JPH09231120A - Directory management device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform directory management unique to service which is not affected by neither file directory information nor application process position information by the directory management device of an interactive information service system. SOLUTION: An object directory management part 104 manages object directory information wherein the names of objects are described hierarchically, a directory conversion part 103 manages directory conversion information wherein object identifies and object entity names are made to correspond to each other, and an object position management part 102 manages object position information wherein the object entity names and object position identifier are made to correspond to each other. When an object name is inputted, a control part 101 acquires the object identifier from the object directory management part 104, the directory conversion part 103 acquires the object entity name, and the object position management part 103 acquires the object position identifier from the object position management part 102 and outputs the object position identifier.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a directory management device for an interactive information service system, and more particularly to a directory management for an interactive information service system that performs service-specific directory management without being affected by file directory information and application process position information. Regarding the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various interactive information service systems using digital CATV, digital satellite broadcasting, the Internet, etc. have been receiving attention. As this interactive information service, various services such as broadcasting, video-on-demand, television shopping, and information provision are considered.

Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 29, a directory management device in an interactive information service system manages object position information by an object position management unit 2902.
And a control unit 2901 which outputs a search request to the object position management unit 2902 and inputs a search result.
The object refers to service data, program files, application program execution processes, and other various process processing status information.

FIG. 30 shows an example in which this directory management device is applied to a movie-on-demand (hereinafter abbreviated as MOD) system. The object here is a movie data file. In the figure, detailed blocks other than the directory management device are omitted.

This system is composed of a server device 3001 and a terminal device 3002 which are connected to each other by a wired or wireless network, and provides a movie service in response to a request from a user. The file directory management unit 3006 corresponds to the object position management unit 2902 in FIG. 29 and manages file directory information in which the names of movie data files described hierarchically and the positions of the files accumulated in the video server 3004 are associated with each other. ing.

In the above configuration, first, the MOD application server 300 is requested in response to a movie viewing request from the terminal device 3002.
When the control unit 3005 of 3 requests the video server 3004 that stores the movie data file to send the movie data file, the video server 3004 uses the file directory management unit.
The position of the movie data file is acquired from 3006, the position of the movie data file is designated, the stream of movie data is sent to the terminal device, and the user can enjoy the service.

In the above directory management device,
It manages the relationship among many existing files as a directory described by a hierarchical tree structure. When using a file from a service application, it is possible to specify the location in the storage device where the file actually exists by specifying the file directory path.

The purpose of such a directory management device is to identify the position in the storage device where the file exists, and normally a directory management device is required for each storage device. When there are multiple storage devices, the directory management devices are distributed, so a method of mounting or linking between directories to make mutual directory information transparently visible and logically forming one directory management device Alternatively, a method has been proposed in which directory information is centrally managed by a master directory management device.

Further, regarding a name server for managing the position of a process object, when a directory management device exists in the name server, a method of making a plurality of directories transparent and logically forming one directory management device is provided. Another method has been proposed in which a master directory management device centrally manages directory information and copies the directory information to a slave directory management device.

Further, as an object directory management device for setting object usage conditions, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-257525, by setting an object usage valid period, the object usage period is limited, and old and new objects are replaced. It shows how to delete old objects.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-85079 proposes a file access method based on an arbitrary attribute by setting an arbitrary attribute separately from the directory management information and searching it.

[0012]

The directory management device manages the mutual relationship between files stored in the storage device as directory information and the location of the file in the storage device or the location of the process in the application execution device. doing.

Therefore, firstly, since the directory information depends on the storage device and the execution device, it is difficult to define efficient directory information unique to the service when used in a service application. .

Secondly, there are various storage devices such as a video server and a file server depending on the type of data, and the same video server serves directory information in an environment in which high-speed video servers and low-speed video servers coexist. There was a problem that it was difficult to use properly for each application.

Thirdly, there is a problem that the directory information is changed due to the addition of the storage device and the execution device, the movement and copying of the files and processes, and the application needs to be changed.

Fourthly, when the directory management device is shared and used by a plurality of services, it is difficult to manage the directory information for each service because the directory information depends on the storage device and the execution device. there were.

Fifth, in the object directory management device in which the usage conditions of the objects are set, the usage conditions of the object such as the valid usage period and the access conditions are set as the attributes of the file object. When providing one object with different services, the same movie is restricted according to the age of the user in the broadcasting service, and the same movie is restricted depending on the service. There was a problem that the usage conditions of the object could not be set.

Sixth, since the use condition items are unique within the directory management device, the condition condition item for the MOD service is entered, and the user level is entered as the condition item for the game service. There was a problem that the usage conditions that depended on could not be set.

Seventh, there is a problem that in order to set the usage condition depending on the content of the service, it is necessary to set and manage the usage condition of the attribute separately from the directory information.

Eighth, a plurality of objects exist for each type of terminal device for one object name, and objects are changed according to the type of terminal device. There was a problem that it was not possible to switch depending on usage conditions.

Ninth, it is required to provide a menu for displaying a list of services and objects in the user interface displayed on the user terminal device, which is managed by directory information as information about the services and objects. There was a problem that a list of service names or object names must be acquired and displayed directly, or user interface information management must be performed separately from directory management. In the former method, since object naming which is convenient for directory management is usually performed, there is a problem that it is not suitable as information displayed on the user interface.

[0022]

In order to solve this problem, the present invention firstly provides an object directory management unit and a directory conversion unit in addition to an object position management unit, and a file object storage device and a service application. The object directory information unique to the service can be managed and converted into the object position information without depending on the execution device of. By separating the object position information and the object directory information depending on the storage device and the execution device, the first, second and third problems can be solved.

Secondly, a service directory management unit is provided so that an object directory management unit existing for each service can be selected. This makes it possible to manage the object directory information for each service. This solves the fourth problem.

Thirdly, the object use condition management unit is provided, the use condition of the object depending on the content of the service is set, and the search is restricted when the object directory information is searched for an object which does not satisfy the use condition. However, it is possible to set different usage conditions for each service. This solves the fifth, sixth, and seventh problems.

Fourth, a service use condition management unit is provided,
It is possible to set a service use condition depending on the content of the service and to restrict the search when a service that does not satisfy the use condition is searched at the time of searching the service. This solves the fifth, sixth, and seventh problems.

Fifthly, the object directory management unit manages object directory information in which a plurality of objects are associated with one object name, so that a plurality of objects having the same name are judged from the result of judgment by the object usage condition management unit. 1 out of the objects
It is possible to select one object. This solves the eighth problem.

Sixth, the service directory management unit manages the service directory information that associates a plurality of services with one service name, so that a plurality of services having the same name can be obtained from the determination result of the service usage condition management unit. It is possible to select one service from the services. This solves the eighth problem.

Seventh, an object UI information management unit is provided, and it is possible to simultaneously obtain object UI information, which is information related to an object used in a user interface displayed on the user terminal device, when searching the object directory information. It was done. This solves the ninth problem.

Eighth, a service UI information management unit is provided, and it is possible to simultaneously obtain service UI information, which is information about an object used in a user interface displayed on a user terminal device, when searching for service directory information. It was done. This solves the ninth problem.

Ninth, an object UI information management section and an object usage condition management section are provided, and it is possible to acquire the object UI information only when an object satisfies the object usage conditions when searching the object directory information. This makes it possible to create a user interface of the terminal device that meets the user's requirements.

Tenth, a service UI information management unit and a service usage condition management unit are provided, and service UI information can be acquired only when a service satisfies the usage conditions at the time of searching the service directory information. This makes it possible to create a user interface of the terminal device that meets the user's requirements.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is an object directory management unit that manages object directory information in which object names are hierarchically described, and an object position management unit that manages object position information. And a directory conversion unit that converts object directory information into object position information,
A directory management device comprising: the object directory management unit, the object position management unit, and a control unit that outputs a search request to the directory conversion unit and inputs a search result.
When the object name is input to the control unit, the object directory management unit obtains the object identification information corresponding to the object name, the directory conversion unit obtains the object entity name corresponding to the object identification information, and the object position management unit obtains the object The object position identification information corresponding to the entity name is obtained, and the control unit outputs the object position identification information.

The invention according to claim 2 of the present invention further comprises a service directory management unit for managing service directory information in which service names are hierarchically described, and the control unit controls the service directory management unit. The directory management device according to claim 1, wherein a search request is output, a search result is input, and one of the object directory management units existing for each service is selected from the search result. When the service name and object name are entered in, the service directory management section obtains service identification information corresponding to the service name,
The directory conversion unit obtains the service entity name corresponding to the service identification information, the object location management unit obtains the service position identification information corresponding to the service entity name, the service location identification information selects the object directory management unit, and the object The directory management unit obtains the object identification information corresponding to the object name, the directory conversion unit obtains the object entity name corresponding to the object identification information, and the object position management unit obtains the object position identification information corresponding to the object entity name. Thus, the control unit outputs the object position identification information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the use condition of an object is managed, and when the object identification information is input from the object directory management unit,
3. The directory according to claim 1, further comprising an object use condition management unit that determines whether or not an object use condition is satisfied and outputs a determination result to the object directory management unit. When the object name and the object usage parameter are input to the control unit, the object directory management unit obtains the object identification information corresponding to the object name, and the object usage condition management unit handles the object identification information. Object usage condition is obtained, the object usage parameter and the object usage condition are compared, and only when the object usage condition is met, the directory conversion unit obtains the object entity name corresponding to the object identification information, and object position management Has an effect of more object position identification information corresponding to the object entity name is obtained, the object position identification information is outputted from the control unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the service use condition is managed, and when the service identification information is input from the service directory management unit, it is determined whether or not the service use condition is satisfied. 3. The directory management device according to claim 2, further comprising a service usage condition management unit that outputs a determination result to the service directory management unit, wherein the control unit includes a service name and a service usage parameter. When the object name is entered, the service directory management unit obtains service identification information corresponding to the service name, the service usage condition management unit obtains service usage conditions corresponding to the service identification information, and the service usage parameters and service usage Compare the conditions, and only if the service usage conditions are satisfied, the directory conversion unit The service entity name corresponding to the service identification information is obtained, the service location identification information corresponding to the service entity name is obtained from the object location management unit, the object directory management unit is selected from the service location identification information, and the object directory management unit Object identification information corresponding to the object name is obtained,
The directory conversion unit obtains the object entity name corresponding to the object identification information, the object position management unit obtains the object position identification information corresponding to the object entity name, and the control unit outputs the object position identification information. Have.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the object directory management unit manages object directory information that associates a plurality of object identification information with one object name, and the object usage condition management unit manages the object directory information. One object identification information is selected from a plurality of object identification information based on the determination result,
The directory management device according to claim 3, wherein when the object name and the object usage parameter are input to the control unit, the object directory management unit obtains object identification information corresponding to the object name, and object usage condition management. Section obtains the object usage conditions corresponding to the object identification information, compares the object usage parameters with the object usage conditions, and only when the object usage conditions are met, the directory conversion section obtains the object entity name corresponding to the object identification information. , The object position identification information corresponding to the object entity name is obtained from the object position management unit, and the object position identification information is output from the control unit. If the object usage conditions are not satisfied, the same object name is used. It has an effect of performing the same processing for the next object identification information.

In the invention according to claim 6 of the present invention, the service directory management unit manages service directory information that associates a plurality of services with one service name, and the judgment result of the service use condition management unit The directory management device according to claim 4, wherein one service is selected from a plurality of services.
When the service name, service usage parameter, and object name are input to the control unit, the service directory management unit obtains service identification information corresponding to the service name,
The service usage condition corresponding to the service identification information is obtained from the service usage condition management unit, the service usage parameter is compared with the service usage condition, and only when the service usage condition is satisfied, the directory conversion unit serves the service entity corresponding to the service identification information. The name is obtained, the service position identification information corresponding to the service entity name is obtained from the object position management unit, the object directory management unit is selected from the service position identification information, and the object identification information corresponding to the object name is selected from the object directory management unit. The directory conversion unit obtains the object entity name corresponding to the object identification information, the object position management unit obtains the object position identification information corresponding to the object entity name, and the control unit obtains the object position identification information. There is output, if not satisfied service use condition has the effect of performing the same process with the next service identification information for the same service name.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the object UI information which is the user interface information about the object output on the user terminal device is managed, and the object identification information is input from the object directory management section. And an object UI information management unit for outputting corresponding object UI information, the directory management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the object name is set in the control unit. When input, the object directory management section obtains the object identification information corresponding to the object name, and the object UI information management section obtains the object identification information.
The UI information is obtained, the directory conversion unit obtains the object entity name corresponding to the object identification information, the object position management unit obtains the object position identification information corresponding to the object entity name, and the control unit obtains the object position identification information. It has the effect that the object UI information is output.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, service UI information, which is user interface information regarding a service output on a user terminal device, is managed, and service identification information is input from the service directory management unit. And a service UI information management section for outputting corresponding service UI information, the directory management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control section inputs the service name and the object name. And the service directory management unit obtains the service identification information corresponding to the service name, the service UI information management unit obtains the service UI information corresponding to the service identification information, and the directory conversion unit obtains the service entity corresponding to the service identification information. The name is obtained, and the service corresponding to the service entity name is obtained from the object location management unit. The location identification information is obtained, the object directory management unit is selected from the service location identification information, the object identification information corresponding to the object name is obtained from the object directory management unit, and the object entity name corresponding to the object identification information is obtained from the directory conversion unit. Is obtained, object position identification information corresponding to the object entity name is obtained from the object position management unit, and the object position identification information and service UI information are output from the control unit.

The invention according to claim 9 of the present invention manages object UI information which is user interface information relating to an object to be output on a user terminal device, and object identification information is inputted from the object directory management unit. And the object UI information management unit for outputting the corresponding object UI information. The directory management device according to claim 3 or 5, wherein an object name and an object use parameter are input to the control unit. Then, the object directory management unit obtains the object identification information corresponding to the object name, the object usage condition management unit obtains the object usage condition corresponding to the object identification information, and the object usage parameter and the object usage condition are compared. Only when the object usage condition is satisfied, the object UI information management section obtains the object UI information corresponding to the object identification information, the directory conversion section obtains the object entity name corresponding to the object identification information, and the object position management section obtains the object. The object position identification information corresponding to the entity name is obtained, and the control unit outputs the object position identification information and the object UI information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, service UI information, which is user interface information regarding a service output on a user terminal device, is managed, and service identification information is input from the service directory management unit. And a service UI that outputs the corresponding service UI information
The directory management apparatus according to claim 4 or 6, further comprising an information management unit, wherein when the service name, the service use parameter, and the object name are input to the control unit, The service directory management unit obtains the service identification information corresponding to the service name, the service usage condition management unit obtains the service usage conditions corresponding to the service identification information, compares the service usage parameters with the service usage conditions, and compares the service usage conditions. Only when the conditions are satisfied, the service UI information management section obtains the service UI information, the directory conversion section obtains the service entity name corresponding to the service identification information, and the object location management section obtains the service location identification information corresponding to the service entity name. From the service location identification information. Select the tree management unit, the object directory management unit obtains the object identification information corresponding to the object name, the directory conversion unit obtains the object entity name corresponding to the object identification information, and the object position management unit obtains the object entity name. The corresponding object position identification information is obtained, and the control unit outputs the object position identification information and the service UI information.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, an application executing unit that executes an application program of a service and performs a service in response to a request from a terminal device, and a file directory management that manages position information of a file object. A server device including a file management unit including a copy unit and a file storage device that stores and sends files, and a terminal device that outputs a service request to the server device, inputs the result, and presents the result to the user. In the interactive information service system, the application execution unit includes an object directory management unit that manages object directory information in which object names are hierarchically described, and a directory conversion unit that converts the object directory information into object position information. , The above An interactive information service system, comprising: an object directory management unit, the directory conversion unit, and a control unit that outputs a search request to the file directory management unit and inputs a search result. And has the same action as the invention described in claim 1.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the service requesting unit that identifies the service requested by the terminal device and selects the object directory management unit of the identified service, and the position information of the service process are displayed. A name management unit having a process position management unit that manages the service position management unit is further provided, and the service reception unit includes a service directory management unit that manages service directory information in which service names are hierarchically described. The interactive information service system according to item 11 has the same operation as that of the invention according to item 2.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a directory management apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the object directory management unit 10
Reference numeral 4 manages object directory information in which object names are hierarchically described, and when the object name is input from the control unit 101, it outputs object identification information that uniquely specifies the object in the corresponding system.

The directory conversion unit 103 manages the directory conversion information in which the object identification information and the object entity name are associated with each other, and outputs the corresponding object entity name when the object identification information is input from the control unit 101.

The object position management unit 102 manages the object position information in which the hierarchically described object entity name is associated with the object position identification information which is the position information of the object entity, and the control unit 101 inputs the object entity name. Then, the object position identification information is output.

The control unit 101 outputs the object name to the object directory management unit 104 and inputs the object identification information, outputs the object identification information to the directory conversion unit 103 and inputs the object entity name, The object entity name is output to the object position management unit 102 and the object position identification information is input.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a movie-on-demand (hereinafter abbreviated as MOD) service system using the directory management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the object is a data file such as video or image, or a program file operating on the terminal device.

The server device 201 provides the MOD service in response to the request from the terminal device 202. The server device 201 is an application server 203 that controls the provision of services.
And a video server 204 that stores files and sends them to the terminal device 202.

An object directory management unit 208 and a directory conversion unit 207 are provided in the application server 203.
And a control unit 205, and a file directory management unit 20 corresponding to an object position management unit in the video server 204.
6 is provided.

FIG. 3 shows the object directory management unit 20 of the directory management device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
8 shows the data structure of object directory information managed by 8. Object directory information is for object names that describe object names hierarchically,
The object identification information for uniquely identifying the object in the system is associated, and when the object name is designated, the corresponding object identification information is obtained.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the relationship of the objects managed in FIG. 3, showing that only the objects required for the MOD service are hierarchically managed in a classification that is easily managed by the MOD service. There is.

FIG. 5 shows a data structure of file directory information managed by the file directory management unit 206 corresponding to the object position management unit 102 of the directory management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the file directory information, file identification information that uniquely identifies a file in the system is associated with a file name that hierarchically describes the file name. When a file name is specified, the corresponding file identification information Is obtained.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the relationship of the files managed in FIG. 5, and shows that the files are hierarchically managed according to the type of file that can be easily managed by the storage device.

FIG. 7 shows a data structure of directory conversion information managed by the directory conversion unit 207 of the directory management apparatus according to the first embodiment of this invention. The directory conversion information associates the object identification information with the file name, and when the object identification information is designated, the file name is obtained.

FIG. 8 schematically shows the mutual relationship between the object directory and the file directory based on the directory conversion information managed in FIG.

The operation of the directory management device configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows the control unit 20.
The operation in FIG. 5 is shown. When the object name is received from the terminal device 202, the object directory management unit 208 is requested to search for the object name, and the corresponding object identification information is acquired.

Next, the directory conversion unit 207 is requested to retrieve the object identification information, and the corresponding file name is acquired. Next, the file directory management unit 206 is requested to search for the file name, the corresponding file identification information is acquired, and the processing ends.

In this way, the object position information and the object directory information depending on the storage device of the file and the execution device of the application can be separated, and efficient directory information unique to the service that does not depend on the storage device and the execution device can be obtained. It becomes possible to define.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a directory management apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The directory management device according to the present embodiment is used in a digital CATV system, and manages a directory for enabling provision of a plurality of services such as broadcasting, video on demand, and television shopping.

The directory management apparatus of this embodiment is provided with a service directory management unit 1005 in addition to the directory management apparatus shown in the first embodiment. The service directory management unit 1005 manages service directory information in which service names are described hierarchically, and when the service name is input from the control unit 1001, outputs service identification information that uniquely identifies the service in the system.
In addition to the function of the control unit 101 shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 1001 outputs the service name to the service directory management unit 1005 and inputs the service identification information, and the directory conversion unit 1003 receives the service identification information. Is output, the object entity name is input, the object entity name is output to the object position management unit 1002, the object entity identification information is input, and the object directory management unit 1003 is selected according to the object entity identification information. It is also possible to provide a plurality of object directory management units 1003 for each service.

FIG. 11 shows a movie-on-demand (hereinafter abbreviated as MOD) service, a broadcasting service, and a television shopping (hereinafter abbreviated as TVS) service using the directory management device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of the interactive information service system which performs the three services of FIG.

The server device 1101 provides various information services in response to a request from the terminal device 1102. Server device 11
01 is a service gateway 1109 that receives a service request from the terminal device 1102, a name server 1110 that manages the position of a process in the server device, a MOD application server 1103, and a broadcast application server 1115.
A TVS application server 1116, and a video server 1104 that stores files and provides them to the terminal device 1102.

An object directory management unit 1108, a directory conversion unit 1107, and a control unit 1105 are provided in the MOD application server 1103, and the broadcast application server and the TVS application server similarly have an object directory management unit and a directory conversion unit. A control unit is provided. A file directory management unit 1106 is provided in the video server 1104.

In the service gateway 1109, the service directory management unit 1113 and the directory conversion unit 11 are also provided.
14 and a control unit 1111 are provided. Also name server 1110
Is provided with a process position management unit 1112. The file directory management unit 1106 and the process location management unit 1112 are shown in FIG.
It corresponds to the object position management unit 1002 indicated by 0.

FIG. 12 shows the data structure of service directory information managed by the service directory management unit 1113 in the service gateway 1109. The service directory information associates the service name with the service identification information, and when the service name is designated, the service identification information is obtained. The object directory management unit and directory conversion unit and control unit in each application server for MOD, broadcasting, and TVS, and the file directory management unit in the video server are the same as those in the first embodiment, so a description is given. Omit it.

FIG. 13 shows the data structure of process position information managed by the process position management unit 1112 in the name server 1110. The process location information associates the process name of the service application with the process identification information indicating the location of the process. When the process name is designated, the process identification information is obtained.

FIG. 14 shows a data structure of directory conversion information managed by the directory conversion unit 1114 in the service gateway 1109. The directory conversion information associates the service identification information with the process name of the service application. When the service identification information is designated, the process name is obtained.

FIG. 15 shows the operation of the control unit 1111. When the service name is received from the terminal device 1102, the service directory management unit 1113 is requested to retrieve the service name, and the corresponding service identification information is sent. Then, the process name corresponding to the service identification information is acquired from the directory conversion unit 1114.

Next, the process position management unit 1112 acquires the process identification information corresponding to the process name, selects the application server from the process identification information, and requests the control unit 1105 of the selected application server to perform processing related to the directory. To do. The control unit 1105 performs the same processing as that described in the first embodiment.

As described above, by providing the service directory management unit in the directory management apparatus of this embodiment, it is possible to switch a plurality of object directory management units. In addition, each object directory management unit can manage only the objects required for the service with a directory structure that can be easily managed by the service, and at the same time, the same file can be shared by different services with different object names. .

In the interactive information service system of FIG. 11, the control unit and the directory conversion unit are divided into the service gateway and the application server, but it is also possible to configure them by one control unit and one directory conversion unit, respectively. Needless to say.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of a directory management apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The directory management device of the present embodiment is the second
It is used in a digital CATV system like the directory management apparatus of the embodiment.

The directory management device of the present embodiment is
In addition to the directory management device shown in the second embodiment, an object usage condition management unit 1606 is provided. In addition to the function of the control unit 1001 shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 1601 inputs the object use parameter at the same time as the object name, outputs the object name and the object use parameter to the object directory management unit 1604, and inputs the object identification information. To do.

The object directory management unit 1604
In addition to the function of the object directory management unit 1004 shown in FIG. 10, the object identification information is output to the object usage condition management unit 1606, the object usage conditions are input, and the usage parameters are compared with the usage parameters input from the control unit 1601 and used. If the condition is satisfied, the object identification information is output to the control unit 1601, and if not satisfied, it is not output.

The object usage condition management unit 1606 manages information relating to the conditions for using the object, and when the object identification information is input from the object directory management unit 1604, the usage condition of the object identified by the object identification information is output. To do.

FIG. 17 shows the object use condition management unit 16
Shows the data structure of the object usage conditions managed in 06. The object use condition associates the object identification information with the object use condition, and when the object identification information is designated, the object use condition is obtained. In FIG. 17, an object use condition is set that the object cannot be used if the user's age is less than 18 years old.

FIG. 18 shows the operation of the object directory management unit 1604. The object name and the object utilization parameter are input from the control unit 1601 and the object name is searched to obtain the object identification information.

Further, the object identification information is input to the object utilization condition management unit 1606, and the object utilization condition corresponding to the object identification information is acquired. When the object usage parameter satisfies the object usage condition, the object identification information is output to the control unit 1601, and when the usage condition is not satisfied, it is not output.

FIG. 19 shows the status of the MOD service displayed on the terminal device when the directory management device of this embodiment is used. A user under the age of 18 is identified by the object identification information D0101. When a movie is selected, an attempt is made to obtain object position identification information corresponding to the object identification information D0101 from the directory management device of the present embodiment, but the object position identification information cannot be obtained because the object usage condition is not satisfied. , A message indicating that the terminal device cannot view is displayed.

As described above, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to manage the usage conditions separately from the directory information, and the usage conditions of the object depending on the contents can be set for each service.

Needless to say, by providing a service use condition management section, different use conditions can be set for each service when the same object is used among a plurality of services.

(Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment is a directory management device provided with an object directory management unit 1604 for managing the object directory information shown in FIG. 20 in the third embodiment. is there.

In the data structure of the object directory information shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of object identification information can be associated with one object name. The directory management device of this embodiment is used in a digital satellite broadcasting system.

FIG. 21 shows a data structure of object usage conditions managed by the object usage condition management unit 1606 in this embodiment. The object use condition associates the object identification information with the object use condition, and when the object identification information is designated, the object use condition is obtained. In FIG. 21, object use conditions are set such that the object can be used when the user's game operation level is beginner, intermediate, or advanced.

FIG. 22 shows the operation of the object directory management unit 1604 in this embodiment. The object name and the object utilization parameter are input from the control unit 1601 and the object name is searched to obtain the object identification information. To do. If the object identification information cannot be acquired, the process ends.

Further, the object identification information is output to the object utilization condition management unit 1606, and the object utilization condition corresponding to the object identification information is acquired. When the object usage parameter satisfies the object usage condition, the object identification information is output to the control unit 1601. If the usage condition is not satisfied, the next object identification information for the same object name is acquired.
Output to 01 and do not output if it cannot be acquired.

FIG. 23 shows a case where the user selects the game "real fighter" displayed on the terminal device when the game service is provided by the directory management device according to the fourth embodiment. Object name equivalent to "Real Fighter""/ Content / N
I tried to get the object position identification information from "ew / game1", but there are multiple pieces of object identification information, so the same "real fighter" was specified by selecting the object identification information according to the operation level of the user. Even in this case, it is shown that the user's operation level provides games with different contents depending on the beginner level, the intermediate level, and the advanced level.

Similarly, it is also possible to switch between versions having the same movie name but different languages depending on the language used by the user, or to provide files of the same name depending on the type of the terminal device but of the type corresponding to the capability of the terminal device. It goes without saying that it is possible.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 24 shows a block diagram of a directory management apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The directory management device of this embodiment is used in a digital satellite broadcasting system.

The directory management apparatus of this embodiment is provided with an object UI information management unit 2407 in addition to the directory management apparatus shown in the third or fourth embodiment.

The terminal device displays a user interface such as a menu so that the user can use the service. The object UI information management unit 2407 manages information related to the objects necessary to create this user interface, such as movie title name and product information, in association with the object identification information, and the object directory management unit identifies the objects. When the information is input, the object UI information is output. The object directory management unit 2404 outputs the object UI information to the control unit 2401 according to the object identification information, and the control unit 24
01 is output to the terminal device.

FIG. 25 shows the object use condition management unit 24.
Shows the data structure of the object usage rule management information managed in 06. The object use condition associates the object identification information with the object use condition, and when the object identification information is designated, the object use condition is obtained.

In FIG. 25, the object identification information D
Conditions are set such that the object identified by 0001 can be used when the user's language of use is Japanese, and the object identified by the object identification information D0002 can be used when the user's language of use is English.

FIG. 26 shows the object UI information management unit 2407.
Shows the data structure of UI information managed by. object
The UI information associates the object identification information with the object UI information, and when the object identification information is designated, the object UI information is obtained.

In FIG. 26, the object identification information D0001
It indicates that the title name of the object identified by is "Falling in Love" and the title name of the object identified by the object identification information D0002 is "Falling in Love".

FIG. 27 shows the operation of the object directory management unit 2404. When the object name and the object utilization parameter are received from the control unit 2401, the object name is searched and the corresponding object identification information is acquired. If it cannot be acquired, the process ends.

Further, the object identification information is output to the object utilization condition management unit 2406, and the object utilization condition corresponding to the object identification information is acquired. If the object usage parameters satisfy the object usage conditions, the object UI information management unit 2407
Output the object identification information and corresponding object
Get UI information, object identification information and object
The UI information is output to the control unit 2401. Not output if the object usage conditions are not met.

FIG. 28 shows a movie title as a user interface of the terminal device when "rental video shop" SBS "" which is a MOD service is selected by the directory management device of the fifth embodiment in the terminal device. Although a list is displayed, since the title name can be acquired only if the movie title object usage conditions are met, the menu message displayed on the terminal device may differ depending on whether the user's language is Japanese or English. Is shown.

As described above, it is possible to create the user interface of the terminal device that meets the conditions of the user.

[0101]

As is apparent from the description based on the above embodiments, the present invention is, first of all, provided with an object position management section, an object directory management section and a directory conversion section, so that a file storage device is provided. It is possible to separate the object position information and the object directory information depending on the execution device of the application or the application, and it is possible to define efficient directory information unique to the service that does not depend on the storage device or the execution device. can get.

Secondly, since the object position information and the object directory information can be separated, it is possible to obtain the effect that it is not necessary to properly use the directory information depending on the object position information in the service application.

Thirdly, there is an effect that it is not necessary to change the application even if the object position information is changed due to the addition of the storage device, the movement of the file, and the copying.

Fourthly, by providing the service directory management section, it is possible to obtain the effect of managing the unique object directory information for each of a plurality of services.

Fifth, since the object usage condition management unit and the service usage condition management unit are provided, it is not necessary to manage the usage conditions separately from the directory information, and the services and objects depending on the contents of each service The effect is that the usage conditions can be set.

Sixth, when the same object is used among a plurality of services, there is an effect that different usage conditions can be set depending on the services.

Seventh, the object directory management unit manages the object directory information that associates a plurality of objects with one object name, so that a plurality of objects having the same name can be identified from the result of the object usage condition determination. The effect that one object can be selected from the inside is obtained.

Eighth, the service directory management unit manages the service directory information that associates a plurality of services with one service name, so that a plurality of services having the same name can be identified based on the service use condition determination result. The effect that one service can be selected from the inside is obtained.

Ninth, by providing the service UI information management section and the object UI information management section, it is possible to avoid the user interface of the terminal device which is difficult to understand using the object entity name managed by the object position management section. Further, there is an effect that it is not necessary to manage the user interface information separately from the directory management.

Tenth, by combining both the service UI information management unit, the object UI information management unit, the service usage condition management unit, and the object usage condition management unit, the user interface of the terminal device that meets the conditions of the user can be obtained. It is possible to create.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a directory management device according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a movie-on-demand (MOD) system including a directory management device according to the first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 3 is a data configuration diagram of object directory information managed by an object directory management unit 208 according to the first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of an object directory managed by an object directory management unit 208 according to the first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 5 is a data configuration diagram of file directory information managed by a file directory management unit 206 according to the first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of file directory information managed by a file directory management unit 206 according to the first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 7 is a data configuration diagram of directory conversion information managed by the directory conversion unit 207 according to the first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of directory conversion information managed by a directory conversion unit 207 according to the first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 9 is a processing flowchart of the control unit 202 according to the first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a directory management device according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a digital CATV system including a directory management device according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 12 is a data configuration diagram of service directory information managed by a service directory management unit 1113 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a data configuration diagram of process position information managed by a process position management unit 1112 according to the second embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 14 is a data configuration diagram of directory conversion information managed by a directory conversion unit 1114 according to the second embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 15 is a control unit 11 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
11 processing flowchart,

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of a directory management device according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 17 is a data configuration diagram of object usage condition information managed by an object usage condition management unit 1606 according to the third embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 18 is a processing flowchart of an object directory management unit 1604 according to the third embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 19 is a screen image of a terminal device of a digital CATV system including a directory management device according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 20 is a data configuration diagram of object directory information managed by an object directory management unit 1604 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 21 is a data configuration diagram of object usage condition information managed by an object usage condition management unit 1606 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a processing flowchart of the object directory management unit 1604 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a screen image of a terminal device of a digital satellite broadcasting system including a directory management device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 24 is a configuration diagram of a directory management device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 25 is a data configuration diagram of object usage conditions managed by an object usage condition management unit 2406 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a data configuration diagram of object UI information managed by an object UI information management unit 2407 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 27 is a processing flowchart of an object directory management unit 2404 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 28 is a screen image of a terminal device of a digital satellite broadcasting system including a directory management device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 29 is a configuration diagram of a conventional directory management device,

FIG. 30 is a configuration diagram of a movie on demand (MOD) system including a conventional directory management device.

[Explanation of symbols]

101, 205, 1001, 1105, 1111, 1601 Control unit 2401, 2901, 3005 Control unit 102, 1002, 1602, 2402, 2902 Object position management unit 103, 207, 1003, 1107, 1114, 1603, 2403 Directory conversion unit 104 , 208, 1004, 1108, 1604, 2404 Object directory management unit 1005, 1113, 1605, 2405 Service directory management unit 1606, 2406 Object usage condition management unit 2407 Object UI information management unit 201, 1101, 3001 Server device 202, 1102, 3002 Terminal device 203, 1103, 3003 MOD Application server 204, 1104, 3004 Video server 206, 1106, 3006 File directory management unit 1109 Service gateway 1110 Name server 1112 Process position management unit 1115 Broadcast application server 1116 TV shopping application server

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An object directory management unit for managing object directory information in which object names are hierarchically described, an object position management unit for managing object position information, and a directory conversion for converting object directory information into object position information. A directory management device comprising: a unit, an object directory management unit, the object position management unit, and a control unit that outputs a search request to the directory conversion unit and inputs a search result. 2. A service directory management unit for managing service directory information hierarchically describing service names, wherein the control unit outputs a search request to the service directory management unit and inputs a search result. The directory management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the object directory management units existing for each service is selected from the search results. 3. When the object usage conditions are managed, and when the object identification information is input from the object directory management unit, it is determined whether the object usage conditions are satisfied, and the determination result is sent to the object directory management unit. 3. The directory management device according to claim 1, further comprising an object usage condition management unit for outputting. 4. A service use condition is managed, and when service identification information is input from the service directory management unit, it is determined whether or not the service use condition is satisfied,
The directory management device according to claim 2, further comprising a service use condition management unit that outputs a determination result to the service directory management unit. 5. The object directory management unit manages object directory information in which a plurality of object identification information items are associated with one object name, and the object directory information management unit manages the object directory information based on the determination result of the object usage condition management unit. 4. The directory management device according to claim 3, wherein one object identification information is selected from the items. 6. The service directory management unit manages service directory information in which a plurality of services are associated with one service name, and one service is selected from a plurality of services based on a determination result of the service usage condition management unit. 5. The directory management device according to claim 4, wherein is selected. 7. The object UI information, which is user interface information related to the object output on the user terminal device, is managed, and when the object identification information is input from the object directory management unit, the corresponding object UI information is output. 3. The directory management device according to claim 1, further comprising an object UI information management unit. 8. The service UI information, which is user interface information related to the service output on the user terminal device, is managed, and when the service identification information is input from the service directory management unit, the corresponding service UI information is output. The directory management device according to claim 2, further comprising a service UI information management unit. 9. The object UI information, which is user interface information related to the object output on the user terminal device, is managed, and when the object identification information is input from the object directory management unit, the corresponding object UI information is output. The directory management device according to claim 3 or 5, further comprising an object UI information management unit. 10. Service UI information that is user interface information related to a service output on a user terminal device is managed, and when service identification information is input from the service directory management unit, the corresponding service UI information is output. 7. The directory management device according to claim 4, further comprising a service UI information management unit. 11. An application execution unit that executes a service application program and performs a service in response to a request from a terminal device, a file directory management unit that manages position information of a file object, and a file that accumulates and sends files. An interactive information service system comprising: a server device including a file management unit including a storage device; and a terminal device that outputs a service request to the server device and inputs the result to present to a user. The application execution unit manages object directory information in which object names are hierarchically described, and an object directory management unit.
A directory conversion unit that converts object directory information into object position information; a control unit that outputs a search request to the object directory management unit and the directory conversion unit; An interactive information service system comprising: 12. A name management including a service reception unit that identifies a service requested by the terminal device and selects the object directory management unit of the identified service, and a process location management unit that manages location information of a service process. The interactive information service system according to claim 11, further comprising: a service directory management unit that manages service directory information in which service names are hierarchically described.