JPWO2015045157A1 - Electronic device, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the embodiment, the method accepts a first operation by the user while displaying the first program, and if the first operation is accepted, the method receives audio from the first external device corresponding to the first program. First communication using at least one of data and video data is enabled. In the first communication, video data is not transmitted to the first external device, but audio data is transmitted, and video data from the first external device is transmitted. Receive both data and audio data.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a technique for performing videophone communication with an external device.

  In recent years, electronic devices (home electrical appliances) having a videophone function have been developed due to downsizing of cameras for capturing images and improvement of communication speed.

  Such an electronic device is provided with a camera, and audio data of a user who uses the electronic device and video data captured by the camera are transmitted and received between the electronic devices. As a result, users who use each electronic device can make a voice call while watching the images captured by the cameras provided in the other electronic devices.

  By the way, electronic devices having a videophone function include, for example, a TV device that can view various programs. According to such a television apparatus, the user can make a videophone call with an operator corresponding to the program being viewed, for example. In this case, video data (hereinafter referred to as operator-side video) captured by a camera provided in an external device (operator terminal) used by the operator is displayed on the television device. On the other hand, the operator terminal displays video data (hereinafter referred to as video on the user side) captured by a camera provided in the television apparatus.

  However, there are cases where a user who uses the television apparatus does not want the video on the user side to be displayed on the operator terminal from the viewpoint of privacy or the like.

  Further, depending on the content of the program being viewed by the user, the operator's video may be displayed on the television apparatus, and there may be no need to display the user's video on the operator terminal.

JP 2006-340020 A

  An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic device, a method, and a program capable of hiding a user-side image in videophone communication.

  According to the embodiment, the method accepts a first operation by a user while displaying a first program, and, when the first operation is accepted, a method with a first external device corresponding to the first program. First communication by at least one of audio data and video data is enabled, and in the first communication, audio data is transmitted to the first external device without transmitting video data, and the first external Receives both video data and audio data from the device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a network system including a television device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram mainly showing a functional configuration of the television apparatus 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the video phone number information registered in the telephone service providing server 20. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the television device 10 when the “Purchase” button operation is performed. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of product information registered in the product / customer information server 40. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of customer information registered in the product / customer information server 40. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the television device 10 when the “cart” button operation is performed. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of cart information registered in the cart information storage unit 14. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the television device 10 when the “purchase” button operation is performed after the cart information is registered in the cart information storage unit 14. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the television device 10 when the “investigation” button operation is performed. FIG. 11 is a block diagram mainly showing a functional configuration of the television apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the television device 100 when the “purchase” button operation is performed after the cart information is registered in the cart information storage unit 14. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the television device 100 when the “cart” button operation is performed.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
First, the first embodiment will be described. The electronic device according to the present embodiment has a videophone function for making a videophone call by mutually transmitting and receiving audio data and video data to and from an external device, and a program broadcast from a broadcasting station. It is assumed that the device can be viewed. The electronic device can be realized as a television device, for example. Below, the case where this electronic device is implement | achieved as a television apparatus is demonstrated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a network system including a television device 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The television apparatus 10 can view a program broadcast from the broadcast station 1 by receiving a broadcast wave from the broadcast station 1. There are various types of programs broadcast from the broadcasting station 1, and for example, programs that provide information on one or more objects (for example, products or services) that can be purchased by the user are included. An example of a program that provides information on one or more objects that can be purchased by the user is, for example, television shopping that introduces products that the user can purchase. In this television shopping, it is assumed that a product can be ordered (ordered) using the videophone function of the television device 10 described above.

  Further, according to the videophone function of the TV device 10, the TV device 10 can perform videophone communication with an external device having the videophone function. In this videophone communication, audio data and video data are transmitted and received between the TV apparatus 10 and an external device. Thereby, the user who uses the television apparatus 10 can make a voice call while watching the video imaged by the camera provided in the external device.

  The TV device 10 is connected to the telephone service providing server 20 and an external device capable of performing TV phone communication with the TV device 10. The external device connected to the television device 10 is a device corresponding to a program that can be viewed on the television device 10, and is, for example, an operator terminal 30 used by an operator who handles a videophone.

  In response to an operation on the TV device 10 of a user who is watching a program, the telephone service providing server 20 sets a TV phone number used to perform TV phone communication with the operator terminal 30 corresponding to the program being viewed. Provided to the apparatus 10. Note that the operation on the television device 10 includes an operation using a remote controller.

  A product / customer information server 40 is connected to the operator terminal 30 corresponding to the television shopping described above. The merchandise / customer information server 40 receives information on merchandise introduced in TV shopping being watched by the user and information on a user who is making a videophone call with an operator who uses the operator terminal 30. Operator).

  Next, FIG. 2 is a block diagram mainly showing a functional configuration of the television apparatus 10 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, only functional configurations related to the present embodiment are described for convenience, and descriptions of other configurations are omitted. The same applies to other embodiments.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the television device 10 includes an operation reception unit 11, a communication control unit 12, a cart information registration unit 13, and a cart information storage unit 14.

  The operation reception unit 11 receives a user operation on the television device 10. Specifically, the operation receiving unit 11 receives an operation signal from the remote controller via, for example, an infrared receiving unit (not shown).

  When the operation (first operation) of the user who is viewing the program is received by the operation receiving unit 11, the call control unit 12 uses the telephone service number assigned to the operator terminal 30 corresponding to the program as a telephone service. Receive from the providing server 20. The call control unit 12 enables videophone communication between the television apparatus 10 and the operator terminal 30 using the received videophone number. The call control unit 12 transmits only the user's voice data to the operator terminal 30 in accordance with the program at the time of videophone communication with the operator terminal 30 corresponding to the program being viewed by the user.

  When an operation (second operation) of a user who is viewing a program is received by the operation reception unit 11, the cart information registration unit 13 in the program being viewed by the user when the operation of the user is received. Cart information for specifying a target that the user can purchase is generated. Note that when the program being viewed by the user is the above-described television shopping, the cart information generated by the cart information registration unit 13 is information that can identify a product or the like introduced in the television shopping. The cart information registration unit 13 registers (stores) the generated cart information in the cart information storage unit 14. This cart information is used, for example, when ordering products introduced in TV shopping later.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the television apparatus 10 (electronic device) according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, a user demonstrates as what views and listens to the television shopping which introduces the goods which the said user can purchase. In addition, it is assumed that the video shopping is compatible with a video phone, and it is possible to order a product by a telephone call using the video phone.

  Note that the user can perform operations on the television device 10 using the above-described remote controller, and the remote controller is provided with various buttons for operating the television device 10. Various buttons provided on the remote controller include a “buy” button for ordering a product introduced in TV shopping, a “cart” button for temporarily storing information that can identify the product, and An “investigation” button or the like for acquiring information related to the product is included.

  In addition, the telephone service providing server 20 connected to the TV apparatus 10 includes information including a TV telephone number assigned to the operator terminal 30 corresponding to a plurality of programs that can be viewed by the user including TV shopping (hereinafter referred to as “TV telephone number”). It is assumed that TV phone number information) is registered in advance.

  Here, FIG. 3 shows an example of the data structure of the videophone number information registered in the telephone service providing server 20. Here, it is assumed that video phone number information 21a to 21c and the like are registered in the telephone service providing server 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the video phone number information 21a to 21c, information indicating a channel (ch), a time zone, a video phone number, and a program name (in correspondence with the number assigned to the video phone number information). ) Is included.

  Specifically, the video phone number information 21a is associated with the number “1”, ch “BS8”, time zone “23: 00-23: 30”, video phone number “aaa-aaa-aaa”, and The program name “program name 1” is included. According to this videophone number information 21a, the program name of the program broadcast on the channel “BS8” in the time zone from 23:00 to 23:30 is “program name 1”, and the operator terminal 30 corresponding to the program is shown. It is shown that the video phone number assigned to is “aaa-aaaa-aaaa”.

  Here, the video phone number information 21a has been described. However, the same applies to the other video phone number information 21b and 21c, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 3, the TV phone number information is described as including the program name, but the name of the company that produced the program may be included instead of the program name.

  The video phone number information only needs to include key information that can specify the video phone number. For example, instead of the channel and time zone, the type of terrestrial broadcast or satellite broadcast (BS broadcast) is identified. For example, a Network ID for identifying a channel, a Service ID for identifying a channel, or an Event ID added to a program may be used.

  First, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 4, when a user performs an operation of pressing a “Purchase” button (hereinafter referred to as “Purchase” button operation) provided on the remote controller while watching TV shopping. A processing procedure of the TV apparatus 10 will be described.

  When a “purchase” button operation is performed by the user while watching TV shopping (displaying the first program), the operation accepting unit 11 accepts the “purchase” button operation via, for example, an infrared receiving unit.

  When the “Purchase” button operation is received by the operation receiving unit 11, the communication control unit 12 displays the video phone number assigned to the operator terminal 30 corresponding to the TV shopping (hereinafter referred to as a viewing program) that the user is viewing. Is obtained from the telephone service providing server 20 (block B1).

  In this case, the communication control unit 12 transmits to the telephone service providing server 20 time information indicating the channel on which the viewing program is broadcast and the time on the viewing program. Note that the time on the viewing program means that, for example, when the user is viewing the program in real time, the “purchase” button operation of the user is accepted (that is, the “purchase” button operation is performed). It's time. On the other hand, when the user is watching a recorded program, for example, it is a time obtained by adding the reproduction time of the program to the time when the recording of the program is started. That is, time information indicating the same time is transmitted regardless of whether the user is viewing the program in real time or viewing the recorded program.

  Here, the channel and time information are transmitted as information for specifying the viewing program, etc., but when the Event ID or the like is used in the videophone number information as described above, the viewing program The event ID or the like may be transmitted as information for specifying the event ID.

  Thus, the telephone service providing server 20 receives the channel and time information transmitted by the communication control unit 12.

  In this case, the telephone service providing server 20 includes a television channel number information registered in the telephone service providing server 20 including a received channel and a time zone including a time indicated by the received time information. Identify phone number information. The telephone service providing server 20 transmits the TV phone number and the program name included in the specified TV phone number information to the TV apparatus 10 as a response to the above inquiry.

  The communication control unit 12 receives the TV phone number and the program name transmitted by the telephone service providing server 20 (block B2). Here, the videophone number received by the communication control unit 12 is a videophone number assigned to the operator terminal 30 corresponding to the viewing program.

  Next, the communication control unit 12 executes a process of making a call based on the received video phone number (block B3). In this case, a message indicating that a call is being made, for example, “Calling XX” is displayed on the screen of the television device 10 (block B4). It is assumed that the program name received by the communication control unit 12 (the program name transmitted by the telephone service providing server 20) is inserted in “XX” in this message.

  Here, in the television device 10, it is determined whether or not the operator terminal 30 (an operator who uses the device) responds to a call made by the television device 10 (call control unit 13 included therein) (block). B5).

  When it is determined that the operator terminal 30 does not respond (NO in block B5), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operator terminal 30 has responded (YES in block B5), videophone communication is started between the television device 10 and the operator terminal 30. According to this, communication (first communication) with at least one of audio data and video data with the operator terminal 30 becomes possible. In this case, the communication control unit 12 transmits information used to identify a product (target) that can be purchased by the user regarding the viewing program to the operator terminal 30. Specifically, the communication control unit 12 transmits to the operator terminal 30 the above-described viewing program channel, time information, and the videophone number (source videophone number) assigned to the television device 10 ( Block B6). Note that these pieces of information may be transmitted using a communication function of a videophone, or may be transmitted using a communication function other than the videophone.

  Next, in the videophone communication started between the television device 10 and the operator terminal 30, the communication control unit 12 transmits only audio data to the operator terminal 30 according to the viewing program (block B7).

  Specifically, when it is set that the video on the user side is not displayed with respect to the viewing program (that is, only the audio data is transmitted and the video data is not transmitted), the operator from the television apparatus 10 Only audio data is transmitted to the terminal 30.

  Note that such a setting for the viewing program may be performed in advance in the television device 10, for example, or the setting content may be notified from the telephone service providing server 20 during the processing of the block B <b> 2 described above. .

  As described above, when video data is not transmitted from the television apparatus 10 to the operator terminal 30 and only audio data is transmitted, in the videophone communication started between the television apparatus 10 and the operator terminal 30, the operator terminal 30 Only the voice data of the user is output, and the video (data) of the television device 10 (user who uses the television device 10) is not displayed on the screen of the operator terminal 30. On the other hand, even when only audio data is transmitted from the television apparatus 10 to the operator terminal 30 as described above, the television apparatus 10 receives both audio data and video data from the operator terminal 30. According to this, the audio data from the operator terminal 30 is output from the television apparatus 10 and, for example, video data captured by a camera provided in the operator terminal 30 is displayed.

  That is, in this embodiment, the user can order a product by voice, and can confirm the explanation of the product by the operator using the operator terminal 30 through the voice and video.

  If it is not set to hide the video on the user side for the viewing program, in the videophone communication started between the television device 10 and the operator terminal 30, the television device 10 to the operator terminal Audio data and video data are transmitted to 30. Similarly, audio data and video data are transmitted from the operator terminal 30 to the television apparatus 10. Thereby, the user who uses the television apparatus 10 and the operator who uses the operator terminal 30 can make a voice call while watching each other's video.

  When the call between the user who uses the television device 10 and the operator who uses the operator terminal 30 is terminated, for example, the videophone communication is terminated according to the operation of the user or the operator (block B8).

  As described above, when the viewing program is television shopping, the operator terminal 30 corresponding to the viewing program is connected to the product / customer information server 40. The product / customer information server 40 includes information on products introduced in the TV shopping program (hereinafter referred to as product information) and information on users (that is, customers) who have purchased past products introduced in the TV shopping. (Hereinafter referred to as customer information) is registered.

  Here, FIG. 5 shows an example of the data structure of the product information registered in the product / customer information server 40. Here, it is assumed that product information 41a to 41c and the like are registered in the product / customer information server 40. Note that the product information is prepared for each product introduced in the TV shopping program.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the product information 41 a to 41 c includes a channel (ch), a time zone, and a product name (information indicating) in association with the number assigned to the product information.

  Specifically, the product information 41a includes ch “BS8”, a time zone “23: 00-23: 30”, and a product name “XX 鞄” in association with the number “1”. According to the product information 41a, it is indicated that the product name of the product introduced in the television shopping broadcast on the channel “BS8” from 23:00 to 23:30 is “XX ○”. Yes.

  Here, only the product information 41a has been described, but the same applies to the other product information 41b and 41c, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 5, for the sake of convenience, it has been described that the product information includes only the channel, time zone, and product name. However, the product information may further include more detailed information about the product. .

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the data structure of customer information registered in the product / customer information server 40. Here, it is assumed that customer information 42 a to 42 c and the like are registered in the product / customer information server 40. In addition, customer information shall be prepared for every user who purchased the product introduced in the television shopping program in the past.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the customer information 42a to 42c includes a customer's videophone number, address, and purchase history (information indicating) in association with the number assigned to the customer information.

  Specifically, the customer information 42a is associated with the number “1”, the customer's videophone number “xxx-xxxx-xxxx”, the address “Hamura-shi, Tokyo” and the purchase history “XX ○”. , Xx mixer ". According to this customer information 42a, the address of the user (customer) who uses the TV device 10 to which the TV phone number “xxx-xxxx-xxxx” is assigned is Hamura City, Tokyo. It is shown that they have purchased “Oh!” And “XX Mixer”.

  Here, only the customer information 42a has been described, but the same applies to the other customer information 42b and 42c, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 6, for the sake of convenience, the customer information has been described as including only the customer's TV phone number, address, and purchase history. However, the customer information further includes more detailed information about the customer. It doesn't matter.

  The product / customer information server 40 is used for videophone communication between the TV device 10 and the operator terminal 30 (that is, when an operator using the operator terminal 30 makes a videophone call with a user using the TV device 10). The product information and customer information described above can be provided to the operator terminal 30 (operating operator).

  In this case, the operator terminal 30 uses the channel, time information and source videophone number of the viewing program transmitted by the TV device 10 in the above-described block B6 at the start of the videophone communication with the TV device 10 as the product / customer information. It transmits to the server 40.

  The product / customer information server 40 includes a channel of a viewing program transmitted by the operator terminal 30 and a time zone including a time indicated by the time information among the product information registered in the product / customer information server 40. Identify product information. The product information specified here is information related to a product (that is, a product that the user desires to purchase) introduced in a viewing program (TV shopping that the user is viewing).

  Further, the product / customer information server 40 includes customer information including the caller video phone number (customer video phone number) transmitted by the operator terminal 30 among the customer information registered in the product / customer information server 40. Is identified. The customer information specified here is information related to a user who uses the television device 10 that performs videophone communication with the operator terminal 30.

  The product / customer information server 40 transmits the product information and customer information specified in this way to the operator terminal 30. The product information and customer information transmitted by the product / customer information server 40 are displayed on the screen of the operator terminal 30, for example.

  Thereby, the operator using the operator terminal 30 can make a call with the user while confirming information (product information) about the product that the user desires to purchase and information (customer information) about the user. Appropriate response is possible.

  Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 7, an operation of pressing a “cart” button provided on the remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “cart button operation”) is performed by the user while watching TV shopping. A processing procedure of the television device 10 in this case will be described.

  When the “cart” button operation is performed by the user while watching TV shopping (displaying the second program), the operation accepting unit 11 accepts the “cart” button operation via, for example, an infrared receiving unit.

  When the “cart” button operation is received by the operation receiving unit 11, the communication control unit 12 executes the processes of blocks B11 and B12 corresponding to the processes of blocks B1 and B2 shown in FIG.

  Next, the cart information registration unit 13 receives cart information including the channel and time information received at the time of inquiry to the telephone service providing server 20 in block B11, and the video phone number and program name received in block B12. And is registered in the cart information storage unit 14 (block B13).

  Here, FIG. 8 shows an example of the data structure of the cart information registered in the cart information storage unit 14. Here, it is assumed that cart information 14a and the like are registered in the cart information storage unit 14.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the cart information 14a includes a channel (ch), time information, a videophone number, and a program name (information indicating) in association with the number assigned to the cart information. It is.

  Specifically, in the cart information 14a, ch “BS8”, time information “23:12”, video phone number “aaa-aaaa-aaaa”, and program name “program name 1” are associated with the number “1”. Is included in correspondence. According to the cart information 14a, it is possible to specify a product introduced at a time of 23:12 in a program (TV shopping) whose program name is “program name 1” broadcast on the channel “BS8”. Further, according to the cart information 14a, it is shown that the videophone number assigned to the operator terminal 30 corresponding to the program that the user was watching at 23:12 is “aaa-aaaa-aaaa”. Has been.

  Returning to FIG. 7 again, when the cart information is registered in the cart information storage unit 14 as described above, a mark (cart mark) indicating that the cart information is registered is displayed on the screen of the television device 10. (Block B14). Note that, here, the mark is displayed. However, as long as the user can recognize that the cart information is registered, characters, figures, symbols, or the like other than the cart mark may be displayed.

  Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 9, after the cart information is registered in the cart information storage unit 14 by the process shown in FIG. 7, the operation of pressing the “Purchase” button provided on the remote controller ( A processing procedure of the television device 10 when the “purchase button operation” is performed by the user will be described. When the “purchase” button operation is performed when the cart information is not registered in the cart information storage unit 14, the above-described processing shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

  When the “buy” button operation is performed by the user in a state where the cart information is registered in the cart information storage unit 14, the cart information (list) is displayed on the screen of the television device 10 (block). B21).

  Here, the user can perform an operation of selecting cart information displayed on the screen of the television device 10 by moving the cursor using, for example, a remote controller. Thereby, the cart information (the program name included therein) is selected in the television device 10 (block B22). Hereinafter, the cart information selected in block B22 is referred to as target cart information.

  Next, in the television device 10, it is determined whether or not to make a call based on the television phone number included in the target cart information (block B23). In this case, for example, a message “Do you want to call XX?” And a “Yes” button and a “No” button are displayed on the screen of the television device 10. It is assumed that the program name included in the target cart information is inserted in “XX” in this message.

  In this case, for example, when the user selects the “Yes” button by moving the cursor using the remote controller, it is determined that the call is made based on the TV phone number included in the target cart information. On the other hand, when the user selects the “No” button, it is determined not to make a call based on the videophone number included in the target cart information.

  If it is determined not to make a call based on the video phone number included in the target cart information (NO in block B23), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined to make a call based on the video phone number included in the target cart information (YES in block B23), the communication control unit 12 executes a process of making a call based on the video phone number (block). B24). In this case, a message indicating that a call is being made, for example, “Calling XX” is displayed on the screen of the television device 10 (block B25). It is assumed that the program name included in the target cart information is inserted in “XX” in this message.

  Next, the process of block B26 corresponding to the process of block B5 shown in FIG. 4 is executed.

  If it is determined in block B26 that the operator terminal 30 does not respond, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in block B26 that the operator terminal 30 has responded, videophone communication is started between the television apparatus 10 and the operator terminal 30. According to this, communication (second communication) with at least one of audio data and video data with the operator terminal 30 becomes possible. In this case, the communication control unit 12 transmits the target cart information and the videophone number (source videophone number) assigned to the TV device 10 to the operator terminal 30 (block B27).

  Next, in the videophone communication started between the television device 10 and the operator terminal 30, the communication control unit 12 displays the target cart information when the user has registered the target cart information (that is, the “cart” button operation has been performed). Only the audio data is transmitted from the television apparatus 10 to the operator terminal 30 in accordance with the program being viewed (hereinafter referred to as the target program) (block B28). Here, the target program can be specified by the channel and time information included in the target cart information.

  Note that the processing in block B28 is the same as the processing in block B7 shown in FIG. 4 except that the viewing program is the target program, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  When the process of block B28 is executed, the process of block B29 corresponding to the process of block B8 shown in FIG. 4 described above is executed.

  When the videophone communication is terminated in block B29, the target cart information is deleted from the cart information storage unit 14 (block B30).

  When the “Purchase” button operation is performed in a state where the cart information is registered in the cart information storage unit 14, the process shown in FIG. 9 is executed, so that the user can select the product specified by the cart information. It becomes possible to order.

  The product / customer information server 40 provides the operator terminal 30 with product information and customer information registered in the product / customer information server 40 during videophone communication between the television device 10 and the operator terminal 30.

  In this case, the operator terminal 30 sends the target cart information and the transmission source videophone number transmitted by the television device 10 in the block B27 described above at the start of the videophone communication with the television device 10 to the product / customer information server 40. To send.

  The merchandise / customer information server 40 identifies merchandise information including the channel included in the target cart information and the time zone including the time indicated by the time information among the merchandise information registered in the merchandise / customer information server 40. To do. The product information specified here is information relating to the product specified by the target cart information (that is, the product that the user desires to purchase).

  Further, the product / customer information server 40 includes customer information including the caller video phone number (customer video phone number) transmitted by the operator terminal 30 among the customer information registered in the product / customer information server 40. Is identified. The customer information specified here is information related to a user who uses the television apparatus 10 that performs videophone communication with the operator terminal 30.

  The product / customer information server 40 transmits the product information and customer information specified in this way to the operator terminal 30. The product information and customer information transmitted by the product / customer information server 40 are displayed on the screen of the operator terminal 30, for example.

  Thereby, even when the product specified by the target cart information is ordered, the operator using the operator terminal 30 can obtain information (product information) about the product that the user desires to purchase (product information) and information about the user (customer). It is possible to make a call with the user while checking the information.

  When a plurality of cart information including the same video phone number (program name) is registered in the cart information storage unit 14, for example, by setting the plurality of cart information as the target cart information in the block B22 described above. It is possible to order a plurality of products in one videophone communication. In this case, a plurality of cart information (target cart information) is deleted in block B32.

  Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 10, an operation of pressing a “survey” button provided on the remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “survey” button operation) is performed by the user while watching TV shopping. A processing procedure of the television device 10 in this case will be described.

  When the “survey” button operation is performed by the user during viewing of TV shopping, the operation accepting unit 11 accepts the “survey” button operation via, for example, an infrared receiving unit.

  When the “investigation” button operation is accepted by the operation accepting unit 11, the communication control unit 12 introduces a product introduced at the time when the “investigation” button operation is accepted in the viewing program (TV shopping) (hereinafter, the subject of investigation) For example, the telephone service providing server 20, the broadcasting station 1, or an external server.

  Next, the communication control unit 12 collects information (investigation result) related to the investigation target product from the Internet (a predetermined server or the like) based on the acquired product name or the like (block B41). Note that the information on the survey target product collected by the communication control unit 12 includes, for example, the price of the survey target product in the TV shopping company that produced the viewing program and other TV shopping companies.

  Information on the survey target product collected by the communication control unit 12 (for example, the price of the survey target product in each TV shopping company) is displayed in a list on the screen of the TV device 10 (block B42).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a “purchase” button operation (first operation) of a user who is viewing a program is received, and when the “purchase” button operation is received, it corresponds to the program being viewed. The videophone communication with the operator terminal 30 (external device) is enabled, and only the user's voice data is transmitted to the operator terminal 30 according to the program being viewed during the videophone communication. With such a configuration, in this embodiment, only voice communication is performed from the user to the operator, and the video on the user side can be hidden in the videophone communication, so that the privacy of the user is protected. It becomes possible.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for example, when videophone communication is performed during viewing of TV shopping, the user can order a product etc. by voice call, and the usage method of the product etc. The image of the operator's hand) can be confirmed, so that the details of the product can be obtained more than in the case of a simple voice call with the operator.

  In the present embodiment, when a user's “cart” button operation (second operation) is accepted, cart information for specifying products introduced in the TV shopping being watched by the user is carted. With the configuration registered (stored) in the information storage unit 14, for example, it is possible to avoid a situation in which another product is missed while the product is being ordered (that is, during videophone communication).

  In the present embodiment, after the cart information is registered, it is possible to perform videophone communication with the operator terminal 30 corresponding to the program introducing the product specified by the cart information. You can order the product with your consent while listening to details.

  In the present embodiment, when a user's “investigation” button operation (second operation) is accepted, the investigation result for the product introduced in the program being viewed by the user is displayed on the screen of the television apparatus 10. Since it is displayed above, the user can check the survey result and consider purchasing the product.

  In the present embodiment, the television apparatus 10 has been described on the assumption that a video (operator-side video) captured by a camera provided in the operator terminal 30 is displayed. The configuration may be such that an image (photo) or the like is displayed. Further, when it is not necessary to display the operator's video on the television device 10, the operator's video is not displayed depending on the viewing program, and the user who uses the television device 10 and the operator who uses the operator terminal 30. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a voice-only call is performed between them.

  In the present embodiment, the cart information including the channel, time information, video phone number, and program name is registered (stored) in the cart information storage unit 14 by the process shown in FIG. When the button is operated, cart information including only channel and time information may be registered. The video phone number and the program name in this case may be acquired from the telephone service providing server 20 all together when the “Purchase” button operation is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the cart information is described as being stored in the cart device 10 (the cart information storage unit 14), but the cart information may be stored on the cloud server.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, TV shopping that introduces products that can be purchased by the user has been mainly described. However, the present embodiment is a program other than TV shopping as long as it is a program that supports videophone. Is also applicable.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The television apparatus (electronic device) according to the present embodiment has a time shift function. The time shift function is a function that temporarily records (stores) all programs of the past several tens of hours for a plurality of designated channels, for example. This time shift function allows the user to freely view a desired program retroactively. In the television apparatus, for example, the user can set the validity and invalidity of the time shift function.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram mainly showing a functional configuration of the television apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 2 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Here, parts different from FIG. 2 will be mainly described.

  In addition, since the network system including the television device 100 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, it will be described with reference to FIG. 1 as appropriate.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the television device 100 includes a recording processing unit 101, a content storage unit 102, and a reproduction processing unit 103.

  The recording processing unit 101 is a functional unit for realizing the above-described time shift function, for example, and executes a process of recording all programs in the past several tens of hours of a plurality of channels. In addition, the recording processing unit 101 records a program that is being viewed by the user when the operation receiving unit 11 receives a user operation (second operation).

  The content storage unit 102 stores programs (contents) recorded by the recording processing unit 101. The content storage unit 102 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD). When a recorded program is stored in the content storage unit 102, for example, a recording ID (or content ID) assigned to the recorded program is given.

  The reproduction processing unit 103 executes processing for reproducing the program stored in the content storage unit 102. For example, when cart information is registered in the cart information storage unit 14 during viewing of TV shopping, the reproduction processing unit 103 performs videophone communication with the operator terminal 30 corresponding to a program that introduces a product specified by the cart information. In this case, the program (recorded video) stored in the content storage unit 102 is reproduced.

  Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 12, after the cart information is registered in the cart information storage unit 14 by the processing of FIG. 7 described above, an operation of pressing a “Purchase” button provided on the remote controller (“ A processing procedure of the television device 100 when the “purchase” button operation) is performed by the user will be described. Here, it is assumed that the time shift function described above is set to be valid.

  In this case, the processes of blocks B51 to B58 corresponding to the processes of blocks B21 to B28 shown in FIG. 9 are executed.

  Since the time shift function is set to be effective here, the program (target program) that the user was viewing when the target cart information was registered (that is, the “cart” button operation was performed) is recorded. The video is recorded by the processing unit 101 and stored in the content storage unit 102. The target program can be specified by the channel and time information included in the target cart information as described above.

  In this case, the playback processing unit 103 acquires the target program (recorded video) from the content storage unit 102, and starts playback of the target program during videophone communication with the operator terminal 30 (block B59).

  At this time, the reproduction processing unit 103 determines the reproduction start position of the target program based on the recording start time of the target program and the time indicated by the time information included in the target cart information. Here, for example, it is assumed that the recording start time of the target program is 23:00 and the time indicated by the time information included in the target cart information is 23:12. In this case, for example, a position several tens of seconds to several minutes before the position that was broadcast at 23:12 is determined as the reproduction start position. According to this, in the process of block B59, the target program is reproduced from a time point several tens of seconds to several minutes before the time point when the “cart” button operation is performed by the user.

  Next, the processes of blocks B60 and B61 corresponding to the processes of blocks B29 and B30 shown in FIG. 9 are executed.

  When the process of block B61 is executed, the playback processing unit 103 stops playback of the target program.

  Although the case where the time shift function is set to be effective and the target program is recorded by the recording processing unit 101 has been described here, the time shift function is not set to be effective (that is, the time shift function is not set). If it is set to invalid, the target program cannot be reproduced because the target program is not recorded.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, when the time shift function is not set to be effective, the viewing program is recorded when the “cart” button is pressed by the user.

  Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13, a processing procedure of the television device 100 when the user performs an operation of pressing a “cart” button provided in the remote controller during viewing of television shopping will be described. . Here, it is assumed that the time shift function is disabled as described above.

  When an operation of pressing a “cart” button provided on the remote controller (“cart” button operation) is performed by the user while watching TV shopping, the operation reception unit 11 is connected via, for example, an infrared reception unit. The “cart” button operation is accepted.

  When the “cart” button operation is received by the operation receiving unit 11, the recording processing unit 101 starts recording a program (viewed program) that the user is viewing (block B71).

  When the process of block B71 is executed, the processes of blocks B72 to B75 corresponding to the processes of blocks B11 to B14 shown in FIG. 7 described above are executed.

  Next, the recording processing unit 101 stops the recording of the viewing program started in block B71 (block B76). In this case, for example, the recording processing unit 101 stops the recording after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, after 10 minutes) from the time when the recording of the viewing program is started.

  Note that a program recorded by executing the process shown in FIG. 13 is stored in the content storage unit 102. As a result, even when the time shift function is not set to be effective as described above, the above-described process shown in FIG. 12 can be executed. That is, in the block B59 shown in FIG. 12, a program (recorded video) recorded by executing the above-described processing shown in FIG. 13 may be reproduced.

  The recorded video to be reproduced at this time can be specified by, for example, the channel and time information included in the target cart information. Further, the recording ID assigned when the recorded video is stored in the content storage unit 102 may be added to each cart information. In this case, it is possible to specify the recorded video to be played back based on the recording ID added to the target cart information in the process of block B59.

  In the present embodiment, the processing in FIG. 13 is performed when the time shift function is not set to be valid. However, the television apparatus 100 does not have the time shift function. Also, the same processing as in FIG. 13 may be executed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, for example, when the user's “cart” button operation (second operation) is received by the time shift function or the processing shown in FIG. When the videophone communication is performed with the operator terminal 30 corresponding to the program related to the product specified by the cart information, the recorded program is reproduced. With this configuration, in the present embodiment, it is possible to make a call with an operator while confirming a broadcast video of a program related to a product that the user desires to purchase (TV shopping that introduces the product).

  According to at least one embodiment described above, only the user's audio data is transmitted to the external device in accordance with the program being viewed by the user, so that the video on the user side is not displayed in the videophone communication. It becomes possible.

  Further, since the processing of each of the above embodiments can be realized by a computer program, each computer program can be simply installed and executed on a computer through a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program. The same effect as can be easily realized.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,100 ... Television apparatus, 11 ... Operation reception part, 12 ... Communication control part, 13 ... Cart information registration part, 14 ... Cart information storage part, 20 ... Telephone service provision server, 30 ... Operator terminal, 40 ... Goods / customer Information server 101. Recording processing unit 102. Content storage unit 103. Reproduction processing unit

According to the embodiment, the method accepts a first operation by a user while displaying a first program, and, when the first operation is accepted, a method with a first external device corresponding to the first program. The first communication by at least one of audio data and video data is enabled, and a second operation different from the first operation is accepted while the second program is being displayed, and the second operation is accepted. In this case, first information for specifying an object that can be purchased by the user related to the second program is stored in a storage unit, and it is displayed on the screen that the first information is stored in the storage unit .

Claims (15)

While displaying the first program, the first operation by the user is accepted,
When the first operation is accepted, the first communication with at least one of audio data and video data with the first external device corresponding to the first program is enabled,
In the first communication, a method of transmitting audio data without transmitting video data to the first external device and receiving both video data and audio data from the first external device.   The method of claim 1, wherein the first program is a program that provides information about one or more objects that can be purchased by a user.   The method according to claim 1, wherein when the first operation is accepted, information used to identify an object that can be purchased by a user regarding the first program is transmitted to the first external device. Accepting a second operation different from the first operation while displaying the second program;
When the second operation is accepted, cart information for specifying an object that can be purchased by the user regarding the second program is stored in the storage unit,
The method according to claim 1, wherein a message indicating that the cart information is stored in the storage unit is displayed on a screen. Enabling second communication by at least one of audio data and video data with a second external device corresponding to a second program related to a target specified by cart information stored in the cart information storage unit;
5. The second communication transmits audio data without transmitting video data to the second external device, and receives both video data and audio data from the second external device. The method described. When the second operation is accepted, the second program is recorded,
The method according to claim 5, wherein the recorded program is played during the second communication. If the first operation is accepted, further comprising receiving a videophone number assigned to the first external device corresponding to the first program;
The method according to claim 1, wherein the first communication is performed using the received videophone number. An operation accepting unit for accepting a first operation by the user while displaying the first program;
A communication control unit that enables first communication by at least one of audio data and video data with a first external device corresponding to the first program when the first operation is received;
In the first communication, an electronic device transmits audio data without transmitting video data to the first external device, and receives both video data and audio data from the first external device. .   The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the first program is a program that provides information on one or more objects that can be purchased by a user.   The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein when the first operation is accepted, information used to identify an object that can be purchased by a user regarding the first program is transmitted to the first external device. A storage unit;
The operation reception unit receives a second operation different from the first operation while displaying the second program,
When the second operation is received, the storage unit stores cart information for specifying a target that can be purchased by a user related to the second program,
The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the fact that the cart information is stored in the storage unit is displayed on a screen. A program executed by a computer, wherein the computer
Receiving a first operation by a user while displaying the first program;
When the first operation is received, enabling the first communication with at least one of audio data and video data with the first external device corresponding to the first program;
In the first communication, a program for transmitting audio data without transmitting video data to the first external device, and receiving both video data and audio data from the first external device.   The program according to claim 12, wherein the first program is a program that provides information on one or more objects that can be purchased by a user.   The program according to claim 12, wherein when the first operation is accepted, information used for identifying a target that can be purchased by a user regarding the first program is transmitted to the first external device. In the computer,
Receiving a second operation different from the first operation while displaying the second program;
When the second operation is accepted, storing cart information for specifying a target that can be purchased by a user related to the second program in a storage unit;
13. The program according to claim 12, further comprising: displaying on the screen that the cart information is stored in the storage unit.

Images