US20100107208A1 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100107208A1
US20100107208A1 US12/449,284 US44928408A US2010107208A1 US 20100107208 A1 US20100107208 A1 US 20100107208A1 US 44928408 A US44928408 A US 44928408A US 2010107208 A1 US2010107208 A1 US 2010107208A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
application
displayed
screen
photo
contents
Prior art date
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Abandoned
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US12/449,284
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English (en)
Inventor
Naoya Okamoto
Ken Onogi
Fujio NOBORI
Seiichi Aoyagi
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Sony Corp
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Sony Corp
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Assigned to SONY CORPORATION reassignment SONY CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NOBORI, FUJIO, AOYAGI, SEIICHI, OKAMOTO, NAOYA, ONOGI, KEN
Publication of US20100107208A1 publication Critical patent/US20100107208A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/414—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
    • H04N21/4147—PVR [Personal Video Recorder]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/254—Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server, rights management server
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/435—Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/65—Transmission of management data between client and server
    • H04N21/658—Transmission by the client directed to the server
    • H04N21/6581—Reference data, e.g. a movie identifier for ordering a movie or a product identifier in a home shopping application
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/8166—Monomedia components thereof involving executable data, e.g. software
    • H04N21/8173—End-user applications, e.g. Web browser, game

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program, and in particular, to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that enable a user to freely acquire information.
  • the spread of Internet enables a user to acquire information.
  • the user can acquire desired information from the television broadcasting through two-way communication.
  • the user can acquire desired information by reading out a predetermined code, such as a QR Code (Registered Trademark) or the like, and accessing a predetermined site with a mobile phone or the like.
  • a predetermined code such as a QR Code (Registered Trademark) or the like
  • Patent Document 1 JP-A-2005-303553
  • the user can acquire information in various ways, but he/she wants to easily and freely acquire information. Furthermore, it is desirable to enable everyone to view desired information only with a simple operation, instead of allowing only a person who carries out a predetermined operation to view information.
  • the invention has been finalized in consideration of such a situation, and it is an object of the invention to enable a user to more easily and freely acquire information while watching television broadcasting.
  • an information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit acquiring image data stored in a predetermined server, and a display control unit controlling display of an image based on image data acquired by the acquisition unit.
  • the predetermined server manages image data of the image by adding information based on evaluation of a plurality of viewers to the image, and the acquisition unit acquires image data suitable for predetermined information at a predetermined interval.
  • the information processing apparatus may further include an application acquisition unit acquiring an application.
  • the display control unit may control display of a background based on background data, which is included in the application, and may control display such that the image based on image data to be acquired by the acquisition unit is displayed on the background.
  • the display control unit may perform control such that the image is displayed beside a screen of a program of television broadcasting.
  • the display control unit may control display such that the image is displayed differently indifferent modes, and the modes may be switched by a user's instruction.
  • an information processing method includes the steps of acquiring image data stored in a predetermined server, and controlling display of an image based on the acquired image data.
  • the predetermined server manages image data of the image by adding information based on evaluation of a plurality of viewers to the image, and image data to be acquired is image data suitable for predetermined information and is acquired at a predetermined interval.
  • a computer-readable program controls a processing including the steps of acquiring image data stored in a predetermined server, and controlling display of an image based on the acquired image data.
  • the predetermined server manages image data of the image by adding information based on evaluation of a plurality of viewers to the image, and, image data to be acquired is image data suitable for predetermined information and is acquired at a predetermined interval.
  • image data suitable for predetermined information is acquired at a predetermined interval from a predetermined server, which manages image data of an image by adding information based on evaluation of a plurality of viewers to the image.
  • images that are managed by a predetermined server or the like can be viewed through simple setting.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a system to which the invention is applied.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram further showing the configuration of the system.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an application server.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating data which is managed by the application server.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a contents server.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating data which is managed by the contents server.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a television receiver.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the exterior configuration of a remote controller.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data flow.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on a display panel.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an application list.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel.
  • FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the system.
  • FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the television receiver.
  • FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the television receiver.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a system to which the invention is applied.
  • a system shown in FIG. 1 is configured such that an application server 12 , a contents server 13 - 1 , a contents server 13 - 2 , and a television receiver 14 are connected to a network 11 .
  • the network 11 includes Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like, and is used for data exchange between devices connected thereto.
  • the application server 12 is a server that manages applications to be described below or a list of applications.
  • the contents server 13 - 1 or the contents server 13 - 2 is a server that manages contents, which are used by the applications being managed by the application server 12 .
  • the contents server 13 - 1 or the contents server 13 - 2 is referred to as a contents server 13 . While FIG. 1 shows an example where two contents servers 13 are connected to the network 11 , two or more contents servers 13 may be connected to the network 11 .
  • the contents being managed by the contents server 13 include text data, image data, and video data.
  • the contents may include programs.
  • the television receiver 14 is a user-end information processing apparatus.
  • the television receiver 14 has a function that receives television broadcasting and provides a program of television broadcasting to the user, and a function that acquires an application being managed by the application server 12 through the network 11 , carries out a processing based on the application, and provides predetermined information to the user. While FIG. 1 shows an example where the single television receiver 14 is connected to the network 11 , one or more television receivers 14 are connected to the network 11 .
  • the user can watch a program of television broadcasting and view predetermined information by a processing based on an application, which is managed by the application server 12 .
  • an application which is managed by the application server 12 .
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between an administrator who manages the server shown in FIG. 1 or the like and a user who uses a service.
  • a service provider 21 , an application provider 22 , and a contents provider 23 provides a service.
  • a user 24 uses a service.
  • the service provider 21 manages the application server 12 .
  • the application provider 22 includes a plurality of application providers 22 , such as an application provider 22 - 1 , an application provider 22 - 2 , an application provider 22 - 3 , . . . .
  • the contents provider 23 includes a plurality of contents providers 23 , such as a contents provider 23 - 1 , a contents provider 23 - 2 , a contents provider 23 - 3 , a contents provider 23 - 4 , a contents provider 23 - 5 , . . . .
  • the single service provider 21 is present.
  • the service provider 21 manages the application server 12 , and manages an application list 71 and applications 72 in the application server 12 , as described below with reference to FIG. 4 . While the application list 71 describes therein information regarding an application 72 , the application 72 is provided from the application provider 22 .
  • the application provider 22 provides an application 72 .
  • the application 72 is configured to appropriately refer to contents data, which is managed in the contents server 13 .
  • Contents data for reference is provided by the contents provider 23 .
  • the application provider 22 - 1 provides an application 72 , which refers to contents from the contents provider 23 - 1 , contents from the contents provider 23 - 2 , and contents from the contents provider 23 - 3 , to the service provider 21 .
  • the application provider 22 - 2 provides an application 72 , which refers to contents from the contents provider 23 - 2 and contents from the contents provider 23 - 4 , to the service provider 21 .
  • the application provider 22 - 3 provides an application 72 , which refers to contents from the contents provider 23 - 5 , to the service provider 21 .
  • the application provider 22 provides an application 72 , which can refer to contents to be provided from a plurality of contents providers 23 , to the service provider 21 .
  • a contract is made between the service provider 21 and the application provider 22 , and the service provider 21 may obtain a contract fee or a registration fee from the application provider 22 .
  • the service provider 21 can preliminarily examine an application 72 , which is registered in the application server 12 , so as to prevent an application 72 including a virus or the like from being registered.
  • the unified service provider 21 ensures improvement of security.
  • the application 72 that is managed by the service provider 21 is provided to the user 24 on the basis of a request from the user 24 . If necessary, the application 72 that is registered in the service provider 21 is checked at the time of registration, as described above, and after registration, thereby providing a safe application, not an application with a virus or the like.
  • an application provided to the user 24 is configured to refer to contents which are provided by the contents provider 23 , the application receives contents from the contents provider 23 with a single processing.
  • a contract may also be individually made between the application provider 22 and the contents provider 23 .
  • the application provider 22 and the contents provider 23 may be the same. Basically, the contents provider 23 manages the contents server 13 , but when the application provider 22 and the contents provider 23 are the same, the application provider 22 may manage the contents server 13 .
  • a company that operates a predetermined search site or a company that carries on business on the network serves as the application provider 22
  • a company that provides contents, such as news or weather forecast, constituting the pages of the search site serves as the contents provider 23 .
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the application server 12 .
  • the application server 12 may be formed by, for example, a personal computer, and the internal configuration thereof may be the same as the personal computer.
  • the application server 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 , a bus 34 , an input/output interface 35 , an input section 36 , an output section 37 , a storage section 38 , a communication section 39 , and a drive 40 .
  • CPU Central Processing Unit
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • the CPU 31 , the ROM 32 , and the RAM 33 are connected to each other through the bus 34 .
  • the input/output interface 35 is also connected to the bus 34 .
  • the input section 36 including a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or the like
  • the output section 37 including a display, a speaker, or the like
  • the storage section 38 including a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, or the like
  • the communication section 39 including a network interface or the like
  • a drive 40 driving a removable medium 41 such as a magnetic disc, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory
  • a cell described in “The Birth of Cell”, Nikkei Electronics, Nikkei BP Inc., Feb. 28, 2005, pp. 89-117 may be used.
  • the CPU 31 loads a program, which is stored in the storage section 38 on the RAM 33 through the input/output interface 35 and the bus 34 , and executes the program, such that a series of processing to be described below is performed.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating data which is stored in the storage section 38 .
  • the storage section 38 stores the application list 71 and the applications 72 - 1 to 72 -N.
  • the application list 71 is a list of the applications 72 - 1 to 72 -N, which are managed by the application server 12 , and is data which is provided to the television receiver 14 when the television receiver 14 accesses, in other words, when a menu screen for application selection is displayed on the television receiver 14 .
  • Each of the applications 72 - 1 to 72 -N is data of a main body of the application.
  • the applications 72 - 1 to 72 -N are simply referred to as an application 72 .
  • the application 72 may be a program, called a widget.
  • the widget is a single-function program that is executed in a specific runtime environment mainly on a desktop of a personal computer. Examples of the widget include a watch, a calendar, a dictionary, a calculator, and a program for providing weather information or the like. The widget may cooperate with the network.
  • the application server 12 provides the application list 71 to the television receiver 14 . Then, an application 72 selected from the application list 71 on the television receiver 14 side is provided to the television receiver 14 .
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the contents server 13 .
  • the contents server 13 may be formed by, for example, a personal computer, and the internal configuration thereof may be the same as the personal computer.
  • a CPU 101 In the contents server 13 , a CPU 101 , a ROM 102 , a RAM 103 are connected to each other through a bus 104 .
  • An input/output interface 105 is also connected to the bus 104 .
  • an input section 106 including a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or the like, an output section 107 including a display, a speaker, or the like, a storage section 108 including a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, or the like, a communication section 109 including a network interface or the like, and a drive 110 driving a removable medium 111 , such as a magnetic disc, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, are connected.
  • a removable medium 111 such as a magnetic disc, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory
  • a cell described in “The Birth of Cell”, Nikkei Electronics, Nikkei BP Inc., Feb. 28, 2005, pp. 89-117 may be used.
  • the CPU 101 loads a program, which is stored in the storage section 108 , on the RAM 103 through the input/output interface 105 and the bus 104 , and executes the program, such that a series of processing to be described below is performed.
  • Contents data 131 is a program or text data.
  • an URL Uniform Resource Locator
  • contents data necessary for the application 72 is managed is described.
  • a processing based on the application 72 is performed on the television receiver 14 side, and an access to the contents server 13 is executed on the basis of the URL in the application 72 , and contents data 131 is provided.
  • contents data 131 is text data or image data which represents the contents of news. If the application 72 is an application for fortune-telling, contents data 131 is text data which represents the contents of fortune-telling for every zodiac sign or data of an image obtained by imaging the corresponding zodiac sign.
  • contents data 131 may be managed by the application server 12 .
  • the service provider 21 also functions as the application provider 22 including a plurality of application providers 22 .
  • Contents data 131 that is managed by the contents server 13 - 1 is different from contents data 131 ′ that is managed by the contents server 13 - 2 (a dash (′) is put in order to distinguish from contents data 131 that is managed by the contents server 13 - 1 ).
  • different applications 72 are configured to refer to different contents data 131 such that contents data to be cited by the application 72 - 1 is contents data 131 , and contents data to be cited by the application 72 - 2 is contents data 131 ′.
  • a single application 72 may access a plurality of contents servers 13 to acquire a plurality of contents data 131 .
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the television receiver 14 .
  • the television receiver 14 has an antenna input terminal 211 to which a signal is input from an antenna for reception of analog terrestrial broadcasting, and an antenna input terminal 212 to which a signal is input from an antenna for reception of digital broadcasting (digital terrestrial broadcasting and digital BS/CS broadcasting).
  • One of the terminals may be provided.
  • a terrestrial tuner 213 receives and demodulates a broadcasting signal input to the antenna input terminal 211 , and acquires a video signal and a sound signal.
  • the terrestrial tuner 213 outputs the acquired sound signal to a sound A/D (Analog/Digital) conversion circuit 214 , and outputs the video signal to a video decoder 215 .
  • a sound A/D Analog/Digital
  • the sound A/D conversion circuit 214 carries out A/D conversion for the sound signal supplied from the terrestrial tuner 213 , and outputs the obtained digital sound signal to a sound signal processing circuit 222 .
  • the video decoder 215 carries out decoding for the video signal supplied from the terrestrial tuner 213 , and outputs the obtained digital component signal to the video signal processing circuit 218 .
  • a digital tuner 216 receives and demodulates a broadcasting signal input to the antenna input terminal 212 , and acquires MPEG-TS (Moving Picture Experts Group-Transport Stream). The digital tuner 216 outputs the acquired MPEG-TS to an MPEG decoder 217 .
  • MPEG-TS Motion Picture Experts Group-Transport Stream
  • the MPEG decoder 217 releases scrambling of the MPEG-TS supplied from the digital tuner 216 , and extracts a stream including data of a program to be reproduced (watched).
  • the MPEG decoder 217 decodes sound packets constituting the extracted stream, and outputs obtained sound data to the sound signal processing circuit 222 .
  • the MPEG decoder 217 also decodes video packets constituting the stream, and outputs obtained video data to the video signal processing circuit 218 .
  • the MPEG decoder 217 also performs a processing to output EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data extracted from the MPEG-TS to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 232 through a path (not shown).
  • EPG Electronic Program Guide
  • CPU Central Processing Unit
  • the video signal processing circuit 218 carries out a predetermined processing, such as noise elimination or the like, for video data supplied from the video decoder 215 or video data supplied from the MPEG decoder 217 , and outputs obtained video data to a graphic generation circuit 219 .
  • a predetermined processing such as noise elimination or the like
  • the graphic generation circuit 219 generates video data of a program to be displayed on a display panel 221 or image data by a processing based on the application 72 , which is supplied through the network 11 , and outputs generated video data or image data to a panel driving circuit 220 .
  • the graphic generation circuit 219 is configured to appropriately carry out a processing to generate video data (graphic) for display of a screen, which is used by the user in selection of an item, and to output video data, which is obtained by superimposing generated video data on video data of the program, to the panel driving circuit 220 .
  • the panel driving circuit 220 drives the display panel 221 on the basis of data supplied from the graphic generation circuit 219 , and displays the video of the program or various screens described above on the display panel 221 .
  • the display panel 221 is formed by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays the video of the program or the like under the control of the panel driving circuit 220 .
  • LCD Liquid Crystal Display
  • the sound signal processing circuit 222 carries out a predetermined processing, such as noise elimination or the like, for sound data supplied from the sound A/D conversion circuit 214 or sound data supplied from the MPEG decoder 217 , and outputs obtained sound data to an echo cancel/sound synthesis circuit 223 .
  • a predetermined processing such as noise elimination or the like
  • the echo cancel/sound synthesis circuit 223 outputs sound data, which is supplied from the sound signal processing circuit 222 , to a sound amplification circuit 224 , and outputs sound of the program from a speaker 225 .
  • the echo cancel/sound synthesis circuit 223 When data of sound supplied through the network 11 is supplied from a sound codec 228 , or when data of sound of the user (user A) of the television receiver 14 is supplied from an A/D conversion circuit 227 , the echo cancel/sound synthesis circuit 223 carries out echo cancel for sound data of the user A.
  • the echo cancel/sound synthesis circuit 223 outputs data of sound obtained by synthesis to the sound amplification circuit 224 .
  • the sound amplification circuit 224 carries out D/A conversion and amplification for sound data supplied from the echo cancel/sound synthesis circuit 223 , adjusts the volume to a predetermined volume, and outputs sound from the speaker 225 .
  • the A/D conversion circuit 227 receives a signal of sound of the user imported by a microphone 226 , which is provided in the television receiver 14 for voice speech, and carries out A/D conversion for the received sound signal.
  • the A/D conversion circuit 227 outputs digital sound data, which is obtained by A/D conversion, to the echo cancel/sound synthesis circuit 223 and the sound codec 228 .
  • the sound codec 228 converts sound data supplied from the A/D conversion circuit 227 into a predetermined format data of for transmission through the network 11 , and outputs converted data to a network I/F 234 through an internal bus 229 .
  • a SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 230 , a flash memory 231 , the CPU 232 , a USB (Universal Serial Bus) I/F 233 , and the network I/F 234 are also connected to the internal bus 229 .
  • the SDRAM 230 stores various kinds of data necessary for a processing in the CPU 232 .
  • the flash memory 231 stores a program that is executed by the CPU 232 .
  • the program that is stored in the flash memory 231 is read out by the CPU 232 with a predetermined timing, for example, when the television receiver 14 is activated.
  • the flash memory 231 also stores EPG data acquired through digital broadcasting, data acquired from a predetermined server through the network 11 , and the like.
  • the CPU 232 executes the program that is stored in the flash memory 231 , and controls the overall operation of the television receiver 14 in accordance with a control code to be supplied from a light receiving section 237 .
  • the CPU 232 and the individual sections of the television receiver 14 are connected to each other through a path (not shown).
  • the USB I/F 233 performs data transmission and reception with an apparatus outside the television receiver 14 , which is connected through a USB cable attached to a USB terminal 236 .
  • the network I/F 234 is connected to the network 11 through a cable attached to a network terminal 235 , and performs data transmission and reception with various devices, which are connected to the network 11 .
  • the light receiving section 237 receives infrared light from a remote controller 251 , and outputs a control code, which is obtained by demodulation and represents the contents of a user operation, to the CPU 232 .
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the exterior configuration of the remote controller 251 .
  • the remote controller 251 includes an up button 271 - 1 for upward movement of a cursor, which is displayed on the television receiver 14 , a down button 271 - 2 for downward movement of the cursor, a left button 271 - 3 for leftward movement of the cursor, a right button 271 - 4 for rightward movement of the cursor, an OK button 272 for selection an item of a movement destination and decision, and a set button 273 for predetermined setting, and a return button 274 for return to a previous screen.
  • an up button 271 - 1 for upward movement of a cursor, which is displayed on the television receiver 14
  • a down button 271 - 2 for downward movement of the cursor
  • a left button 271 - 3 for leftward movement of the cursor
  • a right button 271 - 4 for rightward movement of the cursor
  • an OK button 272 for selection an item of a movement destination and
  • buttons are operated when the application 72 is selected or the like.
  • the remote controller 251 is also provided with, in addition to the buttons shown in FIG. 8 , for example, a button for selection of a program of television broadcasting or a button for selection of a volume, on which no reference numeral is put, on the upper side of the remote controller 251 . That is, the remote controller 251 is separately provided with a button for an operation regarding television broadcasting, and a button for an operation regarding the application 72 . Meanwhile, some of the buttons may be commonly used.
  • a button for an operation regarding television broadcasting and a button for an operation regarding the application 72 are separately provided, as described below, when a program of television broadcasting and an image or text based on the application 72 are displayed on the same screen, the user can operate a desired operation target only by an operation of a button of the remote controller 251 in association with the operation target.
  • a button for changing a channel up as a button for program selection and a button for upward movement of the cursor for application selection are commonly used, even if the user operates the button with intent to change the program channel up, the cursor may move upward. In order to suppress occurrence of such a situation, it is necessary to provide a switch button or the like and to operate the corresponding button.
  • the user can perform a desired processing by using the remote controller 251 with no erroneous operation and no complex operation, such as an operation of a switch button.
  • An application list 71 is supplied from the application server 12 to the television receiver 14 . Thereafter, an application 72 is provided from the application server 12 .
  • the application 72 includes, for example, Java (Registered Trademark) Script 73 - 1 , PSML (Page Structure and Macro description Language) 73 - 2 , and the like.
  • the television receiver 14 After the application list 71 and the application 72 are received, when a user' s instruction is made, the television receiver 14 carries out a processing on the basis of the received application 72 .
  • any application 72 (by a script described in Java (Registered Trademark) Script 73 - 1 constituting the application 72 ), an access to the contents server 13 is executed to acquire contents data 131 , and a processing on the basis of contents data 131 is carried out.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel 221 when the user wants to activate the application 72 .
  • the screen shown in FIG. 10 is referred to as an initial screen.
  • the user can select a desired processing on the initial screen.
  • the desired processing is, for example, a processing to refer to a list of programs which are recorded in an HDD recorder (not shown) connected to the television receiver 14 and to select a program, a processing to refer to a program guide of digital terrestrial broadcasting and to watch a program, or the like.
  • the initial screen is a menu screen for selection of processing or setting.
  • An icon display section 301 has a plurality of icons that are arranged in a horizontal direction and displayed, and each icon is an image that allows the user to intuitively recognize what kind of processing or what kind of setting is possible. For example, when a processing regarding an image (for example, a processing to display a list of programs recorded in the HDD recorder) is carried out, an icon that allows the user to recognize that processing for such an image is possible is displayed in the icon display section 301 .
  • the icons that are displayed in the icon display section 301 slide in a left-right direction on the basis of a user's instruction. For example, when the user operates the left button 271 - 3 ( FIG. 10 ) of the remote controller 251 , the icons that are displayed in the icon display section 301 move leftward as a whole, and the focused icon move to a next icon.
  • an icon display section 302 Up and down of the focused icon, an icon display section 302 is provided, and icons indicative of options for processing or setting represented by the focused icon are displayed.
  • icons indicative of options for processing or setting regarding the network are arranged in a vertical direction and displayed in the icon display section 302 .
  • the options regarding the icon “NETWORK” are options for selection of the applications 72 .
  • a cursor 311 is positioned on one icon of the icon display section 302 .
  • An example where the cursor 311 is positioned at an icon below the focused icon will continue to be described. In other words, the cursor 311 is fixed and constantly positioned below the focused icon.
  • the descriptions of icons, excluding the icon displayed in the icon display section 301 are displayed in a description display section 303 .
  • a description display section 303 For example, referring to FIG. 10 , it can be seen that text “PROGRAM RANKING” is displayed at the top of the description display section 303 , and a corresponding icon (application) is used to display the ranking of the program.
  • a state icon display section 304 is provided on the right side of the description display section 303 .
  • an icon “NEW” is displayed
  • an icon “UPDATE” is displayed
  • an icon “END” is displayed.
  • a registration state display section 305 is provided on the right side of the state icon display section 304 .
  • the application 72 of the icon is activated, and information by the activated application 72 is provided to the user, together with a program of television broadcasting. Meanwhile, a predetermined number of applications 72 to be activated other than the application 72 selected at that time may be registered beforehand. That is, the user can register the favorite applications 72 .
  • the layout of such an initial screen or information to be displayed is just an example, and it is not limited to the layout of the initial screen or information to be displayed shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the same is applied to screens that will be described below, and these screens are for illustrative but not limitative purposes and may be appropriately changed.
  • the initial screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed when the user selects the icon “NETWORK”, in other words, when the television receiver 14 is connected to the application server 12 and the application list 71 is acquired in a state where the icon “NETWORK” is focused.
  • the timing at which the application list 71 is acquired is when an icon is focused, as described above.
  • the initial screen may not be instantaneously displayed depending on the communication speed of the network or the like. For this reason, for example, the application list 71 is preferably acquired and held at regular intervals.
  • the application list 71 information in each display section of the icon display section 302 , the description display section 303 , and the state icon display section 304 is described. Information that is described in the registration state display section 305 is stored on the television receiver 14 side.
  • An icon 321 that is displayed in the icon display section 302 is formed by an image that causes the contents of the application 72 to be imaged to the user.
  • Icon data for display of the icon 321 is described in the application list 71 .
  • a URL where icon data is stored is described in the application list 71 , and icon data is acquired through an access to the URL.
  • the description display section 303 includes a name display section 322 in which the name of the application 72 is displayed, a description display section 323 in which the description of the application 72 is displayed, and a provider display section 324 in which the provider of the application 72 is displayed.
  • the name of the application 72 corresponding to the icon 321 is “PROGRAM RANKING”, and thus “PROGRAM RANKING” is displayed in the name display section 322 .
  • the application 72 corresponding to the icon 321 is a program of television broadcasting and has a function to provide information regarding rankings of audience ratings or to recommend a program, and thus the description “RECOMMENDED PROGRAM!” is displayed in the description display section 323 .
  • a distributor that distributes the application 72 corresponding to the icon 321 is “DISTRIBUTOR A”, and thus “DISTRIBUTOR A” is displayed in the provider display section 324 .
  • the distributor A is the application provider 22 .
  • a state icon 325 that is displayed when the state of the application 72 changes is displayed in the state icon display section 304 .
  • the state icon 325 includes the icon “NEW” that is displayed when the application 72 is newly added, the icon “UPDATE” that is displayed when the application 72 is updated, and the icon “END” that is displayed when service provision by the application 72 ends.
  • No state icon 325 is displayed in the state icon display section 304 corresponding to the application 72 with no change in the state.
  • a REGISTERED icon 326 is displayed in the registration state display section 305 .
  • the user may register the favorite applications 72 .
  • the registered applications 72 may be displayed, together with the selected application 72 .
  • an icon “SERVICE CAST” is selected, the registered application 72 is displayed.
  • the registered applications 72 are activated at the same time, and the applications 72 individually carry out processing. Meanwhile, if the processing by a plurality of applications 72 , mainly, the processing to access the contents server 13 through the network 11 and to acquire and display contents data 131 is carried out at the same time, a burden may be imposed on the television receiver 14 depending on the number of processing. In particular, since there is a limit in the capacity of the SDRAM 230 ( FIG. 6 ), which temporarily stores contents data 131 , or the like is limited, contents data 131 by a plurality of applications 72 cannot be stored unlimitedly.
  • the number of applications 72 that can be registered is preferably limited.
  • the number of applications 72 that can be registered may be limited to 5, and when the user wants to register a sixth application 72 , an error message or the like may be displayed.
  • an error message or the like may be displayed.
  • the number of applications 72 that can be registered is limited to 5
  • five REGISTERED icons 326 are displayed in the registration state display section 305 to the maximum.
  • Registration/unregistration is different for every television receiver 14 .
  • information regarding the registered application 72 for example, the ID for identifying the registered application 72 or the like is stored on the television receiver 14 side.
  • an application 72 being registered is determined with reference to the stored information and information described in the application list 71 , and the REGISTERED icon 326 is displayed in the registration state display section 305 .
  • FIG. 12 is an example of information that is described in the application list 71 and an example of information for one application 72 .
  • ID for identifying the application 72 may be the above-described URL where the application 72 is managed.
  • the ID that is managed on the television receiver 14 side is the ID that is described in the application list 71 .
  • “IMAGE” of the icon displayed in the icon display section 302 may be image data of the icon or may be the above-described URL where image data of the icon is managed.
  • image data of the icon is acquired through acquisition of the application list 71 and connection to the URL described in the application list 71 .
  • the administrator in FIG. 2 , the service provider 21 ) who manages the application server 12 can examine the application 72 .
  • an ill-intended application 72 including a virus can be prevented from being registered. Therefore, the security of the application 72 that is provided to the user 24 side (the television receiver 14 side) can be increased.
  • the application list 71 is supplied to the television receiver 14 , and the television receiver 14 presents only the applications 72 , which are registered in the supplied application list 71 , to the user side. For this reason, if the application list 71 is updated, a processing based on the updated application list 71 can be carried out on the television receiver 14 side. For example, if there is a newly registered application 72 , the newly registered application 72 can be provided to the user side, without bothering the user on the television receiver 14 side (for example, without carrying out the update).
  • the applications 72 that are provided to the user side can be freely set on the administrator side, and a problematic application 72 can be deleted from the application list 71 .
  • the applications 72 can be provided to the user side through the accurate management of the administrator.
  • the application provider 22 can be freely set on the service provider 21 , and accordingly a contract with a problematic application provider 22 can be released, and information regarding the application 72 that is provided by the corresponding application provider 22 can be deleted from the application list 71 .
  • the applications 72 can be provided to the user 24 side through the accurate management of the service provider 21 .
  • the television receiver 14 accesses the application server 12 , and holds the URL for acquisition of the application list 71 .
  • the cursor 311 is positioned on an icon representing an application 72 named “NEWS”, in the case of the screen shown in FIG. 13 , the cursor 311 is positioned on an icon of an application 72 named “FORTUNE-TELLING”.
  • the icon of the application 72 named “FORTUNE-TELLING” is positioned below the icon of the application 72 named “NEWS” by two icons.
  • the cursor 311 moves downward to the icon positioned below by two icons.
  • a setup screen 351 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the screen shown in FIG. 13 .
  • an item 361 “ALL APPLICATION RELEASE”, which is operated to release all the applications 72 being registered
  • item 362 “APPLICATION SELECTION”, which is operated to activate an application 72 being selected
  • an item 363 “APPLICATION REGISTRATION”
  • an item 364 “APPLICATION DESCRIPTION”
  • an item 365 “CLOSE”, which is operated to close the selection screen 351
  • the “application 72 being selected” is application 72 corresponding to an icon on which the cursor 311 is positioned, and in the screen example shown in FIG. 14 , is the application 72 named “FORTUNE-TELLING”.
  • an icon indicative of registration is displayed in the registration state display section 305 when the initial screen is next displayed.
  • the ID of the application 72 is stored in the television receiver 14 . At the time of registration, when a predetermined number of applications 72 are already registered, registration is not carried out, and an error message or the like is displayed.
  • a screen for confirmation of the user on whether or not to execute registration may be displayed.
  • the screen of the display panel 221 is switched to an application description screen 371 , as shown in FIG. 15 .
  • the application description screen 371 is provided with a region 381 where the name of the application 72 is displayed, a region 382 where the name of the provider of the application 72 is displayed, and a region 383 where a telephone number for inquiry of the application 72 is displayed.
  • the application description screen 371 is also provided with a region 384 where an image that causes a service, which is provided to the user through processing by an application 72 , to be imaged to the user, for example, an enlarged image of an icon displayed in the icon display section 302 is displayed, and a region 385 where text that describes the contents of a service, which is provided to the user through processing by an application 72 , is displayed.
  • the application description screen 371 is also provided with a button 386 that is operated to activate a Web browser and display a contact or support information of an application 72 , and a button 387 that is operated to return to the screen shown in FIG. 14 , that is, the screen on which the setup screen 351 is displayed.
  • the user can view such an application description screen 371 to recognize the contents of the service, which is provided by the application 72 .
  • FIG. 13 is displayed when the cursor 311 is positioned on the icon indicative of the application 72 named “FORTUNE-TELLING”.
  • the OK button 272 FIG. 10
  • the remote controller 251 the screen of the display panel 221 is switched to a screen shown in FIG. 16 .
  • data of the main body of the application 72 is acquired from the application server 12 .
  • an instruction to activate the application 72 is made, an access to the application server 12 is executed, and data (program and the like) of the main body of the application 72 is acquired.
  • data of the application 72 that is instructed to be activated is acquired on the basis of the ID of the application 72 described in the application list 71 .
  • the left side becomes a program display region 401 where a program of television broadcasting is displayed
  • the right side becomes an application display region 402 where services of a plurality of application 72 are displayed.
  • the program of television broadcasting and information, which is provided by the application 72 are provided to the user at the same time.
  • the user can view desired information that is provided by the application 72 , while enjoying the program of television broadcasting.
  • information that is provided by three applications 72 is displayed in the application display region 402 .
  • the application display region 402 in the upper region 411 , information is displayed by an application 72 called SERVICE CHANNEL (hereinafter, the application 72 named “SERVICE CHANNEL” is described to correspond to an application 72 - 1 ).
  • the application 72 named “SERVICE CHANNEL” is described to correspond to an application 72 - 1 ).
  • the middle region 412 information is displayed by an application 72 called FORTUNE-TELLING (hereinafter, the application 72 named “FORTUNE-TELLING” is described to correspond to an application 72 - 2 ).
  • the application 72 called NEWS hereinafter, the application 72 named “NEWS” is displayed to correspond to an application 72 - 3 ).
  • the applications 72 that display information in the application display region 402 include the application 72 being registered and the selected application 72 . As described above, it is configured such that the user can register a predetermined number of applications 72 in advance. Even if an application 72 being not registered is selected, the applications 72 that are registered by the user are displayed in the application display region 402 , together with the application 72 being not registered.
  • the application 72 - 2 called FORTUNE-TELLING is the application 72 being not registered. Even if the application 72 - 2 being not registered is selected, the applications 72 - 1 and 72 - 3 being registered are displayed in the application display region 402 , together with the application 72 - 2 .
  • the applications 72 displayed in the application display region 402 separately operate.
  • the application 72 - 3 that provides a service for news display is connected to the contents server 13 to acquire contents data 131 of news and to update news (text) displayed in the region 413 at the timing at which the application 72 - 3 is set.
  • the applications 72 being registered are operating, as well as the applications 72 - 1 to 72 - 3 that are displayed in the application display region 402 .
  • the applications 72 - 1 to 72 - 3 are displayed in the application display region 402 .
  • the application 72 - 3 is connected to the contents server 13 to acquire news, regardless of whether or not it is displayed in the application display region 402 .
  • the information by the applications 72 displayed in the application display region 402 is updated, regardless of whether or not a user's instruction is made, insofar as each of the applications 72 is an application 72 that can appropriately update information. Therefore, the user can acquire new information without feeling bothersome.
  • simultaneous activation means that an access to the application server 12 is executed to acquire the data main body of the application 72 , a processing is carried out on the basis of the acquired application 72 , and during this processing, if necessary, a connection to the contents server 13 is made to acquire contents data 131 .
  • the applications 72 - 1 to 72 - 3 displayed in the application display region 402 move upward, and an application 72 - 4 that is an application 72 , which is not displayed in the application display region 402 , and virtually disposed below the application 72 - 3 is displayed.
  • a screen is displayed in which information by the application 72 - 2 is displayed in the region 411 , information by the application 72 - 3 is displayed in the region 412 , and information by the application 72 - 4 is displayed in the region 413 .
  • the application 72 - 4 is an application 72 corresponding to the name “PHOTO FRIEND” will continue to be described.
  • the applications 72 - 1 to 72 - 3 move downward, and an application 72 - 5 that is an application 72 , which is not displayed in the application display region 402 , and virtually disposed above the application 72 - 1 is displayed.
  • a screen is displayed in which information by the application 72 - 5 is displayed in the region 411 , information by the application 72 - 1 is displayed in the region 412 , and information by the application 72 - 2 is displayed in the region 413 .
  • the application 72 - 5 is an application 72 corresponding to the name “GOURMET INFORMATION” will continue to be described.
  • the applications 72 that are operating in parallel are virtually arranged in the vertical direction, the applications 72 displayed in the application display region 402 are switched in accordance with the operation state of the up button 271 - 1 or the down button 271 - 2 of the remote controller 251 .
  • the screens shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 are referred to as a normal mode.
  • the mode is switched to a focus mode in which an application 72 positioned in the middle at that time (an application 72 which is displaying information in the region 412 ) is focused.
  • the application 72 that is displaying information in the region 412 of the application display region 402 is the application 72 - 2 named “FORTUNE-TELLING”.
  • the OK button 272 of the remote controller 251 is operated, the screen is switched to the screen of the focus mode, in which the application 72 - 2 is focused.
  • FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen in the focus mode.
  • the regions 411 and 413 of the application display region 402 are displayed dark. In other words, only the region 412 in the middle of the application display region 402 is displayed brighter than other regions.
  • the applications 72 being registered and the selected application 72 are operating in parallel, regardless of whether or not the applications 72 are displayed in the application display region 402 .
  • the focus mode similarly to the normal mode, if the up button 271 - 1 or the down button 271 - 2 of the remote controller 251 is operated, the applications 72 displayed in the application display region 402 slide upward or downward and are displayed. With this slide, the application 72 displayed in the region 412 is switched, and thus the focused application 72 is also switched. Therefore, in the focus mode, the user can bring a desire application 72 into focus.
  • buttons and the like based on the application 72 being focused are displayed. For example, referring to FIG. 19 , when the application 72 displayed in the region 412 is the application 72 - 2 , “FORTUNE-TELLING”, a button 431 , “READ FORTUNE”, is displayed in the focus mode. A button 432 called RETURN that is operated to return to the normal mode is also displayed.
  • the user operates the left button 271 - 3 or the right button 271 - 4 of the remote controller 251 to select the button 431 or the button 432 .
  • the OK button 272 is operated, a processing corresponding to the selected button is executed.
  • the button 431 called “READ FORTUNE” is selected and decided, the mode is switched to an active mode, and when the button 432 called “RETURN” is selected and decided, the mode is switched to the normal mode.
  • the active mode is a mode in which only information provided by one application 72 is displayed.
  • FIG. 20 shows an example of a screen which is displayed on the display panel 221 in the active mode.
  • an active screen 461 in which only information by one application 72 in this case, the application 72 - 2 named “FORTUNE-TELLING” is displayed is displayed.
  • the activated application 72 accesses the contents server 13 to acquire contents data 131 .
  • a processing based on acquired contents data 131 is executed, and thus the active screen 461 is displayed.
  • information that is provided by the application 72 - 2 called “FORTUNE-TELLING” is displayed, in the active screen 461 , text indicative of the contents of fortune-telling or the like is displayed.
  • the contents of fortune-telling shown in FIG. 20 is information that is provided for every zodiac sign, and when the user wants to view fortune-telling information of zodiac signs other than the zodiac sign being displayed (in FIG. 20 , Virgo), he/she operates a button “NEXT” that is provided below the active screen 461 . The user operates the button “NEXT” to view desired fortune-telling information.
  • FIG. 21 shows an example of an option menu screen corresponding to the application 72 - 2 called “FORTUNE-TELLING”.
  • the option menu screen 481 is superimposed on the screen at that time and displayed in the same manner as the active mode.
  • buttons 491 called “ALL APPLICATION RELEASE”, a button 492 called “APPLICATION SETUP”, a button 493 called “REGISTRATION”, and a button 494 called “INQUIRY” are displayed.
  • the button 493 called “REGISTRATION” when an application 72 being not registered yet is subject to processing, the option menu screen 481 is displayed, and when an application 72 being already registered is subject to processing, a button 493 called “REGISTRATION RELEASE” is displayed.
  • the button 491 called “ALL APPLICATION RELEASE” is a button that is operated to release registration of all the applications 72 being registered.
  • the button 492 called “APPLICATION SETUP” is a button that is operated to set information depending on the application 72 , for example, in the case of the application 72 regarding fortune-telling by zodiac sign, information of the zodiac signs or the like.
  • the button 493 called “REGISTRATION” is a button that is displayed when the application 72 being not registered yet is subject to processing, and is operated to register the application 72 subject to processing. When the application 72 being already registered is subject to processing, the button 493 “REGISTRATION RELEASE” is displayed. The button 493 called “REGISTRATION RELEASE” is a button that is operated to release registration of the application 72 being registered.
  • the button 494 called “INQUIRY” is a button that is operated to display information regarding a destination for providing the application 72 .
  • a setup screen 501 shown in FIG. 22 is a screen for setup in the application 72 - 2 named “FORTUNE-TELLING”.
  • a column 511 for zodiac sign selection, a column 512 for name input, and a column 513 for favorite food selection are provided.
  • the column 511 for zodiac sign selection is configured such that one zodiac sign can be selected, and a desired zodiac sign can be selected by the operation of the up button 271 - 1 or the down button 271 - 2 of the remote controller 251 .
  • the column 512 for name input is configured such that the user can input and set desired text, such as his/her name, nickname, or the like by the operation of the remote controller 251 . While a case where the name is input has been described, the user ID or password may be set by the application 72 .
  • the names of a plurality of foods are listed, and a checkbox is provided in front of each name.
  • the user can select the names of a plurality of foods, and can check each checkbox.
  • the items that are set in the setup screen 501 includes an item that is set through input of desired text or the like by the user, an item that is set when the user selects one item from among the items being set in advance, an item that is set when the user selects a plurality of items from among the items being set in advance or the like.
  • the set items that are set in such a setup screen 501 are stored on the television receiver 14 side.
  • the application 72 - 2 “FORTUNE-TELLING”
  • a zodiac sign that is one of the items set in the television receiver 14 is referred to, and contents corresponding to the zodiac sign is acquired from the contents server 13 and displayed. Therefore, the user can first view fortune-telling of his/her zodiac sign set once in the focus mode or the active mode.
  • the screen of the normal mode shown in FIG. 17 that is, in a state where information by the application 72 - 3 named “NEWS” is displayed in the region 412 that is positioned in the middle of the application display region 402 , if the OK button 272 of the remote controller 251 is operated, the screen is switched to a screen in a focus mode shown in FIG. 23 .
  • FIG. 23 shows a screen example in a focus mode in which the application 72 - 3 named “NEWS” is focused.
  • the application display region 402 Of the application display region 402 , only the region 412 where news is displayed through processing by the application 72 - 3 is displayed brighter than other regions.
  • the applications 72 being registered and the selected application 72 are operating in parallel, regardless of whether or not the applications 72 are displayed in the application display region 402 .
  • buttons based on the application 72 - 3 named “NEWS”, in the example of FIG. 23 a button 531 , “PREVIOUS”, and a button 532 , “NEXT”, are displayed.
  • the button 531 , “PREVIOUS”, is a button that is operated to return to a previous article of news articles
  • the button 532 , “NEXT” is a button that is operated to return to a next article of news articles.
  • the operation of the left button 271 - 3 of the remote controller 251 corresponds to the operation of the button 531 , “PREVIOUS”, and the operation of the right button 271 - 4 corresponds to the operation of the button 532 , “NEXT”.
  • the user operates the left button 271 - 3 or the right button 271 - 4 to view a desired news article.
  • the active mode is a mode in which only information to be provided by one application 72 - 3 is displayed.
  • an active screen 461 in which only information to be provided by the application 72 - 3 , “NEWS”, is displayed is displayed in the application display region 402 .
  • the activated application 72 - 3 accesses the contents server 13 to acquire contents data 131 regarding news. If a processing based on acquired contents data 131 is executed, a news article is displayed on the active screen 461 . The news article that is displayed on the active screen 461 is updated in a cycle set in the application 72 - 3 . When the update is carried out, contents data 131 is acquired.
  • buttons that are provided in the active screen 461 are buttons that are suitable for the activated application 72 .
  • buttons 551 , “DETAIL”, are operated, data of the details of the news article is acquired through an access to the contents server 13 .
  • a predetermined browser may be activated and may access a predetermined server on Internet, and a processing of the predetermined browser may be executed on the basis of data acquired from the server to provide the details.
  • a genre of interest of the user can be set (registered) such that a news article of the genre of interest of the user is preferentially provided more than news articles of no interest.
  • an option menu screen 481 is displayed.
  • the same items as the above-described option menu screen 481 ( FIG. 21 ) which is displayed when the application 72 - 2 called “FORTUNE-TELLING” is put in the active mode, are displayed.
  • the example shown in FIG. 25 is different from the example shown in FIG. 21 in that the option menu screen 481 is displayed on the active screen 461 of the application 72 - 3 regarding news.
  • a setup screen 501 shown in FIG. 26 is a screen for setup in the application 72 - 3 named “NEWS”.
  • the setup screen 501 regarding news is provided with a region 571 for setup of a desired genre.
  • a plurality of genre names are listed, and a checkbox is provided for each genre name.
  • the user can select a plurality of genre names, and check each checkbox.
  • the items that are displayed in the setup screen 501 shown in FIG. 20 for the application 72 - 2 called “FORTUNE-TELLING” are different from the items that are displayed in the setup screen 501 shown in FIG. 26 for the application 72 - 3 called “NEWS”, and the items correspond to the applications 72 .
  • the items that are displayed in the setup screen 501 depend on the application 72 .
  • the set items set in the setup screen 501 are stored on the television receiver 14 side. Then, for example, when the application 72 - 3 , “NEWS”, is put in the active mode, the genre names of the items set in the television receiver 14 are referred to, and contents data 131 that corresponds to news belonging to the genre is acquired from the contents server 13 and displayed. Therefore, the user can first view news belonging to a desired genre set once in the active mode.
  • the application 72 called NEWS operates in parallel to other applications 72 , regardless of the normal mode or the focus mode, and as a result, a news article is updated. Therefore, in the normal mode or the focus mode, as well as the active mode, the set genre may be referred to, and contents data 131 of a news article belonging to the referred genre may be acquired.
  • the screen is switched to the normal mode.
  • the normal mode, the focus mode, and the active mode are provided, and thus the user can easily acquire information in a desired mode while enjoying a program of television broadcasting.
  • an initial screen shown in FIG. 27 is referred to.
  • An icon named “SERVICE CAST”, an icon named “FORTUNE-TELLING”, an icon named “PHOTO FRIEND”, and an icon named “GOURMET INFORMATION” are displayed.
  • the application 72 - 2 named “FORTUNE-TELLING”, the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND”, and the application 72 - 5 named “GOURMET INFORMATION” are registered, and icons, REGISTERED, are displayed in the registration state display section 305 .
  • information that is provided by the three registered applications 72 - 2 , 72 - 4 , and 72 - 5 , “FORTUNE-TELLING”, “GOURMET INFORMATION”, and “PHOTO FRIEND”, is displayed in the application display region 402 .
  • the information of the applications 72 - 2 , 72 - 4 , and 72 - 5 may be displayed in the region 411 , the region 412 , and the region 413 in an order of registration or in an order of display in the initial screen, for example.
  • the icon named “SERVICE CAST” is an icon that is operated to activate the registered applications 72 , and a utility for activation of a plurality of registered applications 72 . Such an icon is also provided in the initial screen.
  • the user can collectively activate the registered applications 72 , without finding the registered applications 72 in the list. Therefore, the user can acquire information by a desired application 72 with a simple operation.
  • the application list 71 is acquired from the application server 12 and stored on the television receiver 14 side. Then, when display is switched from the initial screen to the screen of the normal mode, one or a plurality of applications 72 (programs of the main bodies of the applications 72 ) that are activated at that time are acquired from the application server 12 and stored on the television receiver 14 side.
  • an access is appropriately executed to the contents server 13 on the basis of the application 72 to acquire contents data 131 , and stored on the television receiver 14 side.
  • contents server 13 of the connection destination is different, and contents data 131 to be acquired is different.
  • an access is made to the contents server 13 or a server (not shown) only on the basis of the activated application 72 , and contents data 131 or other kinds of data are acquired and stored on the television receiver 14 side.
  • the application 72 and contents data 131 (other kinds of data) stored on the television receiver 14 are deleted.
  • the application 72 or contents data 131 is stored as needed, and deleted as not needed. Therefore, the memory area for the application 72 or contents data 131 on the television receiver 14 side can be reduced.
  • the television receiver 14 acquires the application 72 as needed, for example, even if the application 72 is updated, the updated application 72 can be provided to the television receiver 14 side. Therefore, the application 72 that is provided to the television receiver 14 side can be constantly made to be an up-to-date application 72 .
  • the application 72 that is acquired by the television receiver 14 can be set only to the application 72 that is described in the application list 71 . For this reason, with appropriate management of the application list 71 , an ill-intended application 72 can be prevented from being downloaded to the television receiver 14 . In addition, if an interval for which the application 72 is described in the application list 71 is limited, the application 72 can be provided to the user side with a limited interval, and thus the service width can be increased.
  • the television receiver 14 acquires contents data 131 as needed, and deletes stored contents data 131 as not needed. For example, even in the case of information, such as news articles, which is frequently updated, updated up-to-date information can be provided to the television receiver 14 side, and old information being stored can be prevented from being provided to the user.
  • an initial screen shown in FIG. 29 is referred to.
  • An icon named “SERVICE CAST”, an icon named “PHOTO FRIEND”, an icon named “PHOTO NICE”, and an icon named “PHOTO CHOICE” are displayed.
  • the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND”, the application 72 - 5 named “PHOTO NICE”, and the application 72 - 6 named “PHOTO CHOICE” are registered. For this reason, the REGISTERED icon is displayed in the registration state display section 305 .
  • the information of the application 72 - 4 , 72 - 5 , and 72 - 6 may be displayed in the region 411 , the region 412 , and the region 413 , respectively, in an order of registration or in an order of display in the initial screen.
  • the icon named “SERVICE CAST” is an icon that is operated to activate the registered applications 72 , and a utility for activation of a plurality of registered applications 72 . Such an icon is also provided in the initial screen.
  • the user can collectively activate the registered applications 72 , without finding the registered applications 72 in the list. Therefore, the user can acquire information by a desired application 72 with a simple operation.
  • PHOTO FRIEND is an application regarding photos (still images). Though the details are described in connection with a description of each application, to simply describe each application, “PHOTO FRIEND” is an application that allows persons who knows a predetermined ID to share photos.
  • PHOTO NICE is an application that allows the user to view photos, which are selected as nice photos by many people, from among the photos being managed by a predetermined server (here, it is assumed as the contents server 13 - 1 ).
  • PHOTO CHOICE is an application that allows the user to view photos, which is classified into a predetermined category, from among the photos being managed by the contents server 13 - 1 .
  • the screen of the normal mode shown in FIG. 30 that is, when information by the application 72 - 5 named “PHOTO NICE” is displayed in the region 412 that is positioned in the middle of the application display region 402 , if the down button 271 - 2 of the remote controller 251 is operated, the screen becomes a screen of a normal mode shown in FIG. 31 . That is, the screen is switched to the screen of the normal mode on which information by the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND” is displayed in the region 412 positioned in the middle of the application display region 402 .
  • the screen named “PHOTO FRIEND” has a background as a copy of one page of a paper album, and a photo is displayed in the background. This photo is switched to another photo each time a predetermined time elapses. In other words, display is performed as if the pages of the album are turned over (replaced) by one page (by one photo). Specifically, the photo that is displayed within the screen named “PHOTO FRIEND” is displayed in a slide show manner.
  • a photo is switched each time the predetermined time elapses, and information regarding the predetermined time is described in, for example, Java (Registered Trademark) Script, which is included in the application 72 - 4 .
  • image data of the photo is acquired from the contents server 13 (here, it is assumed as the contents server 13 - 1 ), which manages image data.
  • Image data of the background is included in the application 72 - 4 , and the screen of the normal mode is instantaneously displayed earlier than the photo. If only the background is instantaneously displayed, the user may recognize the change to the screen of the normal mode or may feel uneasiness of an erroneous operation since nothing is displayed. Therefore, a feeling of uneasiness can be relieved.
  • Image data that is acquired from the contents server 13 - 1 is image data that is identified by a predetermined ID.
  • the predetermined ID is, for example, the ID for identifying the user 24 ( FIG. 1 ), and the ID that is used by the user 24 to register image data in the contents server 13 - 1 .
  • the user 24 can register image data of photos captured by himself/herself in the contents server 13 - 1 .
  • the predetermined ID is an ID that is used for authentication of whether or not the user 24 is authorized to register image data.
  • the contents server 13 - 1 is configured to identify a plurality of image data being registered on the basis of the IDs.
  • the user puts a tag.
  • This tag represents a category of a photo. For example, in the case of a photo of a baby, it is classified into a category named “BABY”, and a tag representing this category is put.
  • An application 72 - 6 named “PHOTO CHOICE” that will be described below selects a photo on the basis of the tag.
  • a white frame is displayed around a photo.
  • photos based on image data being managed by the contents server 13 have various sizes (aspect ratios)
  • different sizes can be absorbed.
  • a photo is displayed within the screen called “PHOTO FRIEND”
  • a photo based on acquired image data is processed to a size according to the size of the screen (aspect ratio)
  • a white frame that is fitted to the size of the processed photo is displayed.
  • a sentence, “ABC'S PHOTO”, is also displayed.
  • the sentence to be displayed is a sentence having, for example, a portion corresponding to “ABC” as a nickname.
  • the nickname is managed on the contents server 13 - 1 side in association with the ID.
  • a photo based on imaged data being managed with a predetermined ID is displayed in the screen named “PHOTO FRIEND”, and accordingly an ID needs to be set before such display is performed. This is because, if an ID is not set, it is not understood which image data being managed with which ID is acquired from the contents server 13 - 1 .
  • the screen shown in FIG. 32 not the screen named “PHOTO FRIEND” shown in FIG. 31 , is displayed.
  • a sentence, “IF ID OF ACQUAINTANCE IS SET, OPEN PHOTO OF ACQUAINTANCE WILL BE VIEWED!” is displayed in the screen named “PHOTO FRIEND”. If such a sentence is displayed, the user can recognize that the ID is not set and even if the application 72 - 4 is activated, he/she cannot view the photos since the ID is not set.
  • the user can recognize that the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND” is an application 72 that allows the user to view an open photo of an acquaintance.
  • the user who reads such a sentence and recognizes that he/she does not set an ID can set the ID.
  • the user In either the screen of the normal mode shown in FIG. 32 or the screen of the normal mode shown in FIG. 31 , for setup of the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND”, the user operates the set button 273 of the remote controller 251 .
  • FIG. 33 shows an example of an option menu screen corresponding to the application 72 - 4 called “PHOTO FRIEND”.
  • the option menu screen 481 is superimposed on the screen at that time, and the same display is performed.
  • option menu screen 481 the same items as the above-described option menu screen 481 ( FIG. 21 ), which is displayed when the application 72 - 2 called “FORTUNE-TELLING” is put in the active mode, are displayed.
  • the example shown in FIG. 33 is different from the example shown in FIG. 21 in that the option menu screen 481 is displayed on the normal mode screen of the application 72 - 4 , PHOTO FRIEND.
  • a button 492 called “APPLICATION SETUP” is selected and operated, the screen is switched to a screen shown in FIG. 34 .
  • a setup screen 501 shown in FIG. 34 is a screen for setup in the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND”.
  • the setup screen 501 regarding PHOTO FRIEND is provided with a region 571 where a sentence, which allows the user to recognize which ID is to be input, is described, and a region 572 where an ID being already set is displayed.
  • the user 24 who registers photos in the contents server 13 - 1 by using the ID makes a contract regarding photo registration beforehand with the contents provider 23 that manages the contents server 13 - 1 or the application provider 22 that manages the contents server 13 - 1 .
  • a screen called a soft keyboard or the like, for support of character input is displayed.
  • a screen called a soft keyboard or the like, for support of character input is displayed.
  • a region 581 where input characters are displayed a region 582 where a list of buttons of characters that can be input is displayed, a button 583 , “CORRECT”, which is operated to correct the input characters, and a button 584 , “OK”, which is operated when the input characters (ID) are satisfactory, are displayed.
  • buttons of the characters which are displayed in the region 582 , are lowercase alphabet characters.
  • the buttons are configured such that the characters can be selected by the operations of the up button 271 - 1 , the down button 271 - 2 , the left button 271 - 3 , and the right button 271 - 4 of the remote controller 251 .
  • the OK button 272 of the remote controller 251 is operated in order to input a selected character.
  • the characters constituting the ID are input to the region 581 . If the characters constituting the ID are all input, the button 584 , “OK”, is operated. If the button 584 is operated, the screen returns to the screen shown in FIG. 34 . Then, the set ID is displayed in the region 572 .
  • Such input of the ID is considered as being simple, as compared with a case where a keyboard of a personal computer is operated to input characters.
  • the types of the characters constituting the ID are alphabet characters or numerals and are limitative. Therefore, even if a desired character is found from the screen shown in FIG. 35 and input, it is considered that there is no case where it is difficult to find a desired character or the operation of the remote controller 251 becomes complicated.
  • the number of characters constituting the ID is not so much, and thus it is considered that the ID can be input only by the operations of the remote controller 251 several times.
  • the ID can be simply input, most people, including children and old people, can set the ID, and can pleasantly view the photos through processing of the application 72 - 4 .
  • a user A tells the parent A of the user A his/her ID.
  • the parent A as well as the user A, can view the photos registered by the user A through the above-described simple ID setup processing. Therefore, in this case, when the user A registers the photos of the grandchildren of the parent A, the parent A can freely view the photos of the grandchildren.
  • a person can view the photos while viewing television broadcasting on the television receiver 14 . Therefore, the parent A can enjoy the photos of the strange grandchildren while viewing a favorite program of television broadcasting.
  • the photos to be displayed are switched, and thus the parent A enjoys the photos of the grandchildren with various expressions.
  • the photos can be shared with simple setup, in this case, the ID setup.
  • the photos that are displayed in the screen of the normal mode are enlarged and displayed, as described below, when the screen is switched to the screen of the active mode.
  • the favorite photo can be simply viewed as a photo of a larger size.
  • the items that are displayed in the setup screen 501 shown in FIG. 22 with respect to the application 72 - 2 called “FORTUNE-TELLING” are different from the items that are displayed in the setup screen 501 shown in FIG. 34 with respect to the application 72 - 4 called “PHOTO FRIEND”, and the items correspond to the applications 72 .
  • the items that are displayed in the setup screen 501 depend on the application 72 .
  • the set items set in the setup screen 501 are stored on the television receiver 14 side. Then, for example, when the application 72 - 4 , “PHOTO FRIEND”, is activated, the ID that is set in the television receiver 14 is referred to, and image data (contents data 131 ) corresponding to the photos belonging to the ID is acquired from the contents server 13 - 1 and displayed.
  • FIG. 36 shows a screen example in the focus mode in which the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND” is focused.
  • the application display region 402 Of the application display region 402 , only the region 412 where a photo is displayed through processing by the application 72 - 4 is displayed brighter than other regions.
  • the registered applications 72 and the selected application 72 are operating in parallel, regardless of whether or not the applications 72 are displayed in the application display region 402 .
  • buttons based on the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND”, in the example of FIG. 32 a button 601 that is operated to display a photo previously updated, and a button 602 that is operated to display a photo next updated are displayed.
  • the operation of the left button 271 - 3 of the remote controller 251 corresponds to the operation of the button 601
  • the operation of the right button 271 - 4 corresponds to the operation of the button 602 .
  • the user operates the left button 271 - 3 or the right button 271 - 4 to view a desired photo.
  • the frame that is displayed around the photo as the white frame in the normal mode may be displayed a different color, such as yellow or the like. If display is changed in such a manner, the user can better recognize the focus mode, and fine display can be performed.
  • the active mode is a mode in which only information to be provided by one application 72 - 4 is displayed.
  • an active screen 621 in which only information to be provided by the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND” is displayed is displayed in the application display region 402 .
  • the activated application 72 - 4 accesses the contents server 13 - 1 to acquire contents data 131 regarding PHOTO FRIEND. A processing based on acquired contents data 131 is executed, and thus a photo is displayed as the active screen 621 .
  • the active screen 621 shown in FIG. 37 is provided with a region 631 where an enlarged photo is displayed, and a region 632 where information regarding the photo is displayed.
  • the photo that is displayed in the region 631 is a photo that is displayed in the focus mode before the change to the active mode.
  • the title of the photo being displayed, the description, information regarding the tag, and the like are displayed.
  • the tag is configured so as to be switched, and if the tag is switched, the comment for the photo by another user is displayed.
  • Such an active screen 621 may be displayed only in the application display region 402 or may be displayed on the display panel 221 as the entire screen.
  • the active screen 621 When the active screen 621 is displayed only in the application display region 402 , the same screen as when the above-described application 72 - 2 named “FORTUNE-TELLING” is put in the active mode is configured. For example, the screen shown in FIG. 20 is configured and displayed, together with the screen of television broadcasting. Meanwhile, when the active screen 621 is displayed on the display panel 221 as the entire screen, the screen of television broadcasting is not displayed.
  • the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND” accesses the contents server 13 - 1 to acquire image data of photos.
  • the images that are registered in the contents server 13 - 1 can also be viewed from the personal computer.
  • an application called a Web browser or the like is used.
  • the television receiver 14 may also be incorporated with a Web browser, and as one of the processing of the application 72 - 4 , when the mode is change to the active mode, the Web browser may be activated so as to display the active screen 621 shown in FIG. 37 .
  • the Web browser may be activated, and the processing by the application 72 - 4 is changed to the processing by the activated Web browser so as to display the active screen 621 on the display panel 221 .
  • the processing by the application 72 - 4 is changed to the processing by the activated Web browser so as to display the active screen 621 on the display panel 221 .
  • Watching of a program of television broadcasting comes into wide use.
  • communication through the Web browser is performed when a personal computer accesses a predetermined server to view a homepage, but this does not come into wide use, as compared with watching of a program of television broadcasting.
  • the mode in which a program of television broadcasting is viewed is changed to the mode in which information is viewed with the Web browser with a series of operations. Accordingly, even a user who is not familiar with viewing information by the Web browser can be provided with information by the Web browser. This can give a change to acquire information with the Web browser. In other words, in this case, a chance to view photos being managed in the contents server 13 - 1 with the personal computer can be given.
  • the contents provider 23 or the application provider 22 that manages the contents server 13 - 1 , which manages the photos, can view on the personal computer. For this reason, advertising, please view information with a personal computer and please make a contract, becomes possible.
  • the normal mode, the focus mode, and the active mode are provided, and thus the user can easily acquire information in a desired mode while enjoying a program of television broadcasting.
  • the application 72 - 5 named “PHOTO NICE” is displayed in the screen of the normal mode.
  • a description will be provided for the screen by the application 72 - 5 named “PHOTO NICE” in the normal mode.
  • the screen named “PHOTO NICE” is the same as the above-described screen named “PHOTO FRIEND”, and can be divided into a background and a photo. Image data of the background is included in the application 72 - 5 , and when the screen of the normal mode is displayed, it is instantaneously displayed earlier than the photo.
  • the photo is switched to another photo each time a predetermined time elapses.
  • the photo that is displayed within the screen named “PHOTO FRIEND” is also displayed in a slide show manner.
  • a photo is switched each time the predetermined time elapses, and information regarding the predetermined time is described in, for example, Java (Registered Trademark) Script, which is included in the application 72 - 5 .
  • Java Registered Trademark
  • image data of the photo is acquired from the contents server 13 (here, it is assumed as the contents server 13 - 1 ), which manages image data.
  • Image data that is acquired from the contents server 13 - 1 is a photo that is evaluated to be “GOOD” after a plurality of users views a plurality of photos, which are registered in the contents server 13 - 1 .
  • a plurality of users can view the photos that are registered in the contents server 13 - 1 if the user who registers the photos permits. Then, the users who view the photos can evaluate the viewed photos.
  • the application 72 - 5 named “PHOTO NICE” acquires image data of photos with a high score of evaluation, “GOOD”, from the contents server 13 - 1 .
  • the photos with a high score of evaluation, “GOOD” are displayed within the screen named “PHOTO NICE” in a slide show manner.
  • application 72 - 5 named “PHOTO NICE” acquires and displays image data of the photos with a high score of evaluation, “GOOD”.
  • GOOD a high score of evaluation
  • new photos are displayed in a slide show manner.
  • the processing can be basically performed by the application 72 - 5 named “PHOTO NICE”.
  • the new photos are simply registered in the contents server 13 - 1 on new date and time, and other filters are not applied. Accordingly, it is considered that undesirable open photos may be registered, and the photos may be displayed in a slide show manner.
  • the photos with a high score of evaluation “GOOD”
  • the photos with a high score of evaluation “GOOD”
  • the photos with a high score of evaluation “GOOD”
  • the filters can be applied to information (in this case, photos) that is provided on the user 24 side of the television receiver 14 , and similarly to the application 72 , safe information can be provided to the user side.
  • information to be provided does not need to be managed by the service provider 21 ( FIG. 2 ), the processing of the service provider 21 can be reduced.
  • FIG. 38 shows a screen example in the focus mode in which the application 72 - 5 named “PHOTO NICE” is focused.
  • the application display region 402 Of the application display region 402 , only the region 412 where PHOTO NICE is displayed through processing by the application 72 - 5 is displayed brighter than other regions.
  • buttons based on the application 72 - 5 named “PHOTO NICE”, in the example of FIG. 38 a button 701 that is operated to display a photo previously updated, and a button 702 that is operated to display a photo next updated are displayed.
  • the operation of the left button 271 - 3 of the remote controller 251 corresponds to the operation of the button 701
  • the operation of the right button 271 - 4 corresponds to the operation of the button 702 .
  • the user operates the left button 271 - 3 or the right button 271 - 4 to view a desired photo.
  • the frame that is displayed around the photo as the white frame in the normal mode may be displayed a different color, such as yellow or the like. If display is changed in such a manner, the user can better recognize the focus mode, and fine display can be performed.
  • the active mode is a mode in which only information to be provided by one application 72 - 5 is displayed.
  • the active screen 621 in which only information to be provided by the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO NICE” is displayed is displayed in the application display region 402 .
  • the activated application 72 - 5 accesses the contents server 13 - 1 to acquire contents data 131 regarding PHOTO NICE.
  • the processing based on acquired contents data 131 is executed, and thus the photo is displayed as the active screen 621 .
  • the active screen 621 shown in FIG. 37 has been already described, and the details thereof will be omitted, in the case of the application 72 - 5 named “PHOTO NICE”, similarly to the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND”, in the active mode, the screen is changed to a screen in which one photo is enlarged and displayed. In this case, the Web browser is activated (the Web browser may be activated).
  • the normal mode, the focus mode, and the active mode are provided, and thus the user can easily acquire information in a desired mode while enjoying a program of television broadcasting.
  • the screen of the normal mode shown in FIG. 30 that is, when information by the application 72 - 5 named “PHOTO NICE” is displayed in the region 412 positioned in the middle of the application display region 402 , if the up button 271 - 1 of the remote controller 251 is operated, the screen becomes a screen of a normal mode shown in FIG. 39 . That is, the screen is switched to a screen of a normal mode on which information by the application 72 - 6 named “PHOTO CHOICE” is displayed in the region 412 positioned in the middle of the application display region 402 .
  • PHOTO CHOICE in the screen named “PHOTO CHOICE”, for example, as shown in FIG. 39 , a plurality of photos (in the example of FIG. 39 , 9 photos) are displayed. Each of a plurality of photos are switched to other photos each time a predetermined time elapses. In other words, the photos that are displayed within the screen named “PHOTO CHOICE” are displayed in a slide show manner. A plurality of photos may be updated at the same time, or may be updated in sequence from the upper left side to the lower right side.
  • a photo is switched each time the predetermined time elapses, and information regarding the predetermined time or information regarding a way to update is described in, for example, Java (Registered Trademark) Script, which is included in the application 72 - 6 .
  • image data of the photo is acquired from the contents server 13 (here, it is assumed as the contents server 13 - 1 ), which manages image data.
  • Image data that is acquired from the contents server 13 - 1 is image data that is identified by a predetermined tag.
  • the predetermined tag is, for example, information regarding a category, to which the photo belongs, and information that, when the photo is registered in the contents server 13 - 1 by the user, is set through determination of which category the photo to be registered belongs to.
  • the photo to be registered is a photo of a dog, it is classified into a category “PET” by user's determination, and a tag indicative of the category “PET” is put.
  • Information regarding the tag is also displayed within the screen named “PHOTO CHOICE”.
  • the characters “PET” are displayed on the lower right side. That is, in the example of FIG. 39 , a plurality of photos that are displayed within the screen named “PHOTO CHOICE” are photos that are suitable for the tag indicative of “PET”.
  • FIG. 40 shows an example of an option menu screen corresponding to the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO CHOICE”.
  • PHOTO CHOICE a screen of a focus mode described below
  • FIG. 37 a screen of an active mode described below
  • option menu screen 481 the same items as the above-described option menu screen 481 ( FIG. 21 ), which is displayed when the application 72 - 2 named “FORTUNE-TELLING” is put in the active mode, are displayed.
  • the example shown in FIG. 40 is different from the example shown in FIG. 21 in that the option menu screen 481 is displayed on the normal mode screen of the application 72 - 6 , PHOTO CHOICE.
  • a setup screen 501 shown in FIG. 41 is a screen for setup in the application 72 - 6 named “PHOTO CHOICE”.
  • the setup screen 501 regarding PHOTO CHOICE is a screen for setup of a tag suitable for photos to be displayed through processing in the application 72 - 6 , “PHOTO CHOICE”.
  • the setup screen 501 is provided with a region 751 where a tag can be selected.
  • the sentence, “PLEASE SELECT THEME OF PHOTO TO DISPLAY”, which notifies the user that the setup screen 501 is the screen, in which a tag of a photo to be displayed in the screen at the time of PHOTO CHOICE can be selected is displayed.
  • the region 751 is provided with a portion where one tag can be selected.
  • the user operates the up button 271 - 1 or the down button 271 - 2 of the remote controller 251 to select a desired tag. For example, while in the example of FIG. 41 , the tag “PET” (the name indicative of the category) is displayed in the region 721 , in such a state, if the up button 271 - 1 of the remote controller 251 is operated, a tag that is virtually provided next to the tag “PET” is displayed.
  • the tag “PET” the name indicative of the category
  • tags for example, “PET”, “TOUR”, “NIGHT VIEW”, “ART”, and the like are used, and the tags are sequentially displayed in the region 751 by the button operation of the remote controller 251 .
  • the user wants to set a tag that is displayed in the region 751 , he/she operates a button 514 , “OK”. Photos that are suitable for the tag set by the operation of the button 514 are displayed within the screen named “PHOTO CHOICE”.
  • a case where one tag can be selected and set has been described.
  • a screen having a column, in which a plurality of tags are listed and a desired tag can be checked from among the listed tags may be displayed. Accordingly, a plurality of tags may be set.
  • the user can set a tag in the setup screen 510 , when the user does not set a tag (unset state), if the application 72 - 6 named “PHOTO CHOICE” is activated, photos suitable for a default tag are displayed within the screen named “PHOTO CHOICE”.
  • the set items set in the setup screen 501 are stored on the television receiver 14 side. Then, for example, when the application 72 - 6 of the “PHOTO CHOICE” is activated, the tag that is set in the television receiver 14 is referred to, and image data (contents data 131 ) corresponding to photos suitable for the tag are acquired from the contents server 13 - 1 and displayed.
  • FIG. 42 shows a screen example in the focus mode in which the application 72 - 6 named “PHOTO CHOICE” is focused.
  • the application display region 402 Of the application display region 402 , only a region 412 where a photo is displayed through processing by the application 72 - 6 is displayed brighter than other regions.
  • a photo that is displayed in the middle of the screen of the normal mode when the mode is changed to the focus mode is enlarged and displayed, and a photo that is displayed around the photo displayed in the middle of the screen is also enlarged and displayed.
  • the photo that is displayed in the middle of the screen is enlarged and displayed such that the entire is displayed, and the photo that is displayed around the photo displayed in the middle of the screen is partially displayed.
  • the application 72 - 6 performs control such that a photo which is positioned above a photo displayed in the middle of the screen at that time is enlarged and displayed in the middle of the screen. If the down button 271 - 2 of the remote controller 251 is operated, the application 72 - 6 performs control such that a photo which is positioned below a photo displayed in the middle of the screen at that time is enlarged and displayed in the middle of the screen.
  • the application 72 - 6 performs control such that a photo which is positioned on the left of a photo displayed in the middle of the screen at that time is enlarged and displayed in the middle of the screen. If the right button 271 - 4 of the remote controller 251 is operated, the application 72 - 6 performs control such that a photo which is positioned on the right of a photo displayed in the middle of the screen at that time is enlarged and displayed in the middle of the screen.
  • Control is also performed such that, as the photo in the middle of the screen is switched, other photos are also switched, in addition to the photo that is displayed in the middle of the screen.
  • image data of other photos is acquired from the contents server 13 - 1 , as needed.
  • the photo that is displayed in the middle of the screen may be framed yellow or the like.
  • the frame allows the user to recognize the focus mode, or ensures a photo being selected to be accurately displayed.
  • the active mode is a mode in which only information to be provided by one application 72 - 6 is displayed.
  • an active screen 621 in which only information to be provided by the application 72 - 6 named “PHOTO CHOICE” is displayed is displayed in the application display region 402 .
  • the activated application 72 - 6 accesses the contents server 13 - 1 to acquire contents data 131 regarding PHOTO CHOICE.
  • the processing based on acquired contents data 131 is executed, and thus a photo is displayed as the active screen 621 .
  • the application 72 - 6 named “PHOTO CHOICE” is the same as the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND”, and in the active mode, the screen is changed to a screen in which one photo is enlarged and displayed.
  • the Web browser is activated (the Web browser may be activated).
  • the normal mode, the focus mode, and the active mode are provided, and thus the user can easily acquire information in a desired mode while enjoying a program of television broadcasting.
  • the three applications 72 - 4 to 72 - 6 are applications for display control of photos.
  • the applications 72 - 4 to 74 - 6 for display control of photos acquire image data from the contents server 13 - 1 has been described.
  • the contents server 13 - 1 is configured to manage an ID for identifying a predetermined user in association with the photo to be registered such that the application 72 - 4 named “PHOTO FRIEND” can acquire image data on the basis of the ID.
  • the contents server 13 - 1 is configured to open a photo being registered or to allow the user to add evaluation to an open photo such that the application 72 - 5 named “PHOTO NICE” can acquire image data on the basis of an evaluation sequence, and is configured to manage rankings or the like on the basis of the added evaluation.
  • the contents server 13 - 1 is configured to allow the user to put a tag suitable for a photo to be registered such that the application 72 - 6 named “PHOTO CHOICE” can acquire image data on the basis of the tag, and is configured to manage the photo in association with the tag put on the photo.
  • a user-end apparatus that registers a photo or carries out processing to put a tag on a photo to be registered, for example, a person computer is used. This processing is also carried out by the television receiver 14 . As described above, the photos that are managed by the contents server 13 - 1 can be viewed on the television receiver 14 through processing of the applications 72 - 4 to 72 - 6 , but the photos may be viewed with the personal computer.
  • the personal computer may register the photos in the contents server 13 - 1 , and the registered photos may be viewed with the personal computer and the television receiver 14 .
  • the contents server 13 - 1 may store the same photo with different resolutions as a photo for the personal computer and a photo for the television receiver 14 , or may store a photo with the same resolution as a photo, which is commonly used in the personal computer and the television receiver 14 .
  • the television receiver 14 may have a function to import photos, and such a television receiver 14 may register the photos in the photos contents server 13 - 1 . Therefore, similarly to viewing, even a person that is not familiar with the personal computer but familiar with the television receiver 14 can simply register the photos in the contents server 13 - 1 .
  • the personal computer and the contents server 13 - 1 perform communication using a language, such as a Web browser or the like.
  • the application 72 in the normal mode and the focus mode, in a state where the application 72 does not present information to the user side, in other words, the application 72 does not display information on the display panel 221 , the application 72 constantly executes processing insofar as the application 72 is the registered application 72 or the selected application 72 . That is, in the normal mode and the focus mode, a plurality of applications 72 execute processing in parallel. In the active mode, the applications 72 other than the application 72 , which is put in the active mode, stop the processing.
  • a plurality of applications 72 store data for processing in a memory, for example, the SDRAM 230 . Meanwhile, in the active mode, only the application 72 in the active mode can store necessary data in the memory.
  • an application 72 of a comparatively small size called a widget or the like
  • a program by a language such as a Web browser or the like, is activated, instead of the application 72 .
  • the Web browser is a language that is generally used for communication between the personal computer and the contents server 13 - 1 . For this reason, if the Web browser is activated, the television receiver 14 can carry out the same processing as the personal computer. For example, as shown in FIG. 37 , an enlarged photo may be displayed or information appended with the photo may be displayed.
  • the mode of the application 72 that carries out processing can be switched.
  • the application list 71 is acquired from the application server 12 and stored on the television receiver 14 side. Then, when display is switched from the initial screen to the screen of the normal mode, one or a plurality of applications 72 (the programs of the main bodies of the applications 72 ), which are activated at that time, are acquired from the application server 12 and stored on the television receiver 14 side.
  • an access is appropriately executed to the contents server 13 on the basis of the application 72 , and contents data 131 is acquired and stored on the television receiver 14 side.
  • the contents servers 13 as the connection destinations are different, and acquired contents data 131 is different.
  • the active mode an access is made to the contents server 13 or a server (not shown) only on the basis of the activated application 72 , and contents data 131 or other kinds of data are acquired and stored on the television receiver 14 side.
  • the application 72 and contents data 131 (other kinds of data) that are stored on the television receiver 14 side are deleted.
  • the application 72 or contents data 131 is stored as needed, and deleted as not needed. Therefore, the memory area for storing the application 72 or contents data 131 on the television receiver 14 side can be reduced.
  • the television receiver 14 acquires the application 72 as needed, for example, even if the application 72 is updated, the updated application 72 can be provided to the television receiver 14 side. Therefore, the application 72 that is provided to the television receiver 14 side can be constantly made to be an up-to-date application 72 .
  • the application 72 that is acquired by the television receiver 14 can be set only to the application 72 that is described in the application list 71 . For this reason, with appropriate management of the application list 71 , an ill-intended application 72 can be prevented from being downloaded to the television receiver 14 . In addition, if an interval for which the application 72 is described in the application list 71 is limited, the application 72 can be provided to the user side with a limited interval, and thus the service width can be increased.
  • the television receiver 14 acquires contents data 131 as needed, and deletes stored contents data 131 as not needed. For example, even in the case of information, such as news articles, which is frequently updated, updated up-to-date information can be provided to the television receiver 14 side, and old information being stored can be prevented from being provided to the user.
  • Step S 21 the television receiver 14 accesses the application server 12 . During this access, a request to provide the application list 71 is made.
  • Step S 51 the application server 12 accepts the access from the television receiver 14 , if the request to provide the application list 71 is accepted, in Step S 52 , reads out the application list 71 , which is managed by the application server 12 , from the storage section 38 ( FIG. 4 ), and provides the application list 71 to the television receiver 14 .
  • Step S 22 the television receiver 14 receives the application list 71 provided from the application server 12 , in Step S 23 , stores the received application list 71 , and displays the initial screen on the basis of the stored application list 71 .
  • Step S 24 the television receiver 14 starts to access the application server 12 with a user's selection of a predetermined application 72 from the initial screen as a trigger. During this access, a request to provide the application 72 selected by the user or the registered application 72 is made.
  • Step S 53 the application server 12 accepts the access from the television receiver 14 , if the request to provide the application 72 is accepted, in Step S 54 , reads out the application 72 , which is managed by the application server 12 , from the storage section 38 ( FIG. 4 ), and provides the application 72 to the television receiver 14 .
  • a plurality of applications 72 may be read out and provided in accordance with a request from the television receiver 14 .
  • Step S 25 the television receiver 14 receives the application 72 provided from the application server 12 , in Step S 26 , stores the received application 72 , and starts processing based on the stored application 72 .
  • Step S 27 the television receiver 14 accesses the contents server 13 . This access is made when the processing based on the application 72 is executed and contents data 131 is needed.
  • Step S 81 the contents server 13 accepts the access from the television receiver 14 , if a request to provide contents data 131 is accepted, in Step S 82 , reads out contents data 131 , which is managed by the contents server 13 , from the storage section 108 ( FIG. 6 ), and provides contents data 131 to the television receiver 14 .
  • the applications 72 individually access different contents servers 13 to acquire contents data 131 .
  • Step S 28 the television receiver 14 receives contents data 131 provided from the contents server 13 , in Step S 29 , stores received contents data 131 , and carries out processing based on stored contents data 131 , for example, processing, such as text display.
  • Such processing to acquire or store contents data 131 depends on the application 72 and is repeatedly carried out. For example, in the case of the application 72 that provides news articles, contents data 131 of the news articles is acquired comparatively frequently, and the acquired news articles are provided to the user side. In addition, in the case of the application 72 that provides information about fortune-telling, when the button that is operated to execute fortune-telling is operated, contents data 131 is acquired.
  • the processing to acquire or store contents data 131 is repeatedly carried out on the basis of the application 72 in each of the normal mode, the focus mode, and the active mode.
  • Step S 30 the television receiver 14 deletes the application 72 or contents data 131 being stored. This processing is executed with the timing at which an instruction to end the processing by the application 72 is made by the user (for example, when an instruction to display a program of television broadcasting in a full screen mode is made) or at which the television receiver 14 is powered off, as a trigger.
  • the application list 71 , the application 72 , and contents data 131 are acquired on the television receiver 14 as needed.
  • the processing is executed on the basis of the application list 71 , the application 72 , and contents data 131 .
  • the application list 71 , the application 72 , and contents data 131 are deleted as not needed.
  • Step S 101 the television receiver 14 accepts an instruction to view the initial screen.
  • the remote controller 251 FIG. 8
  • the control code indicative of the instruction contents from the remote controller 251 is received by the light receiving section 237 of the television receiver 14 and supplied to the CPU 232 .
  • the CPU 232 analyzes the supplied control code to recognize reception of the instruction to display the initial screen and executes processing corresponding to the recognition.
  • Step S 102 the CPU 232 controls the network I/F 234 and the like, and accesses the application server 12 on the basis of the URL, which is stored in advance. In this case, a request to acquire the application list 71 is also made.
  • Step S 103 the CPU 232 of the television receiver 14 controls the network I/F 234 , receives the application list 71 from the application server 12 as an access destination, and stores the received application list 71 in the SDRAM 230 .
  • the application list 71 may be acquired and stored with a different timing.
  • the application list 71 may be acquired when the television receiver 14 is powered on.
  • the processing of Step S 101 is executed with the timing at which the television receiver 14 is powered on, as a trigger.
  • the application list 71 may be acquired in a predetermined cycle or at a predetermined time. When this happens, with respect to the processing of Step S 101 , it is determined whether or not the predetermined cycle elapses, whether or not the predetermined time reaches, or the like, and the processing of Step S 101 is executed with the determination result as a trigger.
  • the application list 71 to be stored on the television receiver 14 side becomes constantly an up-to-date list.
  • Step S 104 it is checked whether or not there is an application 72 being registered.
  • the user can register a desired application 72 , and information regarding the registered application 72 , for example, the ID for identifying the application 72 is stored in, for example, the flash memory 231 .
  • the ID may be stored in a storage section other than the flash memory 231 , or an exclusive-use storage section storing the ID may be provided.
  • the setup information may be stored in a storage section other than the flash memory 231 , or an exclusive-use storage section storing the setup information may be provided.
  • the CPU 232 determines whether or not the ID for identifying the application 72 is stored in the flash memory 231 , when the ID is stored, determines to be the registered application 72 , and carries out a subsequent processing.
  • Step S 105 the CPU 232 instructs the graphic generation circuit 219 to generate data of the initial screen based on the application list 71 .
  • the panel driving circuit 220 controls the display panel 221 on the basis of data of the initial screen generated by the graphic generation circuit 219 . With such control, for example, the initial screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display panel 221 .
  • Step S 104 if it is determined to be the registered application 72 , the ID that is identical to the ID of the registered application 72 is detected from the application list 71 , and data is generated for display of an icon indicative of REGISTERED in the registration state display section 305 of the application 72 corresponding to the detected ID.
  • Step S 106 it is determined whether or not an application 72 is selected from the initial screen.
  • the CPU 232 analyzes the control code from the remote controller 251 to determine whether or not the OK button 272 of the remote controller 251 is operated. When it is determined that the OK button 272 of the remote controller 251 is operated, the CPU 232 determines that an application 72 is selected from the initial screen.
  • the cursor 311 is displayed in the initial screen.
  • the cursor 311 is positioned on an icon indicative of a predetermined application 72 , if the OK button 272 of the remote controller 251 is operated, it is determined that the application 72 is selected, and the processing progresses to Step S 107 .
  • the CPU 232 analyzes the control code to determine that the up button 271 - 1 or the down button 271 - 2 of the remote controller 251 is operated, and controls the graphic generation circuit 219 such that display is performed so as to the icon indicative of the application 72 slides upward or downward. Such control is appropriately performed on the basis of the control code from the remote controller 251 .
  • Step S 106 when it is determined that the application 72 is selected, the processing progresses to Step S 107 .
  • Step S 107 an access is made to the application server 12 , and in Step S 108 , the selected application 72 is acquired.
  • the selected application 72 is acquired.
  • all the registered applications 72 are acquired, together with the selected application 72 .
  • the utility named “SERVICE CAST”, which is described with reference to FIG. 31 is selected, all the registered applications 72 are acquired.
  • the acquired applications 72 are stored in the flash memory 231 .
  • Step S 109 the CPU 232 starts processing based on the application 72 stored in the flash memory 231 .
  • Step S 110 an access is made to the contents server 13
  • Step S 111 contents data 131 is acquired from the contents server 13 as an access destination and stored in the flash memory 231 .
  • Contents data 131 is acquired through processing based on the application 72 . Therefore, in any application 72 , the processing may be omitted. When the processing is omitted, the processing of Step S 112 will be omitted.
  • Step S 112 the processing based on the contents data 131 is carried out.
  • the graphic generation circuit 219 generates data of a screen including text or images on the basis of contents data 131 .
  • the panel driving circuit 220 controls the display panel 221 on the basis of generated data, for example, the screen of the normal mode shown in FIG. 14 is displayed.
  • Step S 113 it is determined whether or not an instruction to switch to the focus mode is made, when it is determined that the switch instruction is made, the processing progresses to Step S 114 .
  • the CPU 232 determines that the instruction to switch to the focus mode is made. While a case where the OK button 272 is operated will continue to be described, when it is recognized that the up button 271 - 1 is operated or the like, processing on the basis of the recognition result is carried out.
  • Step S 114 an application 72 that is displayed in the region 412 in the middle of the application display region 402 is specified.
  • Step S 115 processing for display in the focus mode is executed.
  • display in the focus mode means that the upper region 411 and the lower region 413 of the application display region 402 are displayed dark or that the buttons or the like are displayed in the middle region 412 .
  • the CPU 232 instructs the graphic generation circuit 219 to display the upper region 411 and the lower region 413 of the application display region 402 dark. Simultaneously, if the buttons or the like to be displayed when the application 72 , which displays information in the region 412 , is in the focus mode are present in the middle region 412 , the CPU 232 instructs the graphic generation circuit 219 to display the buttons or the like. If the processing based on such an instruction is carried out, the screen of the focus mode shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display panel 221 .
  • Step S 116 it is determined whether or not an instruction to switch to the active mode is made, and when it is determined that the switch instruction is made, the processing progresses to Step S 117 .
  • Step S 117 an application 72 that is displayed in the middle region 412 is specified, and in Step S 118 , the items that are set in the specified application 72 are read out.
  • the application 72 for proving fortune-telling is configured to set predetermined items, such as zodiac signs, and to acquire appropriate information corresponding to the set items (for example, zodiac signs).
  • the CPU 232 reads out the set items.
  • a Web browser may be activated, and the processing may be switched to processing by the Web browser.
  • control is performed such that the processing to acquire information regarding a program of television broadcasting is not carried out.
  • Step S 119 an access is made to the contents server 13 , and in Step S 120 , contents data 131 is acquired and stored.
  • Contents data 131 is data of information suitable for the set items.
  • Step S 121 the screen of the active mode shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. That is, the screen is displayed in which only information by the application 72 specified in Step S 117 is displayed, and information to be displayed is based on contents data 131 acquired and stored in Step S 120 .
  • Step S 122 the applications 72 other than the application 72 , which is displaying information in the region 412 or the entire display panel 221 , stop. That is, the CPU 232 does not carry out the processing of the applications 72 other than the application 72 specified in Step S 117 .
  • Step S 123 it is determined whether or not an instruction to end the processing by the application 72 is made.
  • the determination that the instruction to end the processing by the application 72 is made is carried out when an instruction to end is made from the user, when an instruction to display only a program of television broadcasting is made, when the television receiver 14 is powered off, or the like.
  • Step S 123 when it is determined that the instruction to end is made, the processing progresses to Step S 124 , and the stored application 72 or contents data 131 is discarded. In this way, stored data or the like is discarded as not needed. In other words, stored information other than the setup information is discarded, and only the setup information is stored.
  • the application 72 or contents data 131 is acquired as needed, and discarded as not needed.
  • the storage section such as the flash memory 231 or the like, can be effectively used, and with small capacity, a plurality of applications 72 can operate in parallel.
  • processing described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 44 and 45 are for illustrative of one processing.
  • the processing to acquire contents data 131 may be omitted.
  • the invention is not limited to the television receiver 14 , but it may be applied to CE appliances, such as a DVD recorder and the like.
  • the application 72 may be, for example, a program, called a widget
  • the widget is downloaded to the personal computer before being executed, installed on the personal computer, and is used in a state of being resident on the personal computer.
  • a program is downloaded when being executed and discarded as not needed. If the application 72 is handled in such a manner, various effects described above can be expected.
  • each application 72 may have a hierarchical structure.
  • the application 72 - 4 called “PHOTO FRIEND” may be registered in a plural number, not alone.
  • the applications 72 - 4 called “PHOTO FRIEND” may be registered for each of a plurality of friends.
  • the invention is not limited to the above-described application 72 , but the invention may be applied to other applications.
  • a series of processing described above may be executed by hardware or may be executed by software.
  • a program constituting software is installed from a program recording medium on a computer, which is incorporated with exclusive-use hardware, or a general-use personal computer, on which various programs are installed so as to execute various functions.
  • a program that is executed by a computer (CPU 31 ) having the same configuration as the application server 12 shown in FIG. 2 is recorded in a removable medium 41 , which is a package medium, such as a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or the like), a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like, and then provided, or is provided through a wired or wireless transmission medium, such as a local area network, Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.
  • a package medium such as a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or the like
  • CD-ROM Compact Disc-Read Only Memory
  • DVD Digital Versatile Disc
  • magneto-optical disk a semiconductor memory, or the like
  • the program may be installed in the storage section 38 through the input/output interface 35 by inserting the removable medium 41 into the drive 40 .
  • the program may be received by the communication section 39 through a wired or wireless transmission medium, and installed in the storage section 38 .
  • the program may be installed in the ROM 32 or the storage section 38 in advance.
  • the program to be executed by the computer may be a program for carrying out processing in time series according to the described order, or may be a program for carrying out processing in parallel or with necessary timing, for example, when a call is made.
  • system means the entire apparatus including a plurality of apparatuses.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
  • Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)
  • Stored Programmes (AREA)
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CN104182455A (zh) 2014-12-03
EP2109045B1 (en) 2017-05-03
US20100030868A1 (en) 2010-02-04
CN104184973A (zh) 2014-12-03
WO2008093781A1 (ja) 2008-08-07
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US8977716B2 (en) 2015-03-10
JPWO2008093781A1 (ja) 2010-05-20
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JPWO2008093780A1 (ja) 2010-05-20
CN104185055A (zh) 2014-12-03

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