JPH09162826A - Interactive broadcast system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the interactive broadcast system in which all general viewers in a quiz program or a contest program take part in a program in real time and a reason for rejection and a method of enabling acceptance are reproted to users when an access is rejected. SOLUTION: A broadcast equipment 10 sends a broadcast signal on which information is multiplexed, a receiver 30 extracts the multiplexed information and a communication line 40 such as a telephone line is utilized based on the multiplex information and a server 20 of a broadcast station is accessed to communicate data. When the server 20 limits access, after the server 20 receives all accesses, the server 20 selects automatically whether or not the received access is to be processed. The automatic selection is conducted by the server 20 by using, e.g. a random number by a random number generator or confirming the content of the contract.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention transmits an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed from a broadcasting device equipped with a server, and the receiving device receives the multiplexed signal. The present invention relates to an interactive broadcasting system in which a server of the broadcasting device is accessed or is accessed through a communication line based on the information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method for a general viewer to participate in a prize broadcast program or an applied program in a television broadcast program, as shown in FIG. 11, (a) see the program, apply for it with a postcard, and then Announcement of winners on the program (b) Participants will not be able to participate in real time because they will apply by participating postcards, will be drawn on the program and will contact the winners by phone.

Further, in the questionnaire program, the broadcasting station side decides the party to be investigated in advance and hears the answer from the broadcasting station side by telephone or the like. Further, in a television shopping program, a viewer views the program and places an order by telephone or the like. In either case, viewers cannot participate in real time.

In addition, information multiplex broadcasting (for example, there is VBI multiplex broadcasting in which various kinds of information are multiplex-transmitted by utilizing during a vertical blanking period of a television broadcast signal) is used to multiplex information in a prize program or an applied program. On the basis of this, even with an interactive service (hereinafter referred to as an interactive service) that automatically communicates with a server on the broadcasting station side by using a communication line such as a telephone line, due to the limitation of the line capacity, all the viewers can broadcast at once. It is impossible for everyone to participate in the program in real time because they cannot access the side server.

Further, in the case of restricting access to a user by the presence or absence of a contract or at the end of access time on a server, conventionally, the user is not notified of the reason why the access is denied. Remains ignorant. Further, even if a user wants to make a new contract, the user cannot easily make a contract because the user has not been notified of the contract subscription method.

[0006]

As described above, in the broadcasting program, it is not possible for all the general viewers of the prize program and the application program to participate in the program in real time because of problems such as telephone lines in the current broadcasting system. It was impossible. Further, when the access is restricted by the server such as the user access restriction by contract or at the end of the access time, the reason why the access is denied cannot be known because the user is not notified of the reason why the access is denied. Further, since the user is not informed of the contract method, it is difficult for the user to make a contract.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of such a problem,
An interactive broadcasting system that allows all general viewers of prize programs and applied programs to participate in the program in real time, and when the access is denied, informs the user of the reason for refusal and the method of enabling acceptance. It is intended to be provided.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
An information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from the broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server, and this is received by a receiver, and the receiver receives the information through the communication line based on the multiplexed information. In an interactive broadcasting system that accesses or is accessed by a server of a broadcasting device, if the server restricts access from the receiving device, the server accepts all accesses once, and then, among the accepted accesses, It is provided with means for automatically selecting which access is processed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from the broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server, and is received by a receiving device, and is multiplexed by the receiving device. In the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or is accessed through the communication line based on the above-mentioned information, when the server restricts the access from the receiving device, all access is once performed by the server. After receiving, a random number generator provided in the server and a multiplex information broadcast from the broadcasting device to the receiving device are provided as means for automatically selecting which of the received accesses is to be processed. Means for sending random number restriction information as multiplex information, and the random number restriction information received by the receiving device through the communication line. And means for selecting the received access information based on a match / mismatch between the random number information from the random number generator and the random number restriction information sent from the broadcasting device via the receiving device. It is equipped with and.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcasting device equipped with a server, and this is received by a receiving device. In the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or is accessed through the communication line based on the information, the access from the receiving device is restricted by the server,
As a means to automatically select which access to process when there is an access, a method of confirming the contract contents of the user, accepting the access when the contract is satisfied, and rejecting the reception when not satisfied It is equipped.

According to the first to third aspects of the invention, information is taken out from the broadcast signal in which the information is multiplexed, and based on this information, a communication line such as a telephone line is used to establish a server on the broadcasting station side. When accessing and exchanging data,
When the server restricts access, after the server once accepts all accesses, the server automatically selects whether to process the accepted access. This automatic selection can be realized on the server side, for example, by using a random number value from a random number generator or by confirming the contract content.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the interactive broadcasting system according to the third aspect, when the contract is not satisfied, the reason for refusal of acceptance and information explaining the contract subscription method are sent to the receiving device through the communication line. It further comprises means. In the invention described in claim 4, in the invention described in claim 3, when the contract condition is not satisfied, the reason why the contract condition is not satisfied and the contract method can be notified to the receiving side user.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server, and this is received by a receiving device, and the receiving device multiplexes it. In the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or is accessed through the communication line based on the information, the access from the receiving device is restricted by the server,
It is equipped with a means for restricting access by limiting the reception time.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the interactive broadcasting system according to the fifth aspect, the reception time limit is the start and / or end of the reception time.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from the broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcasting device equipped with a server, and is received by a receiving device, and is multiplexed by the receiving device. In the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or is accessed through the communication line based on the information, the access from the receiving device is restricted by the server,
It is equipped with a means for restricting access by limiting the number of receptions.

The invention according to claim 8 is the interactive broadcasting system according to claim 7, characterized in that the restriction on the number of acceptances is a restriction on a first-come-first-served basis.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the interactive broadcasting system according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, when the server refuses access due to a reception time limit, a reception number limit, or the like, the access is rejected. In addition, a means for sending the reason for refusal to the receiving device through a communication line is further provided.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server, and is received by a receiving device, and is multiplexed by the receiving device. In the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or is accessed through the communication line based on the information that has been set, when the server restricts the access from the receiving device, all access is once performed by the server. Receiving, means for accepting only user identification information at that time, selecting an access user in the server based on the user identification information, and accessing the selected receiving device from the server,
And means for obtaining information from the user.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, when the access is accepted, only the user identification information is received, the access is cut off, the user receiving device is selected based on the identification information in the server, and then the receiving device is accessed from the server side. Then, the information from the user is acquired. Therefore, the telephone line usage time per case can be shortened to secure the telephone line capacity, and it becomes possible to participate in the program in real time.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from the broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcasting device equipped with a server, and is received by a receiving device, and is multiplexed by the receiving device. In the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or is accessed through the communication line based on the information that has been set, when the server restricts the access from the receiving device, all access is once performed by the server. After receiving, a means for sending an acceptance number to the receiving device through a communication line, and a means for selecting the acceptance number at the broadcasting device and sending the selection result to the receiving device as multiple information by information multiplex broadcasting Is.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server, and this is received by a receiving device, and the receiving device multiplexes it. In the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or accessed through the communication line based on the information, the means for sending the contract content of the user from the server to the receiving device during the idle time of the communication line. The receiving device includes means for restricting access to the server based on the agreement / mismatch between the contract information sent and the multiplex information from the information multiplex broadcast.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from the broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcasting device equipped with a server, and the receiving device receives the multiplexed signal, and the receiving device multiplexes it. In the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or accessed through the communication line based on the information, the part of the receiving device is partially connected to the terminal server in order to reduce the load of the communication line on the server. In order to check the operation status of the terminal server, from the broadcasting device,
Means for sending information for instructing the terminal server to access the server of the broadcasting device as multiple information by information multiplex broadcasting, and based on the instruction information, when the terminal server is in operation, in operation And a means for notifying the server of the broadcasting apparatus of the existence of the information via a communication line.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the interactive broadcasting system according to the thirteenth aspect, which terminal server in operation is used as the terminal server provided in the server of the broadcasting device and based on the operation information of the terminal server. It further comprises means for determining whether or not.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server, and this is received by a receiving device, and then multiplexed by the receiving device. In the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or accessed through the communication line based on the information, the part of the receiving device is partially connected to the terminal server in order to reduce the load of the communication line on the server. Means for previously creating and holding an operating configuration pattern of the terminal server for each area for the server of the broadcasting device, and means for sending this pattern information to the receiving device during the idle time of the communication line, Means for accumulating the pattern information sent to the receiving device as database band information, and information multiplexing from the broadcasting device. As multiple information by transmission, means for sending information on which terminal server configuration pattern to use to the receiving device, the terminal server configuration pattern sent to the receiving device, and configuration pattern information sent in advance, And a means for determining a terminal server to be accessed from the broadcasting device, and a means for accessing the determined terminal server from another receiving device so that the determined terminal server accesses the server of the broadcasting device. It is a thing.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the interactive broadcasting system according to the fifteenth aspect, when the access of the server of the broadcasting apparatus is restricted, the terminal server unit (area unit) is further restricted. Is.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcasting device equipped with a server, and this is received by a receiving device. In the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or accessed through the communication line based on the information, the part of the receiving device is partially connected to the terminal server in order to reduce the load of the communication line on the server. In addition, a configuration is used in which several terminal servers are bundled by this server to access the server of the transmitting device, and in order to check the operating status of the terminal server, the information is broadcast from the broadcasting device by information multiplex broadcasting. Means for sending, as the information, information for instructing the terminal server to access the server of the transmitting device; Based on the information, the terminal server when a running, in which and means for notifying the present server via a communication line that is running.

The invention described in claim 18 is, in the interactive broadcasting system according to claim 17, provided to the main server, which terminal server in operation is used as the terminal server according to the operation information of the terminal server. It is characterized by further comprising means for determining.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server, and this is received by a receiving device. In the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or accessed through the communication line based on the information, the part of the receiving device is partially connected to the terminal server in order to reduce the load of the communication line on the server. In addition, a configuration is used in which several terminal servers are bundled by the main server to access the server of the transmitting device, and the operating configuration pattern of the terminal server for each area for the main server is created and stored in advance. Means for sending the pattern information to the receiving device during the idle time of the communication line, and before sending the pattern information to the receiving device. Means for storing pattern information as database band information; means for sending from the broadcasting device to the receiving device information as a multiplex information by information multiplex broadcasting, which terminal server configuration pattern is to be provided; Means for determining a terminal server to be accessed based on the terminal server configuration pattern that comes and the configuration pattern information sent in advance, and the terminal that has determined the terminal server by accessing the determined terminal server from another receiving device. The server has means for accessing the main server.

The invention according to claim 20 is the interactive broadcasting system according to claim 19, further comprising means for restricting access in the terminal server unit (area unit) when the main server restricts access. And

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an interactive broadcasting system according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 indicates a broadcasting device on the transmission side, and a composite video signal supplied from an image pickup device (not shown) is input to the VBI multiplexing device 11. The VBI multiplexer 11 sends information signals such as character data and voice data (referred to as VBI information signals. Information signals such as telephone number data) during the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of the input composite video signal. Multiplex and output. This information-multiplexed video signal is input to the video transmitter 12, where it is RF-modulated and output. At the same time, the audio signal is RF-modulated by the audio transmitter 13 and output. The RF video signal and the RF audio signal are processed by the RF mixer 1.
The signals are mixed in 4 and become a television broadcast signal (radio wave) 17 which is emitted from the transmitting antenna 16 into the space. The broadcasting device 10 includes a server 20 that receives an access from the receiving device 30 and can be accessed by and accessed from the receiving device 30. An output device 15 such as a display device or a printer device is connected to the server 20, and it is possible to display or print the access content between the server 20 and the receiving device 30.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a receiving device, which takes in the television broadcast signal 17 into a receiving circuit 32 through a receiving antenna 31. In the receiving circuit 32, a predetermined channel (broadcasting station) is selected from the television broadcast signal and detection is performed to reproduce the composite video signal, and V of the next stage is reproduced.
While being output to the BI decoder 33, the video signal component is output to one input end of the video synthesizing circuit 36, and the audio signal component is output to one input end of the audio synthesizing circuit 37. VBI
The decoder 33 separates and decodes information signals such as character data and audio data from the VBI of the composite video signal and outputs the information signals. The VBI decoder 33
Is equipped with a key input means 33a, which allows selection of numbers for prize programs, applied programs, and the like. VBI
The VBI information signal decoded by the decoder 33 is supplied to the control circuit 34 and temporarily stored in the memory 35. From the control circuit 34, character data is displayed on-screen (OS
D) The data is output to the other input end of the video synthesis circuit 36, and the audio data is output to the other input end of the voice synthesis circuit 37. The video synthesizing circuit 36 synthesizes (superimposes) or switches character data as OSD data with respect to the television video signal, and outputs it to a video input terminal of a television receiver (TV) 38. Further, the voice synthesizing circuit 37 mixes or switches the voice data with respect to the television voice signal, and outputs the mixed voice data to the voice input terminal of the television receiver (TV) 38. The control circuit 34 accesses the server 20 on the broadcasting device 10 side from the modem (modulator / demodulator) 39 through the communication line 40 based on the VBI character data (for example, telephone number data). This access is made in order for the user to participate in the currently-running prize program or the applied program. The server 20
When it is provided in the broadcasting device 10 and if there is access from the receiving device 30, it is determined whether or not to perform an operation of restricting the access partner after accepting all of this, or to accept this every time there is access. And perform the operation of limiting the access partner. The server 20 automatically changes the VBI multiplex content in the VBI multiplexing device 11 in response to the received access content from the receiving device 30 (VBI
(Including adding another information signal to the information signal)
It is also possible to enable it. Alternatively, server 2
The VBI information signal may be changed by outputting the access content from the receiving device 30 accepted as 0 to the output device 15 and observing the result.

In such a configuration, an information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information (for example, telephone number data) different from the broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from the broadcasting device 10 equipped with the server 20, and is received by the receiving device 30. However, the receiving device 30 can automatically access the server 20 of the broadcasting device 10 or can be accessed from the server 20 through the communication line 40 based on the multiplexed information.

Here, the receiving device 3 in the server 20
As a method of restricting access from 0, the server 20
After once accepting all accesses from a plurality of receiving devices, automatically selects which of the accepted accesses is to be processed within a certain number of accesses. This selection includes a method of using a random number generator, a method of confirming agreement of the contract contents of the user, and the like.

In this way, after the server 20 accepts all the accesses, it is possible to instantly determine whether or not to adopt the accepted access information by the determination of the server 20. Therefore, the access time per access from the receiving device 30 can be shortened, and the number of accesses that can be made in a certain time can be increased.

In addition, the receiving device 30 in the server 20
As another method of restricting access from the access point, a restriction according to the reception time (for example, start and / or end of the reception time) or a restriction on the number of receptions (for example, restriction on a first-come-first-served basis) is provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the acceptance limiting system in the server 20.

In FIG. 2, an acceptance control circuit 21 connected to the receiving device 30 through the communication line 40 is arranged in the server 20, and the acceptance control circuit 21 is provided.
The acceptance processing circuit 22 and the random number generator 23 are connected to each other. The random number generator 22 is used when the server 20 restricts access from the receiving device 30.
It is provided as a means for selecting the number of accesses within a certain range from the received accesses after the acceptance control circuit 21 therein accepts all the access information once.

On the other hand, the broadcasting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 is arranged to transmit the random number limitation information as a VBI information signal by information multiplex broadcasting to the television video signal, and the reception apparatus 30 receives this. Then, the extracted random number restriction information is sent to the server 20 through the communication line 40.

Then, in the acceptance control circuit 21,
Random number information from the random number generator 23 and the broadcast device 1
Based on the agreement / disagreement with the random number restriction information sent from 0 in the information multiplex broadcasting, whether or not to adopt the access information accepted by the acceptance control circuit 21 is instantly determined to select the access information. Perform and accept processing circuit 22
Hold the selection result in. The acceptance restriction system shown in FIG. 2 is useful for questionnaire programs, sweepstakes programs, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the acceptance limiting system in the server 20.

In FIG. 3, a reception control circuit 21 A connected to the receiving device 30 through the communication line 40 is arranged in the server 20, and the reception control circuit 2 is provided.
The acceptance processing circuit 22 and the user contract content confirmation circuit 24 are connected to 1A. The user contract content confirmation circuit 24 selects the number of accesses within a certain range by confirming the contract content of the user (viewer) when there is an access when the access from the receiving device 30 is restricted by the server 20. It is provided as a means to do.

In the acceptance control circuit 21A, when there is an access, the user contract contents confirmation circuit 24 confirms the contract contents of the user (viewer), and when the contract is satisfied, access information (user confirmation data such as a password is sent). (Including) is held in the acceptance processing circuit 22, and when not satisfied, the acceptance is rejected and the access is cut off. Further, when the contract is not satisfied, the acceptance control circuit 21A sends information for explaining the reason for refusal of acceptance and the method of joining the contract in the form of character data or voice data to the receiving device 30 through the communication line 40. In the receiving device 30, this information (character data) is received by the control circuit 34 through the modem 39 shown in FIG. 1, and is transmitted as OSD data from the control circuit 34 through the video synthesizing circuit 36 to the television receiver (TV).
38 and display it on the screen. Or communication line 4
The information (voice data) sent through 0 is received by the control circuit 34 through the modem 39 shown in FIG. 1, and is supplied from the control circuit 34 as voice data to the television receiver (TV) 38 through the voice synthesizing circuit 37. And output the sound. As a result, it is possible to notify the user by displaying characters on the picture tube or outputting sound by the speaker.
The acceptance restriction system shown in FIG. 3 is useful for TV shopping programs, sweepstakes programs, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the acceptance limiting system in the server 20.

In FIG. 4, a reception control circuit 21 B connected to the receiving device 30 through the communication line 40 is arranged in the server 20, and the reception control circuit 2 is provided.
The reception processing circuit 22 and the reception time setting means 25 are connected to 1B. The acceptance time setting unit 25 is provided as a unit for setting an access acceptance time limit, for example, a start and / or an end of the acceptance time when the server 20 restricts an access from the receiving device 30.

The acceptance control circuit 21B has a built-in clock means for measuring the present time. When there is an access, the acceptance control circuit 21B confirms whether or not it is within the acceptance time set by the acceptance time setting means 25, and determines the acceptance time. If it is within the range, access information (including user confirmation data such as a password) from the receiving device is held in the reception processing circuit 22, and if outside the reception time, the reception is rejected and the access is cut off. Further, when the acceptance control circuit 21B denies the access due to the acceptance time limit, the acceptance control circuit 21B sends, to the receiving device 30 through the communication line 40, information in the form of character data or voice data that explains the rejection and the reason for the rejection. . In the receiving device 30, this information (character data) is received by the control circuit 34 through the modem 39 shown in FIG. 1, and is supplied from the control circuit 34 to the television receiver (TV) 38 as OSD data through the video synthesizing circuit 36. And display it on the screen. Alternatively, the control circuit 34 receives information (voice data) sent through the communication line 40 through the modem 39 shown in FIG. 1, and the control circuit 34 transmits the voice data as voice data through the voice synthesizing circuit 37 to the television receiver (TV). ) 38 for voice output. As a result, it is possible to notify the user by displaying characters on the picture tube or outputting sound by the speaker.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the acceptance limiting system in the server 20.

In FIG. 5, a reception control circuit 21 C connected to the receiving device 30 through the communication line 40 is arranged in the server 20, and the reception control circuit 2 is provided.
1C: acceptance processing circuit 22 and acceptance number setting means 2
6 is connected. Reception number setting means 2
Reference numeral 6 is provided as means for setting a limit on the number of accepted access, for example, a limit on the number of chairs on a first-come-first-served basis, when limiting the access from the receiving device 30 by the server 20.

The acceptance control circuit 21C has a built-in counting means for measuring the number of accesses, and when there is an access, it confirms whether or not it is within the acceptance number set by the acceptance number setting means 26, and determines the acceptance number. If within,
Access information (including user confirmation data such as a password) from the receiving device is held in the acceptance processing circuit 22, and if it is out of the accepted number, the acceptance is rejected and the access is cut off. Further, when the acceptance control circuit 21C denies the access due to the limitation of the number of acceptances, the acceptance control circuit 21C sends information explaining the refusal and the reason for the rejection to the receiving device 30 through the communication line 40 in the form of character data or voice data. . In the receiving device 30, this information (character data) is received by the control circuit 34 through the modem 39 shown in FIG. 1, and is supplied from the control circuit 34 to the television receiver (TV) 38 as OSD data through the video synthesizing circuit 36. And display it on the screen. Alternatively, the control circuit 34 receives information (voice data) sent through the communication line 40 through the modem 39 shown in FIG. 1, and the control circuit 34 transmits the voice data as voice data through the voice synthesizing circuit 37 to the television receiver (TV). ) 38 for voice output. As a result, it is possible to notify the user by displaying characters on the picture tube or outputting sound by the speaker.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the acceptance limiting system in the server 20.

In FIG. 6, a reception control circuit 21 D connected to the receiving device 30 through the communication line 40 is arranged in the server 20, and the reception control circuit 2 is provided.
The acceptance processing circuit 22 is connected to 1D.

When there is an access from the receiving device 30, the acceptance control circuit 21D accepts all accesses once, and at that time accepts only user identification information such as user identification number (user ID) and user telephone number. The user receiving device 30 that has accessed based on the user identification information is selected and held in the reception processing circuit 22, and the selected receiving device 30 is accessed from the server side. At this time, information such as a questionnaire is sent from the server 20 to the receiving device 30. In the receiving device 30, this information (character data) is received by the control circuit 34 through the modem 39 shown in FIG. 1, and is transmitted as OSD data from the control circuit 34 through the video synthesizing circuit 36 to the television receiver (T).
V) 38 and display it on the screen. When the user sees the screen display and inputs a reply from the key input means 33a, the reply data passes through the control circuit 34 and the modem 39
And sent to the server 20 via the communication line 40 and stored. This acceptance restriction system is useful for questionnaire programs and the like.

In addition to the above embodiments, the server 2
There is also a system as described below as the sixth embodiment of the acceptance restriction system for 0.

That is, in FIG. 1, when the server 20 restricts the access from the receiving device 30, the receiving control circuit in the server 20 accepts all the accesses once, and then the receiving number for each receiving device 30. Is transmitted through the communication line 40. The receiving device 30 holds the received acceptance number in the memory 35 through the control circuit 34. At this time, the server 20 has also sent the reception number to an output device such as a display device in the broadcasting device 10 as shown in FIG. Then, in the broadcasting device 10,
A user acceptance number is selected in a program or the like, and the selection result is multiplexed with the broadcast signal as VBI information by information multiplex broadcasting and sent to the receiving device 30. In the receiving device 30, VB
The user is notified by I-decoding and displaying the reception number by the information multiplex broadcasting on the screen or by outputting as a voice output. The user can know whether or not he / she has been selected by comparing with his / her reception number already sent through the communication line 40.
The determination as to whether or not the selection is made can also be made by automatically comparing the numbers in the receiving device 30 to automatically make the determination and notify the user by screen display or voice output.

Further, there is a system as described below as the seventh embodiment of the acceptance limiting system in the server 20.

That is, in FIG. 1, the server 20 sends the user's contract contents (interactive service contract) to the receiving device 30 in the idle time of the communication line 40, and the receiving device 30 sends the contract information sent to the receiving device 30. A match / mismatch with the VBI information (program information) from the information multiplex broadcast is determined, and the receiving device 30 restricts access to the server 20. The user contract information sent through the communication line 40 is stored in the user receiving device 30,
Server 20 for current interactive broadcast programs
When the VBI information is checked, the server 20 is accessed when the contract is satisfied, and the server 20 is not accessed when the contract is not satisfied. At this time, the fact that the access is impossible and the reason (details of the contract contents) cannot be accessed are displayed on the screen of the television receiver (TV) 38. This acceptance restriction system is useful for TV shopping programs and the like.

The embodiment described above is for restricting access from the receiving device to the server of the transmitting device. However, when the number of accesses from the receiving device is large next, An embodiment will be described in which a part (some) of the receiving devices is used as a child server / combined device (hereinafter referred to as a receiving device terminal server or simply a terminal server) in order to reduce the load on the communication line. .

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration between the terminal server and the broadcasting station server in the sixth embodiment of the interactive broadcasting system according to the present invention.

In FIG. 7, in order to reduce the load on the communication line such as the telephone line in the server 20, the user receiving device 30
A part (some) of these is used as a child server / combined machine (hereinafter referred to as a receiving device terminal server, or simply a terminal server). Area 1 for each of a plurality of user receiving devices 30
Areas such as area 2, area 3, ... Are formed and a plurality of user receiving devices 30 included in each area.
The user receiving device terminal server 30A is constructed using one of the above. As the user receiving device terminal server 30A,
The user receiving device 30 having a large memory capacity may be selected from the plurality of user receiving devices 30. The terminal server 30A for each area accesses the broadcasting station server 20.
Connection and access between these servers are performed using a communication line such as a telephone line. Communication between the broadcast station server and the user receiving device is performed by VBI information communication by information multiplex broadcasting.

FIG. 8 shows a communication path between the terminal server and the broadcasting station server in FIG. Terminal server 30
A is informed from the broadcasting device 10 of the broadcasting station server of a certain period of operation as a terminal server by the VBI information of the information multiplex broadcasting. At this time, the terminal server 30A receives an access from another user receiving device 30. After this time, the terminal server 30A accesses the broadcasting station server 20. With such a configuration, the broadcasting station server 20
It is possible to reduce the number of servers that access to, and to significantly reduce the line capacity.

Next, an embodiment of the operation in FIGS. 7 and 8 will be described. As a first embodiment, in order to check the operation status of the terminal server 30A, the broadcasting apparatus 10 accesses the broadcasting station server 20 of the broadcasting apparatus 10 to the terminal server 30A as VBI multiplex information by information multiplex broadcasting. Send information to command. Based on the command information, when the terminal server 30A is in operation, it is informed that the terminal server 30A is in operation through a communication line such as a telephone line.
Notify the broadcast station server 20 of 0. The broadcasting station server 2
0 determines which operating terminal server is used as the terminal server based on the operation information of the terminal server 30A.

As a second embodiment, the operating configuration pattern of the terminal server 30A for each area of the broadcasting station server 20 is created and held in the broadcasting station server 20 in advance. That is, in the broadcasting station server 20, a terminal server pattern to be a terminal server for each area is created and held in advance. This pattern information is sent to the user receiving device 30 during the idle time of the communication line. The receiving device 30 stores the transmitted pattern information as database band information.
Then, the broadcasting device 10 sends, to the user receiving device 30, information about which terminal server configuration pattern is used as the multiplex information by the information multiplex broadcasting. In the receiving device 30, the terminal server to be accessed is determined based on the pattern information instructed in the information multiplex broadcasting and the configuration pattern information sent in advance through the communication line. The user receiving device 30A that has become the terminal server is notified of time information that will be the terminal server by access from the broadcast station server 20 and information multiplex broadcasting from the broadcasting device 10. The terminal server 30A is accessed from another receiving device 30, and the terminal server 30A is accessed.
A accesses the broadcasting station server 20. When access is restricted by the broadcasting station server 20, it is possible to restrict access by using the terminal server in each area as one unit.

Next, the configuration in the case where the number of user receiving devices further increases and the number of terminal servers also increases will be described.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration among the terminal server, the present server, and the broadcasting station server in the seventh embodiment of the interactive broadcasting system according to the present invention.

In FIG. 9, in order to reduce the load on the communication line such as the telephone line in the server 20, the user receiving device 30
A part (some) of these is used as a child server / combined machine (hereinafter referred to as a receiving device terminal server, or simply a terminal server). Area 1 for each of a plurality of user receiving devices 30
Areas such as area 2, area 3, ... Are formed and a plurality of user receiving devices 30 included in each area.
The user receiving device terminal server 30A is constructed using one of the above. As the user receiving device terminal server 30A,
The user receiving device 30 having a large memory capacity may be selected from the plurality of user receiving devices 30. The terminal servers 30A for each area are bundled together and connected to the main server 30B so that the main server 30B can access the broadcasting station server 20. Connection and access between these servers are performed using a communication line such as a telephone line. Communication between the broadcast station server and the user receiving device is performed by VBI information communication by information multiplex broadcasting.

FIG. 10 shows a communication path between the terminal server, this server and the broadcasting station server in FIG. The terminal server 30A is informed from the broadcasting device of the broadcasting station server of the fixed time of operation as the terminal server by the information of the information multiplex broadcasting. At this time, the terminal server 30A receives access from another user receiving device 30. After this time, the terminal server 30A accesses the main server 30B, and then the main server 30B accesses the broadcasting station server 20. With such a configuration, the number of servers that access the broadcasting station server 20 can be reduced, and the line capacity can be significantly reduced.

Next, an embodiment of the operation in FIGS. 9 and 10 will be described. As a first embodiment, in order to check the operation status of the terminal server 30A, the broadcasting device 10
From the broadcast station server 20 of the broadcasting device 10 to the terminal server 30A as VBI multiplex information by information multiplex broadcasting.
Send information that directs you to access. Based on the command information, when the terminal server 30A is in operation, the fact that the terminal server 30A is in operation is confirmed by a communication line such as a telephone line.
Let B know. The server 30B is the terminal server 30.
The operation information of A determines which terminal server in operation is used as the terminal server.

As a second embodiment, this server 30B
In addition, the terminal server 3 for each area for the server 30B
An operating configuration pattern of 0A is created and held in advance. That is, a terminal server pattern to be a terminal server for each area is created and stored in the server 30B in advance. This pattern information is sent to the user receiving device 30 when the communication line is idle.
Send to The receiving device 30 stores the transmitted pattern information as database band information. Then, the broadcasting device 10 sends, to the user receiving device 30, information about which terminal server configuration pattern is used as the multiplex information by the information multiplex broadcasting. In the receiving device 30, the terminal server to be accessed is determined based on the pattern information instructed in the information multiplex broadcasting and the configuration pattern information sent in advance through the communication line. The user receiving device 30A that has become the terminal server is notified of time information that will be the terminal server by access from the server 30B and information multiplex broadcasting from the broadcasting device 10. The terminal server 30A is accessed from another receiving device 30, and this terminal server 30A accesses this server 30B. When the access is restricted by the server 30B, it is possible to restrict the access by using the terminal server for each area as one unit.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention, means for automatically restricting access to the broadcasting station server is provided, so that general viewers can participate in real-time programs such as prize programs and applied programs. If the access is denied, the user can be notified of the reason for the refusal and the method of enabling the acceptance. Furthermore, by using a part of the user receiving device as a terminal server, it is possible to reduce the load on the communication line such as the telephone line at the broadcasting station server.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an interactive broadcasting system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a first part of an acceptance restriction system for the server of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a second part of the acceptance restriction system in the server of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a third part of the acceptance restriction system for the server of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment.

5 is a fourth part of the acceptance restriction system for the server of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment.

6 is a fifth part of the acceptance restriction system for the server of FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a sixth embodiment of an interactive broadcasting system according to the present invention.

8 is a diagram showing a communication path of the broadcasting system of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a seventh embodiment of an interactive broadcasting system according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a communication path of the broadcasting system of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a viewer participation method in a conventional broadcasting system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 ... Broadcasting device 11 ... VBI multiplexing device 12 ... Video transmitter 13 ... Audio transmitter 14 ... RF mixer 16 ... Transmitting antenna 20 ... Broadcasting station server 30 ... Receiving device 31 ... Receiving antenna 32 ... Receiving circuit 33 ... VBI decoder 33a ... key input means 34 ... control circuit 35 ... memory 36 ... video synthesizing circuit 37 ... audio synthesizing circuit 38 ... television receiver 40 ... communication line

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. An information-multiplexed broadcast signal, in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed, is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server, and is received by a receiving device. In an interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or is accessed through a communication line, when the server restricts access from the receiving device, the server once accepts all accesses,
An interactive broadcasting system comprising means for automatically selecting which of the received access is processed. 2. An information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server, and this is received by a receiver, and the receiver receives the multiplexed information as a basis. In an interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or is accessed through a communication line, when the server restricts access from the receiving device, the server once accepts all accesses, and then the acceptance Among the accesses, as a means for automatically selecting which access to process, a random number generator provided in the server, and a random number restriction as multiplex information by information multiplex broadcasting from the broadcasting device to the receiving device. Means for sending information, means for sending the random number restriction information received by the receiving device to the server through the communication line, A means for selecting the received access information based on a match / mismatch between the random number information from the random number generator and the random number restriction information sent from the broadcasting device via the receiving device. Characteristic interactive broadcasting system. 3. An information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server, and this is received by a receiving device, and the receiving device uses the multiplexed information as a basis. In an interactive broadcasting system in which a server of the broadcasting device is accessed or accessed through a communication line, when the server restricts access from the receiving device, which access is processed when the access is made An interactive broadcasting system comprising means for automatically selecting whether or not to confirm the contract contents of the user, accepting access when the contract is satisfied, and rejecting reception when the contract is not satisfied. 4. The interactive broadcasting system according to claim 3, further comprising means for sending information explaining the reason for refusal of acceptance and the method of subscribing to the contract to the receiving device through a communication line when the contract is not satisfied. An interactive broadcasting system characterized by. 5. An information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server, and this is received by a receiver, and the receiver receives the multiplexed information as a basis. In an interactive broadcasting system in which a server of the broadcasting device is accessed or is accessed through a communication line, when the server restricts access from the receiving device, a means for restricting access by a reception time limit is provided. An interactive broadcasting system characterized by. 6. The interactive broadcasting system according to claim 5, wherein the reception time limit is the start and / or the end of the reception time. 7. An information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server, and is received by a receiver, and the receiver receives the multiplexed information based on the information. In an interactive broadcasting system in which a server of the broadcasting device is accessed or accessed through a communication line, a means for limiting access by limiting the number of receptions is provided when the server restricts access from the receiving device. An interactive broadcasting system characterized by. 8. The interactive broadcasting system according to claim 7, wherein the restriction on the number of receptions is a restriction on a first-come-first-served basis. 9. The interactive broadcasting system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein when the server refuses access due to a reception time limit, a reception number limit, etc. An interactive broadcasting system, further comprising means for sending to the receiving device through a communication line. 10. An information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server,
This is received by the receiving device, and in the receiving device, in the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or accessed through the communication line based on the multiplexed information, When limiting access, the server accepts all accesses once, and at that time accepts only the user identification information, and the server selects an access user based on the user identification information, and selects the receiving device for the selected reception device. An interactive broadcasting system comprising: means for accessing from the server to obtain information from a user. 11. An information-multiplexed broadcast signal obtained by multiplexing information different from a broadcast signal is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server,
This is received by the receiving device, and in the receiving device, in the interactive broadcasting system in which the server of the broadcasting device is accessed or accessed through the communication line based on the multiplexed information, If you want to restrict access, after accepting all access once on the server,
It is provided with means for sending an acceptance number to the receiving device through a communication line, and means for selecting the acceptance number at the broadcasting device and sending the selection result to the receiving device as multiplexed information by information multiplex broadcasting. Interactive broadcasting system. 12. An information-multiplexed broadcast signal obtained by multiplexing information different from a broadcast signal is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server,
In an interactive broadcasting system in which this is received by a receiving device, and the receiving device accesses or is accessed by the server of the broadcasting device through a communication line based on the multiplexed information, Means for sending to the receiving device during the idle time of the communication line, and in the receiving device, access to the server based on the agreement / disagreement between the contract information transmitted and the multiplex information from the information multiplex broadcasting. And an interactive broadcasting system characterized by comprising means for limiting. 13. An information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server,
In an interactive broadcasting system in which the receiving device receives this, and the receiving device accesses or is accessed by the server of the broadcasting device through the communication line based on the multiplexed information, the burden of the communication line on the server In order to reduce the above, a part of the receiving device is used as a terminal server, and in order to check the operating status of the terminal server, the broadcasting device sends the information to the terminal server as multiple information by information multiplex broadcasting. Means for sending information instructing access to the server of the device, and means for notifying the server of the broadcasting device via a communication line that the terminal server is in operation when the terminal server is in operation, based on the instruction information. An interactive broadcasting system comprising: 14. The interactive broadcasting system according to claim 13, further comprising means provided in the server of the broadcasting apparatus and determining which terminal server in operation is used as the terminal server, based on operation information of the terminal server. An interactive broadcasting system that is further equipped. 15. An information-multiplexed broadcast signal in which information different from a broadcast signal is multiplexed is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server,
In an interactive broadcasting system in which the receiving device receives this, and the receiving device accesses or is accessed by the server of the broadcasting device through the communication line based on the multiplexed information, the burden of the communication line on the server In order to reduce the above, the configuration is such that a part of the receiving device is used as a terminal server, means for preliminarily creating and holding an operating configuration pattern of the terminal server for each area for the server of the broadcasting device, and the pattern information Means for sending to the receiving device in the idle time of the communication line, means for storing the pattern information sent to the receiving device as database band information, and which terminal server configuration from the broadcasting device as multiplexed information by information multiplexed broadcasting Means for sending information on whether to use a pattern to the receiving device, and sending to the receiving device. Means for deciding a terminal server to be accessed from the broadcasting device based on the terminal server configuration pattern and previously sent configuration pattern information; and accessing the determined terminal server from another receiving device to perform the decision. An interactive broadcasting system, characterized in that the terminal server is provided with means for accessing the server of the broadcasting device. 16. The interactive broadcasting system according to claim 15, further comprising means for restricting access on a terminal server unit (area unit) basis when access is restricted on the server of the broadcasting device. system. 17. An information-multiplexed broadcast signal obtained by multiplexing information different from a broadcast signal is transmitted from a broadcast device equipped with a server,
In an interactive broadcasting system in which the receiving device receives this, and the receiving device accesses or is accessed by the server of the broadcasting device through the communication line based on the multiplexed information, the burden of the communication line on the server In order to reduce the above, a configuration is used in which a part of the receiving device is used as a terminal server, and further, a configuration is used in which some of the terminal servers are bundled by this server to access the server of the transmitting device, In order to check, the broadcasting device, as multiplex information by information multiplex broadcasting, means for sending information for instructing the terminal server to access the server of the transmitting device, and based on the command information, the terminal server When it is in operation, it has a means for notifying the server that it is in operation via a communication line. An interactive broadcasting system characterized by. 18. The interactive broadcasting system according to claim 17, further comprising means provided in the main server for determining which terminal server in operation is used as the terminal server based on the operation information of the terminal server. An interactive broadcasting system that features 19. An information-multiplexed broadcast signal obtained by multiplexing information different from a broadcast signal is transmitted from a broadcasting device equipped with a server,
In an interactive broadcasting system in which the receiving device receives this, and the receiving device accesses or is accessed by the server of the broadcasting device through the communication line based on the multiplexed information, the burden of the communication line on the server In order to reduce the above, a configuration is used in which a part of the receiving device is used as a terminal server, and further, a configuration is used in which several terminal servers are bundled by the main server to access the server of the transmitting device, and an area for the main server is provided. Means for preliminarily creating and holding the operating configuration pattern of each terminal server, means for sending this pattern information to the receiving device during the idle time of the communication line, and database pattern for sending the pattern information sent to the receiving device. Means for accumulating as information, and which terminal from the broadcasting device as multiplexed information by information multiplexed broadcasting Determining a terminal server to be accessed based on means for sending to the receiving device information on whether to use a server configuration pattern, the terminal server configuration pattern sent to the receiving device, and previously sent configuration pattern information. An interactive broadcasting system comprising: a means for accessing the determined terminal server from another receiving device, and a means for allowing the determined terminal server to access the main server. 20. The interactive broadcasting system according to claim 19, further comprising means for restricting access on a terminal server basis (area basis) when the main server restricts access.