JP2002056145A - Information transmission control method and device, and lot drawing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent congestion on a network and to improve the audience rating of contents. SOLUTION: Terminals 1a to 1d access a Web server 3 through the network 2 to browse a prize application page. When applicants apply for prizes, the terminals 1a to 1d determine transmission probability according to the browsing state of the applicants. In this case, the transmission probability is higher and higher as an applicant browses more and more point object contents. Then the terminals 1a to 1d draw lots according to the transmission probability and send application information to the Web server 3 when the prizes are won, but does not send the application information when not. The Web server 3 receives the application information sent from the winning terminals 1b and 1c according to the transmission probability and determines a prizewinner by a given method from the received applications.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an information transmission control method, an information transmission control device, and a lottery method for transmitting information from a plurality of client terminals to a server device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a prize service provided on a Web server via a network such as the Internet, and a STB (Set-Top Bo) which can be connected to a television receiver via a network such as the Internet or a cable television.
x), and a prize service provided on the network is known. In these sweepstakes services, We
An application from a client side such as a viewer of the content of the page b or a viewer of a program is received via a network, a server side draws a lottery to determine a winner, and gives a certain product or privilege. I have.

[0003]

However, in the prior art, however, an application is received from a client, and a lottery is performed.
Since a series of processes to determine the winners were all processed on the server side, when the prize service was implemented in a short time, the traffic temporarily increased, the network was congested, and the service could not be performed normally. There was a problem. Although there is a method of delaying the transmission time on each client side, there is a problem that it is difficult to apply to a prize service because of lack of real-time property.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an information transmission control method, an information transmission control device, and a lottery that can prevent network congestion and can improve the content audience rating. The aim is to provide a method.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information transmission apparatus for controlling transmission of information from a plurality of client terminals to a server device via a network. In the control method, each of the plurality of client terminals calculates a transmission probability based on a content viewing situation, determines whether or not to transmit information based on the transmission probability, and, when transmission becomes possible, via the network. And transmitting information to the server device.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 2, according to claim 1,
In the information transmission control method described above, the transmission probability is calculated based on the number of content views or the content viewing time at each client terminal.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems,
According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information transmission control device for performing transmission control at a plurality of client terminals transmitting information to a server device via a network, wherein the content is transmitted by the client terminal prior to information transmission to the server device. Transmission probability calculating means for calculating a transmission probability based on a viewing situation, transmission permission / non-permission determining means for deciding whether or not to transmit information based on the transmission probability calculated by the transmission probability calculating means, and transmission by the transmission permission / inhibitor. And an information transmitting means for transmitting information to the server device when it becomes possible.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in claim 3,
In the information transmission control device described above, the transmission probability calculation means calculates the transmission probability based on the number of content viewings or the content viewing time by each client terminal.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems,
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the lottery method of performing a lottery by a server device based on application information transmitted from a plurality of client terminals via a network, each of the plurality of client terminals is based on a content viewing situation. The transmission probability is calculated based on the transmission probability, and whether or not information transmission is possible is determined.When the transmission is permitted, the application information is transmitted to the server device via the network, and the server device It is characterized in that a winner is determined from client terminals that have transmitted application information.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 6, according to claim 5,
In the lottery method described above, the transmission probability is calculated based on the number of content views or the content viewing time at each client terminal.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the seventh aspect of the present invention is provided.
In the lottery method described above, the transmission probability is calculated based on a content viewing time at each client terminal.

According to the present invention, when information is transmitted from a plurality of client terminals to a server device via a network,
Each of the plurality of client terminals calculates a transmission probability, determines whether or not information transmission is possible based on the transmission probability, and transmits the information to the server device when transmission becomes possible. Therefore, network congestion can be prevented. Further, since the transmission probability is calculated based on the number of content views or the content viewing time at each client terminal, the probability of information transmission to the server device increases depending on the content viewing status, so that the content viewing rate is improved. It is possible to do.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. A. First embodiment A-1. Configuration of First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, terminals 1a, 1b, 1
c and 1d are terminals connectable to the network 2 such as the Internet such as a personal computer. Note that the terminals 1a to 1d may be a mobile phone or a portable information terminal as long as they can be connected to the network 2 such as the Internet. The terminals 1a to 1d access a Web server 3 described later via the network 2 and
The prize application page provided by the server b is browsed by predetermined browser software, and application information is transmitted to the Web server 3 to apply for the prize service. At this time, in the terminals 1a to 1d, the transmission probability is determined according to the browsing situation of the applicant, and whether transmission is possible or not is determined based on the transmission probability. Send to Web server 3 and cannot send (unsuccessful)
, The application information is not transmitted.

Here, the transmission probability is calculated by the following equation. Transmission probability = (constant transmission probability for each prize x (sender's content browsing point number / maximum content browsing point number))

The fixed transmission probability for each prize is calculated by the following equation. Constant transmission probability for each prize = ((Maximum number of simultaneous access of receiving server x total number of servers) / number of pre-registered users)

In the above equation, the number of content browsing points of the sender is the total number of points when browsing the point target content in the Web site. In the terminals 1a to 1d, when browsing the content to be pointed, the number of points is added by using a technique such as Cookie and the like, and is stored in the browser of the terminal. However, even if the same user browses the point target content a plurality of times, the number of points is not added. In the above equation, the maximum content browsing point number is the number of point target contents provided in the Web site by the Web server 3.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of calculating the transmission probability. Web by Web server 3
b. In the site, there are five content points 5-1
~ 5-5 are provided. Content 5-1, 5-4, and 5-5 marked with “○” have been viewed,
Some of the contents 5-2 and 5-3 marked with “x” have not been browsed. In the illustrated example, for example, when the constant transmission probability for each prize is “1”, the transmission probability is 1 × (3/5).

The above-described calculation of the transmission probability is performed by the terminals 1a to 1
This is performed on the d side. Specifically, a transmission probability determination program (applet) for calculating the transmission probability is installed in the browser on the terminal 1a to 1d side at the time of registration to the service, or a prize application page provided by the Web server 3 A transmission probability determination program for calculating the transmission probability is described in a script language above, and a predetermined event (such as a click on an application button) is triggered to be executed by a browser on the terminals 1a to 1d. Is done.

In other words, the above-mentioned functions of the terminals 1a to 1d, particularly the functions for calculating the browser and the transmission probability, are realized by executing a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). . The storage unit is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, a flash memory, or a random access memory (RAM).
, Or a combination thereof. Also, the storage unit is
When the program is transmitted through a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, a program or the like that retains the program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system serving as a server or a client when the program is transmitted. Including.

The above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting a program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Also,
The program may be for realizing a part of the processing described above. Further, the above-described processing is performed by the terminal 1
What may be realized in combination with the programs already recorded in a to 1d, that is, a so-called difference file (difference program) may be used.

Next, the Web server 3 can browse the Web pages such as the prize application page and the content to be pointed by the browsers of the terminals 1a to 1d (HTM).
L format, XML format, etc.). Further, the Web server 3 receives the application information transmitted from the terminals 1a to 1d that have become available for transmission based on the transmission probability, and determines a winner by a predetermined method from the received applications. I do.

A-2. Operation of First Embodiment Next, the operation of the above-described first embodiment will be described.
Here, FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. First, the terminals 1a to 1d access the Web server 3 via the network 2, and browse the prize application page using predetermined browser software (S10). Next, the viewer applies for a prize (S11). In the terminals 1a to 1d, the transmission probability is determined according to the browsing status of the applicant according to the above-described formula (S
12). At this time, if the applicant has browsed more point target contents, the transmission probability increases.

Next, in the terminals 1a to 1d, whether or not transmission is possible is determined based on the transmission probability, and it is determined whether or not the application information is transmitted to the Web server 3 (S13). And
If the transmission is possible (winning), the application information is transmitted to the Web server 3 (S14). If the transmission is not possible (loss), the application information is not transmitted (S15). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the terminals 1a and 1d are not able to transmit (unsuccessfully selected), so that the application information is not transmitted, and the terminals 1b, 1c are allowed to transmit (winned). The state of transmission to the server 3 is shown.

Thereafter, the Web server 3 checks the terminal 1
Among the applications a to 1d, application information transmitted from the terminals (terminals 1b and 1c in the example of FIG. 1) which are permitted to be transmitted based on the transmission probability is received, and the winner is selected from the received applications by a predetermined method. To determine.

B. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. B-1. Configuration of Second Embodiment FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the figure, television receivers 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are general television receivers, and are STBs (Set-Top Boxes) 11a and 1B that can be connected to a network 12 such as a telephone network or an IP network.
1b, 11c and 11d are connected. STB11a
11d to 11d enjoy a digital broadcast interactive service for realizing a viewer participation type program via the network 12, and display television programs and Web pages on the television receivers 10a to 10d. Examples of the interactive service include a service of shopping while watching a TV program, a service of participating in a quiz program while staying at home, and a service of applying for a prize using a remote controller.

The STBs 11a to 11d are connected to a Web described later.
The server 3 is accessed, the prize application page provided by the Web server 3 is browsed by predetermined browser software, displayed on the television receivers 10a to 10d, and the application information is applied to apply for the prize service in accordance with a remote control operation. This is transmitted to the Web server 3. At this time, ST
In B11a to B11d, similarly to the terminals 1a to 1d of the first embodiment described above, the transmission probability is calculated according to the program viewing situation of the applicant, and the transmission possibility is determined based on the transmission probability. In case of (Win), the application information is W
The application information is transmitted to the eb server 3 and the application information is not transmitted when transmission is impossible (loss).

Here, the transmission probability is calculated by the following equation. Transmission probability = (Constant transmission probability for each prize × (Sender's program viewing time / Maximum program viewing time))

Note that the program viewing time of the sender is the sender viewing time of the target program and is stored in the STBs 11a to 11d. Also, the maximum program viewing time is
This is the broadcast time of the target program.

The fixed transmission probability for each prize is calculated by the following equation. Constant transmission probability for each prize = ((maximum number of simultaneous server accesses x total number of servers) / number of pre-registrants)

The above-described calculation of the transmission probability is performed by the STB 11a.
11d. Specifically, the STBs 11a to 11a
A transmission probability determination program (applet) for calculating the transmission probability is previously incorporated in the browser on the 1d side, or a transmission probability determination program for calculating the transmission probability is described in a script language on a prize application page. Alternatively, a transmission probability determination program for calculating the transmission probability is mounted on the STBs 11a to 11d,
A method such as execution on the TB 11a to 11d side is adopted.

The functions of the STBs 11a to 11d described above, in particular, the functions for calculating the browser and transmission probability are realized by executing a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). The storage unit includes a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, a flash memory, and a CD-ROM.
Non-volatile memory such as ROM and RAM (Random AccessMem)
ory) or a combination thereof. In addition, the storage unit may be a fixed time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system serving as a server or a client when a program is transmitted through a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Including those holding programs.

The above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting a program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Also,
The program may be for realizing a part of the processing described above. Further, the above-described processing is performed by STB
What can be realized in combination with the programs already recorded in 11a to 11d, that is, a so-called difference file (difference program) may be used.

B-2. Operation of Second Embodiment Next, the operation of the above-described second embodiment will be described.
Here, FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. First, STBs 11a to 11d
To access the Web server 3 via the network 12, and view the prize application screen on the television receivers 10a to 10d using predetermined browser software (S2).
0). Next, the viewer applies for a prize (S21). The terminals 1a to 1d calculate the transmission probability according to the program viewing status of the applicant according to the above-described formula (S22). At this time, if the applicant watches more target programs for a long time, the transmission probability increases.

Next, in the STBs 11a to 11d, whether or not transmission is possible is determined based on the transmission probability, and the application information is transmitted to the Web server.
It is determined whether or not to transmit to the server b (S23). When the transmission is possible (winning), the application information is W
The application information is transmitted to the eb server 3 (S24). If the transmission is not possible (loss), the application information is not transmitted (S25). Figure 1
In the example shown in (1), the STBs 11a and 11d are not able to transmit (unsuccessfully selected), so the application information is not transmitted, and the STBs 11a and 11d are not transmitted.
Since b and 11c are transmission enabled (winning), a state in which the application information is transmitted to the Web server 3 is shown.

Thereafter, in the Web server 3, the STB
Among the applications 11a to 11d, application information transmitted from STBs (STBs 11b and 11c in the example of FIG. 1) whose transmission is enabled based on the transmission probability is received, and a winner is determined by a predetermined method from the received applications. decide.

C. Other Embodiments The present invention can be applied to services such as ticket reservation and auction on a network, in addition to the prize application service. In ticket reservation, the access from the reservation person concentrates immediately after the ticket reservation starts,
Since the access is concentrated on the reservation of a popular ticket, the same problem as in the above-described related art occurs.
Therefore, on the terminal side of the reservation person, for example, the transmission probability of the reservation information is calculated based on the past ticket reservation frequency, and whether transmission is possible or not is determined based on the transmission probability. May be transmitted, and if the transmission becomes impossible, the application information may not be transmitted. As a result, the reservation information can be transmitted only to the terminal that has been permitted to transmit, so that network congestion can be prevented and the ticket reservation service can be smoothly implemented. Also, by changing the transmission probability in accordance with the past ticket reservation frequency, the use frequency of the ticket reservation service can be increased.

Further, in the auction, since the access by the bidders is concentrated immediately after the start of the auction or to a popular item, the same problem as the above-described conventional technology occurs. Therefore, on the terminal side of the bidder, for example, the transmission probability of the bid information is calculated based on the past auction successful bid results, and whether or not transmission is possible is determined based on the transmission probability. Is transmitted, and if the transmission is not possible, the bid information is not transmitted. As described above, only the terminal whose transmission has been approved can transmit the bid information, thereby preventing network congestion and smoothly executing the auction. Further, by changing the transmission probability according to the past successful bid results of the auction, the use frequency of the auction service can be increased.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above embodiments, and the design and the like within the scope of the present invention are not limited. Is also included.

[0039]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When transmitting information from a plurality of client terminals to a server device via a network, each of the plurality of client terminals calculates a transmission probability based on a content viewing situation, and determines whether or not to transmit information based on the transmission probability. And
Since information is transmitted to the server device when transmission becomes possible, there is an advantage that network congestion can be prevented. In addition, since the transmission probability is calculated based on the number of content views or the content viewing time at each client terminal, the transmission probability (winning probability) can be changed depending on the content viewing status. The advantage is that the rate can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a transmission probability calculation method according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an entire configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a to 1d Terminals (transmission probability calculation means, transmission availability determination means, information transmission means) 2 Network 3 Web server 10a to 10d Television receivers 11a to 11d STB (transmission probability calculation means, transmission availability determination means, information transmission means) 12 network

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04L 12/56

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An information transmission control method for performing transmission control when transmitting information from a plurality of client terminals to a server device via a network, wherein each of the plurality of client terminals determines a transmission probability based on a content viewing situation. An information transmission control method, comprising: calculating, deciding whether or not information transmission is possible based on the transmission probability, and transmitting the information to the server device via the network when the transmission is permitted. 2. The information transmission control method according to claim 1, wherein the transmission probability is calculated based on the number of content views or the content viewing time at each client terminal. 3. An information transmission control device for performing transmission control by a plurality of client terminals transmitting information to a server device via a network, wherein the content viewing status of the client terminal is checked before transmitting information to the server device. Transmission probability calculating means for calculating a transmission probability based on the transmission probability, transmission permission / non-permission determining means for deciding whether or not to transmit information based on the transmission probability calculated by the transmission probability calculating means; An information transmission means for transmitting information to the server device when the information is transmitted. 4. The information transmission control device according to claim 3, wherein said transmission probability calculating means calculates the transmission probability based on the number of contents viewed by each client terminal or the content viewing time. 5. A lottery method for performing a lottery by a server device based on application information transmitted from a plurality of client terminals via a network, wherein the plurality of client terminals each have a transmission probability based on a content viewing situation. Is calculated based on the transmission probability to determine whether information transmission is possible, and when transmission becomes possible, transmits application information to the server device via the network, and the server device transmits the application information to the server device. A lottery method characterized by determining a winner from the transmitted client terminals. 6. The lottery method according to claim 5, wherein the transmission probability is calculated based on the number of content views or the content viewing time at each client terminal.