CN1823483B - Information providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

One kind of information providing equipment has the information related to the program broadcast stored in advance. The equipment receives the request on the related information from the client terminal (CT) receiving the program broadcasting signal. During changing the broadcast program, the equipment updates the relevant read and transmitted information synchronously with the program change. It is possible to provide program synchronously with the related information without time difference.

Description

Information provision method

technical field

The present invention relates to an information providing method for appropriately providing information associated with, for example, program broadcasting from a designated server to a client terminal through a network.

Background technique

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

On the other hand, radio stations publish various information on their programs on Internet home pages. For example, a radio station broadcasts a program and provides listeners of the program with musical piece information as associated information on broadcasted musical pieces, such as their titles and artist names, and the names and numbers of CDs on which the musical pieces are recorded.

There is provided an audio reproducing apparatus as a client terminal (for example, see Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-274302), which realizes a radio receiving function and an Internet connection function in a system which simultaneously performs listening to radio programs and access to music composition information.

This audio reproducing device enables a user to listen to a program from the audio reproducing device and acquire musical composition information from an associated information providing server. The musical composition information includes titles, artist names, and the like of musical compositions broadcast in the program.

Referring to Fig. 20, the musical piece information providing sequence is described below. In this sequence, the client terminal CT receives for listening a musical composition broadcast from the radio station RS. In response to an acquisition request from the client terminal CT, the associated information providing server KS provides musical piece information such as title and artist name associated with the musical piece.

At step SP1, the radio station RS starts broadcasting the musical composition A on the program. The radio station RS then proceeds to the next step SP2 to notify the associated information providing server KS that the musical composition A has started broadcasting. The radio station RS proceeds to the next step SP3.

In step SP11, the association information providing server KS maintains a database of musical composition information related to titles and artists related to various types of musical compositions, names and numbers of CDs on which corresponding musical compositions are recorded, and the like. It is necessary to provide the client terminal CT with musical composition information associated with the musical composition A notified from the radio station RS. Specifically, the musical composition information includes the title and artist name, the name and number of the CD on which the musical composition A is recorded. Therefore, the associated information providing server KS updates the previous music information providing server KS to the new musical composition information, and then proceeds to the next step SP12.

At step SP21, the client terminal CT receives the musical piece A broadcast by the radio station RS at step SP1 so that the user can listen to it. In step SP22, the client terminal CT performs polling by sending an acquisition request for musical composition information such as title and artist name to the association information providing server KS at 30-second intervals. The client terminal then proceeds to the next step SP23.

The related information providing server KS stores the music composition information provided in advance. In step SP12, in response to an acquisition request from the client terminal CT, the associated information providing server KS provides the client terminal CT with musical composition information on the musical composition A via the Internet 2. The association information providing server KS then proceeds to the next step SP13.

In step SP23, the client terminal CT displays the musical piece information provided from the associated information providing server KS using a liquid crystal display or the like. Doing so enables the user to recognize musical composition information such as the title and artist name on the musical composition A broadcast in the program. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP24.

At step SP3, the radio station RS stops broadcasting the musical composition A. At step SP4, the radio station RS stops broadcasting the current program of the musical piece A, starts broadcasting the next program, and then proceeds to the next step SP5.

At step SP24, after 30 seconds from the previous acquisition request, the client terminal CT issues an acquisition request for musical composition information to the associated information providing server KS again.

In step SP13, although the radio station RS has started broadcasting the next program, the associated information providing server KS provides the client terminal CT with the musical composition information on the musical composition A broadcast in the previous program as it is. The reason is that although the program broadcasting the musical composition A has been terminated, the musical composition information of the musical composition A has not been updated and is still scheduled to be provided.

At step SP25, the client terminal CT receives the next program from the radio station RS for listening. However, the client terminal CT acquires and displays the musical composition information on the musical composition A broadcast in the previous program, and then proceeds to the next step SP26.

Then, at step SP5, the radio station RS starts broadcasting the musical composition B in the next program. At subsequent step SP6, the radio station RS notifies the associated information providing server KS that the musical composition B has started broadcasting. The associated information providing server KS then proceeds to the next step SP15.

At step SP26, the client terminal CT reissues an acquisition request for musical piece information to the associated information providing server KS in compliance with the polling interval. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP27.

In step SP15, the associated information providing server KS responds to the acquisition request from the client terminal CT, and provides updated musical composition information on the musical composition B to the client terminal CT. In step SP27, the client terminal CT acquires and displays the musical composition information on the musical composition B.

As described above, the radio station RS changes the broadcast of the current program to the next program as time elapses according to the conventional musical composition information providing sequence. In this case, the associated information providing server KS is not notified from the radio station RS until the broadcast of the musical composition A becomes the broadcast of the musical composition B. The related information providing server KS still keeps the musical piece information on the musical piece A as information to be provided next without updating. Therefore, the associated information providing server KS provides musical composition information on the musical composition A in response to the acquisition request from the client CT although the information is not related to the next program currently being broadcast.

Therefore, the client terminal CT encounters a discrepancy between the next broadcast program from the radio station RS and the musical piece information provided from the associated information providing server KS. This causes inconvenience to the user.

Contents of the invention

The present invention is made based on the above contents. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an information providing method capable of ensuring consistency between a program broadcast from a radio station and associated information provided from an associated information providing server to link the program and the associated information in real time.

In order to solve the problem, an information providing method according to the present invention includes the steps of sequentially storing related information on a broadcast program in a storage device, and accepting an acquisition request for the related information from a broadcast receiver to receive the program broadcast signal; read the associated information stored in the storage device according to the timing of accepting the acquisition request, and transmit the associated information to the broadcast receiver; and when the broadcast program changes to the next program, the update should be read from the storage device Associated information for delivery.

This method makes it possible to update the associated information transmitted synchronously with the changed program. Therefore, it is possible to ensure consistency by providing programs synchronously with associated information without a time difference therebetween.

The information providing apparatus according to the present invention includes: storage means for sequentially storing associated information on broadcast programs; acquisition request accepting means for accepting an acquisition request for associated information from a broadcast receiver to receive the broadcast of the program signal; associated information transmitting means for reading the associated information stored in the storage means in synchronization with the timing at which the acquisition request accepting means accepts the acquisition request, and transmitting the associated information to the broadcast receiver; and updating means for in When the broadcast program changes to the next program, the update should read related information for delivery from the storage device.

The device makes it possible to update the associated information transmitted in synchronization with the changed program. Therefore, it is possible to ensure consistency by providing programs synchronously with associated information without a time difference therebetween.

An information providing program according to the present invention enables an information processing device to perform the steps of: sequentially storing related information on a broadcast program in a storage device, and accepting an acquisition request for the related information from a broadcast receiver to receive the The broadcast signal of the program; read the associated information stored in the storage device according to the timing of accepting the acquisition request, and transmit the associated information to the broadcast receiver; and when the broadcast program becomes the next program, the update should be read from the storage device Get associated information for delivery.

This information providing program makes it possible to update associated information transmitted in synchronization with changed programs. Therefore, it is possible to ensure consistency by providing programs synchronously with associated information without a time difference therebetween.

The present invention makes it possible to update associated information transmitted synchronously with changed programs, so that it is possible to provide programs synchronously with associated information with no time difference between the two to ensure consistency. Therefore, it is possible to realize an information providing method, an information providing apparatus, and an information providing program capable of ensuring consistency between a program broadcast from a radio station and associated information provided from an associated information providing server to link the program and the associated information in real time.

Description of drawings

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

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

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

Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an association information providing server.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a client terminal.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing directory management of content.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the order of providing status information in which it is uncertain whether the URL is available.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a status information screen.

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

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the order of providing musical composition information according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the order of providing program information according to the present invention.

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

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

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

Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram showing the user authentication process between the client terminal and the portal server.

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing a user authentication process between a client terminal and a service providing server.

FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing a radio broadcast information (on-air-list information) delivery service providing process.

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a radio broadcast information (now-on-air list information) delivery service providing process.

Fig. 20 is a schematic block diagram showing a conventional musical piece information providing sequence.

Detailed ways

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

(1) The first embodiment

(1-1) Overall configuration of the information provision system

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

In the information providing system 1, a radio station RS is connected to a management information providing server KS including a computer. A dedicated line is used for this connection. The management information providing server KS provides the home page of the radio station RS instead of the radio station RS. In response to an acquisition request from the client terminal CT, the management information providing server KS may provide musical piece information as associated information on musical pieces broadcast from the radio station RS over a network 2 such as the Internet.

In the information providing system 1, a URL providing server 3 including a computer is notified of URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information indicating an access target using a homepage or the like provided by the associated information providing server KS.

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

Because radio broadcasts are limited to receivable areas, the same frequency can be shared in multiple areas. For example, the 80.0 MHz frequency may be used by FM Tokyo in the Tokyo metropolitan area and by FM Aomori in the Tohoku district.

Therefore, the client terminal CT cannot specify the radio station RS only by specifying the frequency for the URL providing server 3 . The client terminal CT also provides specific information called a call sign to the URL providing server 3 to designate the radio station RS. In this way, the client terminal CT can receive the URL from the URL providing server 3 reliably. As mentioned above, this URL indicates the information providing service provided by the radio station RS.

(1-2) Configuration of radio station RS

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

The radio station RS uses a content database 74 to store a variety of content, such as previously recorded programs and musical compositions to be broadcast in the programmes. The radio station RS broadcasts programs according to a program schedule, and broadcasts the content of musical compositions required for the programs.

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

(1-3) URL provides server configuration

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

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

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

(1-4) Configuration of related information providing server

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

The associated information providing server KS searches the musical composition information database 93 for musical composition information on, for example, musical compositions broadcast in programs by the radio station RS. The associated information providing server KS provides musical composition information as associated information to the client terminal CT through the data communication processing section 95 .

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

(1-5) Circuit configuration of client terminal CT

As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 1 of the client terminal CT reads basic programs such as a slave OS and various application programs from the ROM 13 connected through the bus 12, and develops these programs in the RAM 20. Based on these programs, the CPU 11 executes overall operations, specified operations, and the like. For example, the CPU 11 performs communication operations via the network 2, input/output operations related to users, reproduction of contents from media, and writing of contents downloaded from the radio station RS to a hard disk drive (HDD) 21, management of contents, etc. .

The operation input section 15 sends input information to the input processing section 14 . The input information corresponds to the user's manipulation of various manipulation devices provided on the housing surface of the main body unit or a remote controller (not shown). The input processing section 15 then applies specified processing to the input information, and then sends it to the CPU 11 as an operation command. The CPU 11 executes processing corresponding to the operation command.

The display 17 represents a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and may be directly attached to the surface of the housing of the main body unit, or installed outside. The display 17 displays processing results from the CPU 11 and other various information.

The media drive 19 reproduces, for example, a CD (Compact Disk) or a memory stick (registered trademark) including a flash memory or the like. The audio data processing section 24 performs digital-to-analog conversion on the reproduction result output from the 2-channel speaker 25 .

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

In addition, the CPU 11 uses the media drive 19 to read a plurality of still images stored in the memory stick. These still images can be displayed as a slideshow on the display 17 by the display processing section 16 .

In addition, the CPU 11 can randomly access and read a plurality of musical compositions stored in the hard disk drive 21 so as to reproduce the musical compositions in the order requested by the user like a jukebox.

The tuner section 27 is equivalent to, for example, an AM or FM radio tuner. The tuner section 27 demodulates broadcast signals received on the antenna 26 under the control of the CPU 11. The result as broadcast audio is transmitted to the audio data processing section 24 and output from the speaker 25 .

Under the control of the CPU 11, the communication processing section 22 uses the network interface 23 to transmit data to an external network-compatible device through the network 2. The communication processing section 22 receives data from an external network compatible device using the network interface 23, and decodes the received data. The communication processing section 22 then transmits the decoded data to the CPU 11.

(1-6) Directory management of contents

The CPU 11 of the client terminal CT manages the contents to be stored in the hard disk drive 21 according to the directory structure shown in FIG. 6 . Create any number of "folder" directories within the specified range of the "root" directory. The "folder" directory is created according to the category of content, all users, or the like.

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

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

(1-7) Program module configuration of client terminal CT

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

The HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) message program 36 uses HTTP communication to interact with various servers, such as the CD sales server 31, the Internet radio server 32, the music delivery operation server 33, the overall service server 34 providing overall services, and the related information providing server KS . The communicator program 37 is a program module that exchanges data with the HTTP message program 36 .

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

An XML (Extensible Markup Language) browser 50 is placed on the Internet radio channel selection/reproduction module 43 and music purchase/reproduction module 44. The XML browser 50 translates XML documents from various servers and displays them on the display 17 .

For example, a user selects a musical composition using the XML browser 50 . Selected musical compositions are purchased through the music purchase/reproduction module 44 and written to the hard disk drive 21 through the hard disk content controller 42.

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

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

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

On the hard disk content controller 42, there are an associated information display module 45 and a tuner selection/reproduction/recording module 46. The associated information display module 45 displays titles, artist names, and the like of musical compositions broadcast by radio stations. The tuner channel selection/reproduction/recording module 46 selects the radio station RS and records the contents of musical compositions received from the radio station RS on the hard disk drive 21 .

When a musical composition is received from, for example, a radio station RS selected through the audio user interface 51 , the received musical composition is written to the hard disk drive 21 through the content data access module 41 .

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

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

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

(1-8) Status information provision sequence of information provision service

Radio station RS provides a homepage as one of the information providing services. The URL providing server 3 provides the latest and accurate URL of the home page to the client terminal CT via the network 2 . At the same time, the client terminal CT obtains the status of the information providing service. The status information provision procedure is used for this purpose. The status information providing process is described below.

(1-8-1) Status information providing sequence of availability of undetermined URL

In step SP31 shown in FIG. 8, the associated information providing server KS provides the home page of the radio station RS via the network 2. The home page is available for service, may be discontinued, or may be undergoing maintenance. In these cases, the associated information providing server KS transmits these service states to the URL providing server 3 as state information.

The associated information providing server KS may also transmit other state information such as information on the associated information providing server KS, the homepage URL of the radio station RS, and additional messages.

In step SP41, the URL providing server 3 identifies status information provided from the associated information providing server KS, that is, information on the associated information providing server KS, the home page URL of the radio station RS, the service status of the home page, and additional messages. The URL providing server 3 stores the status information in the URL storage database 83 (FIG. 3), and proceeds to the next step SP42.

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

At step SP42, the URL providing server 3 specifies the radio station RS based on the call sign from the client terminal CT. The URL providing server 3 reads the status information corresponding to the specified radio station RS from the URL storage database 83 . The URL providing server 3 provides status information to the client terminal CT via the network 2 . At this time, the URL providing server 3 authenticates the user information sent from the client terminal CT. This will be described in detail below with reference to the second embodiment.

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

As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the client terminal CT displays a status information screen 100 on the display 17 to notify the user of the status of the information providing service. More specifically, the URL display area 101 shows a URL indicating an access target of the home page of the radio station RS. The status information display area 102 shows the availability of the information providing service using a message such as "The information providing service is now available from the homepage". The additional message display area 103 shows an additional message such as "Service will be out of service from 2:00 am to 5:00 am on January 1st due to routine maintenance".

In step SP53, the client terminal CT determines whether or not the information providing service is performed based on the content of the state information. Only when it is determined that the status information service is performed, the client terminal CT proceeds to the next step SP54. When the status information contains, for example, the status information providing URL, the client terminal CT determines that the information providing service is performed.

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

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

(1-8-2) State information providing sequence for determining availability of URL

In step SP61 shown in FIG. 10, the related information providing server KS operates like step SP31. The home page is available for service, may be discontinued, or may be undergoing maintenance. In these cases, the associated information providing server KS transmits these service states to the URL providing server 3 as state information.

The associated information providing server KS may also transmit other state information such as information on the associated information providing server KS, the homepage URL of the radio station RS, and additional messages.

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

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

At step SP72, the URL providing server 3 specifies the radio station RS based on the call sign from the client terminal CT. The URL providing server 3 reads the status information corresponding to the specified radio station RS from the URL storage database 83 . The URL providing server 3 determines whether the status information contains the URL of the home page passed by the radio station RS. If the result is negative, the URL proceeds to the next step SP73 through the server 3 . At this time, the URL providing server 3 authenticates the user information sent from the client terminal CT. This will be described in detail below with reference to the second embodiment.

In step 73, it is determined that no URL is included in the state information. This means that the information providing service is currently unavailable and no home page exists. At this time, the URL providing server 3 adds a message indicating that the information providing service is unavailable, such as "The home page does not provide the information providing service now", to the status information. The URL providing server 3 provides the status information to the client terminal CT.

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

At step SP82, the client terminal CT acquires status information from the URL providing server 3, and displays it on the display 17 to inform the user of the status of the information providing service. In addition, the client terminal CT temporarily stores the status information providing URL of the status information in the RAM 20 and the HDD 21 with reference to the call sign. The client terminal then proceeds to the next step SP83.

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

On the other hand, let us assume that status information including URL is provided at step SP74. The client terminal CT may display a status information screen 100 (FIG. 9) on the display 17 to visually notify the user of the information providing service status in advance. More specifically, the status information screen 100 shows the URL indicating the access target of the homepage of the radio station RS, the availability of the information providing service, and additional information such as "The service will be stopped at 2:00-5:00 on Sunday due to scheduled maintenance". information.

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

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

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

(1-9) Related information provision sequence

(1-9-1) Music work information provision sequence

Referring now to FIG. 11 , a procedure is described below in which the associated information providing server KS follows the designated information providing program and uses the homepage to provide associated information, including musical composition information related to musical compositions broadcast by the radio station RS, to the client terminal CT.

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

After the broadcast of the musical composition A is started at step SP102, the radio station RS notifies the associated information providing server KS of the state, and then proceeds to the next step SP103.

In step SP111, the association information providing server KS maintains a database of musical composition information associated with musical compositions using the musical composition information database 93 (FIG. 4). More specifically, the musical composition information includes titles and artist names on various types of musical compositions, names and numbers of CDs on which corresponding musical compositions are recorded, and the like. It is necessary to provide the client terminal CT with musical composition information associated with the musical composition A notified from the radio station RS. Therefore, the associated information providing server KS updates the previous musical composition information to the musical composition information associated with the musical composition A, and then proceeds to the next step SP112.

At step SP112, the client terminal CT receives the musical composition A broadcast by the radio station RS at step SP101 so that the user can listen to it. In step SP122, the client terminal CT performs polling by sending an acquisition request for musical piece information to the associated information providing server KS at 30-second intervals. The musical composition information includes the title and artist name associated with the musical composition A. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP123.

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

In step SP123, the client terminal CT uses the display 17 to display the musical composition information on the musical composition A provided from the associated information providing server KS. Doing so enables the user to recognize musical composition information such as the title and artist name on the musical composition A broadcast in the program. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP124.

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

At step SP105, the radio station RS starts the next broadcast while sending a clear command to the associated information providing server KS. This is for removing the musical piece information about the musical piece A broadcast at the previous program from other information maintained by the associated information providing server KS. The radio station RS then proceeds to the next step SP106.

In step SP113, the associated information providing server KS removes the musical composition information on the musical composition A from other information maintained to be provided. In doing so, the association information providing server KS clears the musical composition information on the musical composition A, and then proceeds to the next step SP114.

At step SP124, an interval of 30 seconds has elapsed from the latest acquisition request. The client terminal CT again issues an acquisition request for musical composition information to the associated information providing server KS.

In step SP114, the association information providing server KS terminates the previous program for broadcasting the musical piece A and starts the next program. Almost at the same time, the associated information providing server KS clears the musical composition information on the musical composition A broadcast in the previous program from other information to be provided. The associated information providing server KS provides empty musical composition information (empty data) to the client terminal CT, and then proceeds to the next step SP115.

At step SP125, the client terminal CT displays empty musical piece information on the display 17. That is, no display is made on it.

Since nothing is displayed on the display 17, the client terminal CT indirectly notifies the user that no musical composition is broadcast in the current broadcast program.

In step SP106, the radio station RS starts broadcasting the musical composition B in the current program. In step SP107, the radio station RS notifies the associated information providing server RS that the musical composition B has started broadcasting.

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

At step SP126, the client terminal CT issues an acquisition request for musical composition information to the associated information providing server KS again. In step SP116, the associated information providing server KS provides updated musical piece information on the musical piece B to the client terminal CT. At step SP127, the client terminal CT acquires the musical composition information on the musical composition B, and displays it on the display 17.

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

(1-9-2) Program information provision sequence

Referring to FIG. 12, a procedure is described below in which the associated information providing server KS uses the homepage to provide associated information, ie, information associated with programs broadcast by the radio station RS, to the client terminal CT. In FIGS. 11 and 12 , the association information providing server KS verifies the user information transmitted from the client terminal CT in a manner similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 10 . A specific verification technique will be described in the second embodiment below.

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

After the broadcast of the musical composition A is started at step SP202, the radio station RS notifies the associated information providing server KS of the state, and then proceeds to the next step SP203.

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

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

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

In step SP223, the client terminal CT uses the display 17 to display the musical composition information on the musical composition A provided from the associated information providing server KS. Doing so enables the user to recognize musical composition information such as the title and artist name on the musical composition A broadcast in the current program. The client terminal CT then proceeds to the next step SP224.

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

At step SP205, the radio station RS starts the next broadcast, and at the same time notifies the association information providing server KS of the next program start broadcast. The radio station RS proceeds to the next step SP206.

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

At step SP224, an interval of 30 seconds has elapsed from the latest acquisition request. The client terminal CT again issues an acquisition request for musical composition information to the associated information providing server KS.

In step SP214, the associated information providing server KS holds program information associated with the next program as information to be provided next. In addition, the musical composition B has not been broadcast on the next program. The associated information providing server KS provides program information on the next program as associated information to the client terminal CT, and then proceeds to the next step SP215.

At step SP225, the client terminal CT uses the display 17 to display program information associated with the next program, such as program name, DJ name, etc., and then proceeds to the next step SP226.

Although radio station RS has already started broadcasting the next program, the program has not yet started broadcasting musical compositions. The client terminal CT displays the program information of the next program provided from the associated information providing server until the program starts broadcasting the musical composition.

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

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

In step SP226, the client terminal CT provides an acquisition request for musical piece information to the associated information providing server KS at polling intervals, and then proceeds to the next step SP227.

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

The client terminal CT may issue an acquisition request for musical composition information when the current program becomes the next program for which the musical composition has not yet been broadcast. In this case, the client terminal CT can acquire program information on the next program instead of musical composition information, and display the acquired program information on the display 17 . This prevents the display 17 from being displayed despite an acquisition request for musical composition information, and notifies the user listening to the program of useful program information instead of musical composition information.

(1-10) Operation and implementation

According to the above configuration, the associated information providing server KS of the information providing system 1 receives an acquisition request from the client terminal CT. At this time, the related information providing server KS provides the client terminal CT with musical composition information or program information to be saved for future provision.

In this case, the associated information providing server KS provides the client terminal CT with the musical composition information associated with the musical composition A broadcast by the radio station RS in the program. When the current program is terminated and becomes the next program, the associated information providing server KS receives a clear instruction from the radio station RS to remove the musical composition information from the information to be provided. The associated information providing server KS provides empty useful work information to the client terminal CT.

When the current program is terminated and becomes the next program, the associated information providing server KS provides the client terminal CT with program information, such as the program title and the DJ name associated with the next program, until the musical composition B begins to appear on the next program. broadcast.

After receiving the acquisition request from the client terminal CT, the associated information providing server KS can provide associated information to the client terminal CT and allow the client terminal CT to display the information. Specifically, the associated information includes musical composition information or program information corresponding in time to a program broadcast by the radio station RS. It is possible to always provide the user of the client terminal CT with associated information matching the progress of the program.

According to the above-described configuration, the associated information providing server KS of the information providing system 1 can ensure agreement between programs broadcast from the radio station RS and associated information provided from the associated information providing server KS. The related information providing server KS can provide related information through a real-time link with the program.

(2) The second embodiment

As a second embodiment, an authentication method between the client terminal 2 and the URL providing server 3, and between the client terminal 2 and the associated information providing server KS according to the first embodiment described above is described below.

The method of providing association information according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. The client terminal 1002 of FIG. 13 according to the second embodiment corresponds to the client terminal CT of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment described above. The entry server 1003 of FIG. 14 serves as an authentication server, and corresponds to the URL providing server 3 of FIG. 1 . The radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 of FIG. 15 corresponds to the associated information providing server KS of FIG. 1 .

(2-1) Functional circuit block configuration of client terminal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Furthermore, the control section 1023 can read music data from the storage medium 1029 and transfer it to the external recording medium recording and reproducing section 1028, and then it can record the music data on the external recording medium.

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

As described above, the broadcast signal receiving section 1030 receives radio broadcast waves. For example, under the control of the control section 1023 , the tuner section 1031 extracts such a radio broadcast signal as having a broadcast frequency corresponding to a radio station specified by the operation input section 1020 from the received radio broadcast waves, for example. The tuner 1031 then applies specified reception processing to the extracted signal. The tuner section 1031 supplies the final audio data to the audio control section 1026 through the bus 1022 .

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

The control part 1023 can record audio of broadcast programs. To this end, the control section 1023 sends the audio data obtained by the tuner section 1031 to the storage medium 1029 for storage.

In addition, the control section 1023 can be connected to a specific network through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence. Therefore, the control section 1023 can access the portal server 1003, a service providing server (such as the radio broadcast information providing server 1006 described below), etc. on the network. In this way, the client terminal can exchange various information and data with the portal server 1003, the service providing server, and the like.

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

Furthermore, the encoder/decoder section 1034 compresses and encodes neither compressed nor encoded content data read from an external recording medium or audio data supplied from the tuner section 1031 . The encoder/decoder section 1034 sends the compressed and encoded content data to the storage medium 1029 .

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

The copyright management section 1035 generates copyright management information corresponding to the content downloaded from the network through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in sequence, or read from the external recording medium through the external recording medium recording and reproducing section 1028 data.

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

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

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

The authentication processing section 1037 performs an authentication process such as sending authentication information to the entrance server 1003 and the service providing server on the network connected through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in turn.

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

The radio broadcast display control section 1039 sends a request signal to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence. This request signal is used to request information about the radio broadcast that the user is currently listening to. The radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 is one of the service providing servers corresponding to the radio station that delivered the radio broadcast being received.

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

(2-2) Entry server configuration

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

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

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

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

The page information is written in a language such as XML, and includes URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information for accessing an information providing server or the like.

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

After completing the user's authentication process, the authentication processing section 1056 sends out entry authentication result information (authentication session ID information will be described later) indicating the result of the user authentication process. The authentication processing section 1056 temporarily stores the issued entry authentication result information in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

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

Then, let us assume that as a result of the user authentication process through the authentication processing section 1056, the user is authenticated as not being a registered user. In this case, the control section 1050 may be configured to transmit authentication error information and failed authentication notification page information indicating failed authentication to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053 in this order. This failed authentication notification page information is stored in the page information storage section 1055 .

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

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

The frequency information storage section 1058 stores the following information in association with each other: an area code, such as a postal code capable of specifying an area; frequency information indicating a broadcasting frequency at which radio broadcasts can be received in the area indicated by the area code; name (hereinafter referred to as radio station name); and call sign, unique identification information for each radio station.

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

(2-3) Functional circuit block configuration of radio broadcast information delivery server

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

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

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

Radio broadcast information called now airing information is provided. This information is managed by the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 and relates to radio programs that have been broadcast by radio stations corresponding to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 . The page information storage section 1116 stores, for example, page information on an on-air list delivery page for obtaining on-air list information.

Page information on the broadcast list information delivery page is written in a language such as XML. An input box and the like are provided, which enable the user of the client terminal 1002 to input a retrieval keyword of desired broadcast list information. For example, the retrieval key includes broadcast date information, title, and the like of a radio program.

The broadcast list information storage section 1117 stores broadcast list information generated in a list format. The broadcast list information includes: the title of the radio program that has been broadcast from the radio station corresponding to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006; the program broadcast start time, the program broadcast end time, etc.; and the title and artist name of the musical composition broadcast in the radio program , the start time of broadcasting of musical works, etc.

Control section 1110 receives a page information acquisition request signal from client terminal 1002 via network interface 1113 and communication control section 1112, which requests page information on the broadcast list information transmission page. Corresponding to the received page information acquisition request signal, the control section 1110 transmits to the client terminal 1002, via the communication control section 1112 and the network interface 1113, the page information on the broadcast list information transfer page stored in the page information storage section 1116 in sequence. .

After a retrieval key is input from the client terminal 1002 for page information on the broadcast list information transmission page, the retrieval section 1118 stores the retrieval key for retrieving desired broadcast list information. When the broadcast list information request signal is transmitted to request downloading of the now broadcast list information, the retrieval section 1118 receives the broadcast list information through the network interface 1113 and the communication control section 1112 in sequence. Then the retrieval section 1118 extracts a retrieval key from the received broadcast list information request signal.

Based on the retrieval key, the retrieval section 1118 searches all broadcast list information in the broadcast list information storage section 1117 for target broadcast list information within a specific range corresponding to the retrieval condition indicated by the retrieval key.

As a result, the control section 1110 transmits the retrieved object broadcast list information to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section 1112 and the network interface 1113 in sequence.

The now-on-air information storage section 1119 stores radio broadcast information called now-on-air information. The information includes: the program title, program broadcast start time, and program broadcast end time of a radio program currently being broadcast from a radio station corresponding to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006; Name, broadcast start time of the musical composition, etc.

The client terminal 1002 not only transmits a now-on-air information request signal to request for now-on-air information, but also transmits user ID information and password information of a user using the client terminal 1002 . The authentication processing section 1115 receives these information through the network interface 1113 and the communication control section 1112 in sequence. The authentication processing section 1115 then performs a user authentication process to confirm whether the received user ID information and password information are registered in the customer database section 1114 as customer information.

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

After the authentication processing section 1115 sends the entry authentication result information to the entry server 1003, the entry server 1003 returns the confirmation result information as a result of executing the authentication process (ie, the above confirmation process) corresponding to the entry authentication result information. The authentication processing section 1115 receives confirmation result information through the network interface 1113 and the communication control section 1112 in sequence. Based on the received confirmation result information, the authentication processing section 1115 determines whether the user is a registered user who has completed a contract with the service provider of the music-related service providing system 1000 .

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

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

Instead, let us assume that as a result of the user authentication process through the authentication processing section 1115, the user is verified not to be a registered user. In this case, the control section 1110 transmits authentication error information and failed authentication notification page information to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section 1112 and the network interface 1113 in this order. This failed authentication notification page information is stored in the page information storage section 1116 and indicates failed authentication.

In this way, the control section 1110 acts in response to a request from the user to acquire now-broadcasting information. When the user is verified as a registered user, the control section 1110 provides now broadcasting information. However, when the user is verified not to be a registered user, the control section 1110 prevents the user from receiving a radio broadcast information delivery service provided by the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006, such as a now on air information delivery service.

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

(2-4) Process overview of each server

Referring to the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 16 to 19, the following shows the procedures performed between the client terminal 1002 and the portal server 1003, and the procedures performed between the client terminal 1002 and each service providing server.

(2-4-1) User authentication process between client terminal 1002 and portal server 1003

Referring to FIG. 16, the user authentication process performed between the client terminal 1002 and the portal server 1003 will be described below.

The control section 1023 corresponds to the client terminal 1002 of the user contracted with the provider of the music-related service providing system 1000 . For example, the user performs an operation to turn on the client terminal 1002 . Alternatively, the user presses a specific operation key on the operation input section 1020 . In response to this operation, the operation input section 1020 recognizes an operation input signal. The input processing section 1021 converts the signal into an operation command. The control section 1023 is supplied with this command, and starts the authentication request process.

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

The client terminal 1002 establishes a communication connection with the portal server 1003 to perform various processes such as a user authentication process. Whenever the communication connection is established, the portal server 1003 sends out verification session ID information as identification information for identifying each communication connection state (ie session).

For use in a user authentication process or the like, authentication session ID information is allocated with reference to the issue time from the portal server 1003 to designate a valid period (for example, about 1 minute).

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

In this way, the portal server 1003 prevents the previously issued authentication session ID information from being erroneously used by a user who has not contracted with the provider of the music-related service providing system 1000 .

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

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

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

As a result, the authentication processing section 1056 may not be able to authenticate the user of the client terminal 1002 as a registered user because the validity period specified by the authentication session ID information or the like received from the client terminal 1002 expires. In this case, the control section 1050 transmits authentication error information indicating an authentication error to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053 in sequence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In step SP1005, control section 1050 of portal server 1003 receives page information acquisition request signal, authentication session ID information, etc. sent from client terminal 1002 through communication control section 1052 and network interface 1053 in sequence. The control section 1050 sends the received authentication session ID information and the like to the authentication processing section 1056 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

The authentication processing section 1037 updates the authentication session ID information and the like temporarily stored in the above-mentioned step SP1004 to the authentication session ID information and the like having an extended validity period as described below. Under the control of the control section 1023, the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the authentication session ID information received from the entry server 1003 in the authentication information storage section 1038 with the extended validity period, so as to rewrite the ID information that does not have the extended validity period. Verify session ID information, etc.

(2-4-2) User authentication process between client terminal 1002 and service providing server

Referring to FIG. 17, the user authentication process performed between the client terminal 1002 and each service providing server will be described below.

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

Therefore, each service providing server includes components required to perform a user authentication process, such as a control section, an authentication processing section, a page information storage section, an authentication information storage section, a communication control section, and a network interface. For example, the radio broadcast information delivery server includes a control section 1110 , an authentication processing section 1115 , a page information storage section 1116 , an authentication information storage section 1120 , a communication control section 1112 , and a communication interface 1113 .

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

Based on this consideration, the user authentication process is described in detail below.

In step SP1010, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 follows URL information embedded as a link in page information, or URL information registered as a bookmark. The control section 1023 transmits the page information acquisition request signal read from the authentication information storage section 1038 and the service session ID information and the like to the service providing server through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence. The page information acquisition request signal requests acquisition of page information on a service providing page, such as a broadcast list information delivery page of a radio broadcast information delivery server.

The client terminal 1002 establishes a communication connection with each service providing server to perform various processes such as a user authentication process. Whenever such a communication connection is established, the service providing server accessed by the client terminal 1002 issues service session ID information as identification information identifying the state of each communication connection (ie, session).

For use in a user authentication process or the like, service session ID information like authentication session ID information is assigned to designate a valid period (for example, about 1 minute) with reference to the time issued from each service providing server.

The client terminal 1002 acquires service session ID information from each service providing server. There may be a case where the client terminal 1002 cannot provide the service session ID information to the service providing server that issued the information within the validity period. In this case, the service providing server which issued the information determines to cancel the communication connection state specified by the service session ID information.

In this way, each service providing server prevents previously issued service session ID information from being erroneously used by users who are not contracted with the service provider of the music-related service providing system 1000 .

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

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

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

As a result, the authentication processing section may not be able to authenticate the user of the client terminal 1002 as a registered user, for example, because the validity period of the service session ID information received from the client terminal 1002 expires. In this case, the authentication processing section determines that the client terminal 1002 issued an invalid acquisition request for page information on the service providing page.

In this case, the control section transmits the authentication error information and the store code to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section and the network interface in sequence. The verification error message indicates a verification error. Provide the store code to identify the service provider server.

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the contrary, there are cases where the validity period of the authentication session ID information received from the client terminal 1002 is still valid. In this case, the authentication processing section 1056 authenticates the user of the client terminal 1002 as a registered user. The authentication processing section 1056 determines that the client terminal 1002 issued a valid acquisition request for an authentication ticket. In this case, the control section 1050 moves to step SP1018, which is described below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The control section 1023 generates an authentication ticket issuance request signal which re-requests the portal server 1003 to issue an authentication ticket. The control section 1023 sequentially transmits the generated authentication ticket issuance request signal, the store code temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 and the authentication session ID information temporarily stored at this time through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033. To the entry server 1003.

According to this embodiment, the client terminal 1002 temporarily stores the store code in the authentication information storage section 1038 . The present invention is not limited thereto. The client terminal 1002 can continuously exchange store codes with the portal server 1003 while performing the procedures of steps SP1012 to SP1016. Thus, the client terminal 1002 does not need to temporarily store the shop code in the authentication information storage section 1038. In any case, it is possible to transmit the store code to the portal server 1003 at step SP1016.

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

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

As a result, there may be a case where the validity period of the authentication session ID information received from the client terminal 1002 is still valid. In this case, the authentication processing section 1056 authenticates the user of the client terminal 1002 as a registered user. The authentication processing section 1056 determines that the client terminal 1002 issued a valid acquisition request for an authentication ticket.

In step SP1018, under the control of the control section 1050, based on the store code and the verification ticket issuance request signal received from the client terminal 1002 in the above-mentioned step SP1017, the verification processing part 1056 sends out entry verification result information, that is, verification bills, etc. to enable Access is made to the service providing server 1004 indicated by the store code.

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

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

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

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

At this time, under the control of the control section 1023, the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the authentication session ID information received from the entry server 1003 in the authentication information storage section 1038 with an extended validity period, so as to rewrite the ID information that does not have an extended validity period. Authentication session ID information with validity period. In this way, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the authentication session ID information temporarily stored at the above-mentioned step SP1016 to the authentication session ID information having an extended validity period.

At step SP1020, the control section of the service providing server 1004 receives an authentication request signal, an authentication ticket, etc. transmitted from the client terminal 1002 through the network interface and the communication control section in sequence.

The control section transmits the authentication ticket etc. received from the client terminal 1002 together with an authentication ticket confirmation request signal for requesting confirmation of the authentication ticket etc. to the portal server 1003 through the communication control section and the network interface in sequence.

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

Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 executes a user confirmation process on the authentication ticket received from the service providing server in response to the authentication ticket confirmation request signal. Specifically, the authentication processing section 1056 compares the received authentication ticket or the like with the authentication ticket or the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 .

As a result, the authentication processing section 1056 confirms that a genuine authentication ticket or the like has been received from the service providing server 1004 . In this case, the control section 1050 transmits the confirmation result information to the service providing server through the communication control section 1052 and the network interface 1053 in sequence. The confirmation result information indicates that the received authentication ticket and the like are confirmed to be true.

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

Under the control of the control section, the authentication processing section responds to the confirmation result information and issues server authentication result information, ie, service session ID information on the state of the communication connection between the client terminal 1002 and the portal server 1003 at this time. Furthermore, the authentication processing section temporarily stores the issued service session ID information and the like in the authentication information storage section.

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

In step SP1023, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 receives service session ID information and the like transmitted from the service providing server through the network interface 1033 and the communication control section 1032 in sequence. The authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the received service session ID information and the like in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

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

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

The authentication processing section executes a user authentication process under the control of the control section. Specifically, the authentication processing section compares the received service session ID information and the like with the service session ID information and the like sent to the client terminal 1002 at the above-mentioned step SP1022 and temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section.

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

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

The control section sequentially transmits the service providing page read from the page information storage section, together with service session ID information, etc., to the client terminal 1002 through the communication control section and the network interface. The service session ID information and the like have a valid period extended by the authentication processing part.

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

Under the control of the control section 1023, the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the received service session ID information and the like having an extended validity period in the authentication information storage section 1038 so as to rewrite the service session ID information and the like before the validity period is extended. In this way, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the service session ID information or the like temporarily stored at the above-mentioned step SP1023 to the service session ID information or the like having an extended validity period.

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

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

(2-4-3) Radio broadcast information delivery service provision process

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, the radio broadcast information delivery service providing process is described below. These processes occur after terminating the user authentication process (FIG. 17) performed between the client terminal 1002 and the service providing server as described above. During the user authentication process, the process uses the page information on the service providing page acquired by the client terminal 1002 from the service providing server. In this way, the radio broadcast information delivery service is provided from one of, for example, a radio broadcast information delivery server, a service providing server.

(2-4-3-1) Broadcast list information delivery service provision process

Referring to FIG. 18, the radio broadcast information delivery service providing process will be described below. During this process, the client terminal 1002 is provided with the radio broadcast information delivery service, in particular, the broadcast list information delivery service from the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 .

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

The control section 1023 transmits the broadcast list information request signal, together with service session ID information, etc., to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence. Service session ID information and the like have been issued by the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 and temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

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

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

As a result, the authentication processing section 1115 can authenticate the user requesting broadcast list information using the client terminal 1002 as a registered user. In this case, the control section 1110 proceeds to the next step SP1062.

In step SP1062, based on the retrieval key stored in the broadcast list information request signal, the retrieval section 1118 searches all the broadcast list information in the broadcast list information storage section 1117 within the designated range corresponding to the retrieval condition indicated by the retrieval key. The target playlist information for .

Let us assume that the retrieval section 1118 has retrieved the playlist information. The control section 1110 allows the authentication processing section 1115 to extend the validity period of the service session ID information and the like issued to the client terminal 1002 . The control section 1110 then proceeds to the next step SP1063.

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

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

Under the control of the control section 1023, the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the received service session ID information with an extended validity period in the authentication information storage section 1038 so as to rewrite the service session ID information with an unextended validity period. In this way, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the contents of the service session ID information and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

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

In this way, the client terminal 1002 allows the user to obtain desired broadcast list information using the radio broadcast information delivery service provided by the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 .

(2-4-3-2) Current broadcast information delivery service provision process

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

A radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 is provided for each radio station (call sign) to provide now broadcast information.

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

The following radio broadcast information delivery service providing procedure exemplifies a case where the portal server 1003 manages URL information on each radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 for each call sign.

Depending on the radio broadcast information delivery service providing process, the client terminal 1002 may need to automatically pre-set the broadcast frequency of each radio station. To this end, the client terminal 1002 requests the portal server 1003 for frequency information indicating the broadcast frequency. In this case, it is assumed that the authentication information storage section 1038 does not temporarily store authentication session ID information and the like. Therefore, the client terminal 1002 first needs to transmit user ID information, password information, and the like to the portal server 1003 .

The input processing section 1021 inputs an operation command to request that the broadcasting frequency of each radio station be automatically set in advance. In response to this command, at step SP1070, the control section 1023 of the client terminal 1002 transmits a frequency information request signal to request frequency information on receivable broadcasting frequencies of each radio station. The control section 1023 sends the frequency information request signal, together with the area code input by the user, user ID information, password information, etc. stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 to the entrance server 1003 through the communication control section 1032 and the network interface 1033 in sequence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At this time, the control section 1023 identifies the selection command supplied from the input processing section 1021 . Based on the command, the control section 1023 stores the selected frequency information, radio station name, and call sign as preset values in the storage medium 29 . The control section 1023 then proceeds to the next step SP1074.

In step SP1074, the control section 1023 identifies the tuning control command supplied from the input processing section 1021. Based on the command, the control section 1023 controls the tuner section 1031 so as to extract radio broadcast signals from radio broadcast waves. The radio broadcast signal should be used for radio broadcasts transmitted on the broadcast frequency corresponding to the tuning control command.

The broadcast signal receiving section 30 receives radio broadcast waves. Of these radio broadcast waves, the tuner section 1031 extracts radio broadcast signals transmitted on broadcast frequencies. The tuner section 1031 applies a prescribed reception process such as decoding to the extracted radio broadcast signal. As a result, audio data is generated. The tuner section 1031 sends the audio data to the audio control section 1026 .

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

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

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

Under the control of the control section 1050, the authentication processing section 1056 executes a user authentication process. Specifically, the authentication processing section 1056 combines the received authentication session ID information etc. (or user ID information and password information) with the authentication session ID information etc. (or user ID information and password information) temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1057 compared to.

As a result, the authentication processing section 1056 can confirm that the authentication session ID information and the like are received from the client terminal 1002 within the validity period. When a user sends a call sign using the client terminal 1002, the authentication processing section 1056 can authenticate the user as a registered user. In this case, the control section 1050 proceeds to the next step SP1077.

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

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

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

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

Under the control of the control section 1023, the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the authentication session ID information with the extended validity period in the authentication information storage section 1038 to rewrite the authentication session ID information with the non-extended validity period. In this way, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the authentication session ID information and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

Under the control of the control section 1023 , the radio broadcast display control section 1039 temporarily stores URL information corresponding to the call sign provided by the control section 1023 in the storage medium 1029 .

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

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

At step SP1078, the client terminal 1002 transmits a now-on-air information request signal, service session ID information, and the like to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 in the radio broadcast information delivery service providing process. This process corresponds to the process of step SP1010 described above in FIG. 17 .

Therefore, in the radio broadcast information delivery service providing process, the procedure of step SP1078 is followed by steps SP1011 to SP1013 equivalent to those in the client terminal 1002, the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006, and the portal server 1003 described above with reference to FIG. User authentication process of steps SP1018-SP1022. After successively performing these steps, control proceeds to the next step SP1079.

In step SP1079, under the control of the control section 1023, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 of the client terminal 1002 follows again the URL information etc. temporarily stored in the storage medium 1029, and transmits the The broadcast information request signal is now sent to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 . Similarly, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 transmits service session ID information and the like that have been received from the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 and temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

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

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

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

The authentication processing section 1115 authenticates the user of the client terminal 1002 as a registered user. In this case, the control section 1110 extends the validity period of the service session ID information sent to the client terminal 1002 by the authentication processing section 1115, and proceeds to the next step SP1081.

In step SP1081, the control section 1110 reads the now-on-air information from the now-on-air information storage section 1119. Control section 1110 sequentially transmits read now broadcast information, service session ID information with validity period extended by authentication processing section 1115, etc. to client terminal 1002 via communication control section 1112 and network interface 1113.

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

Under the control of the control section 1023, the authentication processing section 1037 temporarily stores the received service session ID information with an extended validity period and the like in the authentication information storage section 1038 to rewrite the authentication session ID information with an unextended validity period. In this way, the authentication processing section 1037 updates the contents of the service session ID information and the like temporarily stored in the authentication information storage section 1038 .

In addition, the radio broadcast display control section 1039 transmits the now broadcast information provided by the control section 1023 to the display section 1025 via the display control section 1024 . In this way, the display section 1025 is allowed to display the now-airing information related to the radio program in the currently received radio broadcast.

During the provision of the radio broadcast information delivery service, the client terminal 1002 then periodically repeats step SP1079 for the acquisition request for now broadcast information. The radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 receives the acquisition request from the client terminal 1002, and continuously executes the processes at steps SP1080 and SP1081.

In this way, the client terminal 1002 can update the now broadcast information in real time and display it on the display section 1025 of the client terminal 1002. For example, the now airing information includes the name of a currently received radio program, the program broadcast start time, the program broadcast end time, the title and artist name of the musical composition played in the radio program, and the broadcast start time of the musical composition.

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

According to the description of the first embodiment above, the program modules of the client terminal CT ( FIG. 7 ) include the HTTP message program 36 and the communicator program 37 . These program modules can realize the same functions as the communication control section 1032 (FIG. 13) of the client terminal 1002 according to the second embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The URL providing server 3 (FIG. 3) according to the first embodiment described above is functionally equivalent to the entry server 1003 (FIG. 14) according to the second embodiment described above. The control section 80 appropriately selects and follows the respective programs stored in the ROM 81 to function equivalently to the control section 1050 , the communication control section 1052 and the authentication processing section 1056 of the portal server 1003 . In addition, the ROM 81, RAM 82, and URL storage database (DB) can be equivalent to the customer database section 1054, page information storage section 1055, authentication information storage section 1057, frequency information storage section 1058, and URL storage section 1059 of the entry server 1003. use.

Furthermore, the associated information providing server KS (FIG. 4) according to the first embodiment described above is functionally equivalent to the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 (FIG. 15) according to the second embodiment described above. The control section 90 appropriately selects and follows the respective programs stored in the ROM 91 to function equivalently to the control section 1110, communication control section 1112, authentication processing section 1115, and retrieval section 1118 of the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006. Use ROM 91, RAM 92, Music A work information database (DB) 93 and a program information database (DB) 94 are possible.

(3) Other embodiments

According to the above-described embodiment, the associated information providing server KS receives a clear instruction to remove the musical piece information from the candidate information when the current program ends and the next program starts broadcasting. The associated information providing server KS provides empty musical piece information to the client terminal CT. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is preferable to provide associated information to the client terminal CT, such as a message like "the music composition has not been broadcast in the broadcast program, and no music composition information has been provided", and allow the client terminal CT to display it.

In this case, the user of the client terminal CT can definitely confirm the broadcast status of the musical composition in the program without displaying it on the display 17 of the client terminal CT.

According to the above-described embodiment, the association information providing server KS maintains a database including pieces of musical piece information and program information. The associated information providing server KS receives a notification and a program to start broadcasting of the musical composition A or B. The related information providing server KS reads the musical composition information or program information stored in the musical composition information database 93 or the program information database 94 . The associated information providing server KS then provides these information to the client terminal CT as a broadcast receiver. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The associated information providing server KS may not hold data of musical composition information and program information, but may provide musical composition information and program information from radio station RS, and may provide these information to client terminal CT.

According to the above-described embodiment, the radio station RS and the associated information providing server KS are independently provided. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The radio station RS itself may include an associated information providing server KS. The radio station RS can provide associated information to the client terminal CT through the associated information providing server KS.

According to the above-described embodiment, program information associated with the next program is provided to the client terminal CT until the next program starts broadcasting the musical composition B. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The musical composition information associated with the musical composition B to be broadcast in the next program may be provided in advance to the client terminal CT.

According to the above-described embodiment, the ROM 13 stores the information providing program in advance. CPU 11 loads the program into RAM 20. The client terminal CT follows the information providing program to execute the above-mentioned musical piece information providing sequence or program information providing sequence. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Preferably, the musical piece information providing sequence or the program information providing sequence is executed by installing a program storage medium storing an information providing program on the client terminal CT.

According to the first embodiment described above, the associated information providing server KS is used as the information providing means of the present invention. The associated information providing server KS is configured to include: a hard disk drive 21 as storage means, a network interface 23 and a communication processing section 22 as request accepting means and transmitting means, and a CPU 11 as updating means. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Other various circuits may be used to configure the information providing device.

According to the second embodiment described above, the radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 is used as the information providing means of the present invention. The radio broadcast information delivery server 1006 is configured to include: a customer database section 1114, a now broadcast information storage section 1119, a broadcast list storage section 1117, and a page information storage section 1116 as storage means; a communication control section as request acceptance means and transmission means 1112. The control part 1110 as an updating device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Other various circuits may be used to configure the information providing device.

According to the above-described embodiments, the client terminal 1002 or CT receives radio broadcasts transmitted from radio stations. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The client terminal 1002 or CT can receive Internet radio broadcast or satellite radio broadcast to acquire associated information (radio broadcast information). Alternatively, the client terminal 1002 or CT may receive TV broadcasts broadcast by TV stations, and obtain various broadcast information about TV programs in the TV broadcasts from the TV broadcasts broadcast by the networked server.

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

Industrial applicability

The information providing method according to the present invention is applicable to the purpose of providing associated information on, for example, broadcast programs to client terminals through a network.

Claims (15)

1. an information providing method is characterized in that, comprising:

From the database of a plurality of related informations of the broadcast program of storing the broadcasting of relevant broadcasting station, search for related information;

Acceptance is from the request of obtaining to related information of radio receiver, to receive the broadcast singal of described program;

The related information that is stored in the database according to the timing of accepting the request of obtaining is set to transmission information;

To the term of validity of described radio receiver distribution services dialogue ID and described service session ID, described service session ID obtains request punishment at each and is equipped with current the communicating to connect of sign;

Based on the described dialogue ID and the term of validity proof procedure is carried out in the described request of obtaining, described proof procedure failure when the described term of validity is expired;

If described proof procedure success then sends described related information to radio receiver; And

When broadcast program became next program, the related information that transmission information is reset to described next program was used for transmitting.

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

When broadcast program became next program, described reseting removed described transmission information and becomes next program up to described program.

3. information providing method as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that:

The described related information that when becoming next program, described transmission information is become relevant next program of reseting.

4. information providing method as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that:

When accepting, provide solicited message that the server of related information receives the request related information and and the suitable described service session ID of dialogue ID that provides server to be associated with the related information that transmits from radio receiver;

Described related information provides server to carry out described proof procedure based on described service session ID, when validation failure, transmits the information of expression validation failure and is used to identify the service identifiers information that related information provides server to radio receiver;

Authentication server is from described radio receiver Receipt Validation issue of bill solicited message and the checking dialogue ID suitable with the dialogue ID that is associated with described authentication server, and the request of described checking issue of bill solicited message is signed and issued and is used to visit the checking bill that related information provides server;

Described authentication server is verified described checking dialogue ID, signs and issues the checking bill and send the checking bill of being signed and issued to described broadcasting server when License Authentication;

Described related information provides server to receive the checking bill that transmits from described radio receiver, and sends the checking bill that is received to described authentication server;

Described authentication server verifies that with expression the information of permission sends related information to server is provided when the checking bill of the described reception of checking is effective;

Described related information provides server to receive the information of expression checking permission, signs and issues as the described service session ID that is associated with the dialogue ID of described radio receiver, and sends the service session ID that is signed and issued to described radio receiver;

When transmitting, related information provides server to receive the solicited message and the service session ID of request related information from described radio receiver; And

Described related information provides server to use described service session ID to carry out described proof procedure, and when License Authentication, to the related information of described radio receiver transmission corresponding to described request information.

5. information providing method as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that:

Relevantly be different from related informations broadcast program and works that in program, broadcast and be stored in the database; And

The described transmission information that when next new works is gone on the air, the related information that transmits is changed into relevant described new works when transmitting of reseting.

6. information providing method as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that:

When broadcast program became next program, the described described transmission information that removes the relevant works that transmit when transmitting of reseting became next program up to described program.

7. information providing method as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that:

The described related information that the described transmission information of the works of relevant transmission is become relevant described new works of reseting when becoming next program.

8. an information provider unit is characterized in that, comprising:

Database is configured to store a plurality of related informations of the broadcast program of broadcasting in relevant broadcasting station;

Search unit is configured to search for the related information of the described broadcast program of broadcasting in relevant described broadcasting station in described database;

Accept the unit, be configured to accept the request of obtaining, to receive the broadcast singal of this program to related information from radio receiver;

Allocation units are configured to the term of validity to described radio receiver distribution services dialogue ID and described service session ID, and described service session ID obtains request punishment at each and is equipped with current the communicating to connect of sign;

Authentication unit, be configured to proof procedure be carried out in the described request of obtaining based on the described dialogue ID and the described term of validity, and described proof procedure is provided is success or unsuccessful expression, and described authentication unit represents that proof procedure is unsuccessful when the described term of validity is expired;

Conveyer, be configured to accept the timing of the request of obtaining and synchronously read the related information that is stored in the database as transmission information with accepting the unit, and if described authentication unit represent described proof procedure success then send this related information to radio receiver; And

Reset the unit, be configured to when broadcast program becomes next program, reset the described transmission information that is used to transmit that should read from database.

9. information provider unit as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that:

When broadcast program became next program, the described unit updating device of reseting removed described transmission information and becomes next program up to described program.

10. information provider unit as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that:

Describedly reset the related information that the unit is configured to when becoming next program described transmission information be become relevant next program.

11. information provider unit as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that:

Described database is configured to store relevant related informations broadcast program and works that broadcast that are different from program; And

Describedly reset the related information that the unit is configured to when next new works is gone on the air described transmission information is changed into relevant described new works.

12. information provider unit as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that:

When broadcast program becomes next program, describedly reset the transmission information that the unit removes relevant works, become next program up to described program.

13. the method for claim 1 also comprises:

With the described term of validity described dialogue ID is sent to described radio receiver.

14. method as claimed in claim 13 also comprises:

Receive back the described dialogue ID and the described term of validity from described radio receiver.

15. the method for claim 1, the wherein said term of validity is about 1 minute.

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