JP2002164861A - Information communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a system capable of individually controlling the operation of each receiving device while taking advantage of simultaneous broadcasting. SOLUTION: Broadcasting is performed simultaneously to many receiving devices 6 from a broadcasting device 2 via a broadcasting path. Further, the operation mode control data is transmitted from the broadcasting device 2 to the receiving device 6 via the communication path. Receiving device 6
Changes the operation mode according to the operation mode control data when receiving and restoring the broadcast. Thereby, the operation of each receiving device 6 can be individually controlled by the operation mode control data while taking advantage of the simultaneous broadcasting.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for controlling a receiving device from a transmitting device such as a broadcasting device via a communication path.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Broadcasting systems have the advantage that programs can be simultaneously provided to many receiving devices at low cost. On the other hand, basically, since simultaneous transmission is performed, it is not easy to control the operation of each receiving device from the transmitting device side.

[0003] Further, when information is transmitted from a transmitting side to a receiving side without being limited to a broadcasting system, an action related to the information may be requested from an operator on the receiving side. For example, there is a case where information of a recommended television program is transmitted from a broadcasting station to a television receiver by using an electronic mail. In order to reserve a recommended program, the user who has received the e-mail must display an electronic program guide, search for the program, and perform a predetermined reservation operation. That is, the operation is complicated for the user.

[0004] Such a situation also occurs when information is transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side, and when the reception side expects some operation related to the information.

[0005] The present invention solves the above problems,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system that enables an operation such as broadcast reception in an individual receiving device to be controlled from a transmitting device side in a broadcasting system or the like.

[0006] Further, according to the present invention, when transmitting information,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system capable of constructing a user interface optimized for the operation when the receiving side expects some operation related to the information.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention] (1)-
(5) (20) The communication system of the present invention is a communication system including a broadcasting device that transmits a broadcast signal, and a receiving device that receives a broadcast signal from the broadcast device via a broadcast path. The apparatus includes a broadcast transmitting unit that simultaneously transmits a broadcast signal to a plurality of receiving apparatuses via the broadcast path, and a receiving apparatus for a desired receiving apparatus via a communication path different from the broadcast path. A control data transmission unit for transmitting operation mode control data for controlling the operation mode of the control unit, the receiving device, via the broadcast path, a broadcast receiving unit for receiving a broadcast signal, and the communication path A control data receiving unit that receives operation mode control data from the broadcasting device, and a control unit that performs a control process including a restoring process of restoring a broadcast signal received by the broadcast receiving unit and outputting it to a user. Control data receiving unit The content of the control processing is changed based on the operation mode control data received by the control unit.

[0008] The operation mode control data is transmitted using a communication path different from the broadcast path for broadcasting the broadcast signal, and the operation mode in the receiving apparatus is controlled. Therefore, it is possible to individually control the receiving device while taking advantage of the simultaneous broadcasting.

(6) The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the communication path includes a public telephone line or an Internet communication network. Therefore, it is easy to perform individual communication with the receiving device.

(7) The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the operation mode control data is transmitted to the receiving device as an electronic mail. Therefore, the operation mode of the receiving device can be controlled using the electronic mail.

(8) The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the operation mode control data is stored in a header area of an electronic mail and transmitted. Therefore, the operation mode control data can be easily separated.

(9) In the communication system according to the present invention, the broadcast device transmits a notification that the e-mail has been transmitted through the communication path.
The receiver of the transmission destination is specified and transmitted to the receiving device via the broadcast path, and the receiving device obtains the e-mail after confirming that the e-mail addressed to itself has been transmitted by the notification. It is characterized by establishing communication for communication.

Therefore, it is possible to establish efficient communication without waste.

(10) The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the receiving apparatus changes the content of the control processing assigned to the operation button operated by the user based on the received operation mode control data.

Therefore, it is possible to optimize the processing content by the operation button from the transmitting device side.

(11) In the communication system according to the present invention, the operation mode control data includes a description for reserving reception of a program scheduled to be transmitted via a broadcasting channel, and any operation for reserving the program reservation. A description as to whether or not to assign to a button is included, and the receiving device assigns a function of program reservation to the operation button based on the description of the operation mode control data. Therefore, the user can easily make a program reservation.

(12) In the communication system according to the present invention, the operation mode control data is transmitted by e-mail from the broadcasting device to the receiving device, and the receiving device operates based on the program introduction description included in the e-mail. In addition to displaying the program introduction,
It is characterized by displaying which program reservation function is assigned to which operation button based on the operation mode control data. Therefore, the user can easily know the function of the operation button.

(13) The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the receiving device performs a control process of determining whether to permit viewing of a predetermined broadcast program based on the received operation mode control data. I have.

Therefore, the transmission apparatus can permit viewing of a predetermined program for each individual reception apparatus.

(14) In the communication system according to the present invention, the user operates the receiving device to transmit to the broadcasting device via the communication line a request for permission to view a predetermined broadcast program. In response to the request, a predetermined receiving device is selected based on a predetermined criterion, and operation mode control data for permitting viewing of the program is transmitted.

[0021] Therefore, the transmitting device can receive the request from each receiving device, and give the viewing permission of the predetermined program only to the receiving device that satisfies the predetermined condition.

(15) In the communication system according to the present invention, the broadcast program is a quiz program, and the user operates the receiving device to
The answer of the quiz is transmitted to the broadcasting device via the communication line, and the broadcasting device determines whether the received answer is correct and, based on the determination, permits only the predetermined receiving device to view the predetermined program. It is characterized by transmitting operation mode control data to be performed.

Therefore, viewing of a predetermined program can be permitted according to the answer to the quiz.

(16) In the communication system according to the present invention, the operation mode control data includes a program or data necessary for outputting program contents based on a broadcast signal transmitted via a broadcast path. The receiving device outputs the program content based on a broadcast signal using the program or the data.

Therefore, data and programs necessary for viewing the broadcast can be transmitted to only a predetermined receiving device.

(21)-(27) (30) In the electronic mail system according to the present invention, the transmitting device may include a user of the receiving device when performing control related to the text together with the text of the electronic mail on the receiving device side. The receiving device transmits the message including the operation mode control data for controlling the interface, and the receiving device outputs the text of the received e-mail to the user and, based on the operation mode control data, performs a control related to the text. It is characterized by building an interface.

Therefore, an optimum user interface matching transmission information can be dynamically constructed on the receiving side according to the intention of the transmitting side.

(28) The electronic mail system according to the present invention is characterized in that the operation mode control data includes data for setting the function of the operation button of the receiving device. Therefore, on the receiving device side, the function of the operation button can be optimized according to the information content.

In the present invention, a “broadcast path” is a wireless communication path used for performing simultaneous transmission to a receiving device,
It refers to a wired communication path or the like.

The "communication path different from the broadcast path" includes not only a communication path physically different from the broadcast path but also a communication path which is physically the same but separated by frequency, time, and the like. It is a concept. For example, a wireless communication path as a broadcast path includes not only a public telephone line and an Internet communication network, but also a wireless communication path using different frequencies and a wireless communication path that can be separated in time.

The "reception device" refers to a device that performs at least a process of receiving a broadcast signal and extracting data of a desired program. The concept includes not only a set-top box but also a television receiver having a set-top box function.

The "recording medium on which the program is recorded"
A recording medium such as a ROM, a RAM, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a memory card, a hard disk, or the like on which a program is recorded. In addition, the concept includes a communication medium such as a telephone line and a transport path. A CD-R that records a program to be executed after being installed on a hard disk or the like, as well as a recording medium such as a hard disk that is connected to the CPU and directly executes the recorded program.
This is a concept including a recording medium such as OM.

The term "program" is a concept that includes not only programs that can be directly executed by the CPU, but also source-format programs, compressed programs, encrypted programs, and the like.

[0034]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 1. Concept of the Present Invention (when Applied to Broadcasting System) FIG. 1 shows a conceptual diagram of an information communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. From the broadcasting device 2, via a broadcasting channel,
Simultaneous broadcasting is performed to many receiving devices 6. Further, the operation mode control data is transmitted from the broadcasting device 2 to the receiving device 6 via the communication path. Receiving device 6
Changes the operation mode according to the operation mode control data when receiving and restoring the broadcast. Thereby, the operation of each receiving device 6 can be individually controlled by the operation mode control data while taking advantage of the simultaneous broadcasting.

2. 1. First Embodiment (1) Overall Configuration FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to satellite broadcasting. From the broadcasting device 2, via a communication satellite 4, a set-top box (ST) as a receiving device
B) A broadcast signal is broadcast on 6. The STB 6 restores the broadcast signal and supplies it to the television receiver 8. The television receiver 8 outputs broadcast contents as images and sounds.

On the other hand, the broadcasting device 2 and the STB 6 are connected to the Internet 12. Broadcasting device 2 is ST
The e-mail addressed to B6 is transmitted to the mail server 10. The operation mode control data is described in a header portion of the electronic mail. STB 6 is a mail server 10
Go to and get this email. STB6
Determines the contents of control related to broadcast reception, restoration, etc., according to the operation mode control data described in the header part of the e-mail. In this embodiment, the functions of the operation buttons of the STB 6 and the television receiver 8 are changed according to the operation mode control data.

(2) Configuration and Operation of Broadcasting Apparatus FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the broadcasting apparatus 2. The broadcast device 2 includes a broadcast transmission unit 14 and a control data transmission unit 16.

Broadcast Transmitting Unit The multiplexing unit 18 of the broadcast transmitting unit 14 is supplied with video data and audio data of a plurality of channels (services).
The multiplexing unit 18 compresses this and packetizes it. Further, it also generates broadcast control data (PAT, PMT, etc.) so that a plurality of services can be identified. Further, the broadcast control data generation unit 20 receives network information such as a scheduled broadcast time of the program, and generates broadcast control data. The multiplexing unit 18 outputs these data to the communication unit 22 as a transport stream. The communication unit 22 modulates the transport stream generated in this way and transmits the modulated transport stream to the broadcast satellite 4. The broadcast satellite 4 broadcasts the transport stream.

Configuration of Broadcast Signal FIG. 4 schematically shows data of a transport stream that is packetized and broadcast. Here, an example is shown for a transport stream in which four services SV1, SV2, SV3, and SV4 are multiplexed. In the figure, ES (V) 1 is packetized video data of service SV1, and ES (A) is packetized audio data of service SV1. Similarly, ES (V) 2, E
S (A) 2 is video data and audio data of service SV2, and ES (V) 3 and ES (A) 3 are service SV3.
Video data and audio data, ES (V) 4, ES
(A) 4 is video data and audio data of the service SV4.

Furthermore, broadcast control data NIT, PAT, PMT1, PMT2, PMT for packet multiplexing
3. PMT4 is also multiplexed. The multiplexed services SV1, SV2, S
V3 and SV4 video / audio data can be separated.

Broadcast control data P_EIT1, P_EIT2, P_EI indicating program information currently being broadcast.
T3, P_EIT4 and broadcast control data F_EIT1, F_EIT2, F_EIT3,
F_EIT4 and the like are also multiplexed. Although not shown, many other broadcast control data are multiplexed. Each data shown in FIG. 4 is a packet ID.
Are packetized.

Although FIG. 4 shows only one transport stream, a plurality of such transport streams are multiplexed and broadcast.

The broadcast control data NIT describes, for all of the plurality of transport streams, transmission specifications such as frequencies and polarization planes, and a list of services multiplexed on the transport streams. . As a result, it is possible to know which frequency a transport stream is multiplexed with a specific service.

The broadcast control data PAT includes a packet ID of the PMT1 corresponding to the service SV1, a packet ID of the PMT2 corresponding to the service SV2,
Packet ID of PMT3 corresponding to V3, service SV
4 describes the packet ID of the PMT4 corresponding to PMT4. Further, the broadcast control data PMT1 includes the service S
V1 video data ES (V) 1, audio data ES (A)
1 is described. Similarly, PMT
2, PMT3 and PMT4 each have a service SV
2, SV3 and SV4, packet IDs of video / audio data are described.

Therefore, the broadcast control data NIT, PA
Video / audio data of a desired service can be separated from the transport stream based on the description contents of T and PMT.

Control Data Transmitting Unit Returning to FIG. 3, the electronic mail generating unit 24 of the control data transmitting unit 16 receives the mail text data and the operation mode control data and generates an electronic mail. At this time, the operation mode control data is described in the header of the e-mail. This e-mail data is transmitted to the mail server 10 by the line communication unit 26 and recorded in the destination mailbox. The operation mode control data may be input by the operator, or may be automatically created from a program broadcast schedule included in the network information.

Configuration of E-mail Data FIG. 5 shows an example of e-mail data generated by the e-mail generation unit 24. The e-mail data includes a header section 42 describing a destination and the like, and a main body 40.

In this embodiment, the operation mode control data is described in the header, but may be described in the text.

The standard for text messages is
It is described in RFC0822 (name: ARPA INTERNET standard for text message format), and the contents of this embodiment also conform to RFC0822.

The header section 42 describes the source information 30, the destination information 32, the subject information 34, and the operation mode control data 38.

The sender information 30 of the electronic mail is information indicating the sender of the electronic mail. In the example of FIG. 5, it means that "OKIGEN TV" holding an e-mail address of gokigen@broadcast_service.co.jp is sending an e-mail.

The destination information 32 of the electronic mail is information indicating where the electronic mail is to be transmitted. In the example of FIG. 5, this means that an e-mail is sent to 80664649@broadcast_service.co.jp.

80664649@broadcast_service.co.jp is a description for specifying the destination of the e-mail. 80664649 is
The registration number is uniquely assigned to each viewer (or each receiving device), and the receiving device 6 that sends an e-mail can be specified from the registration number. In addition, the information below the @ mark (@ broadcast_service.co.jp) is an example of a description method for specifying the broadcasting station, jp is Japan, co is the company, and broadcast_service is the company name (tentative name). Is shown.

The part corresponding to the above-mentioned 80664649 is a setting for displaying an e-mail, and a method of registering with a name according to the viewer's preference (however, actually composed of only alphanumeric characters) May be. However, it is essential that they be shaken singly. The registration number is a number issued when registration setting is completed at the time of purchase of a receiving device or the like, and a different number is assigned to each viewer (or each receiving device).

The subject information 34 of the electronic mail indicates the title of the electronic mail.

The operation mode control data 38 is data for controlling the operation mode of the STB 6. In this example, S
This is data defining a function to be assigned to a button of the remote controller of the TB 6. According to the description of FIG. 5, the function of recording reservation of a predetermined program is assigned to the blue button of the remote controller. Further, a function of reservation of viewing of a predetermined program is assigned to the red button. The process of interpreting the operation mode control data and assigning functions to the remote control buttons in the STB 6 will be described later in detail.

Generation of E-mail Data In this embodiment, the e-mail generation unit 24 is realized using a computer and an e-mail generation program. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the e-mail generation program.

In step S1, first, the e-mail generating unit 24 inputs the contents 41 of the text. The operator may receive an input from a keyboard or the like, or may capture an input from a flexible disk or the like. Here, the content is that a special program will be broadcast from 21:00.

Next, operation mode control data matching the contents of the text is generated (step S2). At this time, the e-mail generation program displays a screen as shown in FIG. 7 on the display to urge the operator to input. On this screen, a function to be assigned to each button of the remote controller of the receiving device is input. In the figure,
The blue button is selected so as to assign a recording reservation function. For the red button, a pull-down menu is displayed, and the operator selects from this function. Similarly, when the selection button 62 is clicked on the program item, the electronic mail creation program displays a list of programs that can be selected based on the network information. The operator selects a desired program from the list. Here, the above-mentioned special program is selected.

When the selection is completed, the e-mail generation program generates operation mode control data 38 shown in FIG.

The created operation mode control data has the following meaning. "X-Blue-button-press: record
In the description “_reserve: //0001.0002.0003.0004”, X-Blue-button-press indicates that the operation when the blue button is pressed is defined as follows. record_reserve
Means recording reservation. This description is based on the fact that the operator has designated the “recording reservation” function for the blue button on the screen in FIG.

0001.0002.0003.0004 is a description for specifying a program to be processed. The first 0001 is information (original_netwaork_id) for specifying a broadcast station. The next 0002 is information (transport_stream_id) for specifying a plurality of transport streams. 0003 is information for identifying a service (service_i
d), and 0004 is information (event_i
d). In this example, the special program from 21:00 is specified by 0001.0002.0003.0004. That is,
By pressing the blue button on the receiving device side,
This means that recording of a special program from 21:00 is scheduled. The e-mail generation program extracts the above information on the program from the network information based on the operator assigning the “Hanshin Tigers special number” to the blue button on the screen of FIG.

The description “X-Blue-button-title: recording reservation” means that the character “reservation recording” is displayed in the area for displaying the function of the blue button in the receiving device.

"X-Red-button-press: view_reserve: // 00
The description "01.0002.0003.0004" means that the viewing of the special program is reserved by pressing the red button.

The description "X-Blue-button-title: viewing reservation" means that the character "viewing reservation" is displayed in the area for displaying the function of the red button in the receiving device.

Further, the electronic mail creation program generates a description 43 for indicating which function is assigned to which button, and adds it to the end of the text.

Subsequently, a destination is selected (step S).
3). Based on the customer list, a customer to send an e-mail is selected, and the e-mail address is extracted. For example, when the operator inputs a keyword of "baseball appreciation" using the hobby column of the customer list as a key for selection, the e-mail generation program selects a customer who has a baseball appreciation hobby from the customer list and sends the e-mail. Extract the address. It is preferable that a customer having an attribute related to the description content of the content portion 41 of the text 40 be selected as the destination.

Finally, based on the above information, the e-mail creation program creates an e-mail addressed to the selected customer.

In the above description, the case where the recording reservation and the viewing reservation are assigned to the blue and red buttons has been described. However, the operator assigns a desired function (reservation cancellation, application for product purchase, etc.) to each button. Can be.

(3) Configuration and Operation of Receiving Apparatus Block Diagram of Receiving Apparatus FIG. 8 shows a functional block diagram of the receiving apparatus. The broadcast receiving unit 50 receives a broadcast signal from a broadcast device. Control unit 5
The second restoration means 56 restores the broadcast signal to obtain and output the broadcast contents. The recording means 54 of the control unit 52 records the restored broadcast signal.

The control data receiving section 58 is a mail server 1
The e-mail addressed to the self recorded in 0 is received. The e-mail output unit 61 outputs the body of the e-mail for display. The operation mode control data interpreting means 60 interprets the operation mode control data included in the header area, and controls the operation of the control unit 52 based on this.

Hardware Configuration of Receiving Apparatus FIG. 9 shows a hardware configuration when the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 8 is realized using a CPU. The receiving device 6 includes a tuner 50 serving as a broadcast receiving unit, a TS decoder 73, an AV
A decoder 74, a hard disk 76, a CPU 78, a memory 80, a line communication unit 82, an operation input unit 84, a nonvolatile memory 86, and a remote control device 88 are provided.

The non-volatile memory 86 stores an e-mail processing program for performing e-mail processing in addition to a broadcast processing program for performing processing such as reception and recording of broadcast signals.

The remote controller 88 is as shown in FIG. 10, and is for the user to give a command to the receiver 6. The signal from the remote control device 88 is received by the operation input unit of the main body of the receiving device 6 and the CPU 78
Given to. It should be noted that a command from the user can also be issued via a button provided on the operation input unit 84 of the main body.

The tuner 50 and the TS decoder 72
Can simultaneously perform processing on two or more signals and data. That is, it is possible to record another program while receiving a specific program.

Broadcast Signal Reception Processing The broadcast signal received by the antenna 90 is given to a tuner 50 as a broadcast receiving unit. The tuner 50
Under the control of the CPU 78, a desired transport stream is selected and given to the TS decoder 72.

The TS decoder 72 selects a packet of video / audio data of a desired service from the transport stream under the control of the CPU 78.
Output as digital data. In this case, the CP
U78 uses the broadcast control data shown in FIG. 4 to separate video and audio data related to a desired service.
It controls the S decoder 72.

The output of the TS decoder 72 is provided to an AV decoder 74. The AV decoder 74 converts the digital data into a television composite signal (NTSC signal,
PAL signal). TV receiver 8
Receives the composite signal and outputs video and audio.

The details of the above processing are described in Japanese Patent Application No. 11-363708 (a recording and reproducing apparatus and method for digital broadcasting). This specification refers to the above application and incorporates and incorporates the entire contents thereof.

E-mail Reception Processing Next, processing when the user instructs reception of an e-mail will be described. When the user presses the communication service button 92 of the remote control device 88, the CPU 78 performs an e-mail reception process.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the electronic mail reception processing program. First, in step S11, the CPU 78 controls the line communication unit 82 to connect to the mail server 10. The CPU 78 confirms whether or not there is an e-mail addressed to its own mail address in the mail server 10, and if so, receives the e-mail (step S12). Please note that your e-mail address is
It is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 86 in advance.

Next, it is determined whether or not the operation mode control data is included in the received electronic mail (step S13). In this embodiment, the operation mode control data includes:
It is defined to start with X- (see FIG. 5). If not included, the normal mail display process is performed (step S
17).

If the operation mode control data is included, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the function description data is selected from the operation mode control data and stored in the memory 80. Here, the function description data is a description that determines the operation when each button is operated. In FIG. 5, “X-Blue-button-press: record_reserve: /
/0001.0002.0003.0004 "and" X-Red-button-press: v
iew_reserve: //0001.0002.0003.0004 "is the function description data.

Further, the CPU 78 obtains, from the program broadcast schedule data S_EIT (see FIG. 4), the program start time, the duration, and the like relating to the program described in the function description data in preparation for the case where the button is pressed. Then, it is stored in the memory 80 together with the above function description data. Details of this processing are as follows.

First, the CPU 78 acquires the program information “0001.0002.0003.0004” in the function description data. The broadcast information (original_network_id), transport stream (transport_stream_id), service
(service_id) and the program (event_id). C
First, the PU 78 controls the tuner 50 based on the broadcast station ID “0001” and receives the broadcast station. continue,
The transport stream ID “0002” is set in the TS decoder 72, and the contents of the transport stream are acquired. Furthermore, based on the service ID “0003”, the program broadcast schedule data S_EIT
From the transport stream.

As described above, since the tuner 50 and the TS decoder 72 are capable of multitasking, the above operation does not affect the reception / display of the currently received broadcast.

FIG. 13 shows program broadcast schedule data S_EIT of service “0003”. The program broadcast schedule data S_EIT describes information on a program scheduled to be broadcast in the service 0003.

The CPU 78 transmits the program broadcast schedule data S_
From the EIT, the data on the desired program is stored in the program ID "000
4 ”. Here, information that the start time is 21:00 and the duration is 30 minutes can be obtained.

The CPU 78 stores the thus obtained program start time and duration in the memory 80 together with the operation mode control data as shown in FIG.

Next, the CPU 78 extracts a display description from the operation mode control data. The display description is a description for displaying the function assigned to each button on the screen. "X-Blue-button-title: Recording reservation" and "X-Blue
-button-title: Viewing reservation "corresponds to this. CPU7
Based on this, as shown in FIG. 15, the AV decoder 7 stores data for displaying a function in an area 94 provided at the bottom of the mail reception screen and indicating the function of each button.
4 is output. As a result, on the screen of the TV receiver 8, “recording reservation” is displayed in the blue area 96, and “viewing reservation” is displayed in the red area 98. Therefore, the user can easily know the function assigned to each button.

Next, the CPU 78 sets the title of the mail
The text is displayed (step S17). FIG. 15 shows an example of the display. In this embodiment, the screen 100 of the currently received broadcast is also displayed on the mail reception screen. The mail list display unit 102 displays a list of received mails.

[0092] In the mail text display section 110, the text of the mail selected in the mail list display section 102 is displayed.

In the mail list display section 102, for a mail whose contents have already been opened, the display of the read box 104 changes from white to black. Further, the user can switch which mail is selected by pressing the up and down buttons 106 and 108 of the remote control device 88. FIG. 15 shows a state in which a mail about a special program is selected. Each time the selection of the mail is switched, the processing from step S13 in FIG. 11 is executed.

For example, when a mail related to shopping TV is selected, the display on the screen changes from FIG. 16A to FIG. 16B. The display in the area 94 displaying the function of the button is also changed based on the operation mode control data described in the selected e-mail. In the screen of FIG. 16B, an order application function is assigned to the blue button.

Next, a process when any button is pressed in the state as shown in FIG. 15 will be described. FIG.
FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a button pressing processing program for performing this processing. In this embodiment, the button press processing program is a part of the e-mail processing program, but may be provided separately from the e-mail processing program.

First, the CPU 78 determines whether or not operation mode control data corresponding to the pressed button is stored in the memory 80 (step S21). Here, the description will be made on the assumption that the user has pressed the blue button 120 (see FIG. 10) of the remote control device 88. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, operation mode control data corresponding to the blue button 120 is stored. The CPU 78
This is read out, and a program for performing a process corresponding to the stored function is instructed to execute the function. Here, since “record_reserve” is described, an instruction is given to a program for making a program recording reservation. The description of the function and the program that executes the function are associated in advance with a table or the like.

When giving a reservation command to the recording reservation program, the CPU 78 outputs data specifying the program,
The start time and the duration are also given (step S2
2). The recording reservation program records data for recording reservation in the nonvolatile memory 86 as shown in FIG. Thus, the processing for the button press is completed.

FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of the recording reservation program. As described above, the data for the reservation is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 86 in response to the instruction from the button pressing processing program (step S31). next,
The current time is acquired based on a clock built in the STB 6, and it is determined whether or not the start time has been reached (step S).
32).

When the start time is reached, the CPU 78 sends the current program information data P_EIT (see FIG. 4) of the service “0003” scheduled to broadcast the reserved program to the tuner 50, T
It controls and obtains the S decoder 72. The current program information data P_EIT describes information of a program currently being broadcast in the service.

The CPU 78 sets the current program information data P_EIT
Is determined to match the reserved program (step S34). If the broadcast time of the preceding program is shifted backward due to an extension of the baseball broadcast or the like, the two may not match. In this case, the broadcast program schedule data S_
The EIT is acquired, and the corrected scheduled broadcast start time of the desired program is acquired (step S35). Further, the data for the reservation of the non-volatile memory is corrected to the newly acquired start time or the like (step S31), and waits until the start time (step S32).

If the current program information data P_EIT matches the reserved program, the program is received and recorded on the hard disk 76. In this embodiment,
Although the recording is performed on the hard disk, the recording may be performed on a magnetic tape, a DVD disk, or the like. When the broadcast end time comes, the recording ends.

[0102] In the above, recording reservation has been described. However, processing is similarly performed for viewing reservation.

As described above, a program can be introduced by e-mail and a reservation can be made by simply pressing a button.

Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the functions of the color buttons of the remote controller are assigned by the operation mode control data.
However, other buttons and icons, for example, buttons for moving a cursor up and down, numeric buttons, function buttons, and functions of function buttons (icons) displayed on the screen are assigned according to operation mode control data. You may.

In the above embodiment, the user accesses the mail server 10 to obtain the mail by the operation of the user. However, the mail server 10 may be automatically accessed every predetermined time.

Further, in the above embodiment, the mail server 1
0 to check for the presence or absence of a mail, and to check for the presence or absence of a mail. However, the mail server 10 may be notified of the incoming mail and may be connected to the mail server 10 only when there is an incoming mail. Thus, waste of connection fee and connection time can be reduced.

[0107] Furthermore, the presence or absence of mail may be transmitted by a broadcast signal, and the receiving device may access the mail server 10 when the presence of mail is known by broadcast.

In the above embodiment, the mail server 1
Although 0 is provided outside the broadcasting device 2, the mail server 10 may be provided as a part of the broadcasting device 2.

In the above embodiment, the functions are assigned to the buttons of the remote controller according to the operation mode control data. However, functions may be assigned to the buttons of the receiving device 6. Further, functions may be assigned to icons displayed on the screen.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the function is assigned to the button based on the operation mode control data has been described. However, as shown in a later embodiment, other controls such as screen display may be performed.

In the above embodiment, the process of making a reservation for one program is assigned to a button according to the operation mode control data. However, a process of making reservations for a plurality of programs at once may be assigned to the button.

In the above embodiment, if an old mail is selected on the mail display screen of FIG. 15, even if the reservation button is pressed, the reservation processing may not be performed. That is, the broadcast start date and time are compared with the current date and time, and if the current date and time are past the broadcast start date and time, the reservation is not made.

3. 2. Second Embodiment (1) When Operation Mode Control Data is a Program FIG. 19 shows a broadcasting system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The broadcasting device 2 and the STB 6 are connected to a public network 13
Connected by As in the first embodiment, the operation mode control data is not transmitted in the form of e-mail,
Sent to STB6 by telephone line. Therefore,
This embodiment is suitable for operation mode control data that needs to be used in parallel with broadcasting on the receiving device side.

For example, the broadcast device 2 broadcasts a content that requires a special program for viewing at a specific event (program) of a specific service (FIG. 2).
0, step S41). In STB6, it is determined whether or not the broadcast has been received. Since the broadcast signal describes that a special program is required, the STB 6 can know that the special program is being received.

When the broadcast is received, STB6
Sends a transmission request for the program to the broadcasting device 2 via the telephone line (step S52). In response to this, the broadcasting device 2 transmits the program to the STB 6 via the telephone line. The STB 6 restores and outputs the broadcast signal using this program.

(2) When the Operation Mode Control Data is a Viewing Ticket As shown in FIG. 21, a viewing ticket for viewing a specific service or event (program) is
You may make it transmit by the telephone line 13. STB6
, The service or program cannot be received without the viewing ticket. This allows
Broadcast programs can be provided only to predetermined users determined by the broadcast station.

Further, it may be used for a quiz program as follows. A quiz is broadcast in a broadcast program, and a user operates a remote control device or the like to transmit an answer via the telephone line 13. If the received answer is correct, the broadcast device 2 transmits the viewing ticket of the broadcast program for setting the next problem to the STB 6 via the telephone line 13. Therefore,
If you do not answer the quiz correctly, you will not be able to view the next quiz question from the broadcast.

(3) Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, a program and a viewing ticket are transmitted as operation mode control data. However, as in the first embodiment, data for assigning functions to buttons may be transmitted as operation mode control data. Further, as in the following embodiment, data for controlling the display mode may be transmitted.

4. 3. Third Embodiment (1) Case of Controlling Display Mode In this embodiment, both the transmitting side and the receiving side are illustrated as systems using personal computers. In other words, it is assumed that an electronic mail is sent from the transmitting personal computer 200 to the receiving personal computer 202 via the mail server 10. In the transmission side personal computer 200, FIG.
The electronic mail data including the operation mode control data is generated by the processing shown in FIG. First, the transmission side user inputs the title, the text, the destination, and the like (step S6).
1). The transmission-side personal computer 200 presents the display form of the mail text on a plurality of types of displays. For example,
"No line feed display", "Full screen display", etc. are presented.

The transmitting user sees this display and selects a desired display mode. The transmitting-side personal computer 200 generates operation mode control data based on the data (step S
62). Subsequently, an e-mail is generated (step S6).
3).

For example, when “display without line feed” is selected, the operation mode control data 30 as shown in FIG.
0 is described.

The receiving personal computer 202 that has received the e-mail interprets the operation mode control data “X-noretuen”, and regardless of the line feed character setting on the receiving personal computer,
It is displayed without line feed in the part other than the line feed set on the sending side. Thereby, it is possible to display on the receiving side without breaking the arrangement intended on the transmitting side.

(2) Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the display mode is controlled by the operation mode control data. However, as in the first embodiment, the assignment of the function to the button may be specified by the operation mode control data.

As shown in the reception screen of FIG. 25, the icon 310 may be displayed in the mail by the operation mode control data. The operation when the icon 310 is clicked may be defined in the operation mode control data. As a result, it is possible to perform appropriate processing (processing intended by the transmitting side) that matches the mail text. For example, the presence or absence of bordering during printing can be specified on the transmission side.

[0125] 5. Other Embodiments In each of the above embodiments, the device itself that has received the operation mode control data is controlled by the operation mode control data.
However, another device may be controlled. For example, the ghost story is broadcast from the broadcast device 2 and the operation mode control data is transmitted via the communication line. Receiving device 6
May receive the ghost story and control the brightness of the lighting in the room based on the operation mode control data received via the communication line. As a result, it is possible to realize a broadcast full of presence.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the Internet network or the public line network is used as a communication path. However, a part of the broadcast path may be used as a communication path by time division or frequency division.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram when the present invention is applied to a broadcasting system.

FIG. 2 is an overall view showing the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a broadcasting device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a packetized broadcast signal.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of e-mail data.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a process of generating e-mail data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an e-mail generation screen.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a receiving device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a receiving device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an appearance of a remote control device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an e-mail receiving process.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a button pressing process.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing broadcast program schedule data S_EIT.

14 is a diagram showing operation mode control data stored in a memory 80. FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an e-mail reception screen.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an e-mail reception screen.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing stored data for recording reservation.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a recording reservation program.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating processing according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a second embodiment applied to a viewing ticket.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an e-mail generation process.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing e-mail data.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a display screen of an e-mail.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Broadcasting device 6 Receiving device 8 Television receiver 10 Mail server 12 Internet

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 7/16 H04N 7/16 A 7/173 610 7/173 610Z (72) Inventor Yuki Kusumi Kadoma, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (100) Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Incorporated (72) Inventor Yasunori Tanaka 1006 Kazuma, Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.F-term (reference) 5B085 BE07 BG07 CA04 CE06 CE10 5C064 BA01 BA07 BB03 BC06 BC18 BC20 BC23 BD08 BD09 5K030 HA06 HB06 LD07

Claims (31)

[Claims] 1. A communication system comprising: a broadcast device for transmitting a broadcast signal; and a receiving device for receiving a broadcast signal from the broadcast device via a broadcast path, wherein the broadcast device transmits the broadcast signal via the broadcast path. A broadcast transmitting unit that simultaneously transmits a broadcast signal to a plurality of receiving devices; and a control unit that controls an operation mode of the receiving device for a desired receiving device via a communication path different from the broadcasting path. A control data transmitting unit that transmits operation mode control data, and a receiving device that receives a broadcast signal via the broadcast path; and a broadcast receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal via the communication path. A control data receiving unit that receives the operation mode control data, and a control unit that performs a control process including a restoration process of restoring the broadcast signal received by the broadcast receiving unit and outputting the restored broadcast signal to the user. Receiving Based on the operation mode control data, a communication system, characterized by comprising a control unit for changing the contents of the control process. 2. A broadcast apparatus for performing a simultaneous broadcast to a receiving apparatus via a broadcast path and specifying an operation mode related to reception of the broadcast to a desired receiver. And a broadcast transmitting unit that transmits a broadcast signal to a plurality of receiving devices at the same time, and controls an operation mode of the receiving device for a desired receiving device via a communication path different from the broadcasting path. And a control data transmission unit for transmitting operation mode control data for the broadcast apparatus. 3. A receiving device for receiving, restoring and outputting a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcasting device via a broadcast channel, comprising: a broadcast receiving unit for receiving a broadcast signal via the broadcast channel. A control data receiving unit that receives operation mode control data from a broadcast device via a communication path different from the broadcast path; and a restoration process that restores a broadcast signal received by the broadcast reception unit and outputs the broadcast signal to a user. A control unit that performs a control process including: a control unit that changes the content of the control process based on operation mode control data received by a control data receiving unit. 4. A control program for realizing, by using a computer, a receiving device for receiving, restoring and outputting a broadcast signal from a broadcasting device transmitted via a broadcasting path, comprising: A control process including a restoration process for restoring and outputting to a user is performed, and the content of the control process is changed based on operation mode control data received via a communication path different from the broadcast path. Control program. 5. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 4 is recorded. 6. The system, apparatus, program or recording medium according to claim 1, wherein said communication path includes a public telephone line or an Internet communication network. 7. The system, apparatus, program or recording medium according to claim 6, wherein the operation mode control data is transmitted to a receiving device as an electronic mail. 8. The system, apparatus, program or recording medium according to claim 7, wherein said operation mode control data is stored in a header area of an electronic mail and transmitted. 9. The system, apparatus, program, or recording medium according to claim 7, wherein the broadcast device sends a notification that an e-mail has been transmitted via a communication path by specifying a receiver at a transmission destination. Transmitting the electronic mail to the receiving device via the broadcast path, and after confirming that the electronic mail addressed to itself has been transmitted by the notification, the receiving device establishes communication for acquiring the electronic mail. Features. 10. The system, the device, the program, or the recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the receiving device is configured to perform control assigned to an operation button operated by a user based on the received operation mode control data. A feature that changes the content of processing. 11. The system, apparatus, program or recording medium according to claim 10, wherein the operation mode control data includes a description for reserving reception of a program scheduled to be transmitted via a broadcast path, and A description of which operation button is to be assigned to the program reservation is included, and the receiving apparatus assigns a function of program reservation to the operation button based on the description of the operation mode control data.
What is characterized by. 12. The system, apparatus, program or recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the operation mode control data is transmitted from a broadcasting device to a receiving device by e-mail, and the receiving device is included in the e-mail. Displaying a program introduction based on the description of the program introduction to be performed, and displaying which program reservation function is assigned to which operation button based on the operation mode control data. 13. The system according to claim 1, wherein
In the apparatus, the program, or the recording medium, the receiving apparatus performs a control process of determining whether to permit viewing of a predetermined broadcast program based on the received operation mode control data. 14. The system, apparatus, program or recording medium according to claim 13, wherein the user operates the receiving device to transmit a request to view the predetermined broadcast program to the broadcast device via the communication line. Upon receiving the request, the broadcasting device selects a predetermined receiving device based on a predetermined criterion, and transmits operation mode control data for permitting viewing of the program. 15. The system, apparatus, program or recording medium according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the broadcast program is a quiz program, and a user operates a receiving device to provide an answer to the quiz via a communication line. The broadcast device determines whether the received answer is correct and, based on the determination, transmits the operation mode control data for permitting the viewing of the predetermined program only to the predetermined receiving device. Features. 16. The system according to claim 1, wherein
In the apparatus, the program, or the recording medium, the operation mode control data includes a program or data necessary for outputting a program content based on a broadcast signal transmitted via a broadcast path, and the receiving apparatus Is characterized by outputting program contents based on a broadcast signal using the program or data. 17. An electronic mail data transmitted from a broadcasting apparatus to a receiving apparatus using a communication path different from a broadcasting path, wherein a text area describing the contents of the mail and a mail area for transmitting the mail are provided. E-mail data having an auxiliary area in which necessary data is described, wherein the auxiliary area includes operation mode control data for controlling an operation mode of the receiving device. 18. A recording medium on which the electronic mail data of claim 17 is recorded. 19. The electronic mail data according to claim 17, or the recording medium according to claim 18, wherein the operation mode control data is data for controlling a user interface of a receiving device. 20. A communication method comprising: a broadcast device for transmitting a broadcast signal; and a receiving device for receiving a broadcast signal from the broadcast device via a broadcast path, wherein the communication between the broadcast device and the receiver is performed. A broadcasting path is provided separately from the broadcasting path, the broadcasting apparatus transmits operation mode control data for controlling an operation mode of the receiving apparatus, and the receiving apparatus transmits the operation mode control data via the communication path. Receiving and changing a processing mode for a broadcast signal received via a broadcast path based on the received operation mode control data. 21. An e-mail system in which a transmitting device transmits an e-mail to a receiving device, and the receiving device outputs the received e-mail for a user. Along with the text, when the control related to the text is performed on the receiving device side, the data including operation mode control data for controlling the user interface in the receiving device is transmitted, and the receiving device transmits the text of the received e-mail to the user. An e-mail system for outputting and constructing a user interface for performing control related to the text based on the operation mode control data. 22. A transmitting device for transmitting an electronic mail to a receiving device, wherein the transmitting device controls a user interface of the receiving device when the receiving device performs control related to the main body of the electronic mail together with the text of the electronic mail. A transmission device for transmitting data including operation mode control data. 23. A program for realizing, by using a computer, a transmitting device for transmitting an electronic mail to a receiving device, wherein the receiving device performs control related to the text together with the text of the electronic mail. A program for causing a computer to perform a process of transmitting operation mode control data for controlling a user interface in a receiving device. 24. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 23 is recorded. 25. A receiving device for receiving an electronic mail, comprising: outputting a text of the electronic mail to a user;
A receiving device for constructing a user interface for performing control related to the text based on operation mode control data transmitted together with the text of the electronic mail. 26. A program for realizing, by using a computer, a receiving device for receiving an electronic mail, the program comprising: outputting a text of the electronic mail to a user;
A program for causing a computer to perform a process of constructing a user interface for performing control related to the text based on the operation mode control data transmitted together with the text of the electronic mail. 27. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 26 is recorded. 28. The system, apparatus, program or recording medium according to claim 21, wherein said operation mode control data includes data for setting a function of an operation button of a receiving apparatus. . 29. E-mail data transmitted from a transmitting device to a receiving device, wherein the e-mail data describes a text region for describing a text and data necessary for transmitting the mail. E-mail data comprising: an operation mode control data for controlling a user interface of a receiving device in the auxiliary area. 30. A recording medium on which the electronic mail data of claim 29 is recorded. 31. A communication method for transmitting an electronic mail from a transmitting device to a receiving device, wherein the transmitting device transmits operation mode control data for controlling the operation mode of the receiving device together with the text of the electronic mail. A receiving device that outputs a text of the received e-mail and sets a user interface for performing control related to the text based on the operation mode control data.