CN1816982B - Information providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

A server receives a call sign from a client terminal CT to identify a currently received radio station RS. There is provided state information which indicates states of an information provision service associated with the radio station RS corresponding to the call sign. At least when the information provision service is available, the server sends the state information as well as a URL corresponding to the information provision service to the client terminal CT. In this manner, the client terminal CT can be provided with not only the state information indicative of states of the information provision service associated with the radio station RS, but also the URL corresponding to the information provision service. A user can be clearly notified of service states of an information provision service prior to access to the information provision service.

Description

Information provision method

technical field

The present invention relates to an information providing method which can provide, for example, status information indicating an information providing service associated with a wireless program to a client from a specified server through a network.

Background technique

Typically, radio receivers are used in audio stereo reproduction systems such as multi-function stereo systems and separate stereo components, portable audio systems, car audio systems, and the like. Radios receive and demodulate broadcast signals broadcast from radio stations, and allow users to listen to programs and musical compositions.

On the other hand, radio stations publish various information on their programs on Internet home pages. For example, radio stations transmit broadcast signals to listeners and are provided with music piece information on broadcast music pieces such as their titles, artist names, and CD names and numbers on which the music pieces are recorded.

An audio reproducing apparatus has been proposed as a client terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-274302), which has a function realized in the same system that simultaneously performs listening to radio programs and obtaining information on musical pieces. Radio reception function and Internet connection function.

The audio reproducing system allows a user to listen to a program from an audio reproducing device, and obtain music composition information from a related information providing server. The musical composition information includes information such as title, artist name, and musical composition played in the program.

When listening to a radio program using an audio reproduction device, the user can access a homepage related to the radio program to obtain musical composition information on musical compositions aired on the radio program. However, the homepage may not provide services that can provide information on musical compositions. In this case, the home page displays a message such as "failure to acquire musical piece information".

Based on this message alone, the user cannot determine the reason for the failure to obtain the music composition information, whether the network information flow is blocked, whether there is no service providing music composition information, or whether the infrastructure or related information providing server is faulty. For example, there has been a problem with repeatedly sending requests for information about musical compositions.

Contents of the invention

The present invention has been made in relation to the foregoing. It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose an information providing method capable of providing the status of an information providing service before accessing an associated information providing server that provides the information providing service.

To solve the above problem, the information providing method according to the present invention includes the steps of: receiving broadcast station identification information for identifying a currently received broadcast station from the broadcast receiver; The state information of the state of the information providing service, and the address corresponding to the information providing service are transmitted to the broadcast receiver.

The broadcast receiver has not only information indicating the status of the information providing service associated with the broadcasting station but also an address corresponding to the information providing service. The user can be clearly informed about the service status of the information providing service before accessing the information providing service.

The information providing apparatus according to the present invention includes: receiving means for receiving broadcast station identification information for identifying a currently received broadcast station from a broadcast receiver; Status information on the status of the information providing service related to the broadcasting station, and an address corresponding to the information providing service are transmitted to the broadcasting receiver.

The broadcast receiver has not only status information indicating the status of the information providing service associated with the radio station, but also an address corresponding to the information providing service. The user can be clearly informed about the service status of the information providing service before accessing the information providing service.

The information provision scheme according to the present invention allows the information processing apparatus to perform the steps of: receiving, from the broadcast receiver, broadcast station identification information for identifying a currently received broadcast station; and indicating the broadcast station corresponding to the broadcast station identification information Status information of the status of the information providing service, and an address corresponding to the information providing service are transmitted to the broadcast receiver.

The broadcast receiver has not only status information indicating the status of the information providing service associated with the radio station, but also an address corresponding to the information providing service. The user can be clearly informed about the service status of the information providing service before accessing the information providing service.

The information receiving method according to the present invention includes the steps of: transmitting broadcasting station identification information for identifying a currently received broadcasting station; and receiving, from the information providing means, information providing service status indicating the broadcasting station corresponding to the broadcasting station identification information The state information of , and the address corresponding to the information providing service.

The broadcast station identification information is used to identify the currently received broadcast station. The client terminal transmits the broadcasting station identification information to the information providing device. In this manner, the client terminal may receive from the information providing device: status information indicating a status of an information providing service associated with a broadcasting station; and an address corresponding to the information providing service. It is possible to be clearly informed about the status of the information providing service before accessing the information providing service.

The information receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes: transmitting means for transmitting broadcasting station identification information for identifying a currently received broadcasting station to the information providing means; and receiving means for receiving from the information providing means an instruction corresponding to The broadcasting station identification information is the state information of the information providing service state related to the broadcasting station, and the address corresponding to the information providing service.

The broadcast station identification information is used to identify the currently received broadcast station. The client terminal transmits the broadcasting station identification information to the information providing device. In this manner, the client terminal can receive the following information from the information providing device: status information indicating a status of an information providing service associated with a broadcasting station; and an address corresponding to the information providing service. It is possible to be clearly informed about the status of the information providing service before accessing the information providing service.

The information receiving plan according to the present invention allows the information processing device to perform the steps of: transmitting broadcasting station identification information for identifying a currently received broadcasting station to the information providing device; and receiving an indication and corresponding broadcasting station identification information from the information providing device The status information of the broadcasting station related to the status of the information providing service, and the address corresponding to the information providing service.

The broadcast station identification information is used to identify the currently received broadcast station. The client terminal transmits the broadcasting station identification information to the information providing device. In this manner, the client terminal may receive from the information providing device: status information indicating a status of an information providing service associated with a broadcasting station; and an address corresponding to the information providing service. It is possible to be clearly informed about the status of the information providing service before accessing the information providing service.

According to the present invention, a broadcast receiver has not only status information indicating the status of an information providing service associated with a broadcasting station, but also an address corresponding to the information providing service. It is thereby possible to realize an information providing method, an information providing apparatus, and an information providing plan capable of allowing the user to notice the service status of the information providing service before accessing the information providing service.

According to the present invention, broadcast station identification information is used to identify a currently received broadcast station. The client terminal transmits the broadcasting station identification information to the information providing device. In this manner, the client terminal may receive from the information providing device: status information indicating a status of an information providing service associated with a broadcasting station; and an address corresponding to the information providing service. It is thereby possible to realize an information providing method, an information providing apparatus, and an information providing plan capable of allowing the user to notice the service status of the information providing service before accessing the information providing service.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an information providing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a radio station;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a URL providing server;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a related information providing server;

5 is a schematic block diagram showing a client terminal circuit configuration;

6 is a schematic diagram illustrating catalog management of content;

7 is a schematic diagram illustrating program modules of a client terminal;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state information provision sequence in which it is uncertain whether a URL is available;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a status information screen;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a status information providing sequence for determining whether a URL is available;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a musical composition information providing sequence according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a program information providing sequence according to the present invention;

13 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a functional circuit block using a client terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

14 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a functional circuit block using a portal server;

15 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a functional circuit block using a radio broadcast information delivery server;

FIG. 16 is a sequence chart showing user authorization processing between the client terminal and the portal server;

FIG. 17 is a sequence chart showing user authorization processing between a client terminal and a service providing server;

FIG. 18 is a sequence chart showing radio broadcast information (playlist information) delivery service providing processing; and

FIG. 19 is a sequence chart showing radio broadcast information (now broadcast information) delivery service providing processing;

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

first embodiment

Overall configuration of the information provision system

As shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 designates an information providing system constituting the present invention as a whole. The client terminal CT receives broadcasts from the radio station RS.

In the information providing system 1, a radio station RS is connected to a related information providing server KS including a computer. Use a dedicated line for this connection. Instead of the radio station RS, the relevant information provider server RS provides the home page of the radio station RS. In response to an acquisition request from the client terminal CT, the related information providing server KS can provide musical piece information as related information related to broadcasting of related musical pieces from the radio station RS through a network 2 such as the Internet.

In the information providing system 1, the URL providing server 3 including a computer knows URL (Unified Source Locator) information indicating the access purpose of the information providing service provided by the information providing server KS using a home page or the like.

If a change is made in the URL indicating the access purpose of the information providing service, the URL providing server 3 manages the changed URL according to the notification from the related information providing server KS. The URL providing server 3 can provide the latest URL related to the access purpose of the information providing service provided by the radio station RS in response to an inquiry from the client terminal CT.

Since wireless broadcasting has a limited reception area, the same frequency can be shared among multiple areas. For example, the 80.0MHz frequency can be used as Tokyo FM in the Tokyo metropolitan area while being used as Aomori FM in the Tohoku area.

Accordingly, the client terminal CT cannot specify the radio station RS by merely specifying the frequency for the URL providing server 3 . The client terminal CT also notifies the URL providing server 3 of specific information called a call sign to designate the radio station RS. In this manner, the client terminal CT receives the URL from the URL providing server 3 reliably. As described above, the URL indicates the access purpose of the information providing service provided by the radio station RS.

Configuration of Radio Station RS

As shown in FIG. 2, the radio station RS includes a control section 70 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control section 70 uses a ROM (Read Only Memory) 71 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 72 to start a basic program such as an OS (Operating System) and various application programs. Based on these programs, the control section 70 controls the entire system in a unified manner. The radio station performs processing such as program broadcasting from the broadcast transmission section 73 to the client terminal CT through the antenna 74 .

The radio station RS uses a content database 74 to store a large amount of content such as recorded programs and musical compositions to be played on the program. Radio station RS broadcasts programs according to the program schedule and broadcasts the content of musical compositions in the programs on demand.

In this case, the radio station RS uses the data communication processing section 76 to notify the related information providing server KS that a musical composition is broadcast in the program. Furthermore, the radio station RS informs the relevant information provider KS which program is being broadcast.

URL provides configuration for server 3

As shown in FIG. 3, the URL providing server 3 includes a control section 80 including a CPU. The control section 80 uses the ROM 81 and RAM 82 to start basic programs such as OS and various application programs. Based on these programs, the URL providing server 3 performs overall control, specifying operations, and the like.

The URL providing server 3 receives the call sign from the client terminal CT, and then the server 3 searches the URL storage database 83 to find out the URL of the home page serving the information provided by the radio station RS corresponding to the call sign. The URL providing server 3 replies the URL to the client terminal CT through the data communication processing section 84 .

The URL providing server 3 is also connected to the related information providing server KS (FIG. 1). The URL providing server 3 receives the status information indicating the service status in the related information providing server KS through the data communication processing section 84 . The URL providing server 3 provides the status information and the URL to the client terminal CT.

Related Information Provides Server Configuration

As shown in FIG. 4, the related information providing server KS includes a control section 90 including a CPU. The control section 90 uses the ROM 91 and RAM 92 to start basic programs such as OS and various application programs. Based on these programs, the related information providing server KS performs overall control, specified operations, and the like.

For example, the related information providing server KS searches the musical composition information database 93 for musical composition information related to the broadcast of the musical composition in the program of the radio station RS. The related information providing server KS provides musical composition information as related information to the client terminal CT through the data communication processing section 95 .

Furthermore, the related information providing server KS searches the information database 94 for program information related to performers, DJ names, program genres, etc. associated with the program broadcast of the radio station RS. The related information providing server KS provides program information as related information to the client terminal CT through the data communication processing section 95 .

Circuit Configuration of Client Terminal CT

As shown in FIG. 5 , CPU 11 of client terminal CT reads basic programs such as OS and various application programs from ROM 13 connected via bus 12 , and expands the programs in RAM 20 . Based on these programs, the CPU 11 performs overall control, specified operations, and the like. For example, the CUP 11 performs communication operations through the network 2, user-related input/output operations, reproduction of content from media, writing of content downloaded from the radio station RS to a hard disk drive (HDD) 21, content management, and the like.

The operation input section 15 sends input information to the input processing section 14 . The input information corresponds to the operation of various operating devices provided on the surface of the main part case, or a remote controller (not shown). The output processing section 14 applies specific processing to input information and sends it to the CPU 11 as an operation command. The CPU 11 executes processing corresponding to the operation command.

The display 17 represents a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and may be directly attached to the surface of the main part cabinet, or be connected externally. The display 17 displays processing results from the CPU 11 and various other information.

The media drive 19 reproduces, for example, a CD (Compact Disc) or a Memory Stick (registered trademark) including a flash memory or the like. The audio data processing section 24 performs digital-to-analog conversion on the reproduced result which is then output from the 2-channel loudspeaker 25 .

When the CPU 11 reproduces data such as audio content of a musical composition via the media drive 19, the audio content data may be stored in the hard disk drive 21 as an audio data file.

In addition, the CPU 11 uses the media drive 19 to read a plurality of still pictures stored in the Memory Stick. These still pictures can be displayed as a slide show on the display 17 by the display processing section 16 .

Furthermore, the CPU 11 can arbitrarily access and read a plurality of musical compositions stored in the hard disk drive 21, reproducing the musical compositions in an order designated by the user like a jukebox.

For example, the tuner section 27 is the equivalent of an AM and FM radio tuner. The tuner section 27 demodulates the broadcast signal received at the antenna 26 under the control of the CPU 11. The result as broadcast audio is delivered to the audio data processing section 24 and output from the loudspeaker 25 .

The communication processing section 22 encodes transmission data under the control of the CPU 11 . The communication processing section 22 uses the network interface 23 to transmit data to an external network-compatible device via the network 2 . The communication processing device 22 uses the network interface 23 to receive data from an external network compatible device and decode the received data. The communication processing section 22 then transmits the decoded data to the CPU 11 .

Directory management of content

The CPU 11 of the client terminal CT manages the content stored in the hard disk drive 21 according to the directory structure shown in FIG. 6 . Any number of "folder" directories are created within the specified range under the "root" directory. "Folder" directories are created based on content type, owner user, and so on.

Under the "folder" directory, any number of "album" directories are created within a specified range. For example, the "album" directory corresponds to one album title. The "album" directory stores one or more "track" files belonging to the "album" directory. That is, an "track" file is the equivalent of a musical composition, ie a content.

The database file is stored in the hard disk drive 21 and used for catalog management of content.

Program module configuration of client terminal CT

As shown in FIG. 7, the client terminal CT includes program modules operating under the OS. Specifically, the client terminal CT interacts with various servers such as a CD distribution server 31 that sells CDs, an Internet radio server 32, a music delivery operation server 33, a general service server 34, and a related information providing server KS.

The HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) message program 36 communicates using HTTP to communicate with, for example, a CD distribution server 31 that sells CDs, an Internet radio server 32, a music delivery operation server 33, a general service server 34 that provides general services, and related information providing servers Various servers of KS interact. The communicator program 37 is a program module that exchanges data with the HTTP message program 36 .

On the communicator program 37 , there are a content reproduction module 38 and a copyright protection information management module 39 . The content reproduction module 38 parses the codec information of the content and reproduces the content. The copyright protection information management module 39 handles information on copyright protection. The content reproduction module 38 and the copyright protection information management module 39 correspond to the Internet radio channel selection/reproduction module 43 and the musical composition purchase/reproduction module 44, respectively. The Internet radio channel selection/reproduction module 43 selects and reproduces an Internet radio channel. The musical composition purchase/reproduction module 44 controls the purchase of musical compositions and reproduces samples.

An XML (Extensible Markup Language) browser 50 is located on top of the Internet radio channel selection/reproduction module 43 and the musical piece purchase/reproduction module 44. The XML browser 50 parses XML files from various servers and displays them on the display 17 .

For example, the user selects a musical composition using the XML browser 50 . The selected musical composition is purchased through the musical composition purchase/reproduction module 44, and is written into the hard disk drive 21 through the hard disk content controller 42.

The communicator program 37 is connected to the verification program library 47A of the program library 47 . The authentication library 47A authenticates various servers such as the overall service server 34 .

On the communicator program 37 , there are a database access module 40 , a content data access module 41 , and a hard disk content controller 42 .

The database access module 40 accesses various databases arranged in the hard disk drive 21 . The content data access module 41 accesses content stored in the hard disk drive 21 . The hard disk content controller 42 manages the contents stored in the hard disk drive 21 .

On the hard disk content controller 42, there is a related information display module 45 and a tuner selection/reproduction/recording module 46. The related information display module 45 displays the title and artist name of the music composition broadcast by the radio station RS. The tuner selection/reproduction/recording module 46 selects the radio station RS and records the content of the musical composition received from the radio station RS on the hard disk drive 21 .

For example, when a musical composition is received from a radio station RS selected through the hard disk user interface 50 , the received musical composition is written into the hard disk 21 through the content data access module 41 .

The related information display module 45 receives related information from the related information providing server KS through the HTTP message program 36 . The relevant information includes the title and artist name of the current musical composition broadcast by the radio station RS corresponding to the tuner selection/reproduction/recording module 46 . Relevant information is displayed on the display 17 via an audio user interface (UI) 51 .

The related information can not only be displayed on the display 17 through the audio user interface 51, but also be temporarily stored in the clip library 47B of the library 47. According to user instructions, relevant information is finally stored in the hard disk drive 21 through the database access module 40 .

Other program modules for the client terminal CT include a CD reproduction module 48 and an HDD reproduction module 49 . The CD reproduction module 48 reproduces CDs. The HDD reproduction module 49 reproduces the hard disk drive 21 . The reproduction result is output through the audio data processing section 24 and the loudspeaker 25 .

Status information provision sequence of information provision service

Radio Station RS offers a homepage as one of its information provision services. The URL providing server 3 provides the latest and most accurate URL of the home page to the client terminal CT via the network 2 . Meanwhile, the client terminal CT has the status of information providing service. Status information provision processing is used for this purpose. The status information providing processing is described below.

Does not determine the status information supply sequence of URL availability

In step SP31 shown in FIG. 8, the related information providing server KS provides the homepage of the radio station RS through the network 2. The home page may be served, may be discontinued, or may be left on. In this case, the related information providing server RS delivers these services to the URL providing server 3 as status information.

The related information providing server KS can also deliver other status information such as information about the related information providing server KS, the home page URL of the radio station RS, and other additional messages.

In step SP41, the URL providing server 3 identifies status information from the related information providing server KS, ie, information about the related information providing server KS, the home page URL of the radio station RS, the service status of the home page, and other additional information. The URL providing server 3 stores the status information in the URL storage database 83 ( FIG. 3 ), and then proceeds to the next step SP42.

In step SP51, the client terminal CT issues a URL acquisition request to the URL providing server 3, thereby accessing the radio by sending the call sign of the specified radio station RS and user information (user ID, password, authentication session ID, etc.) to the URL providing server 3. Desk RS's homepage. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP52.

In step 42, the URL providing server 3 specifies the radio station RS based on the call sign from the client terminal CT. The URL providing server 3 reads the status information corresponding to the designated radio station RS from the URL storage database 83 . The URL providing server 3 provides status information to the client terminal CT via the network 2 . At the same time, the URL providing server 3 authenticates the user information sent from the client terminal CT. This will be described in more detail later with reference to the second embodiment.

At step SP52, the client terminal CT obtains status information from the URL providing server 3 and displays it on the display 17 to inform the user about the status of the information providing service. Furthermore, the client terminal CT temporarily stores the status information provision URL of the status information in the RAM 20 and the HDD 21 referring to the call sign. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP53.

As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the client terminal CT displays a status information screen on the display 17 to inform the user about the status of the information providing service. More specifically, the URL display area 101 shows a URL to indicate an access purpose of the home page of the radio station RS. The status information display area 102 shows the availability of the information providing service using a message such as "Information providing service is available from the homepage". The additional message display area 103 shows an additional message such as "The service is stopped from 2:00 to 5:00 am on the Δ day of o due to regular maintenance".

At step SP53, the client terminal CT determines whether or not the information providing service is performed based on the content of the state information. The client terminal CT proceeds to the next step SP54 only if it is determined that the information providing service is executed. When the status information includes a status information providing URL, for example, the client terminal CT determines that the information providing service is performed.

If it is determined in step SP54 that the information providing service is executed, the client terminal CT accesses the temporarily stored status information providing URL, ie, the home page of the information providing service. The client terminal CT issues a request to the related information providing server KS to obtain related information related to broadcasts of programs and musical compositions from the radio station RS.

In step SP32, the related information providing server KS provides related information related to programs and musical compositions through the network 2 in response to the acquisition request from the client terminal CT. Meanwhile, the related information providing server KS performs authentication based on the user information transmitted from the client terminal CT. This will be described in more detail later with reference to the second embodiment.

State information provisioning sequence to determine URL availability

In step SP61 shown in FIG. 10, the related information providing server KS operates similarly to step SP31. The home page may be served, may be discontinued, or may be preserved. In this case, the related information providing server KS transmits these service states to the URL providing server 3 as state information.

The related information providing server KS may also deliver other status information such as information related to the related information providing server KS, the home page URL of the radio station RS, and additional messages.

In step SP71, the URL providing server 3 identifies status information provided from the related information providing server KS, that is, information such as information related to the related information providing server KS, the home page URL of the radio station RS, the service status of the home page, and additional messages. Provides service status information. The URL providing server 3 stores the status information in the URL storage database 83 ( FIG. 3 ), and then proceeds to the next step SP72.

In step SP81, the client terminal CT issues a URL acquisition request to the URL providing server 3, thereby accessing the radio by sending the call sign of the specified radio station RS and user information (user ID, password, authentication session ID, etc.) to the URL providing server 3. Desk RS's homepage. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP82.

In step 72, the URL providing server 3 specifies the radio station RS based on the call sign from the client terminal CT. The URL providing server 3 reads the status information corresponding to the designated radio station RS from the URL storage database 83 . The URL providing server 3 determines whether the status information contains the URL of the home page provided by the radio station RS. If the result is negative, the URL providing server 3 proceeds to the next step SP73. At the same time, the URL providing server 3 authenticates the user information sent from the client terminal CT. This will be described in more detail later with reference to the second embodiment.

At step SP73, it is determined that no URL is included in the state information. This indicates that the information providing service is currently unavailable and no home page exists. At the same time, the URL providing server 3 adds a message indicating that the information providing service is unavailable, such as "The home page currently does not provide the information providing service" to the status information. The URL providing server 3 provides the status information to the client terminal CT.

If the result is affirmative in step SP72, the URL providing server 3 proceeds to the next step SP74. The URL providing server 3 provides the status information read from the URL storage database 83 to the client terminal CT via the network 2, and then proceeds to the next step SP75.

At step SP82, the client terminal CT acquires status information from the URL providing server 3 and displays it on the display 17 to inform the user about the status of the information providing service. Furthermore, the client terminal CT temporarily stores the state information provision URL of the state information in RAM20 and HDD21 referring to the call sign. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP83.

Let us assume that at step SP73, status information including a message indicating that the information providing service is unavailable is provided. The client terminal CT displays on the display 17 a message such as "The home page currently does not provide information providing services".

On the other hand, let us assume that at step SP74, status information including URL is provided. The client terminal CT displays a status information screen 100 (FIG. 9) on the display 17 to visually inform the user in advance about the status of the information providing service. More specifically, the status information screen 100 displays a URL to indicate the purpose of access to the homepage of the radio station RS, the availability of information providing services from the homepage, and information such as "Due to regular maintenance, the service is stopped from 2:00 to 5:00 in the morning on the Δ day of o." " additional message.

In step SP83, the client terminal CT determines whether or not the information providing service is performed based on the content of the state information. The client terminal CT proceeds to the next step SP84 only if it is determined that the information providing service is executed.

If it is determined in step SP84 that the information providing service is executed, the client terminal CT accesses the temporarily stored status information providing URL, ie, the home page of the information providing service. The client terminal CT issues a request to the related information providing server KS to obtain related information related to broadcasts of programs and musical compositions from the radio station RS.

In step SP62, the related information providing server KS provides related information related to programs and musical compositions through the network 2 in response to an acquisition request from the client terminal CT. Meanwhile, the related information providing server KS performs authentication based on the user information sent from the client terminal CT. This will be described in more detail later with reference to the second embodiment.

Related Information Provided Sequence

Musical Work Information Provider Sequence

Referring now to FIG. 11, a process will be described below in which the related information providing server KS follows a specified information providing program and uses a homepage to provide related information including musical composition information related to radio station RS musical composition broadcasting to the client terminal CT. .

In step SP101, the radio station RS starts broadcasting the musical composition A in the current program, and then proceeds to the next step SP102.

After starting to play out the musical composition A in step SP102, the radio station RS notifies the related information providing server KS of the state, and then proceeds to the next step SP103.

In step SP111, the related information providing server KS uses the musical composition information database 93 to hold a database of musical composition information associated with musical compositions. More specifically, the musical composition information includes titles and artist names on various types of musical compositions, CD names and numbers on which corresponding compositions are recorded, and the like. It is necessary to provide the client terminal CT with musical composition information associated with the musical composition A notified from the radio station RS. For this purpose, the related information providing server KS updates the previous musical composition information to the musical composition information associated with the musical composition A, and then proceeds to the next step SP112.

In step SP121, the client terminal CT receives the musical composition A broadcast by the radio station RS in step SP101 so that the user can listen to it. In step SP122, the client terminal CT performs inquiry by sending an acquisition request of musical piece information to the related information providing server KS at 30-second intervals. The musical composition information includes the title and artist name associated with the musical composition A. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP123.

The related information providing server KS prepares in advance the musical composition information to be provided. In step SP112, in response to the acquisition request from the client terminal CT, the related information providing server KS provides the client terminal CT with prepared musical piece information related to the musical piece A via the network 2. The related information providing server KS then proceeds to the next step SP113.

In step SP123, the client terminal CT uses the display 17 to display musical composition information related to the musical composition A provided from the related information providing server KS. This allows the user to recognize musical piece information such as title and artist name related to musical piece A in the program. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP124.

In step SP103, the radio station RS stops broadcasting the musical piece A. In step SP104, the radio station RS terminates broadcasting the current program of the musical piece A, starts broadcasting the next program, and then proceeds to the next step SP105.

At step SP105, the radio station RS starts the next broadcast, and at the same time transmits a clear instruction to the related information providing server KS. The purpose is to remove the musical composition information related to the musical composition A broadcast in the previous program from other information retained for provision by the related information providing server KS. The radio station RS then goes to the next step SP106.

In step SP113, the related information providing server KS removes the audio composition information related to the musical composition A from other information held for provision. In doing so, the related information providing server KS clears the musical piece information related to the musical piece A, and then proceeds to the next step SP114.

At step SP124, a time interval of 30 seconds has elapsed since the latest acquisition request. The client terminal CT re-issues the acquisition request of the musical piece information to the related information providing server KS.

In step SP114, the related information providing server KS terminates the broadcast of the previous program of the musical composition A, and starts the next program. At almost the same time, the related information providing server KS clears the musical composition information related to the musical composition A in the previous program from other information to be provided. The related information providing server KS provides empty musical piece information (invalid data) as related information to the client terminal CT, and then proceeds to the next step SP115.

In step SP125, the client terminal CT displays invalid musical composition information on the display 17. That is, no information is displayed on it.

Since no information is displayed on the display 17, the client terminal CT directly informs the user that no musical composition is played in the current broadcast program.

In step SP106, the broadcasting station RS starts broadcasting the musical composition B in the current program. In step SP107, the broadcasting station RS informs the related information providing server KS that the musical piece B has started broadcasting.

In step SP113, the related information providing server KS has cleared the musical piece information related to the musical piece A. Therefore, in step SP115 , the related information providing server KS reads the musical composition information related to the musical composition B from the musical composition information database 93 . The related information providing server KS updates the read musical composition information to the information to be provided, and then proceeds to the next step SP116.

In step SP126, an acquisition request of musical piece information is reissued to the related information providing server KS. In step SP116, the related information providing server KS provides updated musical piece information related to the musical piece B to the client terminal CT. At step SP127, the client terminal CT obtains the musical composition information related to the musical composition B and displays it on the display 17.

In this way, when the radio station RS broadcasts the program, the client terminal CT can obtain the music composition information related to the music composition A or B broadcast in the program from the related information providing server KS. It is possible to prevent the current broadcast program and musical composition information from being displayed with a time difference therebetween.

Program Information Provided Sequence

Referring to FIG. 12, a process is described below in which the related information providing server KS uses a home page to provide the client terminal CT with related information, ie, information associated with programs broadcast from the radio station RS. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the related information providing server KS verifies the user information sent from the client terminal CT in a manner similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 10 . A specific verification technique will be described later.

In step SP201, the radio station RS starts broadcasting the musical composition A in the current program, and then proceeds to the next step SP202.

After the broadcast of the musical piece A starts in step SP202, the radio station RS notifies the related information providing server KS of the state, and then proceeds to the next step SP203.

In step SP211, the related information providing server KS reads the musical composition information associated with the musical composition A from the musical composition information database 93 (FIG. 4). The related information providing server KS prepares to provide the client terminal CT with musical piece information associated with the musical piece A notified from the radio station RS. The related information providing server KS updates the previously reserved musical composition information to information associated with the musical composition A, and then proceeds to the next step SP212.

In step SP212, the client terminal CT receives the musical piece A broadcast by the radio station RS in step SP201 so that the user can listen to it. In step SP222, the client terminal CT performs inquiry by sending an acquisition request for musical piece information to the related information passing server KS at 30-second intervals. The musical composition information includes the title and artist name associated with the musical composition A. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP223.

The related information prepares the musical composition information to be provided in advance through the server KS. In step SP212, in response to the acquisition request from the client terminal CT, the related information providing server KS provides the client terminal CT with prepared musical piece information related to the musical piece A through the network 2. The related information providing server KS then proceeds to the next step SP213.

In step SP223, the client terminal CT uses the display 17 to display the musical composition information related to the musical composition A provided from the related information through the server KS. This allows the user to recognize musical piece information such as the title and artist name related to the musical piece A being broadcast in the current program. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP204.

In step SP203, the radio station RS stops broadcasting the musical piece A. At step SP204, the radio station RS terminates the broadcast of the current program of the musical piece A, starts broadcasting the next program, and then proceeds to the next step SP205.

In step SP205, the radio station RS starts the next broadcast and at the same time informs the related information providing server KS that the next program has started to be broadcast. The radio station RS goes to the next step SP206.

The related information providing server KS uses the musical composition information database 93 to store a plurality of musical composition information. Similarly, the related information providing server KS uses the program information database 94 to store program information associated with a plurality of programs such as program names, DJ names, and the like. In step SP213, the related information providing server KS reads program information associated with a plurality of programs such as program names, DJ names, etc. from the program information database 94. The related information providing server KS then removes the musical composition information related to the musical composition A from the information to be provided. The related information providing server KS updates the program information related to the next program to the information to be provided next, and then proceeds to the next step SP214.

At step SP224, a time interval of 30 seconds has elapsed since the latest acquisition request. The client terminal CT re-issues the acquisition request of the music piece information to the related information providing server KS.

In step SP214, the related information providing server KS reserves the program information associated with the next program as information to be provided next. In addition, the next program has not aired the referenced work B yet. The related information providing server KS provides program information about the next program as related information to the client terminal CT, and then proceeds to step SP215.

In step SP215, the client terminal CT uses the display 17 to display program information associated with the next program, such as program name, DJ name, etc., and then proceeds to step SP226.

Although the radio station RS started airing the next program, the program had not yet started airing the musical composition. The client terminal CT displays the program information of the next program provided from the related information providing server KS until the program starts broadcasting the musical composition.

In step SP206, the radio station RS starts broadcasting the musical composition B in the current program (next program). In step SP207, the radio station RS informs the related information providing server KS that the musical composition B has started broadcasting.

In step SP215, the related information providing server KS reads the musical composition information related to the musical composition B from the musical composition information database 93. The related information providing server KS re-updates the musical piece information related to the musical piece B as information to be provided, and then proceeds to step SP216.

In step SP226, the client terminal CT reissues the acquisition request of the musical piece information to the related information providing server KS within the polling time interval, and then proceeds to step SP227.

In step SP216, the related information providing server KS provides updated musical piece information related to the musical piece B to the client terminal CT. In step SP227, the client terminal CT obtains the musical composition information related to the musical composition B, and displays it on the display 17.

When the current program is changed to the next program that has not yet played music works, the client terminal CT can issue a request for acquiring music work information. In this case, the client terminal CT can obtain program information related to the next program instead of musical composition information, and display the obtained program information on the display 17 . This prevents the display 17 from being blank despite an acquisition request for musical composition information, and informs the user listening to the program of useful information other than musical composition information.

Actions and Effects

According to the above configuration, the URL providing server 3 of the information providing system 1 uses the URL storage database 83 to store the status information provided from the related information providing server KS, that is, the service status related to the related information providing server KS, the home page URL of the radio station RS, and the home page. and other related information.

The URL providing server 3 specifies the radio station RS based on the call sign received from the client terminal CT. The URL providing server 3 reads the state information corresponding to the designated radio station RS from the URL storage database 83, and provides the state information to the client terminal CT.

Meanwhile, the URL may be included in the status information corresponding to the radio station RS designated by the call sign. In this case, the URL providing server 3 may determine that the information providing service is available from the home page provided by the radio station RS. In this case, the client terminal CT has not only the URL of the homepage, but also information about the related information providing server KS, the service status of the homepage, other messages, and the like.

The client terminal CT can use the display 17 to display the home page provided by the radio station RS corresponding to the call sign and inform the user about the purpose of the visit. In addition, the client terminal CT can allow the user to clearly confirm the service status of the home page before accessing the URL.

This is useful when the information providing service cannot be obtained through the home page provided by the radio station RS corresponding to the call sign. The user can confirm in advance that it is impossible to issue an acquisition request for music composition information to the related information providing server KS through the homepage. This makes it possible to eliminate unnecessary operations.

When a URL is included in the status information corresponding to the radio station RS specified by the call sign, the URL providing server 3 determines that no information providing service is available from the home page provided by the radio station RS. The URL providing server 3 provides status information to the client terminal CT to indicate that the information providing service is unavailable by adding information such as "the homepage does not currently provide the information providing service".

Based on the status information obtained from the URL providing server 3, the client terminal CT uses the display 17 to display a message "the home page currently does not provide information providing services". The user can avoid unnecessary operations such as searching the URL provided by the radio station RS.

According to the above configuration, the status information according to the radio station RS specified by the call sign can include the home page provided by the radio station RS. In this case, the URL providing server 3 of the information providing system 1 determines that at least the information providing service is provided through the home page. The URL providing server 3 provides the URL and information related to the related information providing server KS, the service status of the home page, additional messages, etc. to the client terminal CT. In this manner, the user can recognize not only the URL of the homepage through the client terminal CT, but also the service status of the homepage before accessing it.

second embodiment

In the second embodiment, the authentication method between the client terminal 2 and the URL providing server 3, between the client terminal 2 and the related information providing server KS according to the first embodiment described above will be described below. The method of providing related information according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and description is omitted. The client terminal 1002 in FIG. 13 according to the second embodiment corresponds to the client terminal CT in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment described above. The entry server 1003 in FIG. 14 operates as an authentication server and corresponds to the URL providing server 3 in FIG. 1 . The radio station information delivery server 1006 corresponds to the related information providing server KS in FIG. 1 .

Functional circuit block configuration of client terminal

The following describes the hardware configuration of the client terminal 1002 using functional circuit blocks. As shown in FIG. 13, the client terminal 1002 has an operation input section 1020 including various operation buttons provided on a cabinet in the client or a remote controller (not shown). When the user operates the operation input section 1020 , it detects the user's operation and sends an input operation signal corresponding to the operation to the input processing section 1021 .

The input processing part 1021 is supplied with an input operation signal from the operation input part 1020 , converts the signal into a specific operation command, and sends it to the control part 1023 through the bus 1022 .

The control section 1023 is supplied with operation commands and control signals from circuits connected to the bus 1022 . Based on these operation commands and control signals, the control section 1023 controls the operations of these circuits.

The display control section 1024 is supplied with video data through the bus 1022 and applies digital-to-analog conversion to the video data to generate analog video data. The display control section 1024 sends the resulting analog video signal to the display section 1025 .

The display portion 1025 represents a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and may be directly attached to the surface of the main unit case or externally connected.

The display section 1025 is supplied with processing results from the control section 1023 and various video data as analog video signals through the display control section 1024 . The display section 1025 displays video based on the analog video signal.

The audio control section 1026 applies digital-to-analog conversion to audio data provided through the bus 1022 and sends the resulting analog audio signal to the loudspeaker 1027 . The microphone 1027 outputs audio based on the analog audio signal supplied from the audio control section 1026 .

An external recording medium recording and reproducing section 1028 reads and reproduces data from external recording media such as CD and Memory Stick (registered trademark), and records target content data on the external recording medium. Memory Stick includes flash memory enclosed in the box.

The external recording medium recording and reproducing section 1028 reads video data as content data from the external recording medium, and supplies the read video data to the display control section 1024 via the bus 1022 .

The display control section 1024 is provided to read video data as content data from an external recording medium through the external recording medium recording and reproducing section 1028 . The display control section 1024 then converts the video data into analog video data and sends it to the display section 1025 .

The external recording medium recording and reproducing section 1028 reads audio data as content data from the external recording medium, and supplies the read audio data to the audio control section 1026 via the bus 1022 .

When the external recording medium recording and reproducing section 1028 reads audio data as content data from the external recording medium, the audio control section 1026 converts the audio data into analog data and supplies it to the loudspeaker 1027 .

When the external recording medium recording and reproducing section 1028 reads content data from the external recording medium, the control section 1023 sends the content data to the storage medium 1029 in the client terminal 1002 through the bus 1022 . The control section 1023 can store content data in the storage medium 1029 . Storing content data in the storage medium 1029 may also be referred to as ripping.

When reading video data such as image data as content data from the storage medium 1029 , the control section 1023 supplies the read video data to the display control section 1024 via the bus 1022 .

When reading audio data as content data from the storage medium 1029 , the control section 1023 supplies the read audio data to the audio control section 1026 via the bus 1022 .

In addition, the control section 1023 can read the application data from the storage medium 1029 and transfer it to the external recording medium recording and reproducing section 1028, which then records the music data on the external recording medium.

The broadcast signal receiving section 1030 receives radio broadcast waves transmitted from radio stations and supplies them to the tuner section 1031 .

As described above, the broadcast signal receiving section 1030 receives radio broadcast waves. For example, under the control of the control section 1023 , the tuner section 1031 extracts the radio broadcast signal from the received radio broadcast wave to have the broadcast frequency corresponding to the radio station designated by the operation input section 1020 . The tuner section 1031 then applies specified reception processing to the selected signal. The tuner section 1031 sends the resulting audio data to the audio control section 1026 through the bus 1022 .

The audio control section 1026 converts the audio data supplied from the tuner section 1031 into an analog audio signal and sends the signal to the loudspeaker 1027 . The loudspeaker 1027 outputs audio of a radio program broadcast from a radio station. In this mode, the user can listen to the audio of the radio program.

The control section 1023 can record the audio of the wireless program. To do so, the control section 1023 sends the audio data obtained by the tuning section 1031 to the storage medium 1029 for storage.

In addition, the control section 1023 can be connected to a designated network through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence. Thus, the control section 1023 can access the portal server 1003, a service providing server (for example, a radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 to be described later) and the like on the network. In this manner, the client terminal can exchange various information and data with the portal server 1003, the service providing server, and the like.

Through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in turn, the compressed and encoded content data is received from the network. Alternatively, compressed and encoded content data is read from the storage medium 1029 and an external recording medium. The encoder/decoder section 1034 decodes the content data and sends it to the audio control section 1026 .

Furthermore, the encoder/decoder section 1034 compresses and encodes uncompressed encoded content data read from an external recording medium, or uncompressed encoded audio data supplied from the tuner section 1031 . The encoder/decoder section 1034 transmits the compressed and encoded content data to the storage medium 1029 .

Under the control of the control section 1023 , content data is compressed and encoded in the encoder/decoder section 1034 and stored in the storage medium 1029 .

Copyright management section 1035 generates copyright management information corresponding to content data downloaded from the network via network interface 1033 and communication control section 1032 or read from external media by external recording medium recording and reproducing section 1028 .

Copyright management information generated in the copyright management section 1035 is associated with content data and registered in the recording medium 1029 under the control of the control section 1023 .

The copyright management section 1035 is used to check the content data associated with the copyright management information from the storage medium 1029 to the specific external recording medium, and to register the content data associated with the copyright management information from the specific external recording medium to the storage medium 1029. The copyright management section 1035 appropriately updates the content of the copyright management information corresponding to the content data to protect the copyright of the content data.

The client terminal receives an XML (Extensible Markup Language) or HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) document from the network through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in sequence. The page information generation section 1036 parses the page information of these files and generates video data to be displayed on the display section 1025 . The page information generation section 1036 then sends the generated video data to the display control section 1024 .

The authentication processing section 1037 performs authentication processing such as sending authentication information to the entry server 1003 and the service pass-through server on the network connected through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in this order.

The authentication information storage section 1038 stores authentication information required for the authentication processing section 1037 to access the entry server 1003, the service providing server.

The radio broadcast display control section 1039 sends a request signal to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in this order. The request signal is used to request information on radio broadcasts currently received by the user for listening. The radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 is one of the service providing servers corresponding to radio stations that broadcast received radio broadcasts.

As a result, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 receives the radio broadcast information received from the networked radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 via the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in sequence. Furthermore, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 sends the received radio broadcast information to the display control section 1024 . This allows the display section 1025 to display radio broadcast information (equivalent to the related information in the first embodiment) including the name of the currently received radio broadcast, the title and artist name of the currently received musical composition, and the like.

Ingress server configuration

Referring to Fig. 14, the following describes the hardware configuration of the portal server 1003 using functional circuit blocks. A control section 1050 in the portal server 1003 controls operations of circuits connected through a bus 1051 .

Under the control of the control section 1050, the communication control section 1052 exchanges various information with the client terminal 1002, the service providing server, and the like through the network interface 1053.

The customer database section 1054 registers user ID (identification) information and related password information of users who have signed a contract with the service provider of the information providing system.

The page information storage section 1055 stores page information and the like managed by the service provider of the information providing system.

The page information is written in a language such as XML, and includes URL (Uniform Source Location) information to access a service providing server and the like.

Authentication processing section 1056 receives user ID information and password information transmitted from client terminal 1002 via network interface 1053 and communication control section 1052 in sequence. The authentication processing section 1056 then performs user authentication processing to confirm whether the customer database section 1054 stores the received user ID information and password information as customer information.

After the user authentication processing is completed, the authentication processing section 1056 issues entry authentication result information (authentication session ID information will be described later) indicating the result of the user authentication processing. The authentication processing section 1056 temporarily stores the issued entry authentication result information in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

Let us assume that as a result of user authentication processing by the authentication processing section 1056, the user is authenticated as a registered user. In this case, the control section 1050 transmits the page information on the contracting party page stored in the page information storage section 1055 and the entry verification result information to the client terminal 1002 via the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053 in sequence.

Next, let us assume that the user is not authenticated as a registered user as a result of user authentication processing by the authentication processing section 1056 . In this case, the control section 1050 may be set to transmit authentication error information and unsuccessful authentication notification page information indicating unsuccessful authentication to the client terminal 1002 via the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053 in this order. Unsuccessful authentication announcement page information is stored in the information storage section 1055 .

The authentication processing section 1056 receives entry authentication result information (an authentication ticket will be described later) via the network interface 1053 and the communication control section 1052 sequentially as a result of authentication processing performed on the user from the service providing server or the like. Entry authentication result information is sent from the client terminal 1002 of the user and obtained. Then, the authentication processing section 1056 compares the received entry authentication result information with the entry authentication result information temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 corresponding to the user.

The authentication processing section 1056 executes a confirmation process as an authentication process on entry authentication result information received from a service providing server or the like. Specifically, the verification processing section 1056 confirms whether the entry verification result information has been verified. The authentication processing section 1056 returns confirmation result information indicating the confirmation result to the service providing server or the like via the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053 in sequence.

The frequency information storage section 1058 stores the following items in association with each other: a telephone area code such as a postal guidance number which can specify an area; frequency information indicating a broadcast frequency at which radio broadcasting can be received in the area indicated by the telephone area code; The name of the radio station of the radio broadcast (hereinafter referred to as the radio station name); such as the call sign which is the unique identification information of each radio station.

The URL storage section 1059 stores the following in association with each other: a call sign corresponding to a radio broadcast of each radio station; URL information of available radio broadcast information (hereinafter referred to as now playing information). The information relates to the currently broadcast radio program offered by the radio station corresponding to the call sign, and includes the title of the radio program, the title of the musical composition currently being played in the radio program, and the like.

Functional circuit block configuration of radio messaging server

Referring to FIG. 15, the following describes the hardware configuration of the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006, which is one of the service providing servers using functional circuit blocks. A control section 1110 in the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 controls operations of circuits connected through a bus 1111 .

Under the control of the control section 1110, the communication control section 1112 exchanges various information with the client terminal 1002, the portal server 1003, and the like through the network interface 1113.

The customer database section 1114 registers user information including user ID information of users who have signed a contract with the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 and associated password information. The authentication processing section 1115 may have a function to authenticate the user based on the entry authentication result information transmitted from the client terminal 1002 and issued by the entry server 1003 . In this case, the customer database section 1114 may not be provided.

Radio broadcast information called playlist information is provided. This information is managed by the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 and relates to radio programs that have been broadcast by radio stations corresponding to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 . The page information storage section 1116 stores, for example, page information related to a playlist information delivery page used to obtain playlist information.

The page information of the playlist information transfer page is written in a language such as XML. An input box or the like is provided that allows the user to input a search keyword of desired playlist information. For example, the retrieval key includes broadcast data information, title, etc. of a radio program.

The playlist information storage section 1117 stores playlist information generated in a list format. The play list information includes: the title of the radio program that has been broadcast from the corresponding radio broadcast information delivery server 1006; the program broadcast start time, the program broadcast end time, etc.; The start time of the broadcast of the work, etc.

Control section 1110 receives a page information acquisition request signal to request page information related to the playlist information delivery page from client terminal 1002 through network interface 1113 and communication control section 1112 in sequence. Corresponding to the received page information acquisition request signal, control section 1110 transmits page information related to playlist information stored in page storage section 1116 to client terminal 1002 via communication control section 1112 and network interface 1113 in sequence.

After a retrieval key is input for page information related to the playlist information delivery page from the client terminal 1002, the retrieval section 1118 stores the retrieval keyword to retrieve desired playlist information. When a playlist information request signal is transmitted to request downloading of playlist information, the retrieval section 1118 receives the playlist information request signal through the network interface 1113 and the communication control section 1112 in sequence. The retrieval section 1118 then selects a retrieval keyword from the received playlist information request signal.

Based on the retrieval key, the retrieval section 1118 searches the entire playlist information of the playlist information storage section 1117 to find target playlist information within a specified range corresponding to the retrieval condition indicated by the retrieval keyword.

As a result, the playback section 1110 transmits the found target playlist information to the client terminal 1002 via the communication control section 1112 and the network interface 1113 in sequence.

The now playing information storage section 1119 stores radio broadcast information called now playing information. The information includes: the program title, the program broadcast start time, and the program broadcast end time of the radio program currently broadcast from the radio station corresponding to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006; and the musical composition currently broadcast in the radio program title, artist name, start time of music broadcast, etc.

The client terminal 1002 not only transmits the now playing information request signal to request to obtain the now playing information, but also transmits user ID information and password information of the user using the client terminal 1002 . The authentication processing section 1115 receives information of these entries via the network interface 1113 and the communication control section 1112 in sequence. The authentication processing section 1115 then performs user authentication processing to confirm whether the received user ID information and password information are customer information represented in the customer database section 1114.

Furthermore, the authentication processing section 1115 uses a user authentication technique different from authentication processing using user ID information and password information. That is, the client terminal 1002 will issue entry authentication result information (an authentication ticket will be described later) from the entry server 1003 . The authentication processing section 1115 receives the information through the network interface 1113 and the communication section 1115 in sequence. The authentication result processing section 1115 then transmits the received entry authentication result information to the entry server 1003 through the communication control section 1112 and the network interface 1113 in sequence.

After the authentication processing section 1115 sends the entry authentication result information to the entry server 1003, the entry server 1003 sends back the confirmation result information as a result of executing the authentication processing corresponding to the entry authentication result information (ie, the above-mentioned authentication processing). The authentication processing section 1115 receives confirmation result information through the network interface 1113 and the communication control section 1112 in sequence. Based on the received confirmation result information, the authentication processing section 1115 determines whether the user is a registered user who has concluded a contract with the server provider of the music-related service providing system 100 .

After terminating the user authentication processing, the authentication processing section 1115 issues user authentication result information (service session ID information will be described later) indicating the result of the user authentication processing.

Let us assume that the user is authenticated as a registered user as a result of the authentication processing performed by the authentication processing section 1115 . In this case, the control section 1110 transmits the now playing information stored in the now playing information storage section 1119 and the server authentication result information to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section 1112 and the network interface 1113 in sequence.

Conversely, let us assume that the user is not authenticated as a registered user as a result of the authentication processing performed by the authentication processing section 1115 . In this case, the control section 1110 transmits the authentication error information, and the unsuccessful authentication notification page information to the client terminal 1002 via the communication control section 1112 and the network interface 1113 in this order. Unsuccessful authentication notification page information is stored in the page information storage section 1116, and indicates unsuccessful authentication.

In this mode, the control section 1110 operates as follows in response to the request from the user to obtain the current playing information. When the user is authenticated as a registered user, the control part 1110 provides the now playing information. When the user is not authenticated as a registered user, the control section 1110 prevents the user from receiving the radio broadcast information delivery service provided by the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006, such as the now playing information delivery service.

The authentication information storage section 1120 temporarily stores server authentication result information issued from the authentication processing section 1115 . The authentication information storage section 1120 also stores various authentication information required when the authentication processing section 1115 authenticates the user of the client terminal 1002 .

Overview of Server Processing

Referring to sequence diagrams 16 to 19, the processing performed between the client terminal 1002 and the portal server 1003, and the processing performed between the client terminal 1002 and each service providing server are outlined as follows.

User authentication processing performed between the client terminal 1002 and the portal server 1003

Referring to FIG. 16, user authentication processing performed between the client terminal 1002 and the portal server 1003 is described as follows.

The control section 1023 corresponds to the client terminal 1002 of the user who has concluded a contract with the service provider of the information providing system. For example, the user performs an operation to turn on the client terminal 1002 . Or the user presses a specific operation button on the operation input section 1020 . In response to this operation, the operation input section 1020 recognizes an operation input signal. The input processing section 1021 converts the signal into an operation command. The control section 1023 is supplied with this command, and starts authentication request processing.

After the authentication request process starts, at step SP1000, the control section 1023 generates a connection request signal containing authentication session ID information and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038. The control section 1023 transmits the generated connection request signal to the portal server 1003 through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence.

The client terminal 1002 establishes a communication connection with the portal server 1003 to execute various processing such as user authentication processing. Each time the communication connection is established, the portal server 1003 issues the verification session ID information as verification information identifying the state of each communication connection (ie, session).

In order to use user authentication processing and the like, the authentication session ID is allocated with a certain effective time period (for example, about one minute) with reference to the time allocation from the portal server 1003 .

The client terminal 1002 obtains authentication session ID information from the portal server 1003 . There may be a case where the client terminal 1002 cannot provide the authentication session ID information to the portal server 1003 within a valid period of time. In this case, the portal server 1003 determines to cancel the communication connection state specified by the authentication session ID information.

In this manner, the portal server 1003 prevents the previously issued authentication session ID information from being illegally used by users who have not signed a contract with the service provider of the music-related service providing system 1 .

The authentication information processing storage section 1038 temporarily stores authentication session ID information. This authentication session ID information is issued by the portal server 1003 establishing a communication connection with the client terminal 1002 to perform user authentication processing and the like.

The client terminal 1002 transmits a connection request signal. In response to this action, at step SP1001, the control section 1050 of the portal server 1003 receives a connection request signal through the network interface 1053 and the communication control section 1052 in sequence. The received connection request signal includes authentication session ID information and the like. The control section 1050 sends authentication session ID information and the like to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050 , the authentication processing section 1056 performs a user authentication operation based on authentication ID information and the like received from the client terminal 1002 as a connection request signal.

As a result, since the validity period in the authentication session ID information or the like received from the client terminal 1002 expires, the authentication processing section 1056 cannot authenticate that the user of the client terminal 1002 is a registered user. In this case, the control section 1050 transmits authentication error information indicating an authentication error to the client terminal 1002 via the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053 in this order.

In step SP1002, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives authentication error information transmitted from the portal server 1003 via the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in this order. In response to this action, the control section 1023 reads user ID information, password information, and the like stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 . The control section 1023 sends the read user ID information, password information, etc. to the portal server 1003 through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence.

In step SP1003, the control section 1050 of the portal server 1003 receives user ID information, password information, etc. sent from the client terminal 1002 through the network interface 1053 and the communication control section 1052 in sequence. The control section 1050 sends information of these entries to the verification processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 executes user authentication processing. Specifically, the authentication processing section 1056 checks whether the received user ID information, password information, etc. are included in the customer information registered to the customer database section 1054 .

As a result, the authentication processing section 1056 can authenticate that the user of the client terminal 1002 is a registered user. In this case, under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 issues entry authentication result information, ie, authentication session ID information, etc., related to the communication connection state between the client terminal 1002 and the entry server 1003 at this time. Furthermore, the authentication processing section 1056 temporarily stores authentication session ID information and the like in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

After authentication processing section 1056 issues authentication session ID information and the like to client terminal 1002, control section 1050 sends information of these items to client terminal 1002 through communication control section 1052 and network interface 1053 in sequence.

In step SP1004, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives authentication session ID information and the like transmitted from the entry server 1003 through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in this order. The control section 1023 then sends the received authentication session ID information and the like to the authentication processing section 1037 .

Under the control of the control section 1023 , the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the received authentication session ID information and the like in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

The control section 1023 receives a page information acquisition request signal from the portal server 1003 to request the portal server 1003 for page information. Control section 1023 transmits the received signal to mobile server 1003 together with authentication session ID information and the like temporarily stored in authentication information storage section 1038 via communication control section 1032 and network interface 1033 in sequence.

In step SP1005, control section 1050 of portal server 1030 receives page information acquisition request signal, authentication session ID information, etc. from client terminal 1002 through network interface 1053 and communication control section 1052 in sequence. The control section 1050 sends the received authentication session ID information and the like to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 executes user authentication processing. Specifically, authentication processing section 1056 compares the received authentication session ID information and the like with authentication session ID information issued by client terminal 1002 in step SP1003 described above and temporarily stored in authentication information storage section 1057 .

As a result, at step SP1006, the authentication processing section 1056 authenticates that the user of the client terminal 1002 is a registered user. The verification processing section 1056 determines that the terminal 1002 has issued a valid acquisition request for page information. The authentication processing section 1056 extends the validity period of authentication session ID information and the like issued to the client terminal 1002 .

At this time, the extension part 1050 reads the user requested page information from the page information storage part 1055 . The extension section 1050 transmits the read page information, authentication session ID information, and the like to the client terminal 1002 via the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053 in this order. At this time, the authentication session ID information and the like are assigned a valid time period extended by the authentication processing section 1056 .

In step SP1007, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives page information transmitted from the portal server 1003, authentication session ID information with an extended valid period, and the like through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in sequence. The control section 1023 sends the received page information to the page information generation section 1036 , and sends authentication session ID information and the like with an extended valid period to the authentication processing section 1037 .

Based on the page information supplied from the control section 1023, the page information generating section 1036 generates video data embedded in a link of the service providing server. The page information generation section 1036 sends the generated video data to the display control section 1024 .

The display control section 1024 applies digital-to-analog conversion processing to the video data supplied from the page information generation section 1036 . The display control section 1024 then sends the converted analog video signal to the display section 1025 . As a result, the display section 1025 displays the page of the portal server 1003 as a video based on the analog video signal.

The authentication processing section 1037 updates the authentication session ID information and the like temporarily stored in the above-described step SP1004 to authentication session ID information having an extended valid period as follows. Under the control of the control section 1023, the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the authentication session ID information with the extended valid period received from the entry server 1003 in the authentication information storage section 1038, thereby converting the authentication session ID information with no extended valid period ID information and other coverage.

User authentication processing between client terminal 1002 and service providing server

Referring to FIG. 17, user authentication processing performed between the client terminal 1002 and each service providing server is described as follows.

Actually, a plurality of service providing servers such as a radio broadcast information delivery server 1006, a music data delivery server (not shown), etc. corresponding to the provided services are provided. The same user authentication processing is performed between the client terminal 2 and any service providing server.

For this reason, each service providing server includes components necessary to perform user authentication processing, such as a control section, authentication processing section, page information storage section, communication control section, and network interface. For example, the radio broadcast information delivery server includes a control section 1110 , an authentication processing section 1115 , a page information storage section 1116 , an authentication information storage section 1116 , a communication control section 1112 , and a network interface 1113 .

In one case, when the client terminal 1002 accesses the service providing server according to the link in the page information obtained from the portal server 1003, user authentication processing is performed. In another case, when the client terminal 1002 accesses a service providing server based on URL information or the like registered as a bookmark, user authentication processing is performed. In either case, user authentication processing is performed in the same procedure.

In consideration of these, the user authentication processing is described in detail as follows.

In step SP1010, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 follows URL information embedded as a link in the page information, or URL information that has been registered as a bookmark, or the like. The control section 1023 then transmits the page information acquisition request signal, the service session ID information read from the authentication information storage section 1038, etc. to the service providing server via the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in this order. The page information acquisition request signal requests acquisition of page information related to a service providing page, such as a playlist information delivery page of a radio broadcast information delivery server.

The client terminal 1002 establishes a communication connection with each service providing server to execute various processing such as user authentication processing. Every time the communication connection is established, the service providing server accessed by the client terminal 1002 issues service session ID information as authentication information identifying the state (ie, period) of each communication connection.

In order to use user authentication processing and the like, service session ID information such as authentication session ID information is assigned a specific effective time period (for example, about one minute) with reference to time allocation from each service providing server.

The client terminal 1002 obtains service session ID information from each service providing server. There may be a case where the client terminal 1002 cannot provide the service session ID information to the information issuance service providing server within the valid time period. In this case, the information issuance service providing server determines to cancel the communication connection state specified by the service session ID information.

In this manner, each service providing server prevents the previously issued service session ID information from being illegally used by users who have not signed a contract with the service provider of the information providing system.

The authentication information storage section 1038 temporarily stores service session ID information. This service session ID information is issued by the access destination service providing server that establishes a communication connection with the client terminal 1002 to perform user authentication processing and the like.

In step SP1011, the control section of the service providing server receives a page information acquisition request signal, service session ID information, etc. sent from the client terminal 1002 through the network interface and the communication control section in sequence. The control section sends the received service session ID information and the like to the authentication processing section.

The authentication processing section executes user authentication processing under the control of the control section. Specifically, the authentication processing section compares the received service session ID information and the like with the service session ID information temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section.

As a result, for example, since the valid period of service session ID information received from the client terminal 1002 expires, the authentication processing section cannot authenticate that the user of the client terminal 1002 is a registered user. In this case, the authentication processing section determines that the client terminal 1002 issued an invalid acquisition request for page information related to the service providing page.

In this case, the control section transmits authentication error information and a shop code to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section and the network interface in sequence. The verification error message indicates a verification error. The work code is provided as service identification information identifying the service provider.

In step SP1012, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives the authentication error information and the work code transmitted from the service providing server through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in this order. Based on the received authentication error information, the control section 1023 determines that the service providing server has not authenticated the user as a registered user. Furthermore, the control section 1023 temporarily stores the work code received from the service providing server in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

The control section 1023 generates an authentication ticket issuance request signal requesting the portal server 1003 to issue an authentication ticket for accessing the service providing server. The control section 1023 then transmits the generated authentication ticket issuance request signal, work code of the service providing server, authentication session ID information, etc. to the entrance server 1003 through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence. Note that the authentication session ID information has been received from the entry server 1003 and temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

In step SP1013, control section 1050 of portal server 1003 receives authentication ticket issue request signal, work code, authentication session ID information, etc. sent from client terminal 1002 through network interface 1053 and communication control section 1052 in sequence. The control section 1050 then sends the information of these entries to the verification processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 executes user authentication processing. Specifically, the control section 1056 compares the authentication session ID information and the like with the authentication session ID information and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

As a result, the authentication processing section 1056 cannot authenticate the user of the client terminal 1002 as a registered user, for example, due to the expiration of the validity period of the authentication session ID information received from the client terminal 1002 . In this case, the authentication processing section 1056 determines that the client terminal 1002 issued an invalid acquisition request for the authentication ticket.

In this case, the control section 1050 transmits authentication error information indicating an authentication error to the client terminal 1002 via the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053 in this order.

Conversely, there may be a situation in which the validity period is still valid for the authentication session ID information received from the client terminal 1002 . In this case, the authentication processing section 1056 authenticates that the user of the client terminal 1002 is a registered user. The authentication processing section 1056 determines that the client terminal 1002 issues a valid request for an authentication ticket. In this case, the control section 1050 returns to step SP1108 described below.

In step SP1014, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives authentication error information sent from the portal server 1003 via the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in this order. The control section 1023 then reads user ID information, password information, etc. stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 . Furthermore, the control section 1023 transmits information of these entries to the portal server 1003 through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence.

In step SP1015, the control section 1050 of the portal server 1003 receives user ID information, password information, etc. transmitted from the client terminal 1002 through the network interface 1053 and the communication control section 1052 in sequence. The control section 1050 then sends the information of these entries to the verification processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 executes user authentication processing. Specifically, the authentication processing section 1056 checks whether the customer information registered in the customer database section 1054 contains the received user ID information, password information, and the like.

As a result, the authentication processing section 1056 authenticates that the user of the client terminal 1002 is a registered user. Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 issues entry authentication result information, that is, authentication session ID information on the current communication connection state between the client terminal 1002 and the entry server 1003, and the like. The authentication processing section 1056 temporarily stores the issued authentication session ID information and the like in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

After authentication processing section 1056 issues authentication session ID information and the like to client terminal 1002, control section 1050 sends authentication session ID information and the like to client terminal 1002 through communication control section 1052 and network interface 1053 in sequence.

In step SP1016, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives authentication session ID information and the like transmitted from the entry server 1003 through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in sequence. The authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the received authentication session ID information and the like in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

The control section 1023 generates an authentication ticket issuance request signal that re-requests the portal server 1003 to issue an authentication ticket. The control part 1023 sends the generated verification ticket issuance request signal, the work code temporarily stored in the verification information storage part 1038 and the verification session ID information temporarily stored at this moment through the communication control part 1032 and the network interface 1033 to the Ingress server 1003.

According to this embodiment, the client terminal 1002 temporarily stores the work code in the authentication information storage section 1038 . The present invention is not limited thereto. While performing the processing in steps SP1012 to SP1016, the client terminal 1002 can continuously exchange work codes with the portal server 1003. In this manner, the client terminal 1002 does not need to temporarily store the work code in the authentication information storage section 1038 . However, it is possible to transmit the work code to the portal server 1003 at step SP1016.

In step SP1017, control section 1050 of portal server 1003 receives authentication ticket issue request signal, work code, authentication session ID information, etc. transmitted from client terminal 1002 via network interface 1053 and communication control section 1052 in sequence. The control section 1050 sends the received authentication ticket issuance request signal and the like to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 executes user authentication processing. Specifically, the authentication processing section 1056 compares the received authentication session ID information and the like with the authentication session ID information and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

As a result, there may be a situation in which the valid time period is still valid for the authentication session ID information or the like received from the client terminal 1002 . In this case, the authentication processing section 1056 authenticates that the user of the client terminal 1002 is a registered user. The authentication processing section 1056 determines that the client terminal 1002 has issued a valid request for an authentication ticket.

In step SP1018, under the control of the control section 1050, based on the work code and the authentication ticket issuance request signal received from the client terminal 1002 in the above-mentioned step SP1017, the authentication processing section 1056 issues the entry authentication result The service indicated by the work code provides the server's authentication ticket, etc.

Under the control of the control section 1050 , the authentication processing section 1056 temporarily stores the issued authentication ticket and the like in the authentication information storage section 1057 . Furthermore, the authentication processing section 1056 extends the validity period of the authentication session ID information and the like issued by the client terminal 1002 .

That is to say, the authentication processing section 1056 has issued an authentication ticket and the like, and extended the validity period of the authentication session ID information and the like. Therefore, the control section 1050 transmits these authentication tickets and the like, and the authentication session ID information and the like to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053 in this order.

In step SP1019, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives an authentication ticket etc. sent from the entry server 1003 and authentication session ID information with an extended valid period through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in sequence. The control section 1023 sends the received authentication session ID information to the authentication processing section 1037 .

The control section 1023 transmits the authentication ticket and the like received from the entry server 1003 together with the authentication request signal to the service providing server through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence.

At this time, under the control of the control section 1023, the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the authentication processing section 1037 received from the entry server 1003 with the extended validity period in the authentication information storage section 1038, thereby covering the Authentication session ID information for the time period. In this manner, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the authentication session ID information temporarily stored in the above-mentioned step SP1016 to the authentication session ID information having an extended valid period.

In step SP1020, the control section of the service providing server receives an authentication request signal, an authentication ticket, etc. transmitted from the client terminal 1002 through the network interface and the communication control section in sequence.

The control section transmits the authentication ticket and the like received from the client terminal 1002 to the portal server 1003 together with the authentication ticket for requesting authentication ticket confirmation through the communication control section and the network interface in this order.

In step SP1021, the control section 1050 of the portal server 1003 receives an authentication ticket confirmation request signal, an authentication ticket, etc. sent from the service providing server through the network interface 1053 and the communication control section 1052 in sequence. The control section 1050 then sends the received authentication ticket confirmation request signal, authentication ticket, etc. to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 150, the authentication processing section 1056 performs confirmation permission on the authentication ticket received from the service providing server in response to the authentication ticket confirmation request signal. Specifically, the authentication processing section 1056 compares the received authentication ticket and the like with the authentication ticket and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

As a result, the authentication processing section 1056 confirms that an authentic authentication ticket or the like is received from the service providing server. In this case, the control section 1050 transmits the confirmation result information to the service providing server through the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053 in sequence. The confirmation result information indicates that the received authentication ticket and the like are confirmed to be authentic.

In step SP1022, the control section of the service providing server receives confirmation result information transmitted from the entry server 1003 through the network interface and the communication control section in sequence. The control section sends the received confirmation result information to the verification processing section.

Under the control of the control section, the authentication processing section responds to the confirmation result information and issues server authentication result information, ie, service session ID information and the like related to the communication connection state between the current client terminal 1002 and the service providing server.

After the inter-authentication processing section service session ID and the like are issued to the client terminal 1002, the control section sequentially transmits these pieces of information to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section and the network interface.

After the authentication processing section issues service session ID information and the like to the client terminal 1002, the control section sends information of these items to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section and the network interface in sequence.

In step SP1023, the control section 1023 of the client terminal receives service session ID information and the like transmitted from the service providing server through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in sequence. The service session ID information or the like received by the authentication processing section 1037 is temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

The control section 1023 transmits a page information acquisition request signal, service session ID information, etc. to the service providing server through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence. The page information acquisition request signal requests page information related to the service providing page. The service session ID information is temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

In step SP1024, the control section of the service providing server receives a page information acquisition request signal, service session ID information, etc. sent from the client terminal 1002 through the network interface and the communication control section sequentially. The control section then sends the received service session ID information and the like to the authentication processing section.

The authentication processing section executes user authentication processing under the control of the control section. Specifically, the control section compares the received service session ID information and the like with the service session ID information that has been issued by the client terminal 1002 in the above-mentioned step SP1022 and temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section.

As a result, there may be a case where the valid time period is still valid for the service session ID information received from the client terminal 1002 . In this case, the authentication processing section authenticates that the user of the client terminal 1002 is a registered user. Then, the authentication processing section determines that the client terminal 1002 issued a valid request to obtain page information related to the service providing page.

The control section then goes to the next step SP1025. In step SP1025, the control section reads the page information related to the user-requested service providing page from the page information storage section. Furthermore, the control section allows the authentication processing section to extend the valid time period of the service session ID information and the like issued to the client terminal 1002 .

The control section transmits the page information related to the service providing page read from the page information storage section together with the service session ID information and the like to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section and the network interface in this order. The service session ID information and the like have a valid time period extended by the authentication processing section.

In step SP1026, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives page information related to a service providing page, service session ID information with an extended valid period from the service providing server through the network interface 1033 and the communication controlling section 1032 in sequence. The control section 1023 sends the page information related to the received service providing page to the page information generation section 1036 . Furthermore, the control section 1023 sends the received service session ID information and the like to the authentication processing section 1037 .

Under the control of the control section 1023, the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the received service session ID information with an extended valid period in the authentication information storage section 1038, thereby covering the service session ID information with no extended valid period, etc. . In this manner, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the service session ID information and the like temporarily stored in SP1023 in the above steps to service session ID information having an extended valid period.

Furthermore, the page information generating section 1036 generates video data based on the page information related to the service providing page. The page information generation section 1036 sends the generated video data to the display control section 1024 .

The display control section 1024 applies digital-to-analog conversion processing to the video data supplied from the page information generation section 1036 . The display control section 1024 then sends the converted analog video signal to the display section 1025 . As a result, the display section 1025 displays the service providing page as a video based on the video signal.

Radio broadcast messaging service provision processing

18 and 19, the radio broadcast information delivery service providing process is described as follows. This processing occurs after the user authentication processing (FIG. 17) performed between the client terminal 1002 and the service providing server as described above is terminated. This processing uses page information related to a service providing page obtained by the client terminal 1002 from the service providing server during user authentication. In this manner, the radio broadcast information delivery service is provided from a radio broadcast information delivery server, such as one of the service providing servers.

Playlist information delivery service provides processing

Referring to FIG. 18, the radio broadcast information delivery service providing process will be described below. In this process, the client terminal 1002 has a radio broadcast delivery service from the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006, specifically, a playlist information delivery service.

For example, the user inputs a retrieval keyword to retrieve desired playlist information into an input box of a playlist information delivery page displayed as a video on the display portion 1025 . The output processing section 1021 inputs a control command corresponding to a character string indicating to input a retrieval keyword. In step SP1060, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 responds to the input control command, and generates a playlist information request signal to request download of desired playlist information.

The control section 1023 transmits a playlist information request signal together with service session ID information and the like to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 via the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in this order. Service session ID information and the like have been issued by the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 and temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

In step SP1061, control section 1110 of radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 receives playlist information request signal, service session ID information, etc. transmitted from client terminal 1002 through network interface 1113 and communication control section 1112 in sequence. The control section 1110 then sends the received service session ID information and the like to the authentication processing section 1115 .

Under the control of the control section 1110, the authentication processing section 1115 executes user authentication processing. Specifically, the authentication processing section 1115 compares the received service session ID information and the like with the service session ID information and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information processing section 1120 .

As a result, the authentication processing section 1115 authenticates that the user is a registered user requesting playlist information using the client terminal 1002 . In this case, the control section 1110 proceeds to the next step SP1062.

In step SP1062, based on the retrieval key stored in the control list information request signal, the retrieval section 1118 searches the entire playlist information in the playlist information storage section 1117 for the retrieval condition corresponding to the retrieval key indicated by the retrieval keyword. Find the target playlist information within the specified range.

Let us assume that the retrieval section 1118 retrieves playlist information. The control section 1110 allows the authentication processing section 1115 to extend the valid time period of the inter-server ID information and the like issued by the client terminal 1002 . The control section 1110 then proceeds to the next step SP1063.

In step SP1063, the control section 1110 reads the playlist information retrieved by the retrieval section 1118 from the playlist information storage section 1117. Further, the control section 1110 transmits the read playlist information together with service session ID information and the like to the client terminal 1002 via the communication control section 1112 and the network interface 1113 in this order. At this time, the service session ID information has a valid time period extended by the authentication processing section 1115 .

In step SP1064, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives playlist information, service session ID information with an extended valid period, etc. transmitted from the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in sequence. The control section sends the received playlist information to the page information generation section 1036 . Further, the control section 1023 sends the service session ID information and the like received from the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 to the authentication processing section 1037 .

Under the control of the control section 1023, the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the received service session ID information with an extended valid period in the authentication information storage section 1038, thereby overwriting the service session ID information with no extended valid period. In this manner, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the service session ID information temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

The page information generation section 1036 generates video data based on the playlist information supplied from the control section 1023 . The display control section 1024 converts the generated video data into an analog video signal and sends it to the display section 1025 . The display section 1025 displays playlist information as a video based on an analog video signal.

In this manner, the client terminal 1002 can allow the user to obtain desired playlist information by using the radio broadcast information delivery service provided by the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 .

Now playing information transfer service provision processing

Referring to FIG. 19, the radio broadcast information delivery service providing process will be described below. During this process, the client terminal 1002 has the radio broadcast information delivery service from the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006, particularly the now playing information delivery service.

A radio information delivery server 1006 providing now playing information is provided to each radio station (call sign).

Initially, the client terminal 1002 may not store URL information related to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 corresponding to each radio station.

The following radio broadcast information delivery service provides processing as an example of a case where the portal server 1003 manages URL information related to each radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 of each call sign.

According to the radio broadcast information delivery service providing process, the client terminal 1002 needs to automatically preset the broadcast frequency for each radio station. For this purpose, the client terminal 1002 requests the portal server 1003 for frequency information indicating a broadcast frequency. In this case, it is assumed that the authentication information storage section 1038 does not temporarily store authentication session ID information and the like. Therefore, the client terminal 1002 first needs to transmit user ID information, password information, and the like to the portal server 1003 .

When the input processing section 1021 inputs an operation command to request automatic preset of the broadcast frequency of each radio station. In response to this command, at step SP1070, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 transmits a frequency information request signal to request acquisition of frequency information on broadcasting frequencies each radio station can receive. The control part 1023 sends the frequency information request signal together with the telephone area code input by the user, user ID information and password information stored in the verification information storage part 1038 to the entrance server 1003 through the communication control part 1032 and the network interface 1033 in turn .

In step SP1071, control section 1050 of portal server 1003 receives frequency information request signal, telephone area code, user ID information, password information, etc. transmitted from client terminal 1002 through network interface 1053 and communication control section 1052 in sequence. Of these items of information, the control section 1050 sends user ID information, password information, and the like to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 executes user authentication processing. Specifically, the authentication processing section 1056 compares the received user ID information, password information, etc. with the customer information registered in the customer database section 1054 .

As a result, the authentication processing section 1056 can authenticate that the user of the client terminal 1002 is a registered user. Additionally, the authentication processing portion 1056 may determine that the client terminal 1002 issued a valid request to obtain frequency information. Under the control of the control section 1050 , the authentication processing section 1056 issues authentication session ID information and the like related to the current communication connection state between the client terminal 1002 and the portal server 1003 . The authentication processing section 1056 temporarily stores the issued authentication session ID information and the like in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

The control section 1050 then proceeds to the next step SP1072. At step SP1072, the control section 1050 performs a search based on the telephone area code received from the client terminal 1002. That is, the control section 1050 searches the frequency information storage section 1058 for a plurality of lists of frequency information, radio station names, and call signs to find those corresponding to telephone area codes, and reads them in a list format.

The control section 1050 reads frequency information, radio station names, and call signs in list form from the frequency information storage section 1058, and transmits them to the client together with authentication session ID information and the like through the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053 in sequence. machine terminal 1002. Authentication session ID information and the like are issued to the client terminal 1002 by the authentication processing section 1056 at the above-mentioned step SP1071.

In step SP1073, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives frequency information, a list of radio station names and call signs transmitted from the entry server 1003, and authenticates session ID information and the like through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in this order. The control section 1023 sends the authentication session ID information and the like received from the entry server 1003 to the authentication processing section 1037 . Furthermore, the control section 1023 sends a list of frequency information, radio station names, and call signs to the display control section 1024 .

Under the control of the control section 1023 , the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the received authentication session ID information and the like in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

The display control section 1024 is supplied with a list of frequency information, radio station names, and call signs from the control section 1023 , and sends the list to the display section 1025 . The display section 1025 therefore displays the list.

At this time, the control section 1023 identifies the selection command supplied from the input processing section 1021 . Based on the command, the control section 1023 stores the selected frequency information radio station name, and call sign in the storage medium 1029 as a preset. The control section 1023 then proceeds to the next step SP1074.

In step SP1074, the control section 1023 identifies the tuning control command supplied from the input processing section 1021. Based on the command, the control section 1023 controls the tuner section 1031 so as to pick up a radio broadcast signal from the radio broadcast wave. The radio broadcast signal should be used for a radio broadcast loaded on the broadcast frequency corresponding to the tuning control command.

The broadcast signal receiving section 30 receives radio broadcast waves. Among these radio broadcast waves, the tuner section 1031 picks up a radio broadcast signal loaded on a broadcast frequency. The tuner section 1031 applies prescribed reception processing such as decoding to the selected radio broadcast signal. As a result, audio data is generated. The tuner section 1031 sends the audio data to the audio control section 1026 .

The audio control section 1026 converts the audio data supplied from the tuner section 1031 into an analog audio signal. Then, the audio control section 1026 outputs the analog audio signal to the loudspeaker 1027 . The loudspeaker 1027 then outputs the audio of the selected radio program.

At step SP1075, under the control of the control section 1023, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 reads a call sign from the storage medium 1029. The call sign is stored against frequency information indicating the broadcast frequency corresponding to the above-mentioned tuning control command. The radio display control section 1039 transmits the read call sign to the entrance server 1003 through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence. Also, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 temporarily stores authentication session ID information (or, user ID information and password information) and the like in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

In step SP1076, control section 1050 of portal server 1003 receives authentication session ID information etc. (or user ID information and password information) sent from client terminal 1002 via network interface 1053 and communication control section 1052 in sequence. The control section 1050 sends the received authentication session ID information and the like (or, user ID information and password information) to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1056, the authentication processing section 1056 executes user authentication processing. Specifically, the authentication processing section 1056 combines the received authentication session ID information etc. (or user ID information and password information) with the received authentication session ID information etc. (or user ID information) temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057. information and password information).

As a result, the authentication processing section 1056 can determine that, for example, authentication session ID information or the like was received from the client terminal 1002 within the valid time period. When the user sends a call sign using the client terminal 1002, the authentication processing section 1056 may authenticate that the user is a registered user, and in this case, the control section 1050 proceeds to the next step SP1077.

In step SP1077, the control section 1050 searches the URL storage section 1059 for a plurality of URL information based on the call sign received from the client terminal 1002 to find URL information corresponding to the call sign.

The control section 1050 allows the authentication processing section 1056 to expand the authentication session ID information issued to the client terminal 1002 and the like.

The control section 1050 reads the retrieved URL information from the URL storage section 1059 . Control section 1050 transmits URL information, authentication session ID information with a valid time period extended by authentication processing section 1056 , etc., to client terminal 1002 through communication control section 1052 and network interface 1053 in this order. Furthermore, at step SP1077, the control section 1050 may transmit status information, as well as URL information and authentication session ID. The status information indicates a service status such as whether the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 is currently providing a now broadcast information service.

In step SP1078, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives URL information transmitted from the entry server 1003, authentication session ID information with an extended valid period, etc. through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in sequence. The control section 1023 sends the received authentication session ID information and the like to the authentication processing section 1037 . The control section 1023 sends the URL information to the radio broadcast display control section 1039 . When receiving status information from the portal server 1003 , the control section 1023 sends the status information to the radio broadcast control section 1039 .

Under the control of the control section 1023, the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the received authentication session ID information with an extended validity period in the authentication information storage section 1038 to overwrite the authentication session ID information with no extended validity period. In this manner, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the contents of the authentication session ID information and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

Under the control of the control section 1023, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 collates the call sign stored in the storage medium 1029, and temporarily stores URL information from the control section 1023 in the storage medium 1029 or the like.

When supplied with status information from the control section 1023 , the radio broadcast display control section 1039 transmits the status information to the display section 1025 through the display control section 1024 . The display section 1025 is allowed to display status information indicative of the service status in the radio messaging server 1006 .

Under the control of the control section 1023, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 follows the URL information temporarily stored in the storage medium 1029 or the like. Based on this information, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 transmits a now broadcast information request signal to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence. The current playing information request signal requests to obtain the current playing information. Also, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 transmits service session ID information and the like that have been received from the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 and temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

In the radio broadcast information delivery service providing process, the client terminal 1002 transmits a now playing information request signal, service session ID information, etc. to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 at step SP1078. This processing corresponds to the processing in step SP1010 of FIG. 17 as described above.

Therefore, in the radio broadcast information delivery service providing process, the processing in step SP1078 is equivalent to steps SP1011 to SP1013, User authentication processing of steps SP1018 to SP1022 follows. After these steps are continuously performed, control goes to the next step SP1079.

In step SP1079, under the control of the control section 1023, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 of the client terminal 1002 follows again the URL information temporarily stored in the storage medium 1029 or the like, and sequentially passes through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033, The now playing information request signal is sent to the radio information delivery server 1006 . Also, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 transmits service session ID information and the like that have been received from the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 and temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

In step SP1080, the control section 1110 of the radio broadcast delivery information server 1006 receives the now broadcast information request signal, service session ID information, etc. transmitted from the client terminal 1002 through the network interface 1113 and the communication control section 1112 in sequence. The control section 1110 sends the received authentication session ID information and the like to the authentication processing section 1115 .

Under the control of the control section 1110, the authentication processing section 1115 executes user authentication processing. Specifically, the authentication processing section 1115 compares the received service session ID information and the like with the service session ID information and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1120 .

As a result, the authentication processing section 1115 can authenticate that the user of the client terminal 1002 is a registered user. In this case, the authentication processing section 1115 determines that the client terminal 1002 issued a valid request to obtain the now playing information.

The authentication processing section 1115 then authenticates that the user of the client terminal 1002 is a registered user. In this case, the control section 1110 extends the valid time period of the service session ID information and the like issued to the client terminal 1002 by the authentication processing section 1115, and then proceeds to the next step SP1081.

In step SP1081, the control section 1110 reads the now playing information from the now playing information storage section 1119. The playback section 1110 transmits the read current playback information, service session ID information with the validity period extended by the authentication processing section 1115, etc. to the client terminal 1002 via the communication control section 1112 and the network interface 1113 in sequence.

In step SP1082, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives the now broadcast information transmitted from the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006, service session ID information with an extended valid period, etc. through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in sequence. The control section 1023 sends the received service session ID information and the like to the authentication processing section 1037 . The control section 1023 sends the now playing information to the radio broadcast display control section 1039 .

Under the control of the control section 1023, the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the received service session ID information with an extended valid period, etc., in the authentication information storage section 1038 to cover the service session ID information with no extended valid period . In this manner, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the service session ID information and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

In addition, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 transmits the present control information from the control section 1023 to the display section 1025 via the display control section 1024 . In this mode, the display section 1025 is allowed to display the now playing information related to the radio program in the currently received radio broadcast.

In the radio broadcast information delivery service passing process, the client terminal 1002 thereafter periodically repeats the acquisition request of the now broadcast information at step SP1079. The radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 receives the acquisition request from the client terminal 1002, and continuously executes the processing in steps SP1080 and SP1081.

In this manner, the client terminal 1002 can update the currently playing information in real time and display it on the display portion 1025 of the client terminal 1002 at present. For example, the now playing information includes the title of the currently received radio program, the start time of the program broadcast, the end time of the program broadcast, the title and artist name of the musical composition performed in the radio program, and the musical composition broadcast start time.

According to the above configuration, the second embodiment can also provide the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

According to the description of the first embodiment above, the program modules of the client terminal CT include the HTTP message program 36 and the communicator program 37 . According to the second embodiment, these program modules can realize the same functions as the communication control section 1032 (FIG. 13) of the client terminal 1002.

The control reproduction module 38 (FIG. 7) is a program module capable of realizing the same functions as the encoder/decoder section 1034 (FIG. 13).

The copyright protection information management module 39 (FIG. 7) is a program module capable of realizing the same functions as the copyright management section 1035 (FIG. 13).

The Internet radio channel selection/reproduction module 43 (FIG. 7) is a program module capable of realizing the same functions as the control section 1023 and the audio control section 1026 (FIG. 13).

The musical composition purchase/reproduction module 44 (FIG. 7) is a program module capable of realizing the same functions as the control section 1023 and the audio control section 1026 (FIG. 13).

XML browser 50 (FIG. 7) is a program module capable of realizing the same functions as input processing section 1021 and page information generating section 1036 (FIG. 13).

The hard disk content controller 42, the database access module 40, and the content data access module 41 (FIG. 7) are program modules capable of realizing the same functions as the control section 1023 (FIG. 13).

The authentication library 47A (FIG. 7) of the library 47 is a program module capable of realizing the same functions as the authentication processing section 1037 and the authentication information storage section 1038 (FIG. 13).

The fragment library 47B (FIG. 7) of the library 47 is a program module capable of realizing the same functions as the control section 1023 (FIG. 13).

The related information display module 45 (FIG. 7) is a program module capable of realizing the same functions as the radio broadcast display control section 1039 (FIG. 13).

The tuner selection/reproduction/recording module 46 (FIG. 7) is a program module capable of realizing the same functions as the control section 1023, the audio control section 1026, and the tuner selection section 1031 (FIG. 13).

The audio user interface 51 (FIG. 7) is a program module capable of realizing the same functions as the input processing section 1021, the control section 1023, and the display control section 1024 (FIG. 13).

The CD reproduction module 48 (FIG. 7) is a program module capable of realizing the same functions as the audio control section 1026 and the external recording medium recording and reproduction section 1028 (FIG. 13).

The HDD reproduction module 49 (FIG. 7) is a program module capable of realizing the same functions as the control section 1023 and the audio control section 1026 (FIG. 13).

That is to say, the client terminal CT has the hardware circuit block configuration according to the first embodiment described above. Since the CPU 11 uses various program modules, the client terminal CT can realize the same processing as the client terminal 1002 having the functional circuit block configuration according to the second embodiment.

The URL providing server 3 (FIG. 3) according to the first embodiment described above is functionally equivalent to the entry server 1003 (FIG. 14) according to the second embodiment described above. The control section 80 appropriately selects and follows various programs stored in the ROM 81 to perform functions equivalent to the control section 1050 , the communication control section 1052 , and the authentication processing section 1056 of the portal server 1003 . In addition, ROM81, RAM82, and URL storage DB83 can be used as customer database section 1054, page information storage section 1055, authentication information storage section 1057, frequency information storage section 1058, and URL storage section 1059 equivalent to portal server 1003.

Furthermore, the related information providing server KS (FIG. 4) according to the first embodiment described above is functionally equivalent to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 (FIG. 15) according to the second embodiment described above. The control section 90 appropriately selects and follows various programs stored in the ROM 91 to perform functions equivalent to the control section 1110, communication control section 1112, authentication processing section 1115, and retrieval section 1118 of the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006. It is possible to use the ROM 91, RAM 92, musical piece information DB93, and program information DB94.

other embodiments

The URL providing server 3 according to the above-mentioned embodiment has been described. When the status information contains no URL, the URL providing server 3 determines that the radio station RS does not provide the information providing service. The URL providing server 3 provides this status information by adding thereto a message indicating that the information providing service is unavailable. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Preferably electronic mail is used to send a message to the client terminal CT indicating that the communication providing service is not available.

Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the URL providing server 3 provides the client terminal CT with the status information delivered from the related information providing server KS. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The URL providing server 3 periodically retrieves status information from the related information providing server KS according to the URL acquisition request from the client terminal CT, and provides the status information.

According to the above-described embodiment, the URL providing server 3 and the related information providing server KS are provided independently of each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The URL providing server 3 and the related information providing server KS may be integrated to provide status information directly to the client terminal CT.

According to the above-described embodiment, the ROM 81 stores the status information providing program in advance. The URL providing server 3 downloads the program into the RAM82. According to the status information providing program, the URL providing server 3 executes the above-mentioned status information providing sequence. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The status information providing sequence is preferably performed by installing the URL providing server 3 having a program storage medium capable of storing the status information providing program.

According to the above-described embodiment, the ROM 13 stores the status information acquisition program in advance. The client terminal CT downloads this program into RAM20. According to the status information acquisition program, the client terminal CT executes the above-mentioned status information providing sequence. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The status information providing sequence is preferably performed by installing the URL providing server 3 having a program storage medium capable of storing the status information providing program.

According to the above-described embodiment, the URL providing server 3 performs functions as the information providing means and the authentication server of the present invention. The URL providing server 3 is configured to include a data communication processing section 84 as receiving means, and a control section 80 and the data communication processing section 84 as transmitting means. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Other various circuits can be used as configuration information providing means.

According to the first embodiment described above, the client terminal CT performs the function as the information receiving means of the present invention. The client terminal CT is configured to include a CPU 11, a communication processing section 22, and a network interface 23 as transceiving means. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Other various circuits can be used as configuration information receiving means.

According to the second embodiment described above, the entry server 1003 performs functions as the information providing means and authentication server of the present invention. The entrance server 1003 is configured to include a control section 1050 and a communication control section 1052 as transceiving means. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Other various circuits can be used as configuration information providing means.

According to the second embodiment described above, the client terminal 1002 performs a function as the information receiving means of the present invention. The client terminal 1002 is configured to include a control section 1023 and a communication processing section 1032 as transceiver means. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Other various circuits can be used as configuration information receiving means.

According to the above-described embodiments, the client terminal 1002 or CT can receive radio broadcasts transmitted from radio stations. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The client terminal 1002 or CT may receive Internet radio broadcast or satellite radio broadcast to obtain related information (radio broadcast information). Or the client terminal 1002 or CT may receive a TV broadcast transmitted from a TV radio station, and obtain various broadcast information related to a TV program in the TV broadcast from a web server.

According to the above-described embodiments, the client terminal 1002 or CT is provided with hardware circuit blocks, functional circuit blocks, and program modules. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. These hardware circuit blocks and the like can be mounted not only on the client terminal 1002 or CT but also on various other terminals such as mobile phones, personal computers, and the like. The same processing implemented on the client terminal 1002 or CT described above can also be implemented on various terminals in which hardware circuit blocks, functional circuit blocks, and program modules are installed.

industrial application

The information providing method according to the present invention can be used for the purpose of providing the service status of the information providing service before accessing the home page of the information providing service.

Claims (13)

1. an information providing method comprises the steps:

From broadcasting receiver, receive the broadcasting station identification information that is used to identify the current broadcasting station that receives; And

Indication and the relevant information in said broadcasting station corresponding to said broadcasting station identification information are provided service state state information and provide the address of service to be sent to said broadcasting receiver corresponding to said information so that the user of said broadcasting receiver provides service can be apprised of the service state that service is provided about said information before in the said information of visit.

2. information providing method as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

But work as said information at least be provided the service time spent, said transmitting step just is sent to said broadcasting receiver with said state information and said address.

3. information providing method as claimed in claim 1 also comprises step: according to the visit to said address from said broadcasting receiver, through coming execution information that service is provided with providing the relevant information of service to be sent to said broadcasting receiver with said information.

4. information providing method as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, said transmitting step will be sent to said broadcasting receiver corresponding to the additional information and the said state information of said broadcasting station identification information.

5. information providing method as claimed in claim 1; It is characterized in that; Said transmitting step will be by providing said information to provide the said state information that content server provided of service to be sent to said broadcasting receiver, and use the address to provide server to send said broadcasting receiver to the address that will provide said information that the said content server of service is provided.

6. information providing method as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,

Provide the server that the relevant information of service is provided with said information based on said address; The request that reception transmits from said broadcasting receiver provides the solicited message of serving relevant information with said information, and the service conversation ID that is equivalent to the session id that is associated with said server;

Said server is carried out the service verification process based on said service conversation ID, and when validation failure takes place, with the information of indicating validation failure and the identification information that is used to identify said server send said broadcasting receiver to;

Authentication server receives request and signs and issues the checking issue of bill solicited message of the checking bill that is used to visit said server and the checking session id that is equivalent to the session id that is associated with said authentication server from said broadcasting receiver;

Said authentication server is verified said checking session id, when permitting checking, signs and issues the checking bill, and sends the said checking bill of signing and issuing to said broadcasting receiver;

Said server receives the said checking bill that from said broadcasting receiver, transmits, and sends the said checking bill that receives to said authentication server;

Said authentication server, when verifying that the said checking bill that receives is effective, the information that the indication checking is permitted sends said server to;

Said server receives the said information of indication checking permission, signs and issues the service conversation ID of the session id that conduct is associated with said broadcasting receiver, and the said service conversation ID that signs and issues is sent to said broadcasting receiver;

Said server receives described request information and said service conversation ID from said broadcasting receiver; And

Said server is carried out checking based on said service conversation ID and is handled, and when permitting checking, will send said broadcasting receiver corresponding to the relevant information of described request information to.

7. information provider unit comprises:

Receiving system is used for receiving the broadcasting station identification information that identifies the current broadcasting station that receives from said broadcasting receiver; And

Conveyer; The user of said broadcasting receiver is used for the relevant information in said broadcasting station with corresponding to said broadcasting station identification information of indicating is provided the state information of service state and provides the address of service to be sent to said broadcasting receiver corresponding to said information, so that can be apprised of the service state that service is provided about said information before the said information of visit provides service.

8. information provider unit as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, but work as said information at least is provided the service time spent, and said transmitting device just is sent to said broadcasting receiver with said state information and said address.

9. information provider unit as claimed in claim 7; Comprise that also information provides service executing apparatus, be used for according to from the visit of the said address of said broadcasting receiver, through coming execution information that service is provided providing the relevant information of service to be sent to said broadcasting receiver with said information.

10. information provider unit as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, said transmitting device will be sent to said broadcasting receiver corresponding to the additional information and the said state information of said broadcasting station identification information.

11. information provider unit as claimed in claim 7; It is characterized in that; Said transmitting device will be by providing said information to provide the said state information that content server provided of service to be sent to said broadcasting receiver, and use the address to provide server to send said broadcasting receiver to the address that will provide said information that the said content server of service is provided.

12. a message receiving method comprises the steps:

The broadcasting station identification information that will be used to identify the current broadcasting station that receives is sent to information provider unit;

Whether available from said information provider unit, receive the indication information relevant with said broadcasting station provides service state information; Said state information provides service corresponding to said information, so that the user of said broadcasting receiver can be apprised of the service state that service is provided about said information before the said information of visit provides service; And

If said information provides service available, then transmit the solicited message that is used to ask the additional information corresponding with said broadcasting station to said information provider unit.

13. an information receiver comprises:

Transmitting device is used for sending the broadcasting station identification information in the current broadcasting station that receives of sign to information provider unit; And

Receiving system, being used for receiving the relevant information in said broadcasting station of indicating with corresponding to said broadcasting station identification information from said information provider unit provides the state information of service state and provides the address of service so that the user of said broadcasting receiver can be apprised of the service state that service is provided about said information before the said information of visit provides service corresponding to said information.

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