CN1816987B - Data processing equipment, data processing method and data processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

It is possible to provide information on broadcast content regardless of whether the broadcast content is being received. Setting means (13) of an information processing apparatus (1) sets in advance the frequency of a broadcast signal which is receivable according to an area in which the information processing apparatus is used, the setting means (13) also allocates a reception channel and records it as preset information in a preset information storage device (14). A broadcast signal receiving device (11) receives a broadcast signal whose predetermined frequency is selected by a user according to preset information. A broadcast signal reproduction device (12) reproduces the received broadcast signal. On the other hand, the control means (15) performs control so that a broadcast site list corresponding to the frequency set in the preset information is displayed on the display means (17). When a certain station is selected, the control means (15) performs control so as to acquire information on broadcast content published on the network by the selected broadcast station by using the communication control means (16), and display the acquired information on broadcast content on the display means (17).

Description

Data processing equipment, data processing method and data processing program

technical field

The present invention relates to a data processing device, a data processing method and a data processing program. More specifically, the present invention relates to a data processing device, a data processing method for the device, and a data processing program for the device to be connected to a network for receiving broadcast signals and broadcast stations via The network publishes information about broadcast content.

Background technique

Hitherto known data processing devices are used to receive broadcast signals transmitted by radio and television stations. Each data processing device demodulates broadcast signals, thereby enabling users to listen to programs such as music and to refer to broadcast content information published by broadcast stations on the Internet. Among these broadcast content information are: the title of the music broadcast in the program, the performer of the music, and the name or serial number of the CD on which the music is recorded.

The frequencies used by each broadcast station to transmit signals are allocated to a plurality of reception areas in which the same program can be received on the same channel, and one frequency corresponds to one reception area. This is because only signals transmitted with a specific frequency can be received in a limited area. In other words, a broadcast program transmitted on a certain frequency cannot be received in a different area. This is why any data processing device designed to receive broadcast signals has a tuner preset function (hereinafter referred to as "preset function"). The data processing device with this function can automatically set the receiving channel according to its location. When the user starts using the data processing device or enters a new receiving area, he or she activates the preset function. Thus, the reception channel corresponding to the new area is set.

A known audio reproducing apparatus is installed in a moving object such as a car, and receives a broadcast signal while moving from one receiving area to another. The audio reproducing device identifies a reception area based on position information acquired from a global positioning system (GPS). It then automatically sets the receive channel assigned to that receive zone. (Among the paragraphs [0006] to [0012] and FIG. 1 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-5392, such an audio reproduction device is disclosed)

A user of the data processing device can select a channel to which a preset function has been set. Then, he or she listens to what is being broadcast at the desired broadcasting station. At this time, the data processing device identifies the broadcasting station which transmitted the signal it is receiving. The device acquires information on what a broadcasting station is broadcasting over the Internet. Information about the content of the broadcast can be displayed using a display. The user can then listen to what is being broadcast while also viewing information about what is being broadcast from the broadcast station from which the device is receiving the signal.

However, when using a conventional data processing device, the information that a user can refer to is limited to information related to what is being broadcast by a selected broadcasting station.

So far, the information about the content being played has been acquired by the data processing device only from the broadcasting stations selected by the user. In order to obtain information related to the content being played, the device detects the frequency of the broadcast signal it is receiving, checks the list of broadcasting stations according to the detected frequency, and identifies the broadcasting station. Since the broadcast station is automatically identified, it is not necessary for the user to select the broadcast station. However, the user must select any other broadcasting station in order to view information related to content broadcast by other stations. Viewing When the device does not receive the signal broadcast by this station, the user also needs to select a broadcasting station in order to view information related to the content played by the broadcasting station.

In order for the user to select a broadcast station to view information about what the broadcast station is broadcasting, the display needs to show a list of all stations covering the entire area whether or not the device is receiving a signal from the broadcast station. Such lists are so long that it becomes very cumbersome for the user to find the site he or she wants. The more sites that are displayed in the list, the longer it will take for the user to find and select the site he or she wants.

When using a conventional data processing device, the user has to expend a lot of effort to select his or her desired site. Therefore, the user cannot refer to information related to contents being broadcast by other broadcasting stations other than the station from which the data processing apparatus is receiving the signal. Therefore, such a data processing device is not very useful.

Contents of the invention

It is in consideration of the foregoing that the present invention has been made. An object of the present invention is to provide a data processing device capable of easily providing information on contents broadcast by a broadcasting station regardless of whether the device is receiving a signal from the broadcasting station. Another object of the present invention is to provide a data processing method and a data processing program, both of which are used in a data processing device.

To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides a data processing apparatus which enables a user to refer to content-related information published on a network by any broadcasting station selected by the user. This data processing device includes: receiving means for receiving broadcast signals; reproducing means for reproducing broadcast signals; setting means for setting frequencies for receivable broadcast signals and setting frequency information related to the set frequencies Recorded on a predetermined recording medium; a communication control device for realizing control communication through a network; a display device; and a control device, which is used to make the display device display a list of broadcasting stations according to frequency information, and obtain information published by a selected broadcasting station. information related to the content and make the display device display the information related to the content.

In this data processing apparatus, the receiving means receives a broadcast signal of a specific frequency which has been selected by the user. The reproduction device performs reproduction processing on the broadcast signal received by the reception device. The signal is reproduced in real time or after it has been stored in a storage device. Every broadcast signal has a specific frequency that is assigned to the area where it can be received. The setting means sets the frequency for any broadcast signal that can be received in the area where the data processing means is located. The setting means assigns a reception channel to the frequency setting. Information representing the frequency setting is recorded in a predetermined recording medium. The receiving means selects a reception channel based on the information representing the frequency setting, and receives a broadcast signal in the reception channel thus selected. The control means makes the display means display a list of broadcast stations, and the broadcast stations in the list correspond to the frequency of at least one broadcast signal set by the setting means. When the user selects a broadcasting station from the list, the communication control means acquires information on broadcasting contents announced by the selected broadcasting station on the network. The control means causes the display means to display information related to the broadcast content. The content-related information displayed by the display means is not limited to information about one broadcasting station.

Therefore, the user can refer to information about broadcast content published from any broadcasting station from which the device can receive signals, regardless of whether the device is receiving signals from the broadcasting station.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a data processing method which reproduces a designated broadcast signal and enables a user to refer to information related to a broadcast content published by a certain broadcast station on the network. The method enables the user to look up the information related to the broadcast content published by a broadcast station different from the broadcast station sending the broadcast signal being received.

In this data processing method, among broadcast signals corresponding to various frequencies allocated to a plurality of broadcast stations, a frequency of any broadcast signal that can be received is set, and reception channels are allocated to the set frequencies. Information representing the set frequency is recorded in a predetermined recording medium. Regardless of whether the broadcast signal is being received, the display device will display a list of broadcast stations including stations corresponding to the frequency of at least one broadcast signal. When a broadcasting station is selected from the list, information related to the broadcasting content announced by the selected broadcasting station on the network can be acquired through the network. The display device displays information related to the broadcast content. The content-related information displayed by the display means is not limited to information about one broadcasting station.

Therefore, regardless of whether the device is receiving a signal from a broadcasting station, the user can refer to information about broadcasting content published from any broadcasting station that the device can receive.

In the data processing apparatus according to the present invention, a list of broadcasting stations existing in a receiving area is displayed based on frequencies of broadcasting signals that the data processing apparatus can receive. Information about the broadcast content of any given broadcast station shown in the list is published on the network. This information is displayed and presented to the user. In the receiving area, the number of broadcasting stations is limited. This makes it easy for the user to select the desired site. The user can designate a desired broadcasting station using simple operations, and can refer to information related to content broadcast by the selected station, while not caring whether the data processing apparatus is receiving broadcasting signals from the selected station.

Furthermore, in the data processing method according to the present invention, regardless of whether the device is receiving signals, it is possible to: display a list of broadcasting stations corresponding to frequencies of broadcasting signals that the data processing device can receive; when the broadcasting station When selected, acquiring information related to broadcasting content announced by the selected broadcasting station on the network; and making the information available for reference. In the receiving area, the number of broadcasting stations is limited. This makes it easy for the user to select the desired site. The user can designate a desired broadcasting station using simple operations, and can refer to information related to content broadcast by the selected station, without caring whether the data processing apparatus is receiving a broadcasting signal from the station.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 represents the inventive concept of the present invention as applied to a number of embodiments;

2 is a block diagram of a network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an appearance diagram of a terminal device;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the terminal device;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a program module configuration of the terminal device;

Figure 6 is a table showing the relationship between various frequencies on the one hand and the relationship between broadcasting stations on the other hand;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a displayed broadcast station selection menu;

FIG. 8 is a view depicting a region list menu of all regions in the country (Japan);

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the sequence of displaying related information;

FIG. 10 is a view showing the overall configuration of a music-related service providing system, which is the second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a block diagram of the hardware configuration of the client, which shows the functional circuit of the client;

Fig. 12 is a view showing a directory structure;

Fig. 13 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of a portal server, which depicts the functional circuits constituting such a server;

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of the hardware configuration of the music data distribution server, which shows the functional circuits constituting this server;

Fig. 15 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of an object-sales server, which shows functional circuits constituting this object-sales server;

Fig. 16 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of a radio broadcast information distribution server, which shows functional circuits constituting this server;

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing a sequence for implementing user authentication between a client and a portal server;

Fig. 18 is a sequence diagram showing the user authentication sequence realized between the client and the music data distribution server;

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a service sequence for providing a music data distribution service;

FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing a service sequence for providing a physical sale service;

FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing a service sequence (1) of providing radio broadcast information (broadcast list information); and

Fig. 22 is a sequence diagram showing a service sequence (2) for providing radio broadcast information (information currently being broadcast).

Detailed ways

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

(1) basic idea of the present invention

First, the concept of the present invention applied to various embodiments will be explained. Then, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a diagram representing the concept of the invention applied to various embodiments.

The data processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station 2, and it is also connected to a broadcast station server 4 through a network 3. The broadcast station server 4 is a server managed by the broadcast station 2 . It announces information on broadcast contents to be broadcast by the broadcast station 2, such as musical compositions.

The broadcast signal received by the data processing apparatus 1 has a frequency set in advance according to the frequency of the broadcast signal that has been allocated to the broadcast stations located in the respective reception areas. In the following description, a frequency setting process of a broadcast signal receivable by the device 1 is referred to as a "preset process", and information on the frequency preset is referred to as "preset information".

The data processing device 1 has a broadcast signal receiving device 11 , a broadcast signal reproducing device 12 , a setting device 13 , a preset information storage device 14 , a control device 15 , a communication control device 16 and a display device 17 . The broadcast signal receiving device 11 receives a broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcast station 2 . The broadcast signal reproduction device 12 reproduces the broadcast signal. The setting means 13 performs preset processing. The preset information storage device 14 stores the preset information set by the device 13 . The control device 15 controls the acquisition of information related to the broadcast content to be played by the broadcast station 2 according to preset information. The communication control means 16 controls the communication with the broadcasting station server 4 performed by the apparatus 1 through the network 3 . The display device 17 is used to display various information contents.

The broadcasting signal receiving means 11 acquires data representing the broadcasting frequency of the broadcasting station 2 selected by the user from the preset information storage device 14 which also stores data items representing the broadcasting frequencies of other stations. Then, the broadcast signal receiving device 11 receives the broadcast signal corresponding to the frequency represented by the acquired data. The received broadcast signal is supplied to the broadcast signal reproducing device 12 . In some cases, the content data included in the received broadcast signal may be stored in a storage device (not shown).

The broadcast signal reproducing device 12 reproduces a broadcast signal transmitted by a specific broadcast station 2 and received by the broadcast signal receiving device 11 . The device 12 reproduces a signal input from the broadcast signal receiving device 11 in real time, or reproduces content data stored in a storage device (not shown).

The setting means 13 performs a preset process of setting frequencies for broadcast signals from broadcasting stations located in the area where the data processing means 1 is used. Then, the setting means 13 assigns a reception channel to each frequency it has set. The preset process can be realized by various methods known in the art. Therefore, the preset process will not be described in detail herein. The preset process can be started automatically or at the user's request. Before the broadcast signal receiving means 11 receives a specific broadcast signal and the control means 15 starts to acquire information related to broadcast content from the broadcast station server 4, preset information has been stored in the preset information storage device 14. Note that this information contains not only frequencies of broadcast signals that can be received, but also broadcast station information about broadcast stations that transmit broadcast signals of these frequencies. For example, such broadcasting station information includes the names and identification data items of these broadcasting stations.

The preset information storage device 14 is constituted by a recording medium for storing preset information set by the setting device 13 . For example, the recording medium is a hard disk drive (HDD). Preset information can be read from the broadcast signal receiving device 11 and the control device 15 .

Based on the information stored in the preset information storage device 14, the control means 15 controls a process that allows a user to refer to information on broadcast contents to be broadcast by a broadcast station desired by the user. Information related to broadcast contents is published by the broadcast station server 4 on the network 3 . The control device 15 reads preset information. Using the names of the broadcasting stations included in the preset information, the control device 15 can cause the display device 17 to display a list of various broadcasting stations from which the data processing device 1 can receive signals. When the user selects a broadcasting station from the displayed list, the control means 15 uses the communication control means 16, thereby acquiring information on the broadcasting content announced by the broadcasting station server 4 on the network. Then, the control device 15 causes the display device 17 to display information related to the broadcast content.

In order to acquire information on broadcast content from broadcast station server 4, control means 15 uses information on sources of information on broadcast content. For example, the control means 15 uses the communication control means 16, whereby the ID data (i.e., a so-called call sign) of the broadcasting station is sent to the information providing means, which provides information about the information published by the broadcasting station by being connected to the network 3. Information about the source of the broadcast content. Accordingly, the control device 15 receives information on a data distribution source provided in a broadcasting station that distributes information related to broadcast content. The data processing apparatus 1 can store a table of data distribution sources provided in broadcasting stations. In this case, the control means 15 searches the table of data distribution sources and obtains information on the data distribution sources provided in the broadcasting station.

For all the broadcasting stations registered in the preset process, the control means 15 can use the communication control means 16 to automatically execute the process of acquiring information related to the broadcast content from the data distribution source. After the user has selected a broadcasting station, but after preset information has been set. If this is the case, by taking the same steps as described above, the control device 15 can acquire information on the distribution source of the data related to all the broadcasting stations registered in the presetting process. Based on the acquired information, the control device 15 then acquires information related to the broadcast content to be played by the broadcast station. This information is stored on a storage device. If requested by the user, the control means 15 reads the information related to the broadcast content from the storage device, so that the information related to the broadcast content can be displayed.

Under the control of the control device 15 , the communication control device 16 transmits a request concerning information related to the broadcast content to the broadcast station server 4 through the network 3 . The communication control device 16 receives information on broadcast content from the broadcast station server 4 and supplies the information to the control device 15 .

Under the control of the control means 15, the display means 17 displays a list of broadcasting stations, information on broadcasting content to be broadcast by each broadcasting station, and a menu of broadcasting content of the selected broadcasting station. When the user selects a broadcast station from the displayed list, the display device 17 displays a list of information related to broadcast content items to be broadcast by the selected station. When the user selects one of the broadcast content items, the display device 17 displays detailed information on the broadcast content item selected by the user.

How the above-mentioned data processing apparatus 1 works will be described.

In the data processing apparatus 1, the setting means 13 performs a preset process of setting a frequency for a broadcast signal of each broadcasting station in the area where the data processing apparatus 1 is used. Then, the setting means 13 assigns a reception channel to each frequency it has set. Set frequency information representing a frequency assigned to each reception channel is recorded in the preset information storage device 14 as preset information together with broadcasting station information including name and ID data of a broadcasting station corresponding to the frequency.

By performing the above-described process, the data processing apparatus 1 registers, as preset information, broadcast signal frequencies that have been allocated to reception channels and the name and ID data items of broadcast stations.

The broadcast signal receiving device 11 receives a broadcast signal having a frequency corresponding to the selected reception channel. The broadcast signal reproduction device 12 reproduces the received broadcast signal.

According to the preset information, the control means 15 causes the display means 17 to display a list of broadcasting stations corresponding to the receiving channels. When the user selects a broadcast station from the list displayed by the display device 17, the control device 15 acquires information on data distribution sources provided in the selected broadcast station. The information on the data distribution source is the information stored in the device 1 . Alternatively, this information can also be obtained by connecting the communication control device 16 to the network 3 .

In this case, the information is obtained from a device that provides information related to a source of information related to the content to be played by the broadcasting station.

Based on the information on the data distribution source provided in the selected broadcasting station, the control means 15 sends a request to the broadcasting station server 4 through the communication control means 16 concerning the information on the broadcasting content. The control means 15 receives the information related to the broadcast content as a response from the broadcast station server 4 . Then, the control device 15 causes the display device 17 to display information related to the broadcast content. Thus, the device 1 provides the user with information on the broadcast content to be broadcast by the selected broadcast station.

The control means 15 acquires information on data distribution sources provided in all broadcasting stations registered in the preset information. Based on this information, the control means 15 obtains information on the broadcast content to be distributed by each broadcast station. Information related to broadcast content is stored in a storage device. When the user selects a broadcast station from the list of broadcast stations displayed by the display device 17, the control device 15 reads information related to the broadcast content to be played by the selected station from the storage device. The control device 15 can cause the display device 17 to display this information.

In the data processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention, the display means 17 is caused to display a list of broadcast stations located in the reception area using preset information to be used to receive broadcast signals. This allows the user to select a broadcasting station for distributing information related to broadcasting content. The above-described process can be realized regardless of which reception channel supplies the broadcast signal to the broadcast signal receiving device 11, or regardless of whether the device 11 is receiving the broadcast signal. Accordingly, the user can refer to information related to broadcast contents announced by the broadcasting station he or she has selected on the network 3 .

The list of broadcasting stations that enables the user to select a broadcasting station displayed by the display device 17 displays only the broadcasting stations that exist in the receiving area. Namely, the list doesn't show many radio stations. This allows the user to easily select a broadcasting station. Note that the information on the broadcast content announced by each broadcasting station on the network relates to the broadcast program, and contains the title of the musical composition to be played in the program and the name of the artist performing the musical composition. Therefore, the information related to the broadcast content announced by any broadcast station outside the reception area may be mostly unnecessary for the user. Therefore, all that the display means 17 needs to display is a list of broadcasting stations located in the receiving area from which the data processing means 1 can receive signals.

The data processing apparatus 1 may be designed such that an area selection button is displayed next to a broadcasting station list which enables the user to select a broadcasting station located in the receiving area. When the user selects the area selection button, the display device 17 displays a list of broadcasting stations existing outside the reception area. Assume that the user selects one of these displayed broadcasting stations. Then, the device 1 acquires information related to the broadcast content to be played by the currently selected broadcast station, and displays the information. This enables the user to refer to information about broadcast content to be played by stations located outside the reception area.

(1) The first embodiment

Referring to the drawings, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. This embodiment is a terminal device capable of receiving FM broadcast signals and TV (television) broadcast signals representing musical compositions. In the following description, the process of saving information about a musical composition or collection of musical compositions will be referred to as "clipping".

Fig. 2 shows a network system related to the first embodiment. The network system includes terminal devices 10 and a network 30 . For example, network 30 is the Internet. The network 30 connects the terminal device 10 to various service servers. These servers are a broadcasting station server 41 , a CD title information providing server 42 , a music distribution server 43 , a CD store server 44 , an Internet radio server 45 , and an integrated service server 46 . The broadcasting station server 41 functions as a related information providing server. The comprehensive service server 46 functions as an authentication server.

The broadcast station server 41 is a server managed by the broadcast station 20 that broadcasts FM programs and TV programs. The broadcasting station 20 has an antenna 21 for transmitting radio signals. The broadcast station server 41 performs a service of providing information related to broadcast content to be played, for example, such information may be information related to musical compositions to be played.

Broadly speaking, the broadcast station server 41 provides content information in two modes. The first mode is "now playing", in which the server 41 provides information about the currently playing musical composition. In the second mode, the server 41 provides a list (or playlist) of musical compositions that the site 40 has played at the request of the terminal device. (The playlist contains information about each musical composition played). The broadcasting station server 41 provides information on musical compositions played on a specific program, and also provides information on musical compositions broadcast on a specific time period.

The CD title information providing server 42 distributes information on musical pieces recorded in commercially available CDs.

The music distribution server 43 distributes digitized data representing musical compositions (music data items). It provides the item of music data to the terminal device 10 only when the user takes a step to purchase the musical composition. The server 43 may provide information on musical compositions to be played by the broadcasting station 20 .

The service performed by the CD shop server 44 consists in receiving orders for CDs. The CD shop server 44 also performs services of distributing promotional audio data and providing information on musical compositions recorded on sold CDs.

Internet radio server 45 provides audio programs over a wide area network like the Internet.

The comprehensive service server 46 functions as a portal site in which various types of services are given through the network 30 . In other words, the server 46 delivers services. For example, the server 46 distributes information representing information sources related to musical compositions played to the terminal device 10 . For example, the information is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) announced to the public by the broadcasting station server 41 .

Therefore, a plurality of servers each perform a service of providing information on a musical composition or a collection of musical compositions. That is, on the network 30, each server serves as a source of a musical composition or collection of musical compositions.

The music distribution server 43 and the CD store server 44 can distribute musical compositions for sale. If the user can operate the terminal device 10 to access these servers for distributing and selling musical compositions, he or she can purchase musical compositions or a collection of musical compositions through the network 30 . The user of the terminal device 10 may take steps to access the music distribution server 43 in order to purchase a musical composition. In this case, music data can be downloaded from the server 43 to the terminal device 10 . The user of the terminal device 10 may take steps to access the CD store server 44 in order to purchase a musical composition. The user may then receive the CD delivered to his or her home.

The terminal device 10 includes functional parts 19 and user interface (UI) parts 18 . The functional part 19 can receive and reproduce broadcast signals, and can also realize communication between the terminal 10 and the network 30 . The user interface section 18 has a key input section 18a and a display device 17a. When the user operates the key input section 18a, the key input section 18a inputs an instruction. The display device 17a may display information to the user.

The functional section 19 of the terminal device 10 has a broadcast signal receiving section having an antenna 11a and a tuner 11b. Accordingly, the functional part 19 can receive broadcast content contained in the broadcast signal that the antenna 11a has captured. The tuner 11b receives a broadcast signal from the antenna 11a, and extracts a broadcast signal of a channel that the user has selected by operating the key input section 18a. The frequency of the broadcast signal to be received is determined by preset information stored in the preset information storage device 14a.

The functional part 19 of the terminal 10 has a network connection 16a. The device 16a controls the data communication between the terminal device 10 and various servers, and this data communication is realized through the network 30 . The device 16a clips the information about the musical composition that the user wants to obtain from the broadcast station server 41 of the broadcast station 20. According to the preset information stored in the preset information storage device 14a, the device 16a causes the display device 17a to display a list of broadcasting stations from which the terminal device 10 can receive signals. The functional part 19 of the terminal device 10 obtains from the comprehensive service server 46 information about information sources of musical compositions played by preset and registered broadcasting stations. Then, the functional part 19 clips the information on the musical composition, which has been transmitted from the broadcasting station server 41 designated as the source of such information.

The functional part 19 of the terminal device 10 has a clip information storage device 19a. The storage device 19 a stores related information clipped in the functional part 19 . Information on musical compositions that have been clipped from the broadcasting station server 4 is stored in the clip information storage device 19a. The clip information storage device 19 a is a secondary storage device provided by the terminal device 10 . For example, in the terminal device 10, the clip information storage device 19a can be used as a part of the storage area of the HDD. The terminal device 10 can edit not only music compositions, but also music collections. Therefore, the terminal device 10 can clip FM programs and CD albums each containing many musical compositions. In other words, it is possible to clip information related to a musical composition that the user is interested in by a single operation.

The terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment can also be used as an audio device capable of playing back cut musical compositions.

FIG. 3 shows an external view of the terminal device 10 . As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 10 according to the present embodiment looks like a common type of audio system. The terminal device 10 has one main part 10 a , speakers 120 a and 120 b , and a remote controller 180 . The main part 10a can perform functions of playing CDs and DVDs (Digital Video Discs), recording and reproducing data on and from MDs, and receiving FM programs and TV programs. The main unit 10a generates audio signals that are supplied to speakers 120a and 120b. The speakers 120a and 120b generate sounds according to audio signals.

The main part 10a includes a display device 17a. The display device 17a may display information about the musical composition being played or clipped and stored related information.

The remote controller 180 is an input device. When operating the device, the controller 180 remotely controls the main part 10a. Remote controller 180 has a plurality of operation keys. When the user presses an operation key, the remote controller 180 sends a signal to the main component 10a wirelessly (for example, through infrared transmission).

Among these operation keys are arrow keys 182 a to 182 d , and a setting key 183 , function selection keys 184 a to 184 c , a tool key 185 , and a return key 186 .

The direction keys 182a to 182d are used to move a cursor on the screen of the display device 17a, and to move a position where focusing should be achieved. The four direction keys 182a to 182d represent directions of up, down, left and right, respectively. When the keys 182a to 182d are pressed, a cursor or the like moves on the screen of the display device 17a in the directions indicated by the keys 182a to 182d.

When the set key 183 is pressed, this key sets the information being displayed by the display device 17a.

Functions are selected using the function selection keys 184a to 184c. The three function selection keys 184a to 184c are assigned to the general service usage function, tuner function, and partial content management, respectively. When any one of the function selection keys 184a to 184c is pressed, the main unit 10a is set to the operation mode associated with the pressed function selection key.

The tool key 185 is a button that, when pressed, causes the display device 17a to display a tool menu. The tools menu also includes commands related to the content displayed on the display device 17a. The user can select any displayed command to cause the terminal device 10 to execute the process specified by the command. Assume that the user selects a command by operating the direction keys 182a to 182d and then presses the set key 183 . Then, the terminal device 10 executes the process specified by the command.

The return key 186 is a button that is pressed to change the displayed information on the display device 17a back to the previously displayed information.

In addition to those keys shown in FIG. 3, the remote control 180 may have other keys. For example, volume control keys, playback keys, stop keys, etc. If the replay key is pressed, the terminal device will replay the CD, etc.

The internal structure of the terminal device 10 will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the terminal device 10 . If the terminal device 10 is configured as shown in FIG. 4, it can control, record, and reproduce various sources such as musical compositions, and can clip information on musical compositions.

The CPU 101 controls other components of the terminal device 10, and performs various operations according to activated programs. For example, the CPU 101 realizes communication through the network 30, receives data from the user and provides the data to the user, reproduces or clips the content from the medium, stores the content in the HDD 105, manages the content already stored in the HDD 105, and Information or the like is retrieved over the network 30 . The terminal device 10 can record and play back audio content data and moving image content data. The CPU 101 exchanges control signals and data with other circuits via the bus 102.

A ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 stores application programs that the CPU 101 should execute. It stores the program loader, various operating coefficients, parameters, etc. for executing the program. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 can store programs that the CPU 101 should execute. The RAM 104 can be used as a data area and a task area that the CPU 101 needs when it executes various processes.

The input section 107 has operation keys and various input devices, which are located on the casing of the terminal device 10 . Input devices include jog dials and touch screens. The input section 107 can have a keyboard and a mouse, which can be used as a GUI (Graphical User Interface). Information input at the input section 107 is provided to the input processing section 106 . Component 106 performs specific processing on information to generate operation commands. This command is provided to CPU 101. In response to the operation command, the CPU 101 performs operation or control.

For example, the display device 17 a may be a liquid crystal display and connected to the functional part 19 . It can display various information. When the CPU 101 supplies information to the display processing section 108 according to various operating states, input states, and communication states, the display processing section 108 causes the display device 17a to perform its function based on the information supplied from the CPU 101. For example, the display device 17a may display the content of related information issued by the server or the content of clipped information.

The media drives 109a and 109b can record contents such as musical compositions on portable recording media, or reproduce contents such as musical compositions from portable recording media. (They can only reproduce content from the medium according to the type of recording medium.) The media drives 109a and 109b can record data on or reproduce data from different types of recording media, that is, record and reproduce It is not necessary to be limited to the same recording medium. For example, the media drive 109a reproduces data from CDs and DVDs, and the media drive 109b records data on and reproduces data from MDs.

Portable media on which contents such as musical compositions are recorded are not limited to optical recording media such as CDs, DVDs, and the like. Instead, the media drives 109a and 109b may store content in semiconductor memory such as flash memory, for example. In this case, a flash memory reader/writer is connected to the bus 102 of the terminal device 10 .

A user can insert a recording medium (eg, CD, DVD, MD, etc.) into the medium drive 109 a or 109 b and operate the remote controller 180 . Then, the user can enjoy the music. Assume that the user operates the remote controller 180 to instruct the medium drive 109a that the content of the recording medium inserted into the drive 109a should be reproduced. Then, the CPU 101 instructs the media drive 109a to reproduce the contents of the recording medium inserted therein. Accordingly, the media drive 109a accesses the recording medium and reads the designated one or more musical pieces from the medium.

The content thus read may be audio content. In this case, the CPU 101 first decodes the audio content and then transfers the content to the audio data processing section 121, if necessary. The audio data processing unit 121 performs sound field processing such as equalization, volume adjustment, D/A conversion, and amplification on the audio content. The audio content thus processed is supplied to the speaker section 120 . The speaker part 120 produces sound from audio content. The speaker section 120 includes speakers 120a and 120b shown in FIG. 3 . Thus, the speaker part 120 can output stereo sound.

The CPU 101 can cause the HDD 105 to accumulate the content reproduced by the media drives 109a and 109b in the form of audio data files. Audio data files may assume various formats. It is available in CD format. If this is the case, the content is digitized audio data obtained by 16-bit quantization at a sampling frequency of 44.1 KHz. Alternatively, the audio data files may be in the form of compressed data in order to save the storage capacity of the HDD 105. In this case, the data compression scheme is not limited to a specific one. ATRAC (Advanced Transform Acoustic Coding, trademark), MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer 3) and the like are usable.

For example, tuner 11b may be an AM-FM radio tuner. When the tuner 11b is controlled by the CPU 101, the tuner 11b decodes the broadcast signal that the antenna 11a has received. Needless to say, the tuner 11b may be a TV tuner, a broadcast satellite tuner, a digital broadcast tuner, or an Internet radio tuner. The broadcast signal thus decoded is subjected to specific processing in the audio data processing section 121 . The broadcast signal is output from the part 121 to the speaker part 120 . The speaker part 120 generates sound from broadcast signals.

When under the control of the CPU 101, the communication processing section 161 encodes data to be transmitted and decodes received data. The network interface 160 receives data encoded by the communication processing section 161 and transmits the data to an external device through the network 30 . The network interface 160 also receives signals transmitted from external devices via the network 30 and transfers the data to the communication processing section 161 . The communication processing section 161 transfers the signal it receives to the CPU 101. The information received by the terminal device 10 through the network 30 may include information related to the FM program being played and titles of music works contained in CDs and the like.

The infrared communication part 181 realizes wireless communication with the remote controller 180, such as infrared communication. The infrared communication part 181 performs specific processing on the signal sent from the remote controller 180, thereby generating an operation command. This command is provided to CPU 101. In response to the operation command, the CPU 101 performs operation or control so that the device 10 can operate according to the command input to it.

The configuration of the terminal device 10 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4 . Device 10 may have various configurations. For example, device 10 may have an interface capable of communicating with peripheral devices. The interface may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, an IEEE 1394 interface, a Bluetooth interface, or the like. In the terminal device 10, the HDD 105 can store the content of the audio data downloaded by the network interface 160 through the network 30, and can also store the content of the audio data transferred through the USB interface, IEEE 1394 interface or Bluetooth interface. The terminal device 10 may have a terminal for connecting a microphone or an external earphone, a video output terminal for reproducing data from a DVD, a line connection terminal, a terminal for transferring optical digitized data, and the like. In addition, the terminal device 10 may have a PCMCIA slot, a memory card slot, or the like. Therefore, the terminal device 10 can exchange data with external data processing devices and audio devices.

The program modules included in the system according to the present invention will be described below. The program modules describe various processes to be executed by the terminal device 10 . That is, the terminal device 10 can execute respective processes according to program modules. Hereinafter, the functions performed by the device 10 according to the program modules are distinguished by using the names of the program modules.

FIG. 5 shows a view of a program module configuration of a terminal device. As shown in FIG. 5, the program modules for the terminal device 10 are designed to work on the operating system. Using the program modules, the terminal device 10 can realize data communication with the broadcast station server 41, CD title information providing server 42, music distribution server 43, comprehensive service server 46 and some other servers.

The terminal device 10 uses an HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) message program 201 and a communication device program 202 . The HTTP message program 201 realizes HTTP communication between the terminal device 10 and various servers such as the broadcasting station server 41 , the CD title message providing server 42 , the music distribution server 43 , and the comprehensive service server 46 . The communication device program 202 is a communication module that communicates with the comprehensive service server 46 and the like.

The music purchase playback module 203 is provided to the communication device program 202 as a higher-level module (similar in function to the user interface). A user uses this module 203 to purchase a musical composition or to replay a promotional musical composition. As a higher-level module than the music purchase playback module 203, an XML (Extensible Markup Language) browser 204 is provided. The XML browser 204 translates XML files sent from various servers, and causes the display device 17a to display the information. By operating the terminal device 10, the XML browser 204 translates the data entered by the user while the device 10 remains in the integrated service usage mode. Process requests corresponding to data input are transferred from the XML browser 204 to other modules. For example, music data representing a musical composition selected by the user is supplied to the music purchase playback module 203 through the XML browser 204 . The music purchase playback module 203 processes the music data so that the user can purchase the music piece. So this music data is just written in the HDD 105 by hard disk content controller 205.

The library 211 includes an authentication library 221 linked to the communication device program 202 . The authentication library 221 performs a process of authenticating the comprehensive service server 46 and other servers.

With respect to the communication device program 202, there are three other higher-level modules. They are the hard disk content controller 205, the database access module 206, and the content data access module 207. The database access module 206 can access various databases provided in the HDD 105. Content data access module 207 can access content stored in HDD 105. The hard disk contents controller 205 manages the contents stored in the HDD 105.

With respect to the hard disk content controller 205, there are three higher order modules. They are the music purchase playback module 203 , the related information display module 208 and the tuner site reproduction/recording module 209 . The related information display module 208 causes the display device 17a to display the title of the musical composition played by the radio station and the name of the artist who performed the musical composition.

The tuner site reproduction/recording module 209 selects radio stations and causes the HDD 105 to record the content of musical compositions played by any selected radio stations. The musical composition that has been received from the selected radio station through the audio user interface (audio UI) 210 is written to the HDD 105 through the content data access module 207 .

The related information display module 208 receives the related information of the musical composition from the CD title information providing server 42 and the broadcasting station server 41 through the HTTP message program 201 . The music-related information indicates the titles of musical compositions being broadcast by radio stations and the names of artists who perform these musical compositions. Module 208 provides this information via audio user interface 210 to display device 17a, which displays the title of the musical composition and the name of the artist. The related information display module 208 can cause the display device 17a to display information about musical compositions regardless of whether the terminal device 10 is receiving a signal from any broadcast station as long as the broadcast station is located in the receiving area. In this case, the related information display module 208 uses the preset information 213 stored in the library 211 . Therefore, the related information display module 208 acquires the URLs of the broadcasting station servers 41 included in all the broadcasting stations located in the receiving area from the comprehensive service server 46 . Using the acquired URL, the module 208 acquires information on the musical composition from the broadcasting station server 41 . The information related to the musical composition obtained by the module 208 is temporarily stored in the clip library 212 as clip information.

The related information display module 208 causes the display device 17a to display a list of broadcasting stations, prompting the user to select any broadcasting station he or she desires. When the user selects a station, the module 208 reads clip information from the clip library 212 about the selected broadcast station. The read clip information is provided to the display device 17a through the audio user monitor 210 . The device 17a displays clip information. Note that the preset information processing module 214 sets the preset information 213 when initialization is performed, or when a preset request is input through the audio user interface 210 .

Information related to musical compositions received through the audio user interface 210 may be provided to the HDD 105 through the database access module 206 and stored in the HDD 105 after the information has been displayed by the display device 17a.

The terminal device 10 can obtain information related to the music composition from the server, and edit the information. While the terminal device 10 is clipping the information, it can retrieve or purchase the musical composition.

How the above-mentioned terminal device operates will be explained below.

After initialization, the preset information processing module 214 sets the frequency corresponding to the signal that the terminal device 10 can receive. The frequency thus set is allocated to the reception channel and registered as preset information. Then, the preset information processing module 214 provides the data to the display device 17 a through the audio user interface 210 . The display device 17a displays an area selection menu showing a plurality of areas, prompting the user to select an area in which the terminal device 10 is used.

The user operates the remote controller 180 to select an area where the device 10 is used. Data representing the selected area is input to the preset information processing module 214 through the audio user interface 210 . The preset information processing module 214 selects a reception area represented by the data input thereto, and then assigns a broadcast signal frequency to a reception channel. At this time, module 214 also assigns the broadcasting station's name and ID data items to these reception channels.

Some broadcast signal frequencies are allocated to one area, and other broadcast signal frequencies are allocated to another area. The terminal device 10 stores a table showing the relationship between broadcasting stations and frequencies respectively assigned to these broadcasting stations. FIG. 6 shows a table showing the relationship between broadcasting stations existing in a metropolitan area and the frequencies allocated to these broadcasting stations. A region block shows an area where the same program can be received on the same frequency. The call symbol is an item of ID data for the broadcasting station. They are codes uniquely assigned to each broadcasting station. Using these call symbols, the preset information processing module 214 can identify each broadcasting station. The station name associated with each call symbol is character data representing the name of the broadcasting station to which the call symbol is assigned. The display device 17a displays the name of the broadcasting station associated with the reception channel.

Assume that the user selects Tokyo as the reception area. Then, the preset information processing module 214 refers to the above table, and selects the area block "big city area". Module 214 then assigns the frequency, call symbol, and broadcast station name in the "metropolitan area" to the receive channel. In the preset information 213 stored in the library 211, the frequency assigned to the reception channel, the call symbol, and the name of the broadcasting station are registered.

For example, if the terminal device 10 is always connected to the network 30, the integrated service server 46 can manage a table showing the relationship between frequencies and broadcasting stations. In this case, the terminal 10 can read this table via the network 30 whenever necessary.

After the preset information 213 is thus set, the tuner station reproduction/recording module 209 selects a broadcasting station based on the preset information 213 . Then, the module 209 reproduces the contents of the musical composition received from the radio station, or records these contents on the HDD 105.

The related information display module 208 may receive the signal broadcast by the selected radio station. In this case, unless the user has specified information related to any other musical composition, the module 208 receives the music being played by the radio station through the HTTP message program 201 from the CD title information providing server 42, the broadcasting station server 41, etc. The title of the work and the name of the artist who performed the musical work. Then, the related information display module 208 provides the title and artist's name as information related to the musical composition to the display device 17a. The display device 17a displays relevant information through the audio user interface 210 .

Module 208 does not receive any broadcast signal from a radio station, or may receive a request via audio user interface 210 from key input component 18a to specify a source of information related to a musical composition. If this is the case, the module 208 provides a list of broadcasting stations registered in the preset information 213 to the display device 17a. The display section 17a displays the list, prompting the user to select a broadcasting station or stations.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the broadcast station selection menu 171 . The menu 171 is a list of all broadcasting stations registered in the preset information 213 . The user can select one of many sites shown in the menu. The menu 171 contains only the names of broadcasting stations registered in the preset information 213 and located in the receiving area. This makes it easy for the user to select the desired site.

When the user selects one of the displayed broadcast station names, the related information display module 208 reads the call symbol corresponding to the selected broadcast station from the preset information 213 . The call sign is sent to the integrated service server 46 through the HTTP message program 201 . Module 208 obtains, as a response from server 46, a URL posting information related to the musical composition. Then, the module 208 receives information about the selected broadcast station from the broadcast station server 41 corresponding to the URL through the HTTP message program 201 . This information is provided via the audio user interface 210 to the display device 17a, which displays the information.

Through the audio user interface 210, the display device 17a displays a list of data items on preset and registered broadcasting stations. For example, the list may be a broadcasted list. A broadcasting station may publish any other information about broadcasting content. In this case, the display device 17a displays a table about items of broadcast content. When the user operates the remote controller 180 to select one of the displayed items, the audio user interface 210 transmits the item related to the selected broadcast content to the related information display module 208 . The related information display module 208 acquires detailed information on the selected item and provides the information to the display device 17a. The display device 17a displays the information.

When receiving the call symbol of the preset and registered broadcast station, the related information display module 208 sends the call symbol to the comprehensive service server 46 through the HTTP message program 201, regardless of whether the terminal device 10 is receiving the broadcast signal . Module 208 acquires, as a response from server 46, a URL that publishes information about the musical composition. Then, the module 208 receives the music composition related information from the broadcast station server 41 of the URL of the broadcast station through the HTTP message program 201 . At this time, the related information display module 208 may store the music related information in the clip library 212 .

If the music-related information in the clip library 212 is clipped, the information will be updated regularly. In this case, unless the apparatus 20 receives an instruction related to musical piece related information, the related information display module 208 causes the display device 17a to display clip information about the broadcasting station from which the terminal device 10 is receiving a signal. If any broadcasting station that should display music piece-related information is specified, the display device 17a displays clip information on the specified station.

With the implementation of the above-described process, the terminal device 10 can acquire information on broadcast content distributed by any desired broadcast station regardless of whether it is receiving a signal or not.

In addition, the terminal device 10 enables the user to purchase any musical composition he or she wants from the music distribution server 43 according to the relevant information displayed on the display device 17a.

As described above, information related to preset and registered broadcasting stations is automatically acquired and displayed by the display device 17a. However, the display device 17a may display information related to broadcasting stations in any other area.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, a data item, that is, "other regions" is displayed at the end of the broadcasting station list. This allows the user to select any site located in any other region. That is, when the user operates the remote control to designate "other regions", the display device 17a of the terminal device 10 will display a list of all geographical areas in the country. Figure 8 shows an example of such a parcel list. When the user selects a desired area among several areas shown in the area block list 172, the display device 17a of the terminal device 10 displays a list of broadcasting stations existing in the selected area. When the user selects one of the displayed broadcasting stations, the terminal device 10 acquires the URL of the selected broadcasting station from the integrated service server 46 . The terminal device 10 acquires information related to the musical composition played by the broadcasting station of the URL in the same manner as described above. The display device 17a displays the information. In the terminal device 10 , the display device 17 a may display a list of all broadcasting stations in the country instead of the block list 172 . If this is the case, the user can select any broadcast station from which he or she wants to receive signals from a list showing all broadcast stations in the country.

With the implementation of the above-described process, the terminal device 10 can display information related to broadcast content distributed by any broadcast station outside the reception area.

What is the order in which the display device 17a displays preset information related to each broadcasting station will be described below. Fig. 9 is a flowchart explaining the sequence of displaying related information.

After performing the prescribed initialization, the CPU 101 proceeds from the start step to step S1.

[Step S1] The CPU 101 executes a preset process for setting frequencies for broadcast signals receivable in the reception area. CPU 101 allocates these frequencies to reception channels. In addition, the CPU 101 sets the name of the broadcasting station and the ID data item (call symbol) of the broadcasting station, each of which is associated with a frequency. The name of the broadcasting station and the ID data item of the broadcasting station are stored in the HDD 105 as preset information.

[Step S2] The CPU 101 acquires the URL of the broadcasting station server of each broadcasting station (ie, preset station) that distributes broadcast content-related information on the network. Note that broadcast contents are registered in preset information. More precisely, for example, the CPU 101 transmits a call sign of a preset site to the comprehensive service server 46 providing various service information, and then receives a URL associated with the call sign in response. The thus obtained URL is temporarily stored in the RAM 104.

[Step S3] Using the URL of each preset site acquired from the comprehensive service server 46, the CPU 101 receives information related to the broadcast content issued by the preset site. Then, the CPU 101 sends a request for broadcast content-related information to the URL of the preset site (ie, the broadcast station server 41). CPU 101 acquires broadcast content-related information in response. The broadcast content-related information thus acquired is temporarily stored in the RAM 104 as clip information. The CPU 101 continuously acquires broadcast content-related information at regular intervals (for example, 30 seconds). Therefore, broadcast content-related information is regularly updated.

[Step S4] CPU 101 causes display device 17a to display a list of preset sites, prompting the user to select a broadcasting station, so that display device 17a can display information related to the content played by the site.

[Step S5] The CPU 101 determines whether the user has operated the terminal device 10 to select a broadcasting station. If not, return to step S3. In this case, the CPU 101 acquires broadcast content related information and does nothing until the user selects a broadcast station.

[Step S6] When the user selects a broadcasting station, the CPU 101 reads from the HDD 105 information related to the content played by the selected station. The CPU 101 provides this information to the display device 17a, which displays the information. After that, the process returns to step S3, and the CPU 101 acquires information related to the broadcast content. Therefore, the display device 17a maintains the display of broadcast content-related information.

Accordingly, the terminal device 10 can enable a user to refer to information related to broadcast content issued by any broadcast station in the reception area regardless of whether the terminal device 10 is receiving a signal from the broadcast station.

(3) The second embodiment

The second embodiment of the present invention is a service providing system. In such a system, one of many service servers may provide a user with a "now broadcasting" service of a broadcasting station registered in the aforementioned preset information. This system has a single-sign-on function.

(3-1) System configuration

FIG. 10 shows such a service providing system 1000 for providing music-related services. As shown in FIG. 10 , the system 1000 includes a client 1002 , a portal server 1003 , and a plurality of servers 1004 to 1008 . The client 1002 is the property of a user who has signed a contract with the operator who manages the service providing system 1000 . The portal server 1003 functions as a service server controlling the client 1002 . The servers 1004 to 1008 can provide the client 1002 with various types of music-related services.

In this embodiment, the server 1004 is a music data distribution server. It can distribute music data to client 1002. For example, music can be transmitted in ATRAC3 (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding 3) format, AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) format, WMA (Windows Media Audio) format, RealAUDIO G2 music codec format, or MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer 3) format data.

Server 1005 is an item sales server. The server 1005 can sell CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Video Discs), etc. to users in order to satisfy the orders placed by the users through the client 1002 .

Server 1006 is a radio broadcast information distribution server. It provides a radio broadcast information distribution service distributed to the client 1002, such as broadcast programs, music programs, etc. broadcast by any broadcast station.

Server 1007 is an Internet radio server. Such a server 1007 executes an Internet radio broadcast service that transmits radio broadcast data in streaming mode to the client 1002 through the network NT1000 equivalent to the Internet.

The server 1008 is a charge server that charges the user for using the system in response to a request from the portal server 1003 or the like.

The client 1002 in the second embodiment is equivalent to the terminal device 10 used in the first embodiment. The portal server 1003 corresponds to the comprehensive service server 46 . The music data distribution server 1004 corresponds to the music distribution server 43 . The radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 is equivalent to the broadcast station server 41 . Network NT1000 is equivalent to Network 30.

(3-2) Configuration of client 1002

(3-2-1) Hardware Configuration of Client 1002

Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 11, description will be made on the hardware configuration of the client 1002 serving as a data processing device. As shown in FIG. 11 , the client 1002 has an input component 1020 . The input component 1020 has various buttons, either on the housing of the client 1002 or on a remote control (not shown). When a user operates a button, the input section 1020 detects the operation, thereby generating an operation input signal. These signals are supplied to the input processing section 1021 .

The input processing section 1021 converts the operation-input signal supplied from the input section 1020 into an operation command. These operation commands are sent to the control section 1023 via the bus 1022 .

The control part 1023 controls some other components of the client 1002 according to operation commands and signals provided by some other components of the client 1002 through the bus 1022 .

The display control section 1024 performs digital-to-analog conversion on video data supplied to it via the bus 1022, thereby generating an analog video signal. The analog video signal is supplied to the display section 1025 .

For example, display component 1025 may be a display such as a liquid crystal display. It resides on the client 1002 shell or is connected externally to the client.

The display section 1025 receives the processing result generated by the control section 1023 and various video data as analog video signals through the display control section 1024 . The display section 1025 displays images represented by analog video signals.

The audio data control section 1026 receives the audio data supplied through the bus 1022, converts it into an analog audio signal, and supplies the analog audio signal to the speaker 1027. The speaker 1027 emits sound according to the analog audio signal supplied from the audio data control section 1026 .

The external recording medium recording/reproducing section 1028 is configured to reproduce content data from an external recording medium such as a CD, a memory stick (memory stick is a trademark), and to record the content data on the external recording medium. Note that a memory stick includes both the flash and the case that contains the flash.

The recording/reproducing section 1028 can read video data as content data from an external recording medium. In this case, video data is supplied to the display control section 1024 via the bus 1022 .

The display control section 1024 converts the video data (ie, content data) read from the external recording medium by the recording/reproducing section 1028 into an analog video signal. The analog video signal is supplied to the display section 1025 .

The recording/reproducing section 1028 can read audio data as content data from an external recording medium. If this is the case, the audio data is provided to the audio data control unit 1026 via the bus 1022 .

The audio data control section 1026 converts the audio data (ie, content data) read from the external recording medium by the recording/reproducing section 1028 into an analog audio signal. The analog audio signal is supplied to the speaker 1027 .

The control section 1023 causes the recording/reproducing section 1028 to supply the content data read from the external recording medium to the storage medium 1029 included in the client 1002 via the bus 1022 . The content data is thus stored in the storage medium 1029 . (Hereafter, this process of storing content data in the storage medium 1029 is called "clipping".)

The control section 1023 can read video data as content data from the storage medium 1029 . In this case, video data is supplied to the display control section 1024 via the bus 1022 .

The control section 1023 can read audio data as content data from the storage medium 1029 . In this case, audio data is supplied to the audio data control section 1026 via the bus 1022 .

Furthermore, the control section 1023 can read music data from the storage medium 1029 . The music data is transferred to the recording/reproducing section 1028. Then, the recording/reproducing section 1028 can record the music data on an external recording medium.

The broadcast signal receiving section 1030 receives radio waves transmitted from broadcast stations. These radio waves are supplied from section 1030 to tuner section 1031 .

Under the control of the control section 1023, the tuner section 1031 extracts a radio broadcast signal having a frequency assigned to a broadcast station selected by the user through the operation input section 1020 from radio waves received by the broadcast signal receiving section 1030. frequency. The audio data acquired from the radio broadcast signal is supplied to the audio data control section 1026 via the bus 1022 .

The audio data control section 1026 receives the audio data from the tuner section 1031, and converts it into an analog audio signal. This analog audio signal is sent to speaker 1027. The speaker 1027 produces sounds for radio programs broadcast by radio stations based on analog audio signals. Therefore, the user can listen to the radio program.

The control section 1023 can supply the audio data obtained in the tuner section 1031 to the storage medium 1029 . Accordingly, storage medium 1029 may store audio data representative of a radio program.

The control section 1023 is first connected to the network NT1000 through the communication control section 1032 and then through the network interface 1033 . Therefore, the control section 1023 can access the portal server 1003 and other servers 1004 to 1007 provided on the network NT1000. The control part 1023 can exchange various data items and some data items with the portal server 1003 and other servers 1004 to 1007 .

The encoder/decoder section 1034 receives content data from the network NT1000 through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 . The component 1034 also receives content data read from the storage medium 1029 or an external recording medium. Content data from the network NT 1000 and content data from the storage medium 1029 or external recording medium are encoded and compressed. Encoder/decoder 1034 decodes the content data and supplies them to display control section 1024 and audio data control section 1026 .

Content data read from an external recording medium may be uncompressed or encoded. In this case, the encoder/decoder 1034 compresses and encodes the content data. The encoder/decoder 1034 also compresses and encodes audio data and the like supplied from the tuner section 1031 . The compressed and encoded content data is sent to the storage medium 1029 .

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

The copyright management section 1035 generates copyright management information related to content data downloaded from the network NT1000 via the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 . The section 1035 also generates copyright management information related to the content data that the recording/reproducing section 1028 has read from the external recording medium.

The control section 1023 registers the copyright management information generated by the copyright management section 1035 on the recording medium 1029 . The registered copyright management information is associated with content data.

Between the storage medium 1029 and the designated external recording medium, the copyright management section 1035 can appropriately update the copyright management information to check the content data associated with the copyright management information. Alternatively, between the designated external recording medium and the storage medium 1029, the component 1035 may appropriately update copyright management information in order to check the content data. In either case, the copyright of the content data is protected.

The page information generating section 1036 receives page information, such as XML (Extensible Markup Language) files or HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) files, from the network NT1000 through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 . The component 1036 translates page information and generates video data to be displayed by the display component 1025 . This video data is supplied to the display control section 1024 .

Authentication processing section 1037 executes processing of sending authentication information to portal server 1003 and other servers 1004 to 1007 via communication control section 1032 and network interface 1033 . Note that the portal server 1003 and other servers 1004 to 1007 are provided on the network NT1000 and connected through the network interface 1033.

The authentication information storage section 1038 stores authentication information that must be used by the authentication processing section 1037 to access the portal server 1003 and other servers 1004 to 1007 .

The radio broadcast display control section 1039 sends a request signal to the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 of the radio station from which the client 1002 is receiving the radio program through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 . The request signal requests that the server 1006 should send information about the broadcast program being received by the client 1002 to the user.

As a result, the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 provided on the network NT1000 transmits the radio program information. The radio broadcast display control section 1039 receives radio program information through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 . Then, component 1039 sends the information to display control component 1024 . The display control section 1024 passes this information to the display section 1025 . The display section 1025 displays radio program information. This information includes the name of the radio program the client 1002 is receiving, the name of the musical composition the client 1002 is receiving, the name of the artist performing the musical composition, and the like. Note that the radio program information is equivalent to the related information used in the first embodiment.

Among the several program modules (FIG. 5) included in the terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the HTTP message program 201 and the communication device program 202 are such program modules, and the functions they can execute are the same as those of the second embodiment. The function of the communication control component 1032 (FIG. 11) provided by the client 1002 in this example is similar.

The music purchase playback module 203 (FIG. 5) is a program module that can perform the same functions as the control part 1023 and the audio data control part 1026 (both of which are shown in FIG. 11) included in the client 1002. functions are similar.

XML browser 204 (FIG. 5) is a program module capable of performing functions similar to input processing part 1021 and page information generating part 1036 (both shown in FIG. 11) used in client 1002. functions are similar.

The hard disk content controller 205, the database access module 206 and the content data access module 207 (all shown in Fig. 5) are such program modules, and the functions they can perform are the same as the control components 1023 (Fig. 11) included in the client 1002. functions are similar.

The authentication library 221 (FIG. 5) provided in the library 211 is a program module capable of performing the same functions as the authentication processing part 1037 and the authentication information storage part 1038 used in the client 1002 (both shown in FIG. 11 ). shown in ) function similarly.

Clip library 212 ( FIG. 5 ) provided in library 211 is a program module capable of performing functions similar to those of control section 1023 provided in client 1002 .

The preset information 213 ( FIG. 5 ) provided in the library 211 is a program module capable of performing functions similar to those of the control part 1023 included in the client 1002 .

The preset information processing module 214 ( FIG. 5 ) is a module capable of performing functions similar to those of the control section 1023 ( FIG. 11 ) used in the client 1002 .

The related information similarity module 208 ( FIG. 5 ) is a module capable of performing functions similar to those of the radio broadcast display control section 1039 ( FIG. 11 ) included in the client terminal 1002 .

The tuner-site reproduction/recording module 209 (FIG. 5) is a module capable of performing the same functions as the control section 1023, audio data control section 1026, and tuner section 1031 (FIG. 11) included in the client 1002. are shown in ) function similarly.

Audio-user interface 210 (FIG. 5) is a module capable of performing the same functions as input processing part 1021, control part 1023 and display control part 1024 (all shown in FIG. 11) included in client 1002. ) function similarly.

Therefore, by using the various program modules described above, the terminal device 10 having the hardware configuration according to the first embodiment can realize the same process as the client 1002 according to the second embodiment.

(3-2-2) Directory management

In the client 1002, the control section 1023 controls content data to be stored in the storage medium 1029 in the form of the directory structure shown in FIG. A given number of "folder" directories are prepared, thereby constituting a layer just below the "root" directory. The "folder" directory thus prepared corresponds to the type of content or the user who may own the client 1002 .

The "album" directory is prepared, thereby constituting a layer just below the "folder" directory. Their numbers fall within the specified range. For example, an "album" category may correspond to each album title. At least one "track" file is prepared, thus constituting the layer just below the "album" directory. Several audio track files can belong to each "album" directory. Each track file is a musical composition, ie content.

Content data of this directory structure is managed by a database file stored in the storage medium 1029 .

(3-3) Configuration of Portal Server 1003

The hardware configuration of the portal server 1003 serving as an authentication server will be described with reference to FIG. 13 . The portal server 1003 includes a control part 1050 and a bus 1051 . The control part 1050 controls other components of the portal server 1003, and these components are connected to the part 1050 through the bus 1051.

Being controlled by the control part 1050, the communication control part 1052 receives various data items from the client 1002 and other servers 1004 to 1008 through the network interface 1053, and sends various data items to the client 1002 and other servers through the network interface 1053. Servers 1004 to 1008.

The customer database part 1054 contains the ID (identity) code and password of any user who has signed a contract with the service provider responsible for the operation of the service providing system 1000 that can provide music-related services. ID codes and passwords are registered and associated with each other, thereby constituting an item of customer information.

The page information storage section 1055 stores page information and the like managed by a service provider responsible for the operation of the service providing system 1000 that can provide music-related services.

Page information is described in a specific language, such as XML. It contains URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information that the portal server 1003 uses to access the music data distribution server 1004, physical sale server 1005, radio information distribution server 1006, Internet radio server 1007, and the like.

The authentication processing part 1056 can receive the user ID code and the user password from the client 1002 through the network interface 1053 and the communication control part 1052 . When receiving the user ID code and user password, component 1056 determines whether the ID code and password have been registered in the customer database component 1054 as customer information.

When the process of authenticating the user is completed, the authentication processing section 1056 issues portal authentication result data (ie, authentication transfer ID data, which will be described later). Portal authentication result data representing the result of the process of authenticating a user is temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

As a result of the authenticating user process, authentication processing component 1056 may determine that the user is an authenticated user. In this case, the control section 1050 reads the page information for signing the contract part from the page information storage section 1055 . The control unit 1050 sends the page information and portal verification result data to the client 1002 first through the communication control unit 1052 and then through the network interface 1053 .

As a result of the authenticating user process, authentication processing component 1056 may determine that the user is not an authenticated user. In this case, the control section 1050 reads the verification error notification page information from the page information storage section 1055 . The control unit 1050 first sends the verification error information and the verification error notification page information to the client 1002 through the communication control unit 1052 and then through the network interface 1053 . The authentication error notification page information indicates that the user is not an authenticated user.

When the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005 and the radio information distribution server 1006 completed the process of verifying the user of the client terminal 1002, the portal verification result data (that is, a verification ticket, which will be described later) is sent out from the client terminal 1002. ). The verification processing part 1056 receives portal verification result data through the network interface 1053 and the communication control part 1052 . Then, section 1056 compares the portal authentication result data with the portal authentication result data temporarily stored in authentication information storage section 1057 .

The verification processing section 1056 determines whether the portal verification result data from the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, and the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 are normal. The result of this judgment will be sent to the music data distributing server 1004, the object sales server 1005 and the radio information distributing server 1006 through the communication control part 1052 first, and then through the network interface 1053.

The frequency information storage section 1058 stores broadcasting station information. Such broadcast station information contains area codes, frequency data items, radio station names, and call symbols, each of which is stored in association with any other data items. For example, the area codes may be portal codes assigned to each area. The frequency data item represents a frequency assigned to a radio station from which the client 1002 can receive signals. The names of the radio stations (hereinafter referred to as "radio station names") belong to those radio stations from which the client 1002 can receive the radio programs they broadcast. Call symbols are ID data items uniquely assigned to radio stations, respectively.

URL storage section 1059 stores call symbols corresponding to each broadcasting station and URL data items respectively associated with the call symbols. The URL data items represent URLs that can acquire radio broadcast data items (hereinafter referred to as "now broadcast data items") related to a radio program that a radio station is currently broadcasting. Each now-broadcasting data item is the name of the radio program being played, the title of the musical composition being played, and the like.

(3-4) Configuration of music data distribution server 1004

Referring to FIG. 14, the hardware configuration of the music data distribution server 1004 will be described. The server 1004 includes a control unit 1070 and a bus 1071 . The control unit 1070 controls other components of the server 1004 connected thereto through the bus 1071 .

Under the control of the control component 1070, the communication control component 1072 receives various data items from the client 1002, the portal server 1003, etc. through the network interface 1073, and sends various data items to the client 1002, the portal server through the network interface 1073 1003 etc. For example, various data items may be content data.

The customer database part 1074 contains the ID code and password of any user who has signed a contract with the service provider responsible for the operation of the music data distribution server 1004. The user ID code and password are registered and associated with each other, thereby constituting an item of customer information. If the authentication processing part 1075 can authenticate the user based on the portal authentication result data already issued by the portal server 1003 and sent from the client 1002, then the customer database part 1074 does not need to be used.

The page information storage section 1076 stores page information and the like, which are managed in the music data distribution server 1004. Information on this page describes the music data items that can be downloaded.

Page information for distributing music data items is described in a specific language, such as XML. The page information helps the user of the client 1002 to select any music data item he or she wants to download.

The control unit 1070 can receive the request signal from the client 1002 through the network interface 1073 and the communication control unit 1072 . The request signal requests page information for distributing music data that should be transmitted to the client 1002 . When receiving the request signal, the control section 1070 supplies the page information for distributing music data stored in the page information storage section 1076 to the client 1002 through the communication control section 1072 and the network interface 1073 .

The authentication processing part 1075 first receives the user ID code and the user password from the client 1002 through the network interface 1073 and then through the communication control part 1072 . Then, it is determined whether the user ID code and password have been registered in the customer database part 1074 as customer information. Accordingly, the authentication processing component 1075 authenticates the user of the client 1002 .

The authentication processing component 1075 may authenticate the user using a different method that uses neither the user ID code nor the user password. That is, the component 1075 first receives the portal verification result data (ie, verification ticket, which will be described later) issued by the portal server 1003 and sent from the client 1002 through the network interface 1073 and then through the communication control component 1072 . Then, the verification processing part 1075 sends the portal verification result data to the portal server 1003 first through the communication control part 1072 and then through the network interface 1073 .

The portal server 1003 receives the portal authentication result data and confirms the receipt of the data. The server 1003 sends data indicating that the portal authentication result data has been received. The verification processing part 1075 first receives the above data from the portal server 1003 through the network interface 1073 and then through the communication control part 1072 . From this data, the authentication processing section 1075 determines whether the user is an authenticated user who has contracted with the service provider in charge of the operation of the service providing system 1000 in order to receive music-related services.

Therefore, the authentication processing section 1075 issues server authentication result data (ie, service grant ID data, which will be described later) for displaying the user authentication result.

With the process of authenticating the user complete, the authentication processing component 1075 can thereby determine whether the user is an authenticated user. If this is the case, the control section 1070 provides the page information together with the server authentication result data to the client 1002 through the communication control section 1072 and the network interface 1073 . Page information for distributing music data is stored in the page information storage section 1076 .

In contrast, with the end of the process of authenticating the user, the authentication processing component 1075 cannot determine whether the user is an authenticated user. In this case, the control part 1070 provides the verification error information together with the page information to the client 1002 through the communication control part 1072 and the network interface 1073. The page information indicating that the authentication has failed is stored in the page information storage section 1076 .

The authentication information storage section 1077 temporarily stores server authentication result data issued by the authentication processing section 1075 . The storage section 1077 also stores various authentication data items. The authentication processing component 1075 must use these authentication data items to authenticate the user of the client 1002 .

The music data storage section 1078 stores a plurality of music data items compressed and encoded in the above-mentioned ATRAC3 format or the above-mentioned MP3 format. Music data items are recorded in the section 1078, and each music data item is associated with a retrieval key such as a content ID code.

The retrieval component 1079 may receive the download request signal from the client 1002 through the network interface 1073 and the communication control component 1072 . Note that when the client 1002 receives page information for distributing music data items, it sends a download request signal. The download request signal requests that any item of music data desired by the user should be downloaded to the client 1002. This signal contains the key used to retrieve the music data. When receiving the download request signal, the retrieval part 1079 extracts the retrieval key from the download request signal.

Based on the retrieval key, the retrieval section 1079 retrieves from the music data storage section 1078 an item of music data that the user wants to download.

The control section 1070 first transmits the music data thus retrieved to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section 1072 and then through the network interface 1073 .

The control unit 1070 first sends the charging information to the charging server 1008 through the communication control unit 1072 and then through the network interface 1073 . The charge information will be used to collect the charge required for downloading the music data item from the user. Based on the charging information, the charging server 1008 performs a process of charging the user for the music data downloaded by the user.

(3-5) Configuration of the physical product sales server 1005

Referring to FIG. 15, the hardware configuration of the physical sale server 1005 will be described. The physical sale server 1005 includes a control part 1090 and a bus 1091 . The control part 1090 controls other components of the physical sale server 1005 connected thereto through the bus 1091 .

When being controlled by the control part 1090, the communication control part 1092 receives various data items from the client 1002, the portal server 1003, etc. through the network interface 1093, and sends various data items to the client 1002, Portal server 1003 etc.

The customer database part 1094 stores the user ID codes and user passwords of those users who have signed a contract with the service provider responsible for the operation of the physical sale server 1005 . User ID codes and user passwords are registered in the customer database component 1094 and are associated one-to-one. The function of the verification processing component 1095 may be to verify the user of the client 1002 according to the portal verification result data issued by the portal server 1003 and sent by the client 1002 . In this case, no customer database component 1094 needs to be provided.

The page information storage section 1096 stores page information and the like controlled by the physical object sales server 1005 . Use the page information to sell packaged media, such as CDs and DVDs for sale. More precisely, page information describes the wrapped media.

Page information for promoting sales of packaged media is described in a specific language, such as XML. The page information helps the user of client 1002 select any packaged media (eg, CD or DVD) he or she wants to purchase.

The control part 1090 may receive a page information acquisition request signal from the client 1002, which requests page information for sales of packaged media. When receiving the page information acquisition request signal through the network interface 1093 and then through the communication control part 1092, the control part 1090 sends the page information for selling the media with packaging to the client 1002 through the communication control part 1092 and then through the network interface 1093 . It should be remembered that page information is stored in the page information storage unit 1096 .

The authentication processing section 1095 receives the user ID code and password assigned to the user of the client terminal 1002 from the client terminal 1002 through the network interface 1093 and the communication control section 1092 . Then, in order to authenticate the user, component 1095 determines whether the user ID code and password are registered in the customer database component 1094 as customer information.

The authentication processing component 1095 may authenticate the user using a different method that uses neither the user ID code nor the user password. In this method, the component 1095 first receives the portal verification result data (ie, verification ticket, which will be described later) issued by the portal server 1003 and sent by the client 1002 through the network interface 1093 and then through the communication control component 1092 . The portal verification result data thus received is sent to the portal server 1003 through the communication control part 1092 and then through the network interface 1093 .

When sending the portal authentication result data to the portal server 1003, the authentication processing part 1095 receives the confirmation result data from the portal server 1003 through the network interface 1093 and the communication control part 1092. The confirmation result data shows that the portal server 1003 has performed the verification process (ie, the above-mentioned confirmation process) according to the portal verification result data. Then, the authentication processing part 1095 determines whether the user of the client terminal 1002 is the authenticated user who has signed a contract with the service provider responsible for the operation of the service providing system 1000 that provides music-related services based on the confirmation result data.

When the authentication processing part 1095 completes the process of authenticating the user, it generates server authentication result data (ie, service grant ID data, which will be described later) representing the result of the user authentication process.

If the result of the user verification process is that the verification processing part 1095 has verified the user, the control part 1090 sends the page information together with the server verification result data to the client 1002 through the communication control part 1092 and then through the network interface 1093. Note that page information is stored in page information storage unit 1096 and is used to promote packaged media.

As a result of the user authentication process, the authentication processing component 1095 may not be able to authenticate the user. If this is the case, the control unit 1090 first sends the verification error information and the verification error notification page information to the client 1002 through the communication control unit 1092 and then through the network interface 1093 . In the page information storage section 1096, authentication error notification page information indicating authentication failure is stored.

The authentication information storage section 1097 temporarily stores server authentication result data issued by the authentication processing section 1095 . The storage section 1097 also stores various authentication data items. The authentication processing part 1095 must use these authentication data items to authenticate the user of the client 1002 .

The packaged media information storage section 1098 stores data items related to a plurality of packaged media for sale such as CDs and DVDs. (Hereinbelow, these data items will be referred to as " media information items with packaging ".) The media information items with packaging are recorded in the component 1098, and each information item is associated with a retrieval method such as a media ID code with packaging. keys are associated.

Retrieval section 1099 retrieves a medium information request signal from client 1002 via network interface 1093 and communication control section 1092 . Note that when the client 1002 receives page information for selling packaged media, it sends the media information request signal. The media information request signal requests packaged media information related to a particular packaged medium like CD or DVD. When receiving a medium information request signal, the retrieval part 1099 extracts a key for retrieving a specific packaged medium.

Based on the retrieval key, the retrieval component 1099 retrieves the packaged media information related to the specific packaged media from a plurality of packaged media information items in the packaged media information storage unit 1098, wherein the specific packaged media The media corresponding to the retrieval criteria specified by the retrieval key.

The control unit 1090 sends the packaged media information item thus received to the client 1002 through the communication control unit 1092 and then through the network interface 1093 . The client 1002 displays wrapped media information items related to the particular wrapped media.

The control unit 1090 can receive the purchase request signal from the client terminal 1002 through the network interface 1093 and the communication control unit 1092 . Note that the purchase request signal indicates the particular packaged media that the user would like to purchase. Upon receiving the purchase request signal, the control section 1090 executes a process of purchasing and delivering the packaged media specified by the user of the client terminal 1002 .

The control unit 1090 first sends the charging information to the charging server 1008 through the communication control unit 1092 and then through the network interface 1093 . The charging information will be used to collect the corresponding fee from the user for the packaged media. Based on the charging information, the charging server 1008 executes a process of charging the user for specific packaged media.

When the process of making the charging server 1008 charge the user is completed, the control unit 1090 first sends the shopping completion page information to the client 1002 through the communication control unit 1092 and then through the network interface 1093 . The shopping completion page information shows that the user has purchased the packaged media.

(3-6) Configuration of radio broadcast information distribution server 1006

Referring to FIG. 16, a radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 serving as a server providing related information will be described. The radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 includes a control section 1110 and a bus 1111 . The control section 1110 controls other components of the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 connected thereto through the bus 1111 .

Under the control of the control unit 1110, the communication control unit 1112 receives various data from the client 1002, the portal server 1003, etc. through the network interface 1113, and sends various data to the client 1002, the portal server 1003, etc. through the network interface 1113 .

Customer database component 1114 stores customer information. The customer information contains the user ID (identity) code and password of any user who has signed a contract with the service provider responsible for the operation of the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006. User ID codes and passwords are registered and associated with each other to constitute an item of user information. If the authentication processing component 1115 can authenticate the user based on the portal authentication result data issued by the portal server 1003 and sent by the client 1002, then the customer database component 1114 is no longer needed.

The page information storage section 1116 stores page information and the like (hereinafter referred to as "playlist information") to be used to acquire radio broadcast information. The playlist information is managed by the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 and relates to radio programs that have been broadcast by radio stations linked to the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 .

Page information for distributing playlist information is described in a specific language like XML. It contains input boxes etc. The input box is used to enter the name and air date of any radio program the user wishes to have, these will be used as keys for retrieving playlist information.

The playlist information storage part 1117 stores the name, broadcast start time, and broadcast end time of each radio program that any radio station connected to the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 has played. The playlist information indicates the titles of musical compositions played by radio programs, the names of artists who performed the musical compositions, the broadcast start time of each of these musical compositions, and the like.

The control unit 1110 first receives a page information acquisition request signal from the client 1002 through the network interface 1113 and then through the communication control unit 1112 requesting page information for publishing playlist information. As a response to the page information acquisition request signal, the control unit 1110 first sends the page information for publishing playlist information to the client 1002 through the communication control unit 1112 and then through the network interface 1113 . Note that this page information is stored in the page information storage section 1116 .

The retrieval component 1118 receives the playlist information request signal from the client 1002 through the network interface 1113 and the communication control component 1112 . Note that the playlist information request signal contains a key for retrieving desired playlist information input on the page information for distributing playlist information. When receiving the playlist information request signal, the retrieval part 1118 extracts the retrieval key from the playlist information request signal.

According to the retrieval key, the retrieval component 1118 retrieves from the playlist information storage component 1117 the partial playlist information that matches the retrieval condition defined by the retrieval key. The partial playlist information extracted in this way is the desired playlist information.

The control unit 1110 first sends the retrieved playlist information to the client 1002 through the communication control unit 1112 and then through the network interface 1113 .

Now playing information storage part 1119 stores now playing information, these information represent linking to the name of the radio program that the radio station of radio broadcasting information distribution server 1006 is playing, broadcasting start time, broadcasting end time. The now-playing list information indicates the title of the musical composition, the name of the artist who performed the musical composition, the playback start time of each of the musical compositions being played, and the like.

The authentication processing part 1115 receives the user ID code and user password of the user from the client terminal 1002 and the now playing information request signal through the network interface 1113 and the communication control part 1112 . When receiving the user ID code and the user password, in order to authenticate the user, the component 1115 determines whether the user ID code and the user password have been registered in the customer database component 1114 as customer information.

The authentication processing component 1115 may authenticate the user using a different method that uses neither the user ID code nor the user password. In this method, component 1115 first receives portal verification result data (ie, verification ticket, which will be described later) issued by portal server 1003 and sent by client 1002 through network interface 1113 and then through communication control component 1112 . The portal verification result data thus received is sent to the portal server 1003 through the communication control part 1112 and then through the network interface 1113 .

When the portal authentication result data is sent to the portal server 1003 , the authentication processing part 1115 receives the confirmation result data from the portal server 1003 through the network interface 1113 and the communication control part 1112 . The confirmation result data shows that the portal server 1003 has performed the verification process (ie, the above-mentioned confirmation process) according to the portal verification result data. Then, the authentication processing section 1115 determines based on the confirmation result data whether the user is the authenticated user who has contracted with the service provider responsible for the operation of the service providing system 1000 that provides music-related services.

When the authentication processing part 1115 completes the process of authenticating the user, it generates server authentication result data (ie, service grant ID data, which will be described later) representing the result of the user authentication process.

If the result of the user verification process is that the verification processing part 1115 has verified the user, the control part 1110 sends the now playing information together with the server verification result data to the client 1002 through the communication control part 1112 and then through the network interface 1113. Note that the now playing information is stored in the now playing information storage unit 1119 .

As a result of the user authentication process, authentication processing component 1115 may not be able to authenticate the user. If this is the case, then the control part 1110 sends the verification error information together with the verification error notification page information stored in the page information storage part 1116 and representing verification failure to the client 1002 through the communication control part 1112 and then through the network interface 1113.

Therefore, if the user passes the verification, the control component 1110 will release the now playing information at the request of the user. If the user fails the authentication, the control section 1110 prohibits the user from receiving the radio broadcast information distribution service provided by the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006, such as now playing information.

The authentication information storage section 1120 temporarily stores server authentication result data issued by the authentication processing section 1115 . Component 1120 also stores various authentication data items. The authentication processing component 1115 must use these data items to authenticate the user of the client 1002 .

(3-7) Several processes performed by many servers

Referring to the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 17 to 22, the process between the client 1002 and the portal server 1003 will be described. One side is the client 1002, and the other side is the music data distribution server 1004, the object sales server 1005 and the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006, and the process realized between these two sides will also be described.

(3-7-1) User Authentication Sequence Between Client 1002 and Portal Server 1003

Referring to FIG. 17, the process of authenticating a user implemented between the client 1002 and the portal server 1003 will be explained.

Assume that the power switch on the client terminal 1002 of the user who has contracted with the service provider in charge of the operation of the service providing system 1000 is turned on, or the user presses the operation button of the input section 1020 . Then, an operation signal is generated. The input processing section 1021 converts an operation input signal into an operation command. When receiving the operation command, the control section 1023 starts the authentication request process.

When the client 1002 starts the authentication request process, first, at step SP1000, the control section 1023 generates a connection request signal. The connection request signal includes authentication grant ID data and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 . The connection request signal is first sent to the portal server 1003 through the control unit 1023 and then through the network interface 1033 .

Note that each time a client 1002 connects to the portal server 1003, the portal server 1003 issues authentication yield ID data. That is, the authentication yield ID data identifies the communication connection condition (ie, yield) between the client 1002 and the portal server 1003 .

Grant ID data used for verification of user authentication, etc. is valid for a certain predetermined period from when the portal server 1003 issues it. (For example, the valid period may be about one minute.)

Therefore, if the client 1002 that has received the authentication yield ID data from the portal server 1003 does not send the ID data back to the portal server 1003 within the validity period, the client 1002 is considered disconnected from the portal server 1003.

Since the authentication yield ID data is valid only for a certain time, the portal server 1003 prevents any user who has signed a contract with the provider responsible for the operation of the service providing system 1000 from using any authentication yield ID data issued in the past to He or she identifies himself as an authenticated user.

The authentication information storage section 1038 temporarily stores authentication grant ID data. This ID data is data issued by the portal server 1003 when the client 1002 connects to the portal server 1003 so that its user is authenticated.

In step SP1001 , control section 1050 of portal server 1003 receives a connection request signal from client 1002 through network interface 1053 and communication control section 1052 . The control section 1050 supplies the authentication grant ID data and the like included in the connection request signal to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050 , the authentication processing section 1056 executes a process of authenticating the user based on the authentication yield ID data received as the connection request signal from the client 1002 .

Authentication processing component 1056 may be unable to authenticate the user of client 1002 because the authentication yield ID data is no longer valid. In this case, the control unit 1050 sends the authentication error data indicating that the user is not authenticated to the client 1002 through the communication control unit 1052 and then through the network interface 1053 .

In step SP1002, the control unit 1023 of the client 1002 first receives the verification error data from the portal server 1003 through the network interface 1033 and then through the communication control unit 1032. As a response to the authentication error data, the control section 1023 reads the user ID code, user password, etc. stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 . Then, the control part 1023 sends the user ID code, user password, etc. to the portal server 1003 through the communication control part 1032 and the network interface 1033 .

In step SP1003, the control unit 1050 of the portal server 1003 receives the user ID code, user password, etc. from the client 1002 through the network interface 1053 and then through the communication control unit 1052. The control section 1050 supplies the user ID code and the user password to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 executes a process of authenticating a user. That is, the component 1050 determines whether the user ID code, user password, etc. received from the client 1002 are included in the customer information registered in the customer database component 1054 .

As a result, authentication processing component 1056 can determine that the user of client 1002 is authenticated. If this is the case, the control section 1050 controls the authentication processing section 1056 so that the section 1056 issues authentication yield ID data showing communication conditions between the client terminal 1002 and the portal server 1003 . The verification Yield ID data is sent to the client 1002. Meanwhile, the authentication yield ID data is temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

The control section 1050 first transmits the authentication yield ID data and the like issued by the authentication processing section 1056 to the client 1002 through the communication control section 1052 and then through the network interface 1053 .

In step SP1004, the control unit 1023 of the client 1002 first receives the authentication yield ID data and the like sent from the portal server 1003 through the network interface 1033 and then through the communication control unit 1032. The control section 1023 supplies the authentication grant ID data and the like to the authentication processing section 1037 .

Under the control of the control unit 1023, the verification information storage unit 1038 temporarily stores the verification grant ID data and the like sent from the portal server 1003.

The control component 1023 first sends the page information acquisition request signal to the portal server 1003 through the communication control component 1032 and then through the network interface 1033 . The page information acquisition request signal requires the portal server 1003 to send the page information to the terminal 1002. The control section 1023 transmits this signal, together with the authentication grant ID data and the like that have been received from the portal server 1003 and temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

In step SP1005, the control unit 1050 of the portal server 1003 firstly receives the page information acquisition request signal, verification and grant ID data, etc. sent from the client 1002 through the network interface 1053 and then through the communication control unit 1052 . The control section 1050 sends the authentication grant ID data and the like to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050 , the authentication processing section 1056 executes a process of authenticating the user of the client terminal 1002 . More specifically, part 1056 combines the authentication grant ID data etc. which have been sent from client 1002 with the authentication grant ID which has been issued to client 1002 in step SP1003 and temporarily stored in authentication information storage part 1057. data etc. for comparison.

If the user of the client 1002 is found to be an authenticated user in step SP1006, the authentication processing section 1056 determines that the page information request issued by the client 1002 is justified. Then, the validity period of the authentication yield ID data issued to the client 1002 is extended.

In step SP1006 , the control section 1050 reads the page information requested by the user from the page information storage section 1055 . Then, the control part 1050 first sends the page information and the ID data etc. to the client through the communication control part 1052 and then through the network interface 1053 to the client 1002. The validity period of the ID data has been extended from the verification processing part 1056 .

In step SP1007, the control unit 1023 of the client 1002 firstly receives the page information, verification and grant ID data, etc. sent from the portal server 1003 through the network interface 1033 and then through the communication control unit 1032. This page information is supplied to the page information generating section 1036 . The authentication grant ID data whose validity period has been extended is supplied to the authentication processing section 1037 .

The page information generating section 1036 generates video data from the page information supplied from the control section 1023 . The page represented by the video data contains data items showing links to the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, and the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006. The generated video data is sent to the display control section 1024 .

The display control section 1024 performs digital-to-analog conversion on the video data provided by the page information generation section 1036 . Accordingly, block 1024 produces an analog video signal. The analog video signal is supplied to the display section 1025 . The display section 1025 provides page information on the portal server 1003 represented by an analog video signal.

The authentication processing section 1037 updates the authentication grant ID data and the like whose validity period has been extended temporarily stored in step SP1004 to new authentication grant ID data and the like. More specifically, the part 1037 receives from the portal server 1003 the authentication yield ID data whose valid period has been extended, etc., and writes them in the authentication information storage part 1038 in the authentication yield ID data whose valid period has not been extended. above. (3-7-2) User Authentication Sequence Between Client 1002 and Servers 1004 to 1006

Referring to the sequence diagram of FIG. 18, the process of authenticating a user realized between the client 1002 on the one hand and the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, and the radio information distribution server 1006 on the other hand will be described.

The user can be authenticated as shown in Figure 17. That is, the client 1002 can first acquire page information from the portal server 1003, and then access the music data distribution server 1004, physical sale server 1005, and radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 by using links contained in the page information. (The method of authenticating a user will be referred to as "indirect access authentication process" hereinafter.)

There is another way to authenticate users. In this method, the client 1002 uses URL information and the like registered as bookmarks. Therefore, the client 1002 directly accesses the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, and the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 without acquiring page information on the portal server 1003. (This method of authenticating a user is hereinafter referred to as "direct access authentication process".)

In the non-direct access authentication process, these steps are performed in the same order regardless of whether the client 1002 exchanges data with the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, and the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 or not.

In the direct access authentication process, these steps are also performed in the same order regardless of whether the client 1002 exchanges data with the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, and the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 or not.

That is, the direct access authentication process differs from the non-direct access authentication process only in the manner in which the client 1002 acquires the URL information that the client 1002 uses to access the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, and the radio information Publisher 1006. In both procedures, the steps are performed in the same order.

Therefore, the direct access verification process and the non-direct access verification process will be explained below as a method of authenticating a user. To simplify the description, how to access the music data distribution server 1004 in order to authenticate the user of the client 1002 will be described.

First, in step SP1010, based on URL information included in page information as a link or URL information registered as a bookmark, the control section 1023 of the client 1002 hands over the service to The ID data is sent to the music data distribution server 1004. The service ID data is sent to the server 1004 together with the page information acquisition request signal. This request signal requests page information on music data distribution. (If the client 1002 has to access the physical sale server 1005, the request signal will be a request signal requesting page information about selling packaged media. If the client 1002 has to access the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006, the request signal will be A request signal to request page information about playlist information.)

The service yield ID data is read by the client 1002 whenever the server (i.e., the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, or the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006) communicates with the client 1002 to perform any process like user authentication. The identifying data published by the server accessed. That is, the service grant ID data identifies a communication connection condition (ie, grant) between the client 1002 and the server (ie, the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, or the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006).

Like the above-mentioned authentication grant ID data, the service grant ID data is a predetermined period of time (for example, about one minute) from when the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005 or the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 distributes it. What is inside is valid. This measure is taken to achieve reliable user authentication.

Therefore, if the client 1002 cannot send the service yield ID data back to one of the music data distribution server 1004, the physical product sales server 1005 and the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 within the effective period, then the client 1002 is considered to have communicated with these servers. Disconnected. In other words, the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, or the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 that has distributed the ID data will regard the client 1002 as disconnected unless it receives The ID data returned from the terminal 1002.

Therefore, anyone who has not signed a contract with the provider responsible for the operation of the service providing system 1000 that provides music-related services can be prevented from using the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, and the radio information distribution server 1006.

The authentication information storage section 1038 temporarily stores service grant ID data. Note that the service grant ID data is provided by the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1004, the physical sale server 1006 when the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, or the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 were connected to the client 1002 in the past for user authentication. 1005 or the data released by the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006.

In step SP1011, the control unit 1070 of the music data distribution server 1004 receives the page information acquisition request signal, service grant ID data, etc. sent from the client 1002 via the network interface 1073 and then the communication control unit 1072. The control section 1070 supplies the service ID data and the like to the authentication processing section 1075 .

Under the control of the control section 1070 , the authentication processing section 1075 compares the service grant ID data etc. sent from the client 1002 with the service grant ID data etc. temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1077 . Accordingly, component 1075 performs the process of authenticating the user.

Authentication processing component 1075 may not be able to authenticate the user of client 1002 as a legitimate user because the service yield ID data received from client 1002 is no longer valid. In this case, the component 1075 determines that the request sent from the client 1002 for publishing the page information of the music data is an illegal request.

If the verification processing part 1075 does not verify the user of the terminal 1002 as a legal user, the control part 1070 first sends the verification error data and the store code to the client 1002 through the communication control part 1072 and then through the network interface 1073. Authentication error data indicates that the user has not been authenticated. The store code identifies the music data distribution server 1004.

In step SP1012, the control part 1023 of the client 1002 receives the verification error data and the store code sent from the music data distribution server 1004 through the network interface 1033 and then through the communication control part 1032. From the authentication error data, the control section 1023 determines that the user is not authenticated in the music data distribution server 1004. The authentication information storage section 1038 temporarily stores the store code received from the music data distribution server 1004 .

The portal server 1003 generates an authentication ticket issuance request signal requesting an authentication ticket that the client 1002 will use to access the music data distribution server 1004 . The control unit 1023 sends the authentication ticket issuance request signal together with the store code of the server 1004, the verification ID data temporarily stored in the verification information storage unit 1038 to the portal server 1003 through the communication control unit 1032 and then through the network interface 1033.

In step SP1013, the control unit 1050 of the portal server 1003 receives the verification ticket issuance request signal, store code, verification grant ID data, etc. sent from the client 1002 through the network interface 1053 and the communication control unit 1052. The control section 1050 supplies these data items to the verification processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050 , the authentication processing section 1056 compares the authentication yield ID data etc. received from the client 1002 with the authentication yield ID data etc. temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 . Therefore, the authentication processing part 1056 performs a process of authenticating the user.

The verification yield ID data sent from the client 1002 may no longer be valid, and the verification processing component 1056 cannot determine whether the user is a legal user of the client 1002. If this is the case, then authentication processing component 1056 determines that the request to issue an authentication ticket from client 1002 is an illegal request.

Authentication processing component 1056 may not be able to authenticate the user of client 1002. In this case, the control section 1050 generates an authentication error message indicating that the user cannot be authenticated. The control unit 1050 first sends the verification error information to the client 1002 through the communication control unit 1052 and then through the network interface 1053 .

Authentication processing component 1056 may authenticate a user of client 1002 . Then, it is determined that the verification yield ID data received from the client 1002 is still valid. The user of client 1002 is authenticated as a legitimate user. Therefore, the request to issue the verification ticket sent from the client 1002 is considered to be a legitimate request.

If the authentication processing section 1056 authenticates the user of the client 1002, the control section 1050 proceeds to step SP1018.

In step SP1014, the control unit 1023 of the client 1002 first receives the verification error information from the portal server 1003 through the network interface 1033 and then through the communication control unit 1032. Then, the control section 1023 reads the user ID code, user password, etc. stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 . The user ID code, user password, etc. are sent to the portal server 1003 through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 .

In step SP1015, the control section 1050 of the portal server 1003 receives a user ID code, a user password, etc. from the client terminal 1002 through the network interface 1053 and the communication control section 1052. The control section 1050 supplies a user ID code, a user password, and the like to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 executes a process of authenticating a user. More precisely, the component 1056 determines whether the customer information registered in the customer database component 1054 contains the user ID code, user password, etc. it received from the client 1002.

Authentication processing component 1056 can determine that the user of client 1002 is a legitimate user. In this case, the component 1056 issues the authentication yield ID data under the control of the control component 1050 . The authentication yield ID data identifies communication connection conditions between the client 1002 and the portal server 1003 . The authentication grant ID data and the like thus issued and used for the client 1002 are temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

Then, the control section 1050 sends the authentication yield ID data and the like issued by the authentication processing section 1056 for the client 1002 to the client 1002 first through the communication control section 1052 and then through the network interface 1053 .

In step SP1016, the control unit 1032 of the client 1002 firstly receives the authentication transfer ID data and the like from the portal server 1003 through the network interface 1033 and then through the communication control unit 1032. The authentication processing section 1037 writes authentication grant ID data and the like in the authentication information storage section 1038 . The component 1038 temporarily stores authentication grant ID data and the like.

The control section 1023 generates an authentication ticket issuance request signal requesting that the portal server 1003 should issue an authentication ticket again. Through the communication control part 1032 and the network interface 1033, the verification ticket issuance request signal is sent to the portal server 1003 together with the store code, verification grant ID data, etc., and they are temporarily stored in the verification information storage part 1038.

In this embodiment, the store code is temporarily stored in the authentication information storage part 1038 of the client 1002. However, the store code may be transferred between the client 1002 and the portal server 1003 to perform steps SP1012 to SP1016. Therefore, in step SP1016, the shop code can be sent to the portal server 1003 without temporarily storing the shop code in the authentication information storage section 1038 of the client 1002.

In step SP1017, the control unit 1050 of the portal server 1003 receives the verification ticket issuance request signal, store code, verification grant ID data, etc. from the client 1002 through the network interface 1053 and then through the communication control unit 1052. The control part 1050 supplies them to the authentication processing part 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 executes a process of authenticating a user. More specifically, the section 1056 compares the authentication yield ID data etc. it has just received from the client 1002 with the authentication yield ID data etc. temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

The authentication processing part 1056 may authenticate the user of the client 1002 as a legitimate user because the authentication yield ID data etc. received from the client 1002 are still valid. If this is the case, component 1056 determines that the request to issue the authentication ticket sent from client 1002 is valid.

When the authentication processing section 1056 authenticates the user of the client terminal 1002 as a legitimate user, the control section 1050 proceeds to the next step, step SP1018.

In step SP1018, under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 issues an authentication ticket, etc. based on the shop code, authentication ticket issue request signal it has received from the client 1002 in step SP1017. The authentication ticket or the like enables the client 1002 to access the music data distribution server 1004 indicated by the store code.

Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 writes the authentication ticket and the like into the authentication information storage section 1057, thereby temporarily storing them in the storage section 1057. At the same time, the component 1056 extends the validity period of the authentication yield ID data and the like that have been issued to the client 1002.

The control unit 1050 first sends the verification ticket to the client 1002 through the communication control unit 1052 and then through the network interface 1053 , together with the verification grant ID data whose validity period has been extended by the verification processing unit 1056 .

In step SP1019, the control unit 1023 of the client 1002 first receives the verification ticket, verification grant ID data, etc. from the portal server 1003 through the network interface 1033 and then through the communication control unit 1032. The control section 1023 supplies the authentication grant ID data to the authentication processing section 1037 .

The control section 1023 sends the authentication ticket and the like it received from the portal server 1003 to the music data distribution server 1004 via the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 together with the authentication request signal.

Under the control of the control part 1023, the verification processing part 1037 writes the verification assignment ID data etc. that have been sent from the portal server 1003 and have been extended beyond its valid period in the verification assignment ID stored in the verification information storage part 1038. data etc. In other words, the authentication processing section 1037 updates, in the storage section 1038, the authentication yield ID data and the like temporarily stored at step SP1016 to those whose validity period has been extended.

In step SP1020, the control section 1070 of the music data distribution server 1004 receives an authentication request signal, an authentication ticket, etc. from the client 1002 through the network interface 1073 and then through the communication control section 1072.

Control section 1070 transmits the authentication ticket etc. received from client 1002 to portal server 1003 via communication control section 1072 and network interface 1073 together with an authentication ticket confirmation request signal for requesting authentication ticket confirmation.

In step SP1021, the control part 1050 of the portal server 1003 receives a verification ticket confirmation request signal, a verification ticket, etc. from the music data distribution server 1004 through the network interface 1053 and then through the communication control part 1052. The control section 1050 supplies an authentication ticket confirmation request signal, an authentication ticket, and the like to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Controlled by the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 executes a process of confirming the authentication ticket sent from the music data distribution server 1004 as a response to the authentication ticket confirmation request signal. More specifically, the section 1056 compares the authentication ticket etc. which it has received from the music data distribution server 1004 with the authentication ticket etc. stored in the authentication information storage section 1057.

The authentication processing section 1056 may confirm that the authentication ticket or the like that has been received from the music data distribution server 1004 is a legitimate authentication ticket. In this case, the control section 1050 generates confirmation result information indicating that the verification ticket is legitimate. First, the confirmation result information is sent to the music data distribution server 1004 through the communication control part 1052 and then through the network interface 1053 .

In step SP1022, the control section 1070 of the music data distribution server 1004 receives confirmation result information from the portal server 1003 through the network interface 1073 and then through the communication control section 1072. The control section 1070 supplies confirmation result information to the verification processing section 1075 .

Under the control of the control section 1070, the authentication processing section 1075 issues service grant ID data and the like in response to the confirmation result information. The service yield ID data identifies the communication connection condition between the client terminal 1002 and the music data distribution server 1004 as server authentication result information. The authentication processing section 1075 writes the service grant ID data and the like into the authentication information storage section 1077 , thereby temporarily storing them in the authentication information storage section 1077 .

Furthermore, the control section 1070 transmits the service grant ID data and the like issued by the authentication processing section 1075 to the client 1002 through the communication control section 1072 and the network interface 1073 . Note that the service yield ID data etc. for the client 1002 has been issued.

In step SP1023, the control section 1023 of the client 1002 receives service grant ID data and the like from the music data distribution server 1004 through the network interface 1033 and then through the communication control section 1032. The authentication processing section 1037 writes the service grant ID data and the like into the authentication information storage section 1038 to temporarily store them in the storage section 1038 .

Then, the control section 1023 receives a page information acquisition request signal from the music data distribution server 1004 . The page information acquisition request signal requests page information to be used to distribute music data from the music data distribution server 1004 . The control section 1023 sends the page information acquisition request signal together with the service ID data and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 to the music data distribution server 1004 through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 .

In step SP1024, the control unit 1070 of the music data distribution server 1004 receives a page information acquisition request signal, service grant ID data, etc. from the client 1002 through the network interface 1073 and then the communication control unit 1072. Then, the control section 1070 supplies the service yield ID data and the like to the authentication processing section 1075 .

Under the control of the control section 1070, the authentication processing section 1075 compares the service grant ID data and the like received from the client 1002 with the one issued for the client 1002 in step SP1022 and temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1077. The service lets compare with the ID data. Therefore, the control part 1070 performs a process of authenticating a user.

The authentication processing part 1075 can authenticate the user as a legitimate user of the client 1002 because the service grant ID data etc. received from the client 1002 are still valid. If this is the case, component 1075 determines that it is reasonable to request page information that has been sent from client 1002 and will be used to publish music data.

When the authentication processing section 1075 authenticates the user of the client terminal 1002 as a legitimate user, the control section 1070 proceeds to the next step, step SP1025.

In step SP1025, the control section 1070 reads the page information from the page information storage section 1076, so that the music data can be distributed to the user. Furthermore, the control section 1070 causes the authentication processing section 1075 to extend the validity period of the service grant ID data and the like issued to the client 1002 .

Then, the control section 1070 transmits the page information from the page information storage section 1076 for distributing music data to the client 1002 through the communication control section 1072 and the network interface 1073 . This page information is sent to the client 1002, together with the service grant ID data whose validity period has been extended by the authentication processing section 1075, and the like.

In step SP1026, the control part 1023 of the client 1002 receives such a kind of page information through the network interface 1033 and the communication control part 1032, and this page information is used for distributing the music data sent from the music data publishing server 1004 and the extended Service assignment ID data and the like for the period of validity thereof. The control section 1023 supplies page information for distributing music data to the page information generation section 1036 . At the same time, the control section 1023 sends the service yield ID data and the like to the authentication processing section 1037 . Note that the service grant ID data and the like have been received from the music data distribution server 1004 .

Under the control of the control part 1023, the verification processing part 1037 writes the service grant ID data etc. which have been sent from the music data distribution server 1004 and have been extended beyond its effective period in the service grant ID data stored in the verification information storage part 1038. with the ID data on top. In other words, the authentication processing section 1037 updates, in the storage section 1038, the service yield ID data temporarily stored in the above-mentioned step SP1023 to those service yield ID data whose validity period has been extended, and the like.

The page information generating section 1036 generates video data from the page information for distributing music data. The video data thus generated is supplied to the display control section 1024 .

The display control part 1024 performs digital-to-analog conversion on the video data provided by the page information generating part 1036, thereby generating an analog video signal. The analog video signal is supplied to the display section 1025 . The display section 1025 displays the music data distribution page represented by the analog video signal.

(3-7-3) Process of provision of music-related services

As described above with reference to FIG. 18, the process of authenticating the user is implemented between the client 1002 on the one hand and the music data distribution server 1004, the physical sale server 1005, and the radio information distribution server 1006 on the other hand. The process of providing music-related services follows this process. In the process of providing music-related services, by using the page information for music data distribution, the information for sales of tapes, and the Page information of packaged media and page information for distributing playlist information, the client 1002 receives music data distribution service, physical sale service, and radio broadcast information distribution service. 19 to 22, the process of providing music-related services will be explained.

(3-7-3-1) Procedure for providing music data distribution service process

Referring to FIG. 19, the music data distribution service in which the client 1002 receives music data distributed from the music data distribution server 1004 will be described first.

In step SP1030, the control section 1023 of the client 1002 receives a control command input at the input processing section 1021 to select a part of the music data distribution page displayed by the display section 1025. In response to this control command, the control section 1023 generates a download request signal requesting download of music data desired by the user.

The control part 1023 sends the download request signal to the music data distribution server 1004 through the communication control part 1032 and the network interface 1033, and what is sent together is also the service that has been released by the music data distribution server 1004 and temporarily stored in the authentication information storage part 1038. Let data with ID etc.

In step SP1031, the control section 1070 of the music data distribution server 1004 receives a download request signal, service grant ID data, etc. from the client 1002 through the network interface 1073 and then through the communication control section 1072. The control section 1070 supplies the service grant ID data and the like to the authentication processing section 1075 .

Under the control of the control section 1070, the verification processing section 1075 compares the service grant ID data etc. which have been transmitted from the client 1002 with the service grant ID data temporarily stored in the verification information storage section 1077. Therefore, the authentication processing part 1075 performs a process of authenticating the user.

The authentication processing part 1075 can determine that the user who has operated the client 1002 and wants to download music data to the client 1002 is a legitimate user. In this case, the control section 1070 proceeds to the next step, step SP1032.

In step SP1032, the retrieval section 1079 retrieves the music data item desired by the user from the music data items stored in the music data storage section 1078 based on the retrieval key included in the download request signal. It should be noted that the retrieved music data items meet the retrieval conditions described by the retrieval key.

When the retrieval section 1079 retrieves a music data item desired by the user, the control section 1070 causes the authentication processing section 1075 to extend the validity period of the service grant ID data etc. issued to the client 1002. Then, the control section 1070 proceeds to the next step, step SP1033.

In step SP1033, the control section 1070 reads from the music data storage section 1078 the music data that has been retrieved by the retrieval section 1079 and should be downloaded to the client 1002. In addition, the control section 1070 sends the music data thus read from the storage section 1078 to the client terminal 1002 via the communication control section 1072 and then via the network interface 1073, together with the fact that the authentication processing section 1075 has extended its validity period. Service yields ID data.

In step SP1034, the control unit 1023 of the client 1002 first receives the music data from the music data distribution server 1004 through the network interface 1033 and then the communication control unit 1032, and also receives the service grant of the extended period of its validity together. ID data. The control section 1023 writes the music data in the storage medium 1029 . At the same time, the control section 1023 supplies the service grant ID data and the like that have been received from the music data distribution server 1004 to the authentication processing section 1037 .

Under the control of the control part 1023, the verification processing part 1037 writes the service grant ID data etc. which have been sent from the music data distribution server 1004 and have been extended beyond its effective period in the service grant ID data stored in the verification information storage part 1038. with ID data etc. on top. Therefore, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the service grant ID data and the like in the storage section 1038 to those whose valid period has been extended.

Accordingly, the client 1002 can download music data desired by the user, thereby utilizing the music data distribution service provided by the music data distribution server 1004 .

(3-7-3-2) The sequence of the process of providing physical sales services.

Referring to FIG. 20 , a description will be given of the sequence of providing the physical sale service, in which the client 1002 receives the physical sale service from the physical sale server 1005 .

In step SP1040, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives a control command input at the input processing section 1021 to select a part of the packaged media sales page displayed by the display section 1025. In response to the control command, the control section 1023 generates a medium information request signal requesting packaged medium information related to the packaged medium specified by the input control command.

The control part 1023 sends the medium information request signal to the physical object sales server 1005 through the communication control part 1032 and the network interface 1033, and what is sent together is also the service request issued by the physical object sales server 1005 and temporarily stored in the verification information storage part 1038. with ID data etc.

In step SP1041, the control unit 1090 of the object sales server 1005 first receives the media information request signal, service grant ID data, etc. from the client 1002 through the network interface 1093 and then the communication control unit 1092. The control section 1090 supplies the service yield ID data and the like thus received to the authentication processing section 1095 .

Under the control of the control section 1090, the authentication processing section 1095 compares the service grant ID data etc. which have been sent from the client 1002 with the service grant ID data etc. temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1097. Therefore, the authentication processing part 1095 performs a process of authenticating the user.

The verification processing component 1095 can determine that the user who has operated the client 1002 and wants to download the packaged media information to the client 1002 is a legitimate user. In this case, the control section 1090 proceeds to the next step, step SP1042.

In step SP1042, the retrieval part 1099 retrieves one of the packed media information items desired by the user from the packed media information items of the packed information storage part 1098 according to the retrieval key contained in the media information request signal. . It should be noted that the retrieved wrapped media information item meets the retrieval condition described by the retrieval key.

When the retrieval section 1099 retrieves a packaged media information item desired by the user, the control section 1090 causes the authentication processing section 1095 to extend the validity period of the service yield ID data etc. issued to the client 1002. Then, the control section 1090 proceeds to the next step, step SP1043.

In step SP1043 , the control section 1090 reads the packaged media information item retrieved by the retrieval section 1099 from the packaged media information storage section 1098 . In addition, the control part 1090 sends the packaged media information item thus read from the storage part 1098 to the client 1002 through the communication control part 1092 and then through the network interface 1093, together with the verification processing part 1095 that has extended the Service assignment ID data and the like for the period of validity thereof.

In step SP1044, the control unit 1023 of the client 1002 first receives the packaged media information from the physical sales server 1005 through the network interface 1033 and then the communication control unit 1032, together with the service that has been extended beyond its valid period. Let data with ID etc. The control section 1023 supplies the packaged media information thus received to the page information generation section 1036 . Furthermore, the control section 1023 supplies the service consignment ID data and the like that have been received from the physical sale server 1005 to the authentication processing section 1037 .

Under the control of the control part 1023, the verification processing part 1037 writes the service grant ID data etc. which have been sent from the physical object sales server 1005 and have been extended beyond its valid period in the service grant ID data stored in the verification information storage part 1038. ID data etc. Therefore, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the service grant ID data and the like in the storage section 1038 to those whose valid period has been extended.

The page information generation section 1036 generates video data from the packaged media information supplied to it by the control section 1023 . The generated video data is supplied to the display control section 1024 . Display control section 1024 converts the video data, thereby generating an analog video signal. The analog video signal is supplied to the display section 1025 .

Accordingly, the control section 1023 causes the display section 1025 to display the packaged media information represented by the analog video signal. Then, the control section 1023 proceeds to the next step, step SP1045.

In step SP1045, the control section 1023 receives a control command input at the input processing section 1021 to purchase the packaged media identified by the packaged media information displayed by the display section 1025. In response to the control command, the control section 1023 generates a purchase request signal requesting purchase of the packaged media identified by the packaged media information.

The control part 1023 first sends the purchase request signal to the physical object sales server 1005 through the communication control part 1032 and then through the network interface 1033. What is sent together is also sent from the physical object sales server 1005, temporarily stored in the verification information storage part 1038, And the service whose validity period has been extended is assigned ID data and the like.

In step SP1046, the control unit 1090 of the physical object sales server 1005 receives the purchase request signal, service assignment ID data, etc. from the client terminal 1002 through the network interface 1093 and then the communication control unit 1092. The control section 1090 supplies the service grant ID data and the like to the authentication processing section 1095 .

Under the control of the control section 1090, the authentication processing section 1095 compares the service grant ID data etc. which have been sent from the client 1002 with the service grant ID data etc. temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1097. Accordingly, the authentication processing section 1095 performs a process of authenticating the user of the client terminal 1002 .

The verification processing component 1095 can determine that the user who has operated the client 1002 and wants to download the packaged media information to the client 1002 is a legitimate user. In this case, the control section 1090 proceeds to the next step, step SP1047.

In step SP1047, the control unit 1090 sends the charging information to the charging server 1008 through the communication control unit 1092 and then through the network interface 1093. The billing information will be used to deliver the packaged media to the user of client 1002 and charge the user for the packaged media to be purchased. When receiving the charging information, the charging server 1008 performs a process of charging the user who purchased the packaged media.

Furthermore, the control section 1090 causes the authentication processing section 1095 to extend the validity period of the service grant ID data and the like issued to the client 1002 .

In step SP1048, the control part 1090 generates the purchase completion page information, and first sends the page information to the client 1002 through the communication control part 1092 and then through the network interface 1093, and the verification processing part 1095 has extended its valid time. The service grant ID data of the time slot. It should be noted that the purchase completion page information indicates that the user has purchased the packaged media.

In step SP1049, the control unit 1023 of the client 1002 first receives the shopping completion page information from the physical sales server 1005 through the network interface 1033 and then the communication control unit 1092, together with the service that has extended its valid period Let data with ID etc. The control section 1023 supplies the shopping completion page information to the page information generation section 1036 . At the same time, the control section 1023 supplies the service grant ID data and the like transmitted from the physical object sales server 1005 to the verification processing section 1037 .

Under the control of the control unit 1023, the verification processing unit 1037 writes the service assignment ID data, etc., which have been sent from the physical sales server 1005 and have extended its valid period, and are stored in the verification information storage unit 1038, and its valid period Unextended service relinquishes ID data. That is, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the service yield ID data and the like in the storage section 1038 to those service yield ID data and the like whose validity period has been extended.

The page information generation part 1036 generates video data from the shopping completion page information received by the control part 1023 . The video data thus generated is supplied to the display control section 1024 . The display control section 1024 performs digital-to-analog conversion on the video data, thereby generating an analog video signal. The analog video signal is supplied to the display section 1025 .

The control section 1023 causes the display section 1025 to display a shopping completion page represented by an analog video signal.

Accordingly, the client 1002 uses the physical sales service of the physical sales server 1005, thereby enabling the user to purchase any packaged media he or she wants.

(3-7-3-3) Procedure for providing playlist information distribution service process

Referring to FIG. 21 , a description will be given of the sequence of procedures for providing a radio broadcast information distribution service in which the client 1002 receives the playlist information distribution service as the radio broadcast information distribution service provided by the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 .

In step SP1060, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 generates a playlist information request signal requesting downloading of desired playlist information to the client terminal 1002. When a retrieval key is input into an input box on a page of playlist information retrieval and then a control command corresponding to a character string displaying the input retrieval key is input, the control section 1023 generates such a request signal as described above as In response to the control command input at the input processing part 1021, the page in which the playlist information is retrieved is displayed by the display part 1025.

The control unit 1023 first sends the playlist information request signal to the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 through the communication control unit 1032 and then through the network interface 1033, together with service grant ID data and the like. It should be noted that service grant ID data and the like have been issued by the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 and temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

In step SP1061, the control section 1110 of the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 receives a playlist information request signal, service grant ID data, etc. from the client 1002 through the network interface 1113 and then through the communication control section 1112. The control section 1110 supplies the thus received service yield ID data and the like to the authentication processing section 1115 .

Under the control of the control section 1110, the authentication processing section 1115 compares the service surrender ID data etc. received from the client 1002 with the service surrender ID data etc. temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1120. Accordingly, the authentication processing section 1115 performs a process of authenticating the user of the client terminal 1002 .

The verification processing component 1115 may determine that the user who has operated the client 1002 to request playlist information is a legitimate user. In this case, the control section 1110 proceeds to the next step, step SP1062.

In step SP1062, the retrieval unit 1118 retrieves from the playlist information storage unit 1117 part of the playlist information that matches the retrieval condition defined by the retrieval key included in the playlist information request signal.

When the above-mentioned partial playlist information is retrieved by the retrieval unit 1118, the control unit 1110 causes the authentication processing unit 1115 to extend the validity period of the service grant ID data etc. issued to the client 1002. Then, the control section 1110 proceeds to the next step, 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. Then, the control unit 1110 firstly provides the playlist information to the client 1002 through the communication control unit 1112 and then through the network interface 1113, together with the service grant ID data etc. that the verification processing unit 1115 has extended beyond its valid period.

In step SP1064, the control part 1023 of the client 1002 first receives the playlist information from the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 through the network interface 1033 and then the communication control part 1032, and also receives the service let which has extended its effective period together. with ID data etc. The control section 1023 sends the playlist information to the page information generation section 1036 . At the same time, the control section 1023 sends the service grant ID data and the like received from the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 to the authentication processing section 1037 .

Under the control of the control part 1023, the verification processing part 1037 writes the service grant ID data and the like which are sent from the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 and whose valid period has been extended, in the service grant ID data stored in the verification information storage part 1038. ID data etc. That is, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the service yield ID data and the like in the storage section 1038 to those whose effective period has been extended.

The page information generation section 1036 generates video data from the playlist information supplied to it by the control section 1023 . The video data thus generated is supplied to the display control section 1024 . The display control section 1024 performs digital-to-analog conversion on the video data, thereby generating an analog video signal. The analog video signal is supplied to the display section 1025 . The display section 1025 displays playlist information represented by an analog video signal.

Therefore, the client terminal 1002 utilizes the radio broadcast information distribution service provided by the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006, thereby enabling the user to acquire any playlist information he or she wants.

(3-7-3-4) Provide the order in which the information distribution service process is currently being played

Referring to FIG. 22 , the sequence of the process of providing the radio broadcast information distribution service in which the client 1002 receives the now broadcasting information distribution service as the radio broadcast information distribution service issued by the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 will be described.

In each radio station (ie, corresponding to each call symbol) is installed a radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 that provides now-broadcasting information.

In an initial state, the client 1002 may not store the URL information of the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 for each radio station.

Therefore, the sequence of the radio broadcasting information distribution service providing process will be described on the assumption that the portal server 1003 manages the URL information of the radio broadcasting information distribution server 1006 about each radio station, the URL information being related to the call sign of the radio station couplet.

It is also assumed that, in the sequence of the radio broadcasting information distribution service provision process, when the client 1002 requests that the portal server 1003 should give it broadcasting frequency information so that it can automatically preset the broadcasting frequency of each radio station, the authentication information storage means 1038 does not store service assignment ID data and the like. Therefore, the client 1002 first sends the user ID code, user password, etc. to the portal server 1003 .

In step SP1070, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives an operation command that the user has input at the input processing section 1021 to automatically preset the broadcast frequency of each radio station. As a response to the operation command, the control unit 1023 first sends a frequency information request signal to the portal server 1003 through the communication control unit 1032 and then through the network interface 1033 . A frequency information request signal requesting frequency information representing a radio station broadcasting frequency is transmitted together with an area code input by the user, a user ID code stored in the authentication information storage section 1038, a user password, and the like.

In step SP1071, the control unit 1050 of the portal server 1003 receives the frequency information request signal, area code, user ID code, user password, etc. sent from the client 1002 through the network interface 1053 and then through the communication control unit 1052. The control section 1050 supplies the user ID code, user password, etc. that have been received from the client 1002 to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Controlled by the control section 1050 , the authentication processing section 1056 compares the user ID code, user password, etc. received from the client 1002 with the customer information registered in the customer database section 1054 . Component 1056 thereby performs the process of authenticating the user of client 1002 .

Authentication processing component 1056 may determine that the user of client 1002 is a legitimate user. Then, component 1056 determines that the frequency information request signal sent from client 1002 is reasonable. In this case, under the control of the control section 1050, the section 1056 issues authentication yield ID data, etc., which identify communication conditions between the client 1002 and the portal server 1003. The authentication yield ID data and the like thus issued are temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

When the authentication processing section 1056 determines that the user of the client terminal 1002 is a legitimate user, the control section 1050 proceeds to the next step, which is step SP1072.

In step SP1072, the control part 1050 extracts the region code corresponding to the region code from the many frequency data items, broadcasting station names and call symbols stored in the frequency information part 1058 in the form of a list according to the region code received from the client 1002. Corresponding frequency data item, broadcasting station name and call sign. That is, the control part 1050 retrieves frequency data items, broadcasting station names, and call symbols presented in the form of a list.

The control section 1050 sends the list of frequency data items, broadcast station names and call symbols that have been read from the frequency information storage section 1058 to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section 1052 and then through the network interface 1053 . This list is sent to the client 1002, along with the authentication yield ID data that the authentication processing section 1056 has issued to the client 1002 in step SP1071, and the like.

In step SP1073, the control unit 1023 of the client 1002 first receives the frequency data items, the name of the broadcasting station, the call sign list, the ID data and the like from the portal server 1003 through the network interface 1033 and then through the communication control unit 1032. The control section 1023 supplies the authentication grant ID data and the like received from the portal server 1003 to the authentication processing section 1037 . Furthermore, the control section 1023 supplies the frequency data items, the name of the broadcasting station, and the list of call symbols also received from the client terminal 1002 to the display control section 1024 .

Under the control of the control unit 1023 , the verification processing unit 1037 writes the verification transfer ID data sent from the portal server 1003 into the verification information storage unit 1038 . Therefore, the storage section 1038 temporarily stores authentication grant ID data and the like.

The display control section 1024 supplies the frequency data items received from the control section 1023, the name of the broadcasting station, and the list of call symbols to the display section 1025. Thus, the display section 1025 displays a list of frequency data items, names of broadcasting stations, and call symbols.

When a selection command is input at the input processing section 1021, the control section 1023 writes the frequency information item selected by the user, the name of the broadcasting station, and the call symbol into the storage medium 1029, thereby preset these values. Then, the control section 1023 proceeds to the next step, step SP1074.

In step SP1074 , the control section 1023 controls the tuner section 1031 according to the tuning control command input at the input processing section 1021 . That is, the control section 1023 causes the tuner section 1031 to extract, from radio broadcast waves, a radio signal broadcast at a broadcast frequency corresponding to the tuning control command.

The tuner part 1031 extracts a radio signal broadcast at a broadcast frequency from radio broadcast waves received by the broadcast signal receiving part 1030 and decodes the radio signal broadcast at the frequency, thereby generating audio data. The audio data thus obtained is supplied to the audio data control section 1026 .

The audio data control section 1026 converts the audio data supplied from the tuner section 1031 into analog audio data. This analog audio data is supplied to the speaker 1027. The speaker 1027 produces sound based on the analog audio data. The user can thus listen to the radio program he or she has selected.

In step SP1075, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 is controlled by the control section 1023 so as to read the call symbol stored in the storage medium 1029 and associated with the frequency information representing the broadcast corresponding to the tuning control command. frequency. The radio broadcast display control part 1039 sends the call symbol to the portal server 1003 through the communication control part 1032 and then through the network interface 1033, together with the authentication yield ID data etc. temporarily stored in the storage part 1038.

In step SP1076, the control unit 1050 of the portal server 1003 first receives the call symbol, authentication and yield ID data, etc. sent from the client 1002 through the network interface 1053 and then through the communication control unit 1052. Then, the control section 1050 supplies the received authentication yield ID data and the like to the authentication processing section 1056 .

Under the control of the control section 1050 , the authentication processing section 1056 compares the authentication yield ID data etc. received from the client 1002 with the authentication yield ID data etc. temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 . Accordingly, the authentication processing section 1056 performs a process of authenticating the user of the client terminal 1002 .

The verification processing part 1056 can determine that the verification yield ID data etc. received from the client 1002 are still valid and the user who has operated the client 1002 so as to send the call sign is a legitimate user. If this is the case, the control section 1050 proceeds to the next step, step SP1077.

In step SP1077, the control section 1050 selects and retrieves one of URL data items stored in the URL storage section 1059, which data item is associated with the call symbol received from the client 1002.

The control section 1050 causes the authentication processing section 1056 to extend the validity period of the authentication yield ID data and the like issued to the client 1002 .

Then, the control section 1050 reads the retrieved URL information from the URL storage section 1059 . The control section 1050 sends the read URL information to the client 1002 through the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053, together with the authentication yield ID data whose validity period has been extended, and the like.

In step SP1078, the control unit 1023 of the client 1002 receives the URL information from the portal server 1003, the authentication grant ID data whose validity period has been extended, etc. through the network interface 1033 and then the communication control unit 1032. Authentication grant ID data and the like are supplied to the authentication processing section 1037, and URL information is supplied to the radio broadcast display control section 1039.

Controlled by the control unit 1023, the verification processing unit 1037 writes the verification transfer ID data sent from the portal server 1003 and whose validity period has been extended to the verification information storage unit whose validity period has not been extended. The verification in 1038 relinquishes the ID data and the like. That is, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the authentication grant ID data and the like in the storage section 1038 to those whose validity period has been extended.

For example, under the control of the control section 1023 , the radio broadcast display control section 1039 writes the URL information supplied from the control section 1023 into the storage medium 1029 . The storage medium 1029 temporarily stores URL information associated with the call symbol.

Controlled by the control section 1023, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 transmits a now playing information request signal to the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 based on the URL information temporarily stored in the storage medium 1029. Now the broadcast information request signal is first sent to the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 by the network interface 1033 by the communication control part 1032, what is sent together also has sent out from the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006, and is now temporarily stored in the verification The service in the information storage section 1038 yields ID data and the like.

In the sequence of the radio broadcast information distribution service providing process, the process of transmitting the now broadcasting information request signal, service grant ID data, etc. from the client 1002 to the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 (step SP1078) corresponds to the reference drawing 18. Step SP1010 already described.

Therefore, in the sequence of the radio broadcast information distribution service providing process, the steps SP1011 to SP1013 and the steps shown in FIG. SP1018 to SP1022 are similar to the process of authenticating users. Thereafter, the operation proceeds to step SP1079.

In step SP1079, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 controls the radio broadcast display control section 1039 so that the section 1039 sends a now playing information request signal to the radio broadcast information distribution server according to the URL information temporarily stored in the storage medium 1029 1006. The information request signal that is being played now is sent to the server 1006 by the network interface 1033 by the communication control part 1032 earlier, what is sent together also has received from the radio broadcast information publishing server 1006, and is now temporarily stored in the verification information storage part 1038 The service in yields ID data etc.

In step SP1080, the control unit 1110 of the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 receives the now broadcasting information request signal, service grant ID data, etc. from the client 1002 through the network interface 1113 and then through the communication control unit 1112. The control section 1110 supplies the thus received service yield ID data and the like to the authentication processing section 1115 .

Under the control of the control section 1110 , the authentication processing section 1115 compares the service yield ID data etc. received from the client 1002 with the service yield ID data etc. temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1120 . Accordingly, the authentication processing section 1115 performs a process of authenticating the user of the client terminal 1002 .

Authentication processing component 1115 may determine that the user of client 1002 is a legitimate user. In this case, component 1115 determines that the now playing information request signal sent from client 1002 is reasonable.

When the authentication processing section 1115 determines that the user of the client 1002 is a legitimate user, the control section 1110 causes the authentication processing section 1115 to extend the valid period of the service yield ID data etc. issued to the client 1002. Then, the control section 1110 proceeds to the next step, step SP1081.

In step SP1081, the control section 1110 reads the now playing information from the now playing information storage section 1119. Then, the control unit 1110 first sends the now playing information to the client 1002 through the communication control unit 1112 and then through the network interface 1113, together with the service grant ID data etc. that the verification processing unit 1115 has extended beyond its valid period.

In step SP1082, the control unit 1023 of the client 1002 receives the now broadcasting information from the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 and the service grant ID of the extended period of its validity through the network interface 1033 and then through the communication control unit 1032 data etc.

Under the control of the control unit 1023, the verification processing unit 1037 writes the service assignment ID data etc. that have been sent from the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 and have been extended beyond its valid period in the verification information storage unit 1038 temporarily. The service whose validity period has not been extended is transferred to the ID data and the like. That is, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the service yield ID data and the like in the storage section 1038 to those service yield ID data and the like whose validity period has been extended.

The radio broadcast display control section 1039 supplies the now-broadcasting information received from the control section 1023 to the display section 1025 via the display control section 1024 . The display section 1025 displays now playing information related to the radio program that the client 1002 is receiving at the moment.

In the sequence of the radio broadcast information distribution service providing process, the client 1002 then repeats the process of transmitting the now broadcasting information request signal in step SP1079 at certain intervals (for example, 30 seconds). Furthermore, at the request of the client 1002, the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 executes steps SP1080 and SP1081 in response.

Therefore, the display part 1025 of the client 1002 can display the now playing information, which is regularly updated, and displays the name of each radio program, the broadcast start time and the broadcast end time, and also displays the program being broadcast. The title of the music, the name of the artist who performed the music, the time the music started playing, and so on.

In the second embodiment, the client 1002 can acquire now-broadcasting information from any radio station, and the display section 1025 of the client 1002 displays such information even if the broadcasting station is not tuned in step SP1074. This is because the client 1002, the portal server 1003, and the radio broadcast information distribution server 1006 cooperate to execute steps SP1075 to SP1082 step by step for any radio station preset in the client 1002 in step SP1073.

Configured as described above, according to the second embodiment, the service providing system 1000 for providing music-related services can achieve the same advantages as those of the first embodiment.

(4) Other embodiments

In the first and second embodiments described above, information on all radio stations (ie, radio broadcast information) is acquired as preset information. However, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments. For example, it is possible to acquire information on only radio stations selected by the user instead of all radio stations registered in preset information.

In the above-mentioned second embodiment, in step SP1072, according to the area code received from the client terminal 1002, the control part 1050 selects from a plurality of frequency data items, radio station names, The frequency data item corresponding to the area code, the name of the radio station, and the call symbol are extracted from the call symbol. The present invention is not limited to this method. Of course, user setting information may be registered in the customer database 1054 in advance, for example. Then, the region where the user lives is determined from the region-related information (zip code, address, telephone number, etc.) included in the user setting information. Then, the frequencies assigned to radio stations existing in the area, the names and call symbols of these radio stations are retrieved and read in the form of a list. In this case, the client 1002 does not need to send the region code to the portal server 1003 .

In the first and second embodiments described above, the terminal device 10 and the client 1002 can receive radio programs broadcast by radio stations. However, they can receive radio programs broadcast via the Internet or broadcast satellite, and can obtain related information and radio broadcast information. In addition, they can receive television programs broadcast by television stations. In addition, they can receive various types of broadcast information related to television programs from servers on the network.

In the first and second embodiments, processes are executable in accordance with the data processing program describing the processes. These programs can be executed by computers. Therefore, a computer can perform these processes.

A program describing the procedures that should be executed in the first and second embodiments can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may be a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or the like. The magnetic recording device may be a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk (FD), a magnetic tape, or the like. The optical disc may be DVD, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R (recordable)/RW (rewritable) or the like. The magneto-optical recording medium may be MO (Magneto Optical Disk).

To execute the program, the computer reads the program recorded on the portable recording medium or receives the program from the server computer. The computer then stores the program in a storage device it contains. The computer reads the program from the storage device, and executes a process according to the program. The computer can execute processes according to the program it has read directly from the portable recording medium. Additionally, the computer can perform the processes described by any programs that have been transferred to it from the server computer.

In the first embodiment, hardware circuit groups, functional circuit groups, and program modules are all included in the terminal device 10 . In the second embodiment, hardware circuit groups, functional circuit groups and program modules are all included in the client 1002 . However, they may be included in other types of terminals other than the terminal device 10 and the client 1002, such as mobile phones, personal computers, and the like. Any other terminal having such groups and modules can then perform the same procedures as performed by the terminal device 10 or the client 1002 .

In the second embodiment, the client 1002, that is, the data processing device includes: a tuner part 1031 used as a receiving device, an audio data control part 1026 used as a reproducing device, a control part 1023 used as a setting device, a A communication control section 1032 serving as a control means, a display section 1025 serving as a display means, and a control section 1023 serving as a control means. The present invention is not limited to this configuration. Such a data processing device may be constituted by a receiving device, a reproducing device, a setting device, a communication control device, a display device, and a control device of other circuit components.

industrial application

The present invention can be applied not only to network systems that provide music-related services, but also to, for example, various network systems that provide video content.

Claims (7)

1. be configured to receiving broadcast signal and announce a kind of data processing equipment that the network of the content correlated information that relates to broadcasted content is connected above that, comprising with the broadcasting station:

Receiving system is used to receive the broadcast singal of the assigned frequency of distributing to each broadcasting station;

Transcriber is used to reproduce the broadcast singal that is received by said receiving system;

Setting device is used to the broadcast singal that can be received frequency and will being recorded in about the frequency information of this frequency configuration on the predetermined recording media is set;

Communication control unit; The request that is used for comprising through transmission broadcasting station ID data to obtain said content correlated information through said network; The said receiving system of said broadcasting station ID Data Identification can be from the broadcasting station of its receiving broadcast signal, and said content correlated information comprises the relevant information of broadcasted content with the broadcasting station of said broadcasting station ID Data Identification;

Display unit is used to show predetermined information; And

Control device, this device are used for making said display unit show with the corresponding broadcasting station tabulation of at least one frequency configuration, obtain the content correlated information of announcing from the broadcasting station that said tabulation is selected and make said display unit show said content correlated information according to the frequency information that said setting device sets.

2. data processing equipment as claimed in claim 1; It is characterized in that; The broadcasting station information that said setting device record is associated with said frequency information, said broadcasting station information comprises and is used to identify and the broadcasting station ID data in the corresponding broadcasting station of said frequency and the name in said broadcasting station.

3. data processing equipment as claimed in claim 2; It is characterized in that; Said control device is connected to said network through said communication control unit; And the broadcasting station ID data that will be used to identify selected broadcasting station send to the information provider unit that is used to provide about the information in the source of the content correlated information of said broadcasting station issue, receive the information about said source from said information provider unit, and according to about the said content correlated information of the information gathering in said source.

4. data processing equipment as claimed in claim 1; It is characterized in that; Said control device obtains about the information by the content correlated information source of announcing with the corresponding all broadcasting station of the broadcast singal frequency that can be received; According to obtaining said content correlated information, and the content-related information of being obtained is recorded in the said predetermined recording media about the information in said source.

5. be used to be configured to receiving broadcast signal and announce a kind of data processing method of a kind of data processing equipment that the network of the content correlated information that relates to broadcasted content is connected above that with the broadcasting station, said method comprises the steps:

For any broadcast singal that can receive, many broadcasting stations is provided with frequency, and will be recorded in about the frequency information of this frequency configuration in the predetermined recording media;

When receiving or not receiving selected broadcast singal,, will be presented on the predetermined display unit corresponding to the broadcasting station tabulation of at least one frequency configuration according to said frequency information;

The request that comprises broadcasting station ID data through transmission to obtain the content correlated information of being announced by the broadcasting station of from the tabulation that is shown, selecting through said network; The selected broadcasting station of ID Data Identification, said broadcasting station, said content correlated information comprise the relevant information of broadcasted content with the broadcasting station of said broadcasting station ID Data Identification; And

The content correlated information that is obtained is presented on the said display unit.

6. data processing method as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that:

Be configured to said data processing equipment with authentication server and provide the relevant information of said content correlated information to provide server to intercom mutually with authentication function; And

Obtaining through said network in the step of said relevant information, said data processing equipment is carried out following steps:

Solicited message is sent to said relevant information server is provided; That sends together also is useful on and service transference ID that said relevant information provides server to carry out subrogation, the content-related information of described request information request and the broadcast program that is receiving;

Reception comes from said relevant information to be provided information server, the expression validation failure and identifies the service identifiers information that said relevant information provides server;

Provide the checking ticket distribution solicited message of server to send to said authentication server so that visit said relevant information request distribution checking ticket, also be useful on and the said authentication server that sends together carries out the checking transference ID of subrogation;

When said authentication server is verified said data processing equipment, receive the checking ticket that comes from said authentication server;

To verify that solicited message sends to said relevant information with the checking ticket server is provided;

When said relevant information provides the said data processing equipment of server authentication, receive said service transference ID;

To be used to ask said request-related information information to send to said relevant information server will be provided with received service transference ID; And

When said authentication server is verified said data processing equipment, receive as said relevant information response and the said relevant information of sending of server to described request information is provided.

7. data processing method as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that, said data processing equipment is carried out following steps:

When said authentication server can't be verified said data processing equipment, receive the information of expression validation failure and ID and password are sent to said authentication server;

When said authentication server is verified said ID and said password, receive the checking transference ID that is used for carrying out subrogation with said authentication server; And

Said checking ticket distribution solicited message is sent to said authentication server with said checking transference ID.

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