JP2003099452A - Content search system, content search program, and medium recording the program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a content search system, a content search program, and a medium on which the program is recorded, which can surely access the content to be browsed by one search operation. SOLUTION: A user terminal 10 has a content ID.
When the code including the ID and the server ID is input to the code input unit 11, the server ID extracted by the ID extraction unit 12 is restored to the address of the server by the address restoration unit 13,
The content I is sent to the corresponding server 20 by the ID sending means 14.
D is transmitted, the server 20 instructs the user terminal to browse software corresponding to a specific content by the browsing software instruction means 21, and the browsing software activation means 15 of the user terminal 10 activates the browsing software, and transmits the When notified to the user 20, the content transmitting means 22 of the server 20 transmits the content to the user terminal 10.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content search system for searching and using content via a network, a content search program, and a medium recording the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when searching for a content consisting of a moving image, a still image, music, data, character information, or an arbitrary combination of these through a network, for example, the Internet, and trying to use the desired content, several times are required. Had to repeat the home page access. The reason will be described below.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of a conventional content retrieval system. A user terminal 1 used by an end user, a content server 2 holding and providing a plurality of contents, a portal site 3 and a website 4 are provided. It is configured to be connected to the Internet 5.

Here, the portal site 3 is a site that guides the related website 4 by various keywords. The website 4 is a site for searching a list or summary of a plurality of contents held by the content server 2 and allowing an end user to select a desired content to browse. When the content displayed on the home page of the site 4 is selected to instruct browsing, the site 4 instructs the content server 2 to transmit the selected content from the content server 2 to the user terminal 1.

FIG. 2 is a screen image of a user terminal showing a content search procedure in the conventional content search system. For example, when selecting video content, first access the portal site 3 from the user terminal 1,
Search for sites that distribute movies. In response to this, for example, a site for each movie distribution company is searched. If, for example, Company A is selected, the website 4 of Company A is connected. The format is different for each website, but in order to search for a desired movie from many movies, a method of displaying and selecting a movie name list from the screen for each genre,
There is a method of directly inputting and selecting a movie name. When the target movie is selected by these methods, the website 4 connects to the content server 2 holding the movie, and the video content is transmitted from the content server 2 to the user terminal 1.

[0006]

As described above, in the conventional content search system, in order to search for content, it is necessary to sequentially select correct items on a plurality of homepage screens, which is troublesome. However, there is a problem that it is a complicated task for a user who is not used to operating the home page. In addition, there is a problem that when you are not able to reach the content you want to browse, for example, if you select an incorrect website while following the link on the home page, you may have to perform the procedure again from the beginning. .

An object of the present invention is to eliminate such a complicated procedure for content search, and to record a content search system, a content search program, and the program capable of surely accessing the content desired to be browsed by one search operation. To provide the medium.

[0008]

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, at least one user terminal and at least one content consisting of a moving image, a still image, music, data, character information, or any combination thereof are provided. A content search system that includes at least one content server that holds one content and a network that connects these content servers, and that delivers the specific content specified by the user terminal from the content server that holds the specific content to the user terminal. The terminal inputs a code including at least a content ID for identifying the specific content, and a content server ID obtained by converting the address of the content server holding the specific content into a numeric string or a character / numeric string; At least the code from the entered code Means for extracting Ceiling ID and the content server ID, and means for restoring the content server ID to the extracted to the content server address,
The content server includes means for accessing the content server at the restored address and transmitting the content ID, and means for activating browsing software instructed by the content server and notifying the content server of the content software. Means for instructing the user terminal of the browsing software corresponding to the specific content when the content ID is received from the user terminal, and receiving the activation notification of the browsing software from the user terminal, and then transmitting the specific content to the user terminal. And means for transmitting.

Further, according to the present invention, at least one user terminal, at least one content server holding at least one content consisting of a moving image, a still image, music, data, character information, or any combination thereof, and these In a content search system that includes a network connecting to a user terminal, and delivers a specific content specified by the user terminal from a content server that holds the specific content to the user terminal, the user terminal identifies the specific content. At least a content ID, a browsing software ID for identifying browsing software corresponding to the specific content, and a content server ID obtained by converting the address of the content server holding the specific content into a numeric string or a character / numeric string. Including Co Means for inputting the at least the content ID from the input code, viewing software I
D, means for extracting the content server ID, means for restoring the extracted content server ID to the address of the content server, means for accessing the content server at the restored address, and transmitting the content ID and browsing software ID , A means for activating the browsing software corresponding to the browsing software ID and notifying the content server of the browsing software ID, and the content server, when receiving the content ID and the browsing software ID from the user terminal, notifies the startup of the browsing software. After receiving, the user terminal is provided with means for transmitting a specific content corresponding to the browsing software indicated by the browsing software ID.

According to the above configuration, the user can directly access the content server holding the desired content from the user terminal by simply inputting the code corresponding to the content desired to be browsed into the user terminal, and the content can be browsed. .

Here, in the above-mentioned content retrieval system, a remote controller and a remote controller receiver connected to the user terminal can be used as the code input means, and the bar code corresponding to the code can be used as the code input means. It is also possible to use a printed matter printed with a bar code reader connected to the user terminal, and it is possible to open an e-mail in which the code is embedded as a code input means. It is also possible to use software for inputting the code in response to a double-click operation. Furthermore, as the code input means, an IC card or a magnetic card recording the code and an IC card reader or a magnetic card reader connected to the user terminal are used. You can also use and.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail according to embodiments.

The system of the present invention is configured by a user terminal and a content server connected to a network, for example, the Internet in terms of hardware, and a specific device installed on (the computer which constitutes the user terminal) and the content server. It is realized by a search program. Start this search program on the user terminal side,
A code for collectively designating specific content and a content server storing the content is input to the user terminal. Here, this code is referred to as a UC code for convenience.

FIG. 3 is a screen image of a user terminal showing a content search procedure in the content search system of the present invention.

With this input UC code, a table stored inside the terminal is searched, and the address (URL) of the content server corresponding to the UC code and a unique content ID for identifying a specific content, Browsing software ID for identifying the browsing software required to browse the content in some cases
Is specified, the content server is accessed, the content ID is sent, and the content server is instructed to deliver the specified content. If there is a browsing software ID, the browsing software corresponding to the browsing software ID is activated among the browsing software already installed in the user terminal, and the content sent from the content server is browsed. .

FIG. 4 shows the first embodiment of the content search system of the present invention, in which an example in which the browsing software ID is not included in the UC code is shown. In the figure, 10 is a user terminal and 20 is a content server. (Note that only the portion directly related to the present invention is shown here.)

The user terminal 10 has a code input means 11 for inputting the UC code and I for extracting a content ID and a content server ID from the input UC code.
D extracting means 12, an address restoring means 13 that restores the extracted content server ID to the address of the content server, specifically, a conversion table to be described later is searched by the content server ID to obtain the corresponding URL, and the restoring. The ID transmission means 14 for accessing the content server at the specified address and transmitting the content ID, and the browsing software activation means 15 for activating the browsing software instructed by the content server and notifying the content server of this.
It has and.

When the content server 20 receives the content ID from the user terminal, the content server 20 instructs the user terminal the browsing software corresponding to the content having the content ID, and the browsing software instructing means 21 from the user terminal. After receiving the software startup notification,
The content transmission means 22 for transmitting the specific content to the user terminal is provided.

FIG. 5 shows the flow of processing corresponding to the content search program that realizes the content search system of FIG. 4. The program is composed of two programs, one on the user terminal side and one on the content server side. The content search program described above can be distributed on a network.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the content search system of the present invention, in which an example in which a browsing software ID is included in a UC code is shown. In the figure, 10a is a user terminal and 20a is a content server. (Note that only the portion directly related to the present invention is shown here.)

The user terminal 10a, together with the code input means 11 and the address restoration means 13 similar to the above, includes the content ID and the browsing software I from the input UC code.
ID extracting means 1 for extracting D and the content server ID
6, access to the content server of the restored address, the ID transmitting means 17 for transmitting the content ID and the browsing software ID, and the browsing software corresponding to the browsing software ID are activated and the browsing software is activated to notify this to the content server. Means 18 and.

When the content server 20a receives the content ID and the browsing software ID from the user terminal, the content server 20a receives the activation notice of the browsing software, and then the browsing software instructed to the user terminal by the browsing software ID. The content transmission means 23 is provided for transmitting specific content corresponding to.

FIG. 7 shows the flow of processing corresponding to the content search program that realizes the content search system of FIG. 6. The program is composed of two programs, one on the user terminal side and one on the content server side. The content search program described above can be distributed on a network.

Next, a configuration example of the UC code will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a correspondence table (conversion table) between the address of the content server and the content server ID for identifying the content server. Usually U
The content server ID is defined by a numeric string (or a numeric character string) having a predetermined digit number (here, 6 digits) corresponding to the address of each content server designated by the RL. The conversion table (conversion table) is arranged inside the user terminal.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a correspondence table between contents and content IDs. The content ID is defined for each content, for example, in a local content ID center or the like.

When the browsing software ID is not included in the UC code, the UC code is created by combining the content server ID and the content ID as shown in FIG. The user can directly access the content server and browse the specified content by inputting the UC code into the user terminal.

When specific browsing software is required to browse the content, it is possible to add a browsing software ID indicating the browsing software to the UC code.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a correspondence table of contents, content IDs, browsing software and browsing software IDs. In this case, the UC code is as shown in FIG.
As shown in, the content server ID, the content ID, and the browsing software ID are combined.

In the first and second embodiments, FIG.
In the case of the UC code described with reference to FIG. 12, the user terminal recognizes the upper 6 digits of the UC code as the content server ID, searches the conversion table of the internal content server URL and the content server ID, and searches for the content server ID. UR
Get L. After that, access the URL and
The code of the 7th and higher digits of the C code is sent to the content server.

Here, the browsing software I is added to the UC code.
When D is not included, that is, in the first embodiment,
Designation of browsing software and transmission of content are started from the content server to the user terminal.

On the other hand, the browsing software ID is added to the UC code.
1 is included, that is, in the second embodiment, FIG.
1, the user terminal recognizes the last three digits of the UC code as the browsing software ID, searches the correspondence table between the browsing software and the browsing software ID inside the terminal, and searches the corresponding browsing software inside the user terminal. And the content ID and browsing software ID are sent to the content server. In the content server, the content specified by the content ID and coded so as to be viewable by the viewing software corresponding to the viewing software ID is sent to the user terminal.
Therefore, in the case of this method, a correspondence table of browsing software and browsing software ID is also provided in the content server.

As a means for inputting the UC code to the user terminal, if the user terminal is a personal computer,
After launching the search software, the UC code can be entered from the keyboard with the screen interface as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when a television with a built-in computer is used as a user terminal, the remote control (strictly speaking, the remote control receiver) equipped in the television is used in place of the keyboard and the UC code is used. It is also possible to enter.

It is also possible to equip a personal computer with a bar code reader, convert a UC code into a bar code, and print on a medium such as paper to be read by the bar code reader for input.

Further, the content search program of the present invention is started by double-clicking the UC code described in the electronic mail received by the personal computer,
It is possible to access the content server by regarding the clicked UC code as input. This can be achieved by providing the mail software with the function of recognizing and activating the identifier for activating the content search program of the present invention.

It is also possible to connect an IC card reader or a magnetic card reader to a personal computer and read the UC code recorded on the IC card or the magnetic card with the IC card reader or the magnetic card reader to input it.

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the desired content can be browsed simply by inputting the UC code, the procedure of the user operating the user terminal can be simplified. Further, since the UC code can be input by the remote controller of the television, the user who is unfamiliar with the keyboard operation can easily access the content. Since it is also possible to input using a bar code reader, an IC card, or a magnetic card, the operation can be further simplified.

As the UC code, various contents are published in a list form in an information magazine such as a TV program information magazine, and the UC code or its bar code is printed on a part of the UC code for distribution or sale. The user can see it and enter the UC code or the bar code reader.

In addition, U can be added to the magnetic card or IC card.
It is also possible to record the C-code and distribute it for a fee or free of charge to encourage browsing of the content.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a business model when a UC code or a bar code UC code is published in a magazine or the like.

The content distribution company sends the title, content and price of the content to the information magazine issuing company via the Internet. Further, the URL of the content server, the content ID, and in some cases the type of browsing software are sent to the UC code creation company, and a request is made to create the UC code and send it to the information magazine issuing company. The content distribution company pays a coding fee to the UC code creation company.

On the other hand, the information magazine issuing company may pay the back margin to the UC code producing company according to the sales of the magazine. Further, the UC code creation company distributes the content search program via the Internet in response to the user's request, and also distributes and updates the UC code and URL in the user terminal and the correspondence table of browsing software via the Internet.

When a search program is distributed to users,
Generally, the user's age, hobbies, content preferences, etc. are registered as user registration information by the UC code creation company via the Internet.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a business model in the case where the content distribution company prompts the user to directly purchase the content other than the magazine. Based on the user information registration described above, U
The C code creation company picks up the users who are likely to purchase the content, and sends the UC code to the user by e-mail together with the content title, content, price and the like. The user who receives the e-mail can browse the content by inputting the UC code into the search program or by clicking the UC code described in the e-mail. The content distribution company pays the advertising fee to the UC code creation company.

In the business models shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the income of the content distribution company is the fee income related to the content browsing from the user. By UC code,
When the user terminal is directly connected to the content server, the title and the fee are displayed on the user terminal, and if the user agrees with the payment, content distribution and approval processing are executed. This approval processing technique can be a normal approval processing technique via the Internet.

The UC code creating company can print and distribute the UC code or the like on an advertising leaflet instead of using an electronic mail to advertise the specific content.

There is also a business model in which a user purchases a magnetic card or an IC card storing a UC code and inserts it into a user terminal to browse content without paying the content browsing fee via the Internet.
In this case also, the UC code creation company creates a magnetic card or IC card at the request of the content distribution company,
The business model that the card sales company sells is established (Fig. 15).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram showing an outline of a conventional content search system.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a content search procedure in a conventional content search system with a screen image of a user terminal.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a content search procedure in the content search system of the present invention with a screen image of a user terminal.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the first embodiment of the content search system of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart corresponding to a program that realizes the content search system of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a second embodiment of the content search system of the present invention.

7 is a flowchart corresponding to a program that realizes the content search system of FIG.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a conversion table of a content server address and a content server ID.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a correspondence table of contents and content IDs.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of a UC code.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a correspondence table of contents, content IDs, browsing software, and browsing software IDs.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the configuration of the UC code.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a business model using the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a business model using the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing still another example of a business model using the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 10a: user terminal, 20, 20a: content server, 11: code input means, 12, 16: ID extraction means, 13: address restoration means, 14, 17: ID transmission means, 15, 18: browsing software activation means , 21: browsing software instruction means, 22 and 23: content transmission means.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. At least one user terminal, a video,
It includes at least one content server that holds at least one content including still images, music, data, character information, or any combination thereof, and a network that connects them, and can display specific content specified by a user terminal. In a content search system for delivering from a content server holding the specific content to a user terminal, the user terminal has a content ID for identifying the specific content,
A means for inputting a code including at least a content server ID obtained by converting the address of the content server holding the specific content into a numeric string or an alphanumeric string, and extracting at least the content ID and the content server ID from the entered code. Means, means for restoring the extracted content server ID to the address of the content server, means for accessing the content server at the restored address and transmitting the content ID, and activating browsing software instructed by the content server. And a means for notifying the content server of this, when the content server receives the content ID from the user terminal, the content server indicates to the user terminal the browsing software corresponding to the specific content, and the user terminal Censorship And a means for transmitting the specific content to the user terminal after receiving the activation notification of the browsing software. 2. At least one user terminal, a video,
It includes at least one content server that holds at least one content consisting of still images, music, data, character information, or any combination thereof, and a network connecting these, and can display specific content specified by the user terminal. In a content search system for delivering from a content server holding the specific content to a user terminal, the user terminal has a content ID for identifying the specific content,
Enter a code including at least a browsing software ID for identifying browsing software corresponding to the specific content and a content server ID obtained by converting the address of the content server holding the specific content into a numeric string or a character / numeric string. Means, means for extracting at least the content ID, browsing software ID and content server ID from the input code, means for restoring the extracted content server ID to the address of the content server, and the content server at the restored address Access means to transmit the content ID and browsing software ID, and means for activating the browsing software corresponding to the browsing software ID and notifying it to the content server. From the content ID and the viewing software I
When D is received, after receiving the activation notification of the browsing software, the browsing software I is sent to the user terminal.
A content search system comprising means for transmitting a specific content corresponding to the browsing software designated by D. 3. The content search system according to claim 1, wherein a remote control and a remote control receiver connected to the user terminal are used as code input means. 4. The content search system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a printed matter on which a bar code corresponding to the code is printed and a bar code reader connected to the user terminal are used as the code input means. And a content search system. 5. The content search system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an email having a code embedded therein can be opened as a code input means, and the email in response to a double-click operation on the code in the email. A content search system characterized by using software for inputting a code. 6. The content search system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an IC card or a magnetic card in which a code is recorded and an IC card reader or a magnetic card reader connected to a user terminal are used as code input means. A content search system characterized by the above. 7. At least one user terminal, a video,
It includes at least one content server that holds at least one content including still images, music, data, character information, or any combination thereof, and a network that connects them, and can display specific content specified by a user terminal. A program that realizes a content search system that delivers from a content server that holds the specific content to a user terminal, the content ID for identifying the specific content on a computer that configures the user terminal,
A step of inputting a code including at least a content server ID obtained by converting the address of the content server holding the specific content into a numeric string or an alphanumeric string, and extracting at least the content ID and the content server ID from the input code A step of restoring the extracted content server ID to the address of the content server, a step of accessing the content server at the restored address and transmitting the content ID, and starting browsing software instructed by the content server. , A terminal program for performing the step of notifying the content server of this, and browsing software corresponding to a specific content for the user terminal when the content ID is received from the user terminal on the computer forming the content server. And a server program for executing the step of instructing the user and the step of transmitting the specific content to the user terminal after receiving the activation notification of the browsing software from the user terminal. Content search program. 8. At least one user terminal, a video,
It includes at least one content server that holds at least one content including still images, music, data, character information, or any combination thereof, and a network that connects them, and can display specific content specified by a user terminal. A program that realizes a content search system that delivers from a content server that holds the specific content to a user terminal, the content ID for identifying the specific content on a computer that configures the user terminal,
Enter a code including at least a browsing software ID for identifying browsing software corresponding to the specific content and a content server ID obtained by converting the address of the content server holding the specific content into a numeric string or a character / numeric string. And a step of extracting at least the content ID, the browsing software ID and the content server ID from the input code, a step of restoring the extracted content server ID to the address of the content server, and a content server of the restored address And a content program for accessing the content ID and browsing software ID and a step of activating the browsing software corresponding to the browsing software ID and notifying the content server of the browsing software, On a computer constituting the server, the content ID and the viewing software I from the user terminal
When D is received, after receiving the activation notification of the browsing software, the browsing software I is sent to the user terminal.
A content search program comprising a server program that executes a process of transmitting specific content corresponding to the browsing software designated by D. 9. A computer-readable medium on which the content search program according to claim 7 or 8 is recorded.