number are associated and temporarily registered in the user database. This provisional registration is given a certain expiration date (for example, within 60 minutes), and unless the registration confirmation operation (faxing to the registration confirmation line number) described later is performed within the expiration date, the validity is valid. Temporary registration is deleted when the deadline has passed.

(6) After the provisional registration is completed, the user information storage unit 25 notifies the registration receiving unit 23 to that effect, and the registration receiving unit 23 transmits this to the data broadcast processing unit 13 that is the request source. The information transmitted to the data broadcast processing unit 13 includes the user ID, the validity period of temporary registration, and a registration confirmation line number that is a line number for making a telephone connection to the registration confirmation unit. . Receiving this, the data broadcast processing unit 13 stores the user ID in the storage unit 14 and displays it on the display 12 for transmission to the viewer 1. This display informs the viewer 1 of the temporary registration validity period and the registration confirmation line number, and prompts the user to confirm the registration. For example, “the xxx-xxx- from the facsimile within 60 minutes (temporary registration validity period). Call xxx (use registration confirmation line number) ".

(7) The viewer 1 sends the registration confirmation line number from the FAX communication apparatus 15 associated with the line number previously input from the use registration screen. Upon receipt of the incoming call from the FAX communication apparatus 15, the registration confirmation unit 24 of the information distribution server 21 inquires of the user information storage unit 25 about the caller line number (caller telephone number information) acquired by the incoming call. If it is confirmed that the line number is provisionally registered, the user information storage unit 25 sets the same information in the user database to the main registration (official registration) state, and the registration confirmation unit 24 A talkie notifying that registration is completed is transmitted to the FAX communication apparatus 15.

  On the other hand, if the caller number non-notification setting is set in the FAX communication device 15 and the caller's line number information cannot be acquired from the incoming call, the registration confirmation unit 24 does not accept the incoming call ( A talk key that prompts the user to make a caller ID notification setting is transmitted to the FAX communication apparatus 15.

  Even if the caller line number can be acquired at the time of the incoming call, if the line number is not temporarily registered as a result of the inquiry to the user information storage unit 25, the registration confirmation unit 24 A talkie notifying that the incoming call is not accepted or invalid is transmitted to the FAX communication apparatus 15. Similarly, even when the caller line number can be acquired at the time of the incoming call, when the line number is already registered in the user database as a result of inquiring to the user information storage unit 25, The registration confirmation unit 24 does not accept the incoming call, or transmits a talkie notifying that it has been registered to the FAX communication device 15.

  In order to prevent a service failure from occurring due to an attack (illegal transmission or the like) being performed on the registration confirmation unit 24 connected to the public line 3, the registration confirmation unit 24 includes a predetermined past time. It is preferable to have a function of holding (incoming) incoming calls from the same line number within the predetermined time.

  In addition, the use registrations (1) to (7) can be dealt with when the viewer uses both a telephone to which a different number is assigned and a FAX dedicated machine not having a call function. Therefore, the line number of the FAX communication apparatus 15 that receives this distribution service and the line number of the telephone that makes a call to the registration check unit 24 (having a line number different from the FAX communication apparatus 15 / Both of them may be registered.

  In this case, the data broadcast processing unit 13 includes a column for inputting the line number of the receiving FAX communication device 15 (FAX dedicated machine) and an inquiry line number (telephone number of the telephone) as the input screen for use registration. And a field for inputting “” are displayed on the data broadcast screen, and the information on both input line numbers is transmitted to the registration receiving unit 23 of the information distribution server 21. Then, the registration receiving unit 23 inquires of the user information storage unit 25 about these line numbers. The user information storage unit 25 temporarily registers these two line numbers in the user database, and performs the main registration when an incoming call from the inquiry line number is received by the registration confirmation unit 24. The FAX transmission unit distributes broadcast related information described later to the line number of the FAX dedicated machine.

[Correction of registration]
The operations and processes for correcting or deleting the contents registered as described above are basically the same as those in the use registration, but are as follows.

  For example, when the line number of the FAX communication apparatus 15 changes due to moving or the like, a correction request (instruction to correct the contents of use registration) is made to the registration receiving unit 23 through the data broadcasting processing unit 13 in order to correct this. Send. The operation performed by the viewer 1 is performed by, for example, operating a specific button on a remote controller for operating the television receiver 11 or viewing a predetermined button displayed on the data broadcast screen (display 12) by the data broadcast processing unit 13. The person 1 may perform the pressing operation through the remote controller. At this time, the viewer 1 is made to input a new line number related to the correction on the data broadcast screen as in the case of the use registration.

  When the viewer 1 performs these operations, the data broadcast processing unit 13 transmits the correction request including new line number information to the registration receiving unit 23 together with the user ID stored in the storage unit 14. Receiving this correction request, the registration receiving unit 23 transmits the new line number information to the user information storage unit 25 together with the user ID. The user information storage unit 25 identifies the user information in the user database from the user ID, stores the new line number in association with the user ID, and records that it is in the correction request state (marking). To do.

  On the other hand, the viewer 1 makes a call to the registration confirmation line number (registration confirmation unit 24) from the FAX communication apparatus 15 to which the new line number related to the correction is assigned in the same manner as in the use registration procedure. The unit 24 inquires of the user information storage unit 25 about the caller line number obtained from the incoming call. When the caller line number is stored in the user database as a new line number and the corresponding user information is in the correction request state, the user information storage unit 25 A new line number (caller line number) is registered in the user database (user information is corrected).

  Note that the information that can be corrected by the viewer 1 is not limited to the line number of the FAX communication apparatus 15 registered in advance, but various information registered in the user database may be corrected in the same manner. For example, the user database includes the above-described user ID, the line number of the FAX communication device 15, the use registration date and time, the last use date and time, and various other information as necessary, such as age and Information such as gender, occupational personal attribute information and preference information, and history information including types and fields of broadcast-related information requested for distribution in the past may be stored in association with the user. However, in response to a correction request transmitted from the data broadcast processing unit 13 to the registration receiving unit 23 by the user, some of the information other than the user ID and history information may be corrected. .

[Delete Registration]
In order to delete the usage registration, the deletion request (instruction to delete the registration) is transmitted to the registration receiving unit 23 through the data broadcast processing unit 13. The operation performed by the viewer 1 is, for example, by operating a specific button of a remote controller for operating the television receiver 11 or causing the data broadcast processing unit 13 to display on the data broadcast screen (display), similarly to the registration correction. The predetermined button may be pressed by the viewer pressing it through the remote controller.

  When the viewer performs this operation, the data broadcast processing unit 13 transmits the deletion request to the registration receiving unit 23 together with the user ID stored in the storage unit 14. Upon receipt of the request, the registration receiving unit 23 transmits the request to the user information storage unit 25, and the user information storage unit 25 receives the request and obtains the user information in the user database from the user ID. Identify and delete the information from the database. Then, the fact that the use registration has been deleted is transmitted to the data broadcast processing unit 13 via the registration receiving unit 23. Upon receiving this notification, the data broadcast processing unit 13 displays the fact on the display 12 to notify the viewer 1 and deletes the user ID stored in the storage unit 14.

[Delivery request]
The broadcast-related information distribution request and its processing are as follows.
(1) To make a distribution request The viewer 1 moves to a data broadcast screen by a predetermined remote control operation (such as pressing a designated key), selects broadcast-related information for which FAX distribution is desired, and requests distribution. This operation may be performed by, for example, pressing a remote control button or pressing a specific button displayed on the screen by the data broadcast processing unit 13. When this distribution request operation is performed, the data broadcast processing unit 13 confirms whether or not the line number of the FAX communication device 15 of the viewer 1 has been registered in the user database by the use registration. This confirmation is determined based on whether or not the user ID is stored in the storage unit 14 in the data broadcast processing unit 13. If the user ID is stored in the storage unit 14, it is stored as registered. If not, it is determined as unregistered.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the data broadcast processing unit 13 sends the user ID, the date and time when the user ID is registered (use registration date and time), and finally a distribution request. The date / time (last date / time of use) stored is stored in the storage unit 14, and the data broadcast processing unit 13 based on this information indicates that the distribution service has not been used for a certain period of time (the last The user ID is deleted when a certain period of time has elapsed since the distribution request was made. Similarly, the user information storage unit 25 stores these pieces of information (user ID, FAX number, user ID registration date, date of the last delivery request) in the user database. The registration is deleted at the time when the predetermined period has passed (see FIG. 3).

  Therefore, when the user ID is not registered, including the case where the distribution service is not used for a certain period of time, the data broadcast processing unit 13 displays a screen indicating that the user ID is not registered. To encourage viewers to register for use. Further, when it is possible to detect / recognize that the communication path between the data broadcast processing unit 13 and the distribution request receiving unit 32 has been changed since the use registration, the user ID is similarly invalidated (erased). Then, the viewer 1 may be prompted to re-register.

(2) The data broadcast processing unit 13 transmits the distribution request to the distribution request receiving unit 32 together with the user ID and the distribution data ID (broadcast related information identification information) for specifying the broadcast related information selected by the viewer. To do.

(3) The distribution request accepting unit 32 collates the user ID with the user information storage unit 25, registers that the user ID is registered in the user database, and has already been registered for use (the user ID is valid). Confirm). Here, when the validity is not confirmed, for example, the user ID does not exist in the user database, a message to that effect is returned from the distribution request reception unit 32 to the data broadcast processing unit 13. The fact that the distribution request is rejected (processing failure) and the subsequent operation guidance are displayed on the data broadcast screen.

(4) When the validity of the user ID is confirmed, the distribution request receiving unit 32 transmits a distribution request including the user ID to the distribution request processing unit 33. Upon receiving this distribution request, the distribution request processing unit 33 operates the distribution request storage unit (request queue) 34 and the distribution processing distribution unit 35 and processing time in the past specified time (the distribution request receiving unit 32 receives the distribution request). The waiting time until the start of the distribution process corresponding to the current request is calculated according to a predetermined arithmetic expression based on the time from the reception until the transmission start from the FAX transmission unit 36), and the distribution request receiving unit 32 is estimated as the estimated waiting time. Return to Upon receiving this estimated waiting time information, the distribution request receiving unit 32 transmits the information to the data broadcast processing unit 13, and the data broadcast processing unit 13 displays this on the data broadcast screen.

  Here, the viewer 1 may make a final determination based on the estimated waiting time (selection of waiting for FAX distribution as it is or canceling the distribution request). Specifically, for example, when the data broadcast processing unit 13 displays a button for canceling the distribution request on the screen and the viewer operates the button, the data broadcast processing unit 13 notifies the distribution request receiving unit to that effect. 32, the distribution request receiving unit 32 transmits this to the distribution request processing unit 33, and the distribution request processing unit 33 cancels the distribution request (deletes the distribution request from the queue of the distribution request storage unit 34). .

(5) The distribution request processing unit 33 adds the distribution request received from the data broadcast processing unit 13 to the distribution request storage unit (queue) 34 together with the user ID.

(6) Further, the distribution processing distribution unit 35 constantly monitors the operation status of the FAX transmission unit 36, the number of distribution requests stored in the distribution request storage unit (queue) 34, and the operation state of the FAX transmission unit 36. Scheduling so that delivery requests can be processed as quickly as possible.

  Specifically, the distribution processing distribution unit 35 acquires a distribution request to be processed next from the distribution request storage unit (queue) 34 when the FAX transmission unit 36 is ready for transmission, and the distribution User information corresponding to the user ID included in the request is acquired from the user database in the user information storage unit 25. Then, the distribution processing distribution unit 35 extracts the FAX number information (the line number of the FAX communication device 15) of the transmission destination (the viewer 1 who made the request) from the user information, and the distribution data included in the distribution request. Distribution data (broadcast related information) corresponding to the ID is acquired from the distribution information storage unit 37, and these are also transmitted to the FAX transmission unit 36 to instruct FAX transmission.

(7) Upon receiving an instruction from the distribution processing distribution unit 35, the FAX transmission unit 36 makes a call to the line number of the viewer's FAX communication device 15 transmitted from the distribution processing distribution unit 35. The received distribution data is transmitted to the FAX communication apparatus 15 through the telephone line 3. At this time, the FAX transmission unit 36 transmits information (transmission start date / time and transmission completion date / time) associated with the distribution process to the distribution process distribution unit 35, and the distribution process distribution unit 35 stores the information in the user information storage. Recorded as an attribute of the corresponding user information in the user database in the unit 25.

  In the distribution processes (6) to (7), the distribution process distribution unit 35 does not acquire distribution data from the distribution information storage unit 37 and transmit it to the FAX transmission unit 36. The FAX number information of the transmission destination and a tag (URI or the like) for acquiring the distribution data are transmitted to the FAX transmission unit 36, and the FAX transmission unit 36 directly acquires the distribution data from the distribution information storage unit 37 and transmits it. You may make it transmit to the communication apparatus 15. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity of the distribution processing distribution unit 35 and the transmission capacity between the distribution processing distribution unit 35 and the FAX transmission unit 36.

(8) On the other hand, when the FAX transmission unit 36 fails to transmit to the FAX communication device 15, an error code (for example, an integer value corresponding to the cause) is transmitted to the distribution processing distribution unit 35. In response to this, the distribution processing distribution unit 35 performs retransmission registration. For this retransmission registration, processing for returning the distribution request to the queue in the distribution request storage unit 34 is performed after an attribute relating to retransmission (may include the number of transmissions) and a transmission priority are given to the distribution request. . In this case, the distribution request storage unit 34 holds a retransmission queue configured in the same data structure as the queue in parallel with the normal transmission queue, and the retransmission process is performed as a normal distribution request process. You may group as different data.

  In addition, when all predetermined retransmission attempts have failed (for example, when a predetermined number of times of transmission have been transmitted but transmission is not possible), this fact is added to the corresponding user information attribute in the user database and distributed. The process ends. Note that if the transmission failure is not the cause of the other party busy, for example, if the line number is invalid or cannot be connected, the fact that it is in the user database You may make it add to a corresponding user information attribute, and you may make it complete | finish a delivery process.

  Further, when the distribution process as described above is performed, the data broadcast processing unit 13 acquires the current processing status of the distribution request via the distribution request receiving unit 32 and displays it on the display 12. It is also possible to make it.

  Specifically, the data broadcast processing unit 13 receives a predetermined remote control operation by the viewer 1 or an operation on the data broadcast screen, and transmits a status inquiry request for inquiring the progress status to the information distribution server 21 to the distribution request receiving unit 32. To do. The distribution request receiving unit 32 that has received this situation inquiry request transmits the request to the progress information acquisition unit 38 in the information distribution processing unit 31. In response to this request, the progress information acquisition unit 38 receives information on the distribution status (whether it is being distributed, whether the distribution has been completed, whether the distribution is complete) from the distribution request processing unit 33, the distribution processing distribution unit 35, and the FAX transmission unit 36. Information regarding the failure or the cause of failure) and the latest waiting time are acquired, and the information is transmitted to the data broadcast processing unit 13 via the distribution request receiving unit 32 as a response to the status inquiry request. The data broadcast processing unit 13 that has received this response displays it on the display 12.

  In the above-described embodiment, the user management unit that manages users and the information distribution processing unit that actually distributes broadcast-related information are included in the same (one) information distribution server. The server may be configured as a physically independent operation mode. In this case, for example, the information distribution processing unit and the user management unit can be operated by independent businesses, and the service according to the present invention can be provided.

  Further, between the data broadcast processing unit 13 and the registration receiving unit 23, between the data broadcast processing unit 13 and the distribution request receiving unit 32, and between the units 23 to 25 and 32 to 37 of the apparatus that provides the distribution service. In transmitting each piece of information, the information to be transmitted may be encrypted. In particular, when the information is transmitted via an external network, such as when both device units related to transmission belong to different operational entities, encryption processing is performed to prevent information leakage along the transmission path. It is desirable to do.

1 viewer (user)
2 Internet 3 Public line (telephone line)
11 Data broadcasting compatible TV receiver 12 Video display (display)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Data broadcast processing part 14 Memory | storage part 15 FAX communication apparatus 21 Information delivery server 22 User management part 23 Registration reception part 24 Registration confirmation part 25 User information storage part 31 Information distribution processing part 32 Distribution request reception part 33 Distribution request processing part 34 distribution request storage unit 35 distribution processing distribution unit 36 FAX transmission unit 37 distribution information storage unit 38 progress information acquisition unit

Claims (2)

An information distribution device that distributes broadcast-related information related to broadcast content broadcast on a television receiver capable of viewing data broadcasts to a viewer's FAX communication device via a telephone line,
A broadcast-related information storage unit that stores one or more broadcast-related information that can be transmitted by facsimile together with broadcast-related information identification information that identifies the broadcast-related information;
A distribution request receiving unit that receives a distribution request including broadcast related information identification information of broadcast related information transmitted from the television receiver and requested by the viewer to distribute;
A distribution request processing unit that acquires broadcast-related information specified by the broadcast-related information identification information included in the distribution request from the broadcast-related information storage unit;
A FAX transmission unit that transmits the broadcast-related information acquired by the distribution request processing unit to the FAX communication device through a facsimile ;
The equipped Rutotomoni,
A user information storage unit that stores user identification information for identifying a user and a line number of the FAX communication apparatus in association with each other is further provided, and the FAX transmission unit is stored in the user information storage unit as a user. The broadcast-related information is transmitted only to the viewer's registered FAX communication device,
The information distribution apparatus further includes:
A registration reception unit that receives the line number of the FAX communication device transmitted from the television receiver and transmits a line number for registration confirmation to the television receiver;
A registration confirmation unit that receives an incoming call from the FAX communication apparatus by the registration confirmation line number, and compares a transmission source line number acquired by the incoming call with the line number of the FAX communication apparatus received by the registration receiving unit;
With
The user information storage unit
While performing temporary registration by storing the line number of the FAX communication apparatus received by the registration receiving unit in association with the newly generated user identification information,
When the transmission source line number matches the line number of the FAX communication apparatus received by the registration receiving unit, the line number and user identification information of the FAX communication apparatus that has performed the temporary registration are registered as the user. An information distribution apparatus characterized by: An information distribution method for distributing broadcast-related information related to broadcast contents broadcast on a television receiver capable of viewing data broadcasting to a viewer's FAX communication device via a telephone line,
Storing at least one broadcast-related information that can be transmitted by facsimile in a broadcast-related information storage unit together with broadcast-related information identification information for identifying the broadcast-related information;
Receiving a distribution request including broadcast-related information identification information of broadcast-related information transmitted from the television receiver and requested by the viewer to distribute;
Obtaining broadcast-related information specified by the broadcast-related information identification information included in the distribution request from the broadcast-related information storage unit;
Transmitting broadcast-related information acquired from the broadcast-related information storage unit to the FAX communication device through a facsimile , and
It further includes the step of associating the user identification information for identifying the user with the line number of the FAX communication apparatus and storing it in the user information storage unit, and preregistered as a user in the user information storage unit The broadcast related information is transmitted only to the viewer's FAX communication device,
The information delivery method further includes:
Receiving a line number of the FAX communication apparatus transmitted from the television receiver;
Transmitting a registration confirmation line number to the television receiver;
Receiving an incoming call from the FAX communication device by the registration confirmation line number;
Comparing the transmission source line number acquired by the incoming call with the line number of the FAX communication apparatus transmitted from the television receiver;
The user information storage unit performing temporary registration by storing the line number of the FAX communication apparatus transmitted from the television receiver in association with the newly generated user identification information;
If the source line number and the line number of the FAX communication apparatus transmitted from the television receiver match in the comparing step, the user information storage unit of the FAX communication apparatus that has made the temporary registration And a step of fully registering a line number and user identification information as a user .

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