JPH0998411A - Two-way television system and bidirectional television response server system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform the sum-up processing of response data selectively inputted by viewers on two-way televisions corresponding to program contents and to provide a summed-up result to a broadcasting station or the like requiring it. SOLUTION: The plural two-way televisions 1 are connected through a communication channel network 4 and the response data of the viewers to a sub program provided on the bidirectional televisions 1 are processed corresponding to the program contents. This system is provided with a response processing means 11 for arranging the response data sent from the respective bidirectional televisions 1 for respective programs and preparing a response data list, a response data storage part 17 for storing the response data list prepared in the response processing means 11 and a sum-up processing means 12 for taking out the response data list from the response data storage part 17 and obtaining the summed-up result of the response data for the respective programs.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an interactive television system and an interactive television response server system for totaling the response data of viewers to programs provided on interactive televisions and providing various services. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the field of television broadcasting in which broadcast radio waves are transmitted from a broadcasting station and are received by a television receiver to display a television image, characters are used by utilizing a space between vertical blanking periods of the television image signal. We are doing multiple broadcasts. In the character multiplex broadcasting, a large number of programs are multiplexed and transmitted on broadcast radio waves, and a receiving side selectively receives a required program, converts it into a television video signal and displays it.

By using such a character multiplex broadcasting technique, it is possible to provide a viewer with an arbitrarily large number of character programs or programs based on moving images in addition to ordinary television broadcasting. For example, it is possible to provide a description of a commercial-broadcast product in a certain program, a purchasing method, and the like in another program related to the program.

However, since the current television broadcasting unilaterally provides information to the viewer from the broadcasting station, for example, a product desired by the viewer is selected from a plurality of products introduced in the program. It was not possible to selectively display the supplementary information of, or call the viewer in the program, and aggregate the responses from the viewer in real time and reflect it in the program.

On the other hand, recently, the realization of interactive TV broadcasting has begun to attract attention as a form of information service in the multimedia era. However, for example, regarding television shopping, although the current television broadcasting is also performed using text broadcasting, it was not possible to receive a response from the viewer.

Here, the interactive TV has a function of receiving a broadcast wave from a broadcasting station and broadcasting a television program,
It has a data transmission function that accepts and transmits the response data returned (input) by the viewer watching the program to the television receiver.

[0007]

As described above, in conventional television broadcasting, if an attempt is made to obtain an order or answer from a viewer in a television shopping program or a quiz program,
In the end, the current situation is that viewers call themselves to make orders and answers.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and requires response data to be selectively input by the viewer on the interactive television to be processed in accordance with the content of the program and the result of the totalization is required. An object is to provide an interactive television response server system that can be provided to broadcasting stations and the like.

The present invention provides an interactive television system capable of displaying additional information of a product on a television receiver displaying a video signal reproduced by a VTR device and providing a service according to the additional information. The purpose is to do.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following measures.

According to the present invention corresponding to claim 1, a plurality of interactive televisions are connected via a communication line network, and the response data of the viewer to the program provided on the interactive television is changed according to the content of the program. In the interactive television response server system for processing the response data, response processing means for organizing the response data sent from each of the interactive televisions through the communication network for each program to create a response data list, and the response processing. And a totalization processing means for obtaining the totalization result of the response data for each program from the response data list created by the means.

According to the present invention, the response data of the viewer to the program provided on the interactive television is sent to the interactive television response server system via the communication line network. In the interactive television response server system, the response processing means creates a response data list in which the response data is organized for each program. The response data list is statistically processed by the aggregation processing means, and the aggregation result of the response data is obtained for each program.

According to the present invention of claim 2, a plurality of interactive televisions are connected via a communication network, and the response data of the viewer to the program provided on the interactive television is changed according to the program content. In the interactive television response server system that processes the program, a program information database in which a program ID is determined for each program and program information including processing contents of response data is registered, and a program I transmitted from each interactive television
Response processing means for organizing the response data with D added in program ID units to create a list of response data, and the response data list created by the response processing means are searched from the program information database based on the program ID. And a totalization processing unit for processing the processing contents to obtain a totalization result.

According to the present invention, the response data of the viewer to the sub program provided on the interactive television is sent to the interactive television response server system via the communication line network. In the interactive television response server system, the response data is organized by the program ID unit by the response processing means to create a response data list. The response data list is passed to the aggregation processing means, and the processing content is retrieved from the program information database based on the program ID of the response data registered in the response data list. The response data list is totalized with the searched processing contents, and the totalized result is obtained.

In the present invention corresponding to claim 3, a plurality of interactive televisions are connected via a communication network, and the response data of the viewer to the program provided on the interactive television is changed according to the program content. In an interactive television response server system that processes each program, a program information database in which a program ID is determined for each program and program information including processing contents of response data is registered, and a television ID determined for each interactive television An authentication information database in which personal authentication information is registered, and a program ID sent from each of the interactive televisions
And response processing means for organizing the response data to which the television ID is added in program ID units to create a response data list in which the response data and the television ID are associated with each other, and based on the television ID registered in the response data list. Authentication processing means for retrieving the personal authentication information by searching the authentication information database, and processing the response data list and the personal authentication information by processing contents of the program information database searched for based on the program ID And a tabulation processing means for obtaining the data.

According to the present invention, the response data of the viewer to the program provided on the interactive television is sent to the interactive television response server system via the communication line network. In the interactive television response server system, the response data is organized by the program ID unit by the response processing means and the television ID.
And a response data list corresponding to the response data is created. The authentication information is retrieved from the authentication information database based on the TV ID registered in the response data list by the authentication processing means, and personal information is created. The response data list and the personal information are passed to the aggregation processing means, the processing content is retrieved from the program information database based on the program ID of the response data registered in the response data list, and the response data list and the response data list are retrieved by the retrieved processing content. The personal information is aggregated and the aggregated result is obtained.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of interactive televisions are connected via a communication line network, and the response data of the viewer to the program provided on the interactive television is changed according to the program content. In the interactive television response server system that processes the data, the header added to the data transmitted from the interactive television via the communication network is analyzed, and if the header requests the interactive communication, the interactive television is regarded as the interactive television. A communication control means for holding a communication line between the two, and a program is provided on the interactive television via the communication line held by the communication control means. And a program providing means for accumulating response data sent via the communication line and performing a job according to the program.

According to the present invention, data to which the interactive header is added is transmitted from the interactive television to the interactive television response server system via the communication network. In the interactive television response server system, the header added to the data is analyzed by the communication control means. If the header added to the data is a header requesting bidirectional communication, a communication line is maintained with the bidirectional television, and a program is provided to the bidirectional television from the sub program providing means via this line. It Further, the response data sent from the interactive television via the communication line to the program is used to perform the work corresponding to the program. According to the present invention, which corresponds to claim 5, a VTR device for reproducing a video signal in which a script for providing additional information of a product is inserted in a predetermined area of a video signal indicating a product content, and receiving a broadcast television radio wave. A two-way interactive television system constructed from a television receiver displaying a broadcast program and a response server connected to the television receiver via a public line. The receiver has a video receiving function for receiving a video signal sent from the VTR device, a function for discriminating a script from the video signal received by the receiving function, and a remote receiving device for receiving a signal sent from a remote controller. The operation reception function, the function to judge the instruction content of the signal received by the remote operation reception function, and the signal from the remote controller request the provision of additional information. If it is determined that the script has a script execution function for executing the discriminated script and transmitting the transfer data corresponding to the selected additional information to the response server along with the identifier unique to the receiver or the user, the response The server has a database in which personal information for individual receivers or individual users is registered, a function for extracting the identifiers of individual receivers or individual users from the transfer data sent from the television receiver, and transfer. It has a function of extracting personal information from the authentication information database and executing a predetermined process based on the identifier extracted from the data.

According to the interactive television system of the present invention, the VTR device reproduces the video signal in which the script for providing the additional information of the product is inserted in the predetermined area of the video signal indicating the product content. Therefore, product distributors provide videos to general homes, businesses, etc. by creating and distributing videos that insert a script that embeds additional information such as how to purchase products and how to obtain catalogs into video signals. Will be done.

When a video signal is given to the television receiver from the VTR device, the script is discriminated from the video signal, and when the signal transmitted from the remote controller requests the provision of additional information, the discriminated script is discriminated. To be executed. By executing the script, the viewer can be made to select the necessary additional information. When the additional information is selected on the television receiver, the transfer data corresponding to the additional information is sent to the response server via the line together with the identifier unique to the receiver or the user.

In the response server, the identifier of the receiver or the user's individual is taken out from the transfer data sent from the television receiver, the personal information is taken out from the authentication information database based on the identifier, and predetermined processing is performed. To be executed.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows an outline of an interactive television response server system using an interactive television. The interactive televisions 1-1 to 1-n have a function as a television receiver for receiving a broadcast radio wave from a broadcasting station and displaying a selected television program, and are multiplexed into a television program by using a predetermined area of the broadcast radio wave. A sub-program such as a character direction program that is transmitted over the air is separated from the broadcast wave and converted into a TV signal for display, and a response function for receiving and transmitting response data input by the viewer to the program. Have.

Each of the interactive televisions 1-1 to 1-n can be connected to the response server 3 via the public line network 4. The response server 3 is composed of a plurality of local response servers 5-1 to 5-m to which interactive televisions in a predetermined area, which are respectively allocated in advance, are connected, and a center response server 6 which manages these local response servers. . The local response server and the center response server can be treated as one response server when viewed from the interactive televisions 1-1 to 1-n. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the two servers, they will be simply referred to as the response server 3.

For the response server 3, the broadcasting station 2 and IP /
The SP company server 7 is connected via a wide area communication network such as WAN. Both the broadcasting station 2 and the IP / SP company server 7 can receive the data such as the totalized result from the response server 3. The IP / SP company server 7 is a server operated by an information provider who uses the processed data such as the aggregation result acquired by the response server 3.

FIG. 2 shows the interactive television 1 and the response server 3.
The software configuration of is shown. Interactive TV 1-1
1 to n are provided with a program control unit 8 that executes a program program that is multiplex-broadcast from the broadcasting station 2. The program control unit 8 provides a program according to the viewer's program selection request, and notifies the communication control unit 9 of the selection item selected by the viewer on the menu screen of the program as response data. At this time, the program ID of the program and the television ID of the interactive television are added to the response data. The program ID is assigned to each program provided on the interactive television, and the television ID is assigned to each interactive television 1-1 to 1-n.

The response server 3 includes a response processing application 11 that creates a response data file 17 based on the response data sent from the interactive television, and a tallying processing application 12 that performs a tallying process based on the response data of the response data file 17. , An authentication processing application 13 for executing authentication processing such as list creation based on personal information, and an operation application 14 for activating the applications 11 to 14 and deleting unnecessary data from the response data file 17 at a timing given by the scheduler. Is equipped with.

The response server 3 is provided with a program information database 15 and an authentication information database 16 which can be accessed by the response processing application 11, the totalization processing application 12, the authentication processing application 13, and the like. In the program information database 15, the program IDs of all programs provided by the interactive television are registered, and each program I
Required program information corresponding to the service content of the program is stored for each D. In the authentication information database 16, personal information such as name and address is registered in association with the TV IDs of all registered interactive TVs.

A distributed TP monitor (distributed transaction process monitor) 20 is a part that monitors the operation of each of the applications 11 to 14 and guarantees the continuity of data. The high-speed file system 21 includes the applications 11 to 14 and the databases 1 described above.
5, 16 and the data files 17, 18 are provided to increase reliability and speed up processing speed.

Response server 3 and interactive televisions 1-1 to 1
The communication control unit 30 enables connection to the node -n via the public line network 4. The communication control unit 30 uses the communication control protocol 31 to execute a predetermined interactive television and modem 3.
The interactive server that controls the line connection with the modem 2 and connects the line to the modem 32 is connected to the response server 3 via the communication protocol 33
Connected to The communication control unit 30 is connected to the response server 3 via the input / output control unit 34. Input / output control unit 3
Reference numeral 4 is for efficiently transmitting and receiving data to and from the response server 3.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure of the program information database 15.

A program information database 15 for a program "accepting viewers 'responses in a quiz program on an interactive television and notifying the broadcasting station 2 of the results of totaling viewers'responses" is shown. In the program information database 15, the program ID of the program, the broadcast time of the quiz program, the content of the response process, the content of the totaling process, the transmission type of the totaling result, and the like are defined.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the structure of the authentication information database 16.

The name of the owner of the interactive television, the contact address, and any other attribute data corresponding to the television ID are defined as the authentication information.

FIG. 6 shows a system configuration example for interconnecting the interactive televisions 1-1 to 1-n, the broadcasting station 2, the response server 3, and the IP / SP company server 7.

As described above, the interactive televisions 1-1 to 1-
n is connected to the communication control unit 30 via the public line network 4 and a modem. By arranging the communication control unit 30 on the LAN 35 to which the response server 3 is connected, the connection between the interactive television and the response server is realized. Connect to the WAN 37 from the LAN 35 via the router 36, and
To the broadcasting station terminal 2'through the router 38. The WAN 37 is also connected to the IP / SP company server 7.

Next, the operation of the interactive television response server system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show a case where the answers of viewers are totaled by the response server 3 in the quiz program and notified to the broadcasting station 2.

The interactive television 1-1 to program screen data and programs that cause the viewer to select the quiz selection problem by placing the quiz program on the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station 2.
Send to 1-n. A program ID is added to this data.

In the interactive televisions 1-1 to 1-n, the program of the selection problem separated from the broadcast wave of the quiz program is notified to the program control unit 8. When the program control unit 8 receives from the viewer a request to display the program of the selection problem via a user interface such as a remote controller, the program control unit 8 displays a selection menu regarding the selection problem on the television screen. These pieces of program information are sent by being inserted in the gap between the broadcast waves. Then, the answer input by the viewer to the selection menu is used as response data, the program ID and the television ID are added to the response data, and the response data is passed to the communication control unit 9. The communication control unit 9 includes a communication control unit 3 from the interactive television 1 via the public line network 4.
Issue a line connection request to 0. After the line connection between the communication control units 9 and 30, the program ID, the TV ID, and the response data are sent from the interactive television 1 to the response server 3.

In the response server 3, the received response data is passed from the input / output control unit 34 to the response processing application 11. The communication control unit 30 disconnects the line after passing the response data to the response processing application 11.

The response processing application 11 reads the response processing content of the program from the program information database 15 using the program ID added to the response data as a key, and executes the processing indicated by the response processing content. Specifically, the response data file 17 is searched for a file having a corresponding program ID as shown in FIG. 5, and the television ID and response data (answer) are set. By performing the same process for all the answers, a list including the television ID and the response data for the selected question is created in the response data file shown in FIG. If there is no corresponding program ID, a new program ID is registered.

When it is specified in the program information database that individual authentication information corresponding to the TV ID is added to the response data list, the authentication processing application 1
TV ID registered in the response data list after 3 was activated
The authentication processing database 16 is searched based on. Individual authentication information is created from the search result.

The aggregation processing application 12 uses the program I
Based on D, the totalization processing contents for the program are read from the program information database 15. Here, since the answers are aggregated for the quiz selection question, response data (answers) are extracted from the response data file 17 created by the response processing application 11 using the program ID as a key and aggregated. Further, if the totalization process in which the individual authentication information is taken in is specified in the totalization process contents, the totalization result obtained by combining the response data list and the individual authentication information is obtained. The tabulation result is output in a form according to the transmission type registered in the program information database 15. In broadcasting station 2, if you want to use the result of totaling answers in a TV program, "Send in real time"
Is specified. A communication line is connected between the response server 3 and the broadcasting station terminal 2 ', and the aggregation result is transmitted to the broadcasting station terminal 2'via the WAN 37.

In the above description, an example of collecting the responses of the viewers in the quiz program is shown. However, the program content to be multiplexed from the broadcasting station 2 into the broadcast wave and the program information database 15 are stored in advance corresponding to the program. The contents of the program can be freely set by the combination with the program information to be displayed.

For example, it is possible to provide a service of requesting a catalog of commercial broadcast products on an interactive television. During a commercial broadcast time period, a screen image for requesting a product catalog is multiplexed with broadcast airwaves together with a program ID and transmitted to an interactive television.

On both televisions that have received the data of the catalog request screen, the catalog request screen is displayed on the screen in response to a display request input from the viewer via the user interface. Then, the selection action performed by the viewer on the catalog request screen is transmitted to the response server 3 as response data together with the program ID and the television ID.

Program information database 15 of response server 3
In advance, the program information for the catalog request is registered together with the program ID, and the totalization processing application 12 executes the totalization process required for the catalog request based on the program ID. Specifically, personal information such as the name and address of the individual who has requested the catalog is extracted from the authentication information database 16 based on the TV ID, and the type of the requested catalog and the delivery are sent from this personal information and the program ID. Create a catalog request list that corresponds to the above. Since it is not necessary to send the catalog request list to the IP / SP company in real time, the total data file 18 is created and the catalog request list is stored in advance and batch processed to the server 7 of the contracting IP / SP person. It can be sent. When the catalog request list is transmitted by batch processing, “batch processing” is designated in the transmission type item of the program information database 15. In addition, when the catalog request list is collectively transmitted when the broadcasting station 2 or the IP / SP company server 7 requests transmission to the response server 3, the transmission type item of the program information database 15 is set to “ON”. Demand ”is specified.

The counting result obtained by the counting processing application 12 of the response server 3 is not only transmitted to another but also printed out by the response server 3 or displayed on the CRT depending on the use.

It should be noted that a list creation operation that requires processing of personal information such as a catalog request list can be passed to the authentication processing application 13. In the example described above, the television ID information is given from the totalization processing application 12 to the authentication processing application 13 to cause the authentication processing application 13 to create a catalog request list.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the interactive television 1 that receives the broadcast wave in which the program is multiplexed displays the program selectively, accepts the viewer's response, and uses the selected input as response data to program ID. Also, the response data is transmitted to the response server 3 together with the TV ID, and the response data is subjected to the response processing and the aggregation processing by referring to the program information which is predetermined in the response server 3 corresponding to the program content of each program. It is possible to display any program related to a television program or broadcast commercial on the interactive television and collect the selection input of the viewer as response data, and add the processing according to the program content to the collected response data to obtain information. Can be provided.

According to the present embodiment, personal information is registered in advance in the authentication information database 16 of the response server 3 in association with each television ID of the interactive televisions 1-1 to 1-n. It is possible to create processed data in which personal information is added to the response data collected from the televisions 1-1 to 1-n, and it is possible to easily create various lists that require personal information.

In the above embodiment, a television program or a program not related to a broadcast commercial may be displayed and collected as interactive viewer response data from the interactive television.

(Second Embodiment) The interactive television response server system of this embodiment has the same basic system configuration and software configuration as those of the first embodiment described above.

In this embodiment, only the program start menu, which is the selection screen at the start of the program, is multiplexed on the broadcast wave and sent to the interactive television. After the program starts, the response server side (the response server itself or another server). The program is provided from the application located in. Interactive TV 1-1 to 1-
n adds the program ID and the TV ID to the response data of the viewer and attaches a header that can be identified by the input / output control unit 34 of the response server 3 to the transmission. The header serves as an identifier for passing the response data to the online service manager 19.

The online service manager 19
It has a function of searching the program information database 15 based on the program ID added to the response data and designating an application to be connected. In the program information database 15, the connection destination application information is set to the program information of the corresponding program ID.

The operation of the interactive television response server system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

During commercial broadcasting, a program start menu such as online shopping or catalog request is multiplexed on the broadcast radio waves and sent to the interactive televisions 1-1 to 1-n. When receiving a display request from a viewer via the user interface, the interactive televisions 1-1 to 1-n display a program start menu. After that, the service will be changed to an online service with a response server independently of broadcasting. When there is a program start request for the program start menu on the interactive TV,
A bidirectional header is added to the response data, which is the program start request operation, the program ID, and the television ID, and transmitted from the communication control unit 9 of the interactive television to the response server 3.

When the bidirectional header is added to the response data, the input / output control unit 34 of the response server 3 passes the data to the online service manager 19 and maintains the connection of the communication line. Online Service Manager 1
9 is a program information database 15 using the program ID as a key.
Read the connected app information from and start the application specified there. When the application 41 arranged in the response server 3 is designated,
The application 41 transmits an image image and a program program according to the content of the program to the requesting interactive television via the public line network 4.

When the program control unit 8 of the interactive television executes the program information such as the image image and the program program, and the viewer performs a selection operation through the user interface, the contents of the selection operation are used as response data for the program I.
It is sent to the response server 3 together with D and the TV ID. The application 41 receiving this response data transmits an image and a program for shifting to the next process to the interactive television. Similarly, the shopping procedure and the catalog request procedure are completed by repeatedly exchanging the response data and the image. If the procedure contents are simple, the procedure is completed with only one response data.

Also, the online service manager 1
9 is a program information database 15 using the program ID as a key
If the application specified in the connected app information read from the server is not placed in the response server 3, the server 40-1 in which the designated application is placed
Connect to (40-2). Address information for connecting to the server 40-1 (40-2) is set in the program information database 15.

For example, when the application 42 arranged in the server 40-1 is designated, the response server 3 is connected to the server 40-1 via the high-speed digital line network and the application 42 is activated. Then, the response server 3 receives the image and the like from the application 42.
Through to the interactive television 1. A server 40-1, which is operated by a product provider, that runs applications 42 and 43,
By arranging in 40-2, it is possible to hand over the procedures such as online shopping and catalog request to the product provider.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the broadcasting station 2
, The program start menu is multiplexed with the broadcast wave and broadcast,
The response data, the program ID, the television ID, and the interactive header are added to the interactive server and transmitted to the response server 3, and the image image and the program are transmitted from the application installed in the response server 3 or another server via the response server 3. Since it is set to send to interactive TV, you only need to send the program start menu from broadcasting station 2 to interactive TV first.
The application on the side of the response server 3 can provide the procedure thereafter. Therefore, online shopping and catalog request using the interactive television can be performed without increasing the load of broadcast radio waves. Further, it is possible to allow the interactive television to select a program start menu of a commercial or a product related to a television program being broadcast.

In the second embodiment, the program start menu is sent from the broadcasting station 2 to the interactive television. However, if the program start menu is not related to the commercial or the television program being broadcast, the interactive television will be displayed. It can be stored in advance in the ROM so that the program start menu can be displayed at any time.

(Third Embodiment) FIGS. 11 and 12 show
The example which changed a part of 2nd Embodiment mentioned above is shown. The present embodiment is an example in which the service menu provided from the server side is stored in advance on the storage medium of the interactive television so that the viewer can select the service on the interactive television. Here, the service provided from the server side to the interactive television can be treated as one form of the program as in the second embodiment.

When the interactive television 1 receives a display request for the service menu provided from the viewer, it displays the menu previously stored in the storage medium such as the ROM. When the viewer selects and inputs the service to be provided using the menu, a header for requesting bidirectional communication is added to the data, the service ID and the TV ID which are the start request operations, and the communication control unit 9 of the bidirectional TV sets the response server 3 Sent to. Service I
D is registered in the program information database instead of the program ID. The subsequent processing is the same as in the second embodiment.

According to the present embodiment as described above, online shopping, catalog request, etc. can be performed by the interactive television regardless of the broadcasting of the broadcasting station.

(Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, a VTR device is connected to an interactive television to record a product explanation video or the like in which a program corresponding to the above-mentioned sub-program is inserted.
This is an interactive television system that enables the user to place orders for products, obtain catalogs, and obtain information by playing back on the device and providing program information to the interactive television.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of the interactive television system according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a detailed diagram of the interactive television system. The VTR device 50 is installed at a place where the interactive television 60 can be connected online. The VTR device 50 reproduces a video, which will be described later, which is sold or distributed by a product dealer or the like. Inside the VTR device 50 is a video head 5 for reproducing a video signal.
1. An image reproduction circuit 52 which reproduces an image signal from a signal read by the video head 51, and a script reproduction circuit 53 which reproduces a script and product information embedded in the script.

From the VTR device 50, a script (and image control information) in which the product information is embedded within the vertical blanking period (VBL) of the image information is transmitted. Here, the entire bit stream for displaying additional information transmitted during the character multiplex signal transmission period within VBL is simply referred to as a script except for some control information.
Therefore, the script contains headers, forms, resources, and program parts.

The interactive television 60 includes a character multiplex broadcasting video receiver (character multiplex video receiver) 61 for receiving a video signal sent from the VTR device 50, and a video image obtained by the character multiplex video receiver 61. A display unit (CRT) 62 for selectively displaying and outputting the ordinary character multiplex broadcast or bidirectional character multiplex broadcast obtained by the multimedia character broadcast reception circuit 63 is provided. In addition, the interactive television 60 is
Character data (VBL data) is discriminated and taken from the video signal passed from the character multiplex video receiver 61, divided into normal image information data and a plurality of types of additional information data related to the image information. A multimedia teletext receiving circuit 63 for generating display data and display data of a plurality of types of additional information related to image information is provided. The multimedia teletext receiving circuit 63 interprets and executes the reception script, supplies the display information therein to the video processing circuit of the character multiplex video receiver 61, and transmits the information to the response server 3 through the line. Supply to the modem 64. The modem 64 connects the multimedia teletext receiving circuit 63 to a public telephone line. The data handled by the multimedia teletext receiving circuit 63 is given to this modem 64 from the decoding unit for bidirectional teletext broadcasting of the receiving circuit 63 (embedded in the receiving script).
The line connection destination (for example, the response server 3) is automatically dialed and transmitted. That is, by a specific key input operation of the remote controller 65, the bidirectional character multiplexing is performed via the modem 64 with the information registered in the device management / personal identification information registration setting section [PS] described later as the transmission source. It is possible to automatically dial the line connection destination (for example, the response server 3) provided by the broadcast decoding unit.

The response server 3 is basically equipped with the same functions as in any of the above-described embodiments. That is, for the interactive televisions 60 in many ordinary homes, the multimedia teletext receiving circuit 6 of each television 60 is targeted.
3 and a CCP facility 71 for transmitting and receiving.
A plurality of interactive server 6 having a plurality of response server facilities 72 placed under a center server facility described later.
The transmission / reception information is distributed to 0. A local database (L-DB) in which the response server facility 72 stores personal information in a predetermined area for subscriber management.
73 is accessible. The center server facility 74 is a server that aggregates and processes the results distributed by the response server facilities 72, and has a master database (M-DB) 75 that stores personal information of all areas for subscriber management. . IP /
The SP facility 77 receives a processing instruction for the response data from the interactive television 60 from the network service 7 in advance, and also receives the response result of the interactive television 60 in the form desired by the network service 7.
It is the part to be sent back to. The operation management facility 76 is
This is an application for operating and managing the response server system consisting of the above facilities.

Here, the internal structure of the multimedia teletext receiving circuit 63 will be described. FIG. 15 shows the functional blocks inside the multimedia teletext receiving circuit 63. The multimedia teletext receiving circuit 63 has a CP
The operation control inside the circuit is managed by U81. Here, a CPU for processing a script for providing a plurality of types of additional information related to image information is used.
The bidirectional character multiplex broadcasting decoder unit is realized by the processing of the script processing module [SCR] in the ROM which will be described later by 81.

The video signal input from the video receiver 61 is transferred to the RAM 83 via the waveform equalization data separation processing circuit 82.
To memorize. The waveform equalization data separation processing circuit 82 is used for the video signal (Video) received by the character multiplex video receiver 61.
O), the teletext data and the bidirectional teletext data (that is, the script for displaying additional information) are discriminated, and the received teletext data and the reception script are C
It is stored in the RAM 83 under the control of the PU 81. CPU 81
Performs a process such as buffering (storing) the received script discriminated from the video signal (Video) in the RAM 83, interpreting it, and executing it to generate display data (RGB signal).

The RAM 83 is used as a work memory for the CPU 81, and the data communication control program [DCO
M], a drawing processing program [PICM], a user interface program [USIF], a script buffer unit [SCB], a teletext data buffer unit, and the like.

The basic control program executed by the CPU 81 and fixed information are stored in the ROM 84. Script processing module [SC for executing script processing
R], teletext processing module [CBP] for executing teletext processing, etc. are stored, and device management / individuals in which device-specific IDs and individual identification IDs issued for each receiver are registered Identification information registration setting section [PS], Kanji / character management section [C / Η] that stores and manages Kanji / characters
A], an icon management unit [ICON], and the like are provided.

Display data is stored in the display memory (VRAM) 85. For example, a drawing processing program [PIC
The display data and the like subjected to the drawing processing are stored in [M].

A signal from a television receiving circuit provided in the interactive television 60 is given to a channel selection microprocessor (channel selection MP) 86. The tuning MP86 receives the signal from the remote controller 65, separates it into a television operation command and an additional information display selection control command, and sends the television operation command to the television receiving circuit to select an additional information display selection. The control command is stored in the remote control receiving buffer register of the RAM 83 and is bit-parallel to the CPU 81.
Hand over to

FIG. 16 shows a configuration diagram of a remote controller 65 for remotely operating the interactive television 60. The remote controller 65 is a mode switching key (i key) for switching the interactive mode between valid and invalid, and a direction indicating key (up / down key) for selecting an arbitrary selection branch from a plurality of selection branches provided on the additional information selection screen or the like. Each has one key in the left-right direction and a decision (confirmation) key. The mode switch key (i key) is a toggle type key that alternately switches between valid and invalid interactive modes, and when the interactive mode is set to valid, the display section (CR
Display the "i" mark in the upper left corner of Τ). Fortune MP
86, when the interactive mode is valid (that is, when the "i" mark is displayed), the-part key (for example, a numeric key) is reflected only on the additional information being displayed. In addition, the interactive mode valid / invalid setting can be forcibly set at a certain timing according to the command embedded in the script in the specific additional information display, in addition to the operation of the remote controller 65. It is possible.

A trader who sells a product using the interactive television system as described above shoots a video image (including sound) introducing the product, orders the product, and obtains a catalog or the like. Create a video by embedding, etc. in the video signal in the form of a script.

FIG. 17 shows a system in which an image of a product is recorded and the image and the character data (VBL data) related to the product are superimposed. The video of the product is recorded by the recording device 91, and the character data production device 92 generates character data including a script in which information about the product is embedded. Character data including a script created by the character data production device 92 is transmitted to the multiplexing device 94 via the transmission control device 93. The sending control device 93 controls character transmission (VBL data transmission) including a script. Multiplexer 94
In, the character data including the script is multiplexed in a predetermined area of the video signal in synchronization with the video signal from the recording device 91. In this way, the video in which the script is embedded is created. Information such as transfer destination information is embedded in the script.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the processing procedure in the interactive television system. With reference to the same figure, the following description will be made taking shopping by video as an example.

In step (1), the VTR device 50
Is connected to the interactive television 60, and the VTR device 50 reproduces the video in which the script created by the above-described recording system is embedded. From the VTR device 50, V of the image information
The script (and the screen control information) in which the product information is embedded in the BL is transmitted.

FIG. 19 shows even and odd fields of the video signal reproduced by the VTR device 50, and shows the transmission timing of the script (and the screen control information). VBL for transmitting normal teletext data
In addition to the inner horizontal scanning period (current character multiplex signal), the script (and screen control information) is transmitted using the VBL horizontal scanning period indicated by the symbol c in the figure.

By the processing in step (1), for the character multiplex broadcasting (encoded transmission method character broadcasting) in which the script and the transfer destination information (for example, telephone number) are embedded in the VBL in the transmission form shown in FIG. The video signal is transmitted. Here, a script for providing a plurality of types of additional information linked to the image information within the vertical blanking period (VBL) included in the video signal (script main body section (program section) describing the processing procedure, Send phone numbers embedded in headers, forms, and resources) and scripts. As an example, it is assumed that the VTR shopping information is transmitted together with the customer's telephone number.

According to the step (2), the interactive television 60
Receives the video signal in which the shopping information reproduced by the VTR is inserted, and stores (buffers) the reception script included in the signal. That is, the multimedia teletext receiving circuit 6 provided in the interactive television 60
The reference numeral 3 discriminates VBL data from the sent video signal and fetches it, and divides it into normal image information data and a plurality of types of additional information linked to the image information, and displays normal image information display data and image information. Display data of a plurality of types of additional information linked to is generated and stored (buffered) in the RAM 83, respectively.

In step (3), when the viewer operates the mode switching key (i key) of the remote controller 65 to activate the interactive mode, the viewer is displayed in the upper left corner of the display unit (CRT) 62 as shown in FIG. ) Is displayed to indicate that the interactive mode is set, and the screen shown in FIG. 20B is displayed to confirm whether or not to shovel.

Furthermore, the mode switching key (i key)
21A, the CPU 81 executes the script processing module [SCR] in the ROM 84 to execute the script processing by the bidirectional character multiplex broadcasting decoder unit, for example, as shown in FIG. The additional information selection screen (shopping selection screen) is displayed (step (4)).

On this additional information selection screen (shopping selection screen), the viewer operates the direction instruction key (here, the left direction instruction key or the right direction instruction key) of the remote controller 65 (step ( 5)), the selection branch designated and selected is highlighted (for example, by dot reduction display) to clearly indicate the designated selection branch (step (6)). At this time, when the "Enter" (confirm) key is operated with the selection branch for shopping highlighted (dotted display), FIG.
An introduction and selection screen of shopping information as shown in is displayed (steps (5) and (6)).

Further, when a certain product is selected and designated on the shopping information introduction and selection screen shown in FIG. 21 (b), the transaction details or product details are also confirmed in FIG. 22 (a). The screen as shown in Fig. 21 is displayed, and when "correction" is selected on this screen, the screen returns to the screen of Fig. 21 (b).
Further, when “confirmation (order)” is selected on the screen for confirmation of transaction details or product details shown in FIG. 22 (a) (step (7)), the transaction information is the modem. 64,
Also, it is automatically transmitted to the response server 3 based on the customer telephone number received via the telephone line (step (8)). At this time, a screen indicating that the transaction processing is being performed is displayed as shown in FIG.

From the interactive television 60, the response server 3
When the transaction information is received, the device ID included in that information
Alternatively, the interactive television that searches the local database 73 according to the personal identification ID, executes the confirmation process and the registration process according to the contents of the transaction, and when the transaction is completed, the information indicating the fact is traded. Return to 60.

Upon receiving the transaction completion information from the response server 3 via the modem 64, the interactive television 60 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 22B according to the content of the information. According to such an embodiment, the interactive television 60 using the VTR device 50 widely used in general households and the like is used.
Since a video signal in which a script is embedded can be given to, an interactive service such as online shopping can be provided by a third method that is not from a broadcasting station or a server.

In the fourth embodiment, only a single piece of shopping information is exemplified, but for example, regarding shopping, a plurality of types of transaction services can be provided over jewelry, food items, clothing, real estate, etc. It is also possible to use different telephone numbers for each vendor and automatically send to each.
In this case, a plurality of telephone numbers set separately according to the type of industry, the vendor, etc. are embedded in the transmission script, and the interactive television 6
When the transaction is confirmed on the 0 side, the transaction service using a plurality of telephone lines is realized by transmitting to the modem 64 the telephone number for each industry and trader corresponding to the transaction content.

The remote controller 65 can also automatically dial the line connection destination registered in the device management / personal identification information registration setting section [PS] of the ROM 84 through the modem 65 by inputting a specific key operation. It is possible.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0095]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a broadcasting station or the like which needs the totalization result by totalizing the response data selectively input by the viewer on the interactive television according to the program content. It is possible to provide an interactive television response server system that can be provided to According to the invention, a VTR
An interactive television system capable of displaying additional information of a product on a television receiver displaying a video signal reproduced by an apparatus and providing a service according to the additional information can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an interactive television response server system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a software configuration of an interactive television response server system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a program information database provided in the interactive television response server system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an authentication information database provided in the interactive television response server system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a response data file in the interactive television response server system.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a system configuration of an interactive television response server system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data flow between a broadcasting station, an interactive television and a response server in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing processing contents in a response server in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data flow between a broadcasting station, an interactive television and a response server in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing processing contents in a response server in the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data flow between an interactive television and a response server in the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing processing contents in an interactive television and a response server in the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an interactive television system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of an interactive television system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of a teletext receiving circuit provided in a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a remote controller.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a recording system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a processing procedure in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a transmission form of a video signal transmitted from the VTR device in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a screen configuration diagram when an interactive mode is selected in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a screen configuration diagram of an additional information selection screen in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a screen configuration diagram of another additional information selection screen in the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1-1 to 1-n, 60 ... Interactive television, 2 ... Broadcasting station, 3
... response server, 4 ... public network, 7 ... IP / SP company server, 8 ... program control unit, 11 ... response processing application, 12 ... totalization processing application, 13 ... authentication processing application, 14 ... operation application, 15 ... program Information database, 16 ... Authentication information database, 17 ... Response data file, 18 ... Total data file, 19 ... Online stream manager, 30 ... Communication control unit, 34 ... TP client, 60
... VTR device.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An interactive television response server in which a plurality of interactive televisions are connected via a communication network and processes response data of viewers to a program provided on the interactive television in accordance with the content of the program. In the system, the response processing means for organizing the response data sent from each of the interactive televisions through the communication network for each program to create a response data list, and the response data list created by the response processing means An interactive television response server system, comprising: an aggregate processing unit that obtains an aggregated result of response data for each program. 2. An interactive television response server, wherein a plurality of interactive televisions are connected via a communication line network, and the response data of a viewer to a program provided on the interactive television is processed according to the content of the program. In the system, a program information database in which a program ID is set for each program and program information including processing contents of response data is registered, and response data to which the program ID transmitted from each interactive television is added And a response processing means for organizing a response data list and processing the response data list created by the response processing means with the processing content retrieved from the program information database based on the program ID to obtain a counting result. An interactive television response server system comprising a processing means. 3. An interactive television response server, wherein a plurality of interactive televisions are connected via a communication line network, and the response data of a viewer to a program provided on the interactive television is processed according to the content of the program. In the system, a program information database in which a program ID is set for each program and program information including processing contents of response data is registered, and authentication information of each individual is registered based on a TV ID set for each interactive television. The authentication information database and the response data to which the program ID and the television ID sent from each interactive television are arranged in program ID units to create a response data list in which the response data and the television ID are associated with each other. Response processing means, and searches the authentication information database based on the TV ID registered in the response data list to obtain personal authentication information. And a totalization processing unit for processing the response data list and the personal authentication information according to the processing content retrieved from the program information database based on the program ID to obtain a totalization result. TV response server system for TV. 4. An interactive television response server, wherein a plurality of interactive televisions are connected via a communication line network, and the response data of a viewer to a program provided on the interactive television is processed according to the content of the program. In the system, the header added to the data sent from the interactive television via the communication network is analyzed, and if the header requests bidirectional communication, the communication channel with the interactive television is held. A program is provided on the interactive television via a communication control means and a communication line held by the communication control means, and the program is sent from the interactive television via the communication line. And a program providing means for accumulating the response data and performing a task according to the program. 5. A VTR device for reproducing a video signal in which a script for providing additional information of a product is inserted in a predetermined area of a video signal indicating a product content, and a broadcast program is displayed by receiving a broadcasting television radio wave. A television receiver,
A bidirectional television system having bidirectionality constructed from a response server which is connected to the television receiver via a public line. The television receiver transmits the VTR device to the television receiver. Video reception function for receiving a video signal, a function for discriminating a script from the video signal received by the reception function, a remote operation reception function for receiving a signal transmitted from a remote controller, and a remote operation reception function for reception The function to judge the instruction content of the selected signal and the transfer data corresponding to the selected additional information by executing the discriminated script when it is determined that the signal from the remote controller requests the additional information to be provided. And a script execution function for sending a line to a response server together with an identifier unique to the receiver or the user, and the response server includes a receiver or A database in which personal information for individual users is registered, a function for extracting the identifier of the receiver or the individual user from the transfer data sent from the television receiver, and an identifier extracted from the transfer data And a function for taking out personal information from the authentication information database and executing a predetermined process.