JP2003044484A - Method and device for providing information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily search a method for acquiring optimal contents. SOLUTION: The user of a user terminal 3 requests the search of information on the method for acquiring desired contents to a portal server 1. As conditions for acquiring contents, for example, the title of the contents, a medium and rates are contained in the search request transmitted to the portal server 1. When the search request is transmitted, a managing server to report that search request is selected by the portal server 1 and the request is reported. In the managing server to which the search request is reported, searching is performed on the basis of the conditions presented from the user, and the information on the method for acquiring the contents desired by the user is transmitted to the portal server 1. The portal server 1 combines the searched results transmitted from the managing server and transmits it to the user terminal 3.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information providing method and apparatus, and more particularly, to an information providing method and apparatus that enables an optimum content acquisition method to be searched easily and quickly.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the recent development of broadcasting technology and communication technology, or the sophistication of physical distribution systems, for example,
When trying to watch a movie, the content of the movie can be acquired and watched by various methods.

For example, BS (Broadcasting Satellite) digital broadcasting and CS (Communications Satellite) digital broadcasting can be used to watch a desired movie at home. In addition, various systems have been proposed for viewing the movie on a personal computer or the like at home using Internet distribution.

Further, for example, even in a convenience store or a rental video shop, a DVD (Digital
Movies packaged with Versatile Discs) or video cassettes are sold or rented, and by purchasing or borrowing such DVDs or video cassettes, you can watch the desired movie at home. it can.

When the desired content is a movie, naturally, the movie can also be viewed by visiting a movie theater or the like.

By the way, in such a situation in which the diversification of the method of acquiring contents is realized, for example, which method allows the desired movie to be immediately watched, or the movie is the cheapest. It is preferable to be able to compare various conditions such as which method can be viewed at a fee for each acquisition method.

Therefore, it is common practice to access various sites using the Internet and select the optimum method.

[0008]

However, when selecting the optimum method using the Internet in such a manner, it is necessary to access each site for each acquisition method, that is, for each medium to which the content is provided. There was a problem that it would not happen.

[0009] For example, in order to make a comparison based on conditions such as which method is to immediately watch a favorite movie, an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) managed by a BS digital broadcasting business operator or the like. Access the site, check the broadcast start date and time of the movie, access the site managed by the rental video shop,
It is necessary to check the rental status. In addition, it is necessary to access the site managed by the movie theater and check the show start time.

Further, in order to make a comparison on the basis of conditions such as which method allows the user to watch the favorite movie at the lowest price, for example, the EPG managed by the broadcasting company as described above. You need to visit the site to find out the movie's viewing rate, or visit a site managed by a retail store such as a convenience store to find out the prices of DVDs, video cassettes, etc. sold.

As described above, in order to select the optimum content acquisition method, it is necessary to access a predetermined site for each medium, and such processing is very complicated.

It is expected that such diversification of selection will be further realized with the development of various technologies. Therefore, the complexity as described above may be further redundant.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is to make it possible to easily and quickly search for an optimum acquisition method for a favorite content.

[0014]

An information providing method of an information providing apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving step of receiving a search request for information regarding an acquisition method of a predetermined content transmitted from an information processing terminal, and a plurality of receiving steps. The search request received by the process of the receiving step is notified based on the condition storing step for storing the condition for notifying the search request, which is notified from each of the management devices, and the condition stored by the process of the condition storing step. In the management device, in response to the selection step of selecting the management device to be controlled, the notification step of notifying the search request to the management device selected in the process of the selection step, and the search request notified by the process of the notification step. A step of acquiring information about a method of acquiring the searched content and providing the information to an information processing terminal. To.

In the process of the selecting step, the conditions stored in the process of the condition storing step and the information about the user of the information processing terminal are referred to, and the management device needs the contents for managing the provision status. The management device can be selected based on the content providing service and the content providing service to which the user subscribes.

The information regarding the method of acquiring the content provided by the processing of the providing step includes at least information regarding the location of providing the content, information regarding the medium of the content, and information regarding the price required to acquire the content. can do.

The information providing apparatus of the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives a search request for information regarding a method for acquiring a predetermined content transmitted from the information processing terminal, and a search that is notified from each of the plurality of management apparatuses. A condition storage unit that stores a condition for notifying a request, a selection unit that selects a management device that notifies the search request received by the reception unit based on the condition stored by the condition storage unit, and a selection unit. A notification means for notifying the management device that has received the search request, and information related to the acquisition method of the content searched by the management device in response to the search request notified by the notification means, and provides the information processing terminal with the information. Providing means for

In the information providing method and apparatus of the present invention, a search request for information regarding an acquisition method of a predetermined content transmitted from the information processing terminal is received and notified from each of the plurality of management apparatuses. The condition for notifying the request is stored. In addition, the management device that notifies the search request is selected based on the stored conditions, and the search request is notified to the selected management device. Then, in response to the notified search request, the information regarding the acquisition method of the content searched by the management device is acquired and provided to the information processing terminal.

[0019]

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a search system to which the present invention is applied.

The portal server 1 is connected to the network 2 such as the Internet, and the user terminal 3, the rental status management server 4, the inventory management server 5, and the program guide management server 6 which are also connected to the network 2 are connected. It is designed to communicate with each other.
Below, the rental status management server 4, inventory management server 5,
When it is not necessary to individually distinguish each of the program guide management server 6 and the program guide management server 6, they are collectively referred to as a management server.

The portal server 1 manages a portal site for searching for a desired content acquisition method. Then, when the portal server 1 is accessed from the user terminal 3 and a search request regarding a content acquisition method is transmitted, the portal server 1 stores content that satisfies the condition presented by the user of the user terminal 3 included in the search request. Provide information on how to get.

More specifically, the portal server 1 itself does not search and provides information on the content acquisition method, but the portal server 1 includes a rental status management server 4, an inventory management server 5, and a program guide management server 6.
The search results according to are integrated and provided to the user terminal 3.

The content acquisition method is, for example, information about a viewing method when a desired content is a movie, which is obtained from a rental video shop on a DVD (Digita).
(Versatile Disc) or a video cassette, etc., or when you have purchased a DVD or video cassette at a convenience store etc. and watched it, or when you watched the movie broadcast on digital television broadcasting, etc., or The user of the user terminal 3 is presented with information such as the fee required for viewing and the time when viewing is possible for each of various methods such as when going to a movie theater and watching the movie.

The portal server 1 reports the notification condition of the search request, which is notified by the management server, to the server information management unit 31.
(See FIG. 2). Then, when the search request is transmitted from the user terminal 3, the portal server 1 selects the management server that notifies the search request based on the stored notification conditions, and only for the selected management server. , Sends a search request sent from the user terminal 3 to request a search.

In the management server requested to search by the portal server 1, the information about the method of acquiring the content satisfying the condition presented by the user is searched,
The search result is returned to the portal server 1. Then, the portal server 1 integrates the search results transmitted from the respective management servers and provides the integrated search result to the user terminal 3. Specific processing of the portal server 1 will be described later with reference to a flowchart and the like.

The rental status management server 4 is a DVD or video cassette rented out in a series of rental video shops existing in various places, or a music CD-ROM (Comp.
This is a server that manages rental status such as actDisk-Read Only Memory). And the rental status management server 4
In response to the notification of the search request from the portal server 1, contents satisfying the conditions included in the search request (DVD for rental, video cassette, and C
D) Search the rental status etc. and send the search results to the portal server 1.

That is, the rental status management server 4 is connected to a terminal (not shown) installed in a rental video shop of the affiliated line, and information for notifying the rental status is appropriately provided from the terminal. Has been done.

The inventory management server 5, like the rental status management server 4, is connected to the terminals installed in the convenience stores of the series located in various places, and based on the information from the terminals, the respective convenience stores. Manage the stock status of products in. Then, when the search request is transmitted from the portal server 1, the inventory management server 5 satisfies the content (DVD for sale, video cassette, and C for sale) that satisfies the condition included in the search request.
The inventory status etc. of D) is searched and the search result is transmitted to the portal server 1.

The program guide management server 6 uses the electronic program guide information (EPG (Elec
tronic Program Guide)) and manage portal server 1
When a search request is sent from, the information such as the broadcast date and time of the content that satisfies the condition included in the search request is searched, and the search result is sent to the portal server 1.

In the search system having such a configuration, for example, when a search request for a predetermined movie is sent from the user terminal 3, the portal server 1 selects a management server to send the search request.

As a condition for notifying a search request from the user terminal 3 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a notification condition), for example, when a search regarding a movie viewing method is requested, the search request may be transmitted. When registered by the rental status management server 4, the inventory management server 5, and the program guide management server 6, the portal server 1
The search request transmitted from the user terminal 3 is transmitted to the rental status management server 4, the inventory management server 5, and the program guide management server 6, respectively.

Then, the rental status management server 4, the stock management server 5, and the program guide management server 6 search the databases managed by them, respectively, and obtain the information about the movie viewing method. Then, the acquired information is transmitted to the portal server 1 as a search result.

From the rental status management server 4, for example, information such as stores where the user can currently rent a DVD of a movie requested to be searched and the rental fee thereof is transmitted to the portal server 1 as a search result.

From the inventory management server 5, for example,
The price of the DVD of the movie requested by the user, information about the store where the DVD is currently available (store where the DVD is in stock), and the like are transmitted to the portal server 1 as the search result.

Further, from the program guide management server 6,
For example, the broadcast date and time of the movie requested by the user, information about services that require subscription to view the movie when the movie is a pay broadcast, and the like are transmitted to the portal server 1 as search results.

When the search results are transmitted from the rental status management server 4, the inventory management server 5, and the program guide management server 6, the portal server 1 integrates the search results and the user terminal 3 as the integrated search result. Send to. Then, in the user terminal 3, the search results are displayed in a list on the display unit 47 (see FIG. 3) and presented to the user.

Further, for example, when a search request for a predetermined television program is transmitted from the user terminal 3, the search request is made only to the program guide management server 6 by the judgment of the portal server 1 based on the notification condition. Will be notified.

The program guide management server 6 retrieves the broadcast date and time of the program satisfying the conditions contained in the notified search request, the information about the service required to subscribe to view the program, and the like as the search result. Send to 1. Then, the search result is transmitted to the user terminal 3 by the portal server 1.

As described above, when the user wants to check the content acquisition method, the user only accesses the portal server 1 to access the rental status management server 4, the inventory management server 5, and the program guide management server 6, respectively. It is possible to search for information when various acquisition methods (media) are used without investigating.

Further, since information is displayed as a list when a plurality of acquisition methods are used, the user can easily compare the acquisition methods and quickly select a method that can be acquired under optimum conditions. be able to.

For example, when searching for the acquisition method of a predetermined movie, whether to borrow the DVD of the movie from the rental video shop and watch it, or go to the convenience store and purchase the DVD of the movie to watch it Alternatively, it is possible to select whether or not to subscribe to a predetermined broadcasting service and watch the movie in consideration of the respective charges and the time until the movie can be watched.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the portal server 1 of FIG.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 is
Programs stored in ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 or RAM (Random Access Mem) from storage unit 29
The overall operation of the portal server 1 is controlled according to the program loaded in the ory 23. The RAM 23 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 21 to execute various processes.

The CPU 21, ROM 22 and RAM 23 are connected to each other via a bus 24. An input / output interface 25 is also connected to the bus 24.

The input / output interface 25 is connected to an input unit 26 including a keyboard and a mouse,
It is operated by the administrator of the portal server 1. In addition, the display unit 27 which is similarly connected to the input / output interface 25
Is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crys
tal display) and presents various information to the administrator.

The communication unit 28 is composed of a modem, a terminal adapter and the like, and transmits and receives various information to and from the user terminal 3 and each management server via the network 2. For example, when the search request is transmitted from the user terminal 3, the communication unit 28 captures it and notifies the CPU 21 of it. The storage unit 29 stores, for example, an application used by the CPU 21 and provides it as needed.

When the information required for user registration is sent from the user terminal 3 and supplied, the user information management section 30 stores the information. That is, when using the search system shown in FIG. 1, the user needs to register various information (user information) about himself / herself in the portal server 1. Details of the user information will be described later with reference to the flowchart.

When the above notification condition is sent from the management server and supplied, the server information management unit 31 stores the notification condition in association with the information about the management server. The information such as the notification condition stored in the server information management unit 31 is used to select the management server that transmits the search request.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the user terminal 3. As shown in the figure, the user terminal 3 has basically the same configuration as the portal server 1, and the description of the same parts will be omitted.

The user terminal 3 is, for example, a personal computer, a mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Digital A).
ssistants) etc. Then, on the display unit 47, for example, an input screen for inputting conditions regarding the method of acquiring content (hereinafter, referred to as acquisition conditions) and notifying the portal server 1, a search result thereof, and the like are displayed.

The storage unit 48 stores, for example, when a content provided at a predetermined site on the network 2 is downloaded and supplied via the input / output interface 45. As described below,
The user can also use the user terminal 3 to view content downloaded from a predetermined site, streaming content, and the like.

A drive 50 is connected to the input / output interface 45 as required, and a magnetic disk 51 including a floppy disk, an optical disk 52 including a CD-ROM and a DVD, an MD (Mini-Disk). A magneto-optical disk 53 including a semiconductor memory 54 such as a Memory Stick (registered trademark) is properly mounted. Then, the computer programs and the like read from these recording media are installed in the storage unit 48 as needed.

FIG. 4 shows the rental status management server 4 of FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of FIG. The rental status management server 4 has basically the same configuration as the portal server 1 and the user terminal 3 described above, and a description of overlapping parts will be omitted.

The communication section 79 communicates via the network 2 and, for example, when a search request is transmitted from the portal server 1, fetches it and outputs it to the CPU 71. When a search is performed based on the search request and the search result is supplied, the communication unit 79 transmits the search result to the portal server 1. Further, the communication unit 79 may be capable of directly communicating with the user terminal 3.

Further, the communication section 79 receives the information indicating the rental status transmitted from the terminals installed in the affiliated video rental shops located in various places, and supplies it to the management information database 80.

The management information database 80 stores the information indicating the rental status of the affiliated video shops (information regarding whether or not the DVD or video cassette of each title can be rented), and stores the information. The information stored in the management information database 80 is
For example, the latest information is updated in a predetermined cycle such as every hour.

The configurations of the inventory management server 5 and the program guide management server 6 shown in FIG. 1 are the same as the configurations of the rental status management server 4 shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the CPU of the inventory management server 5 is the CPU 71
A is explained as A, and the CPU of the program guide management server 6 is the CPU 7.
1B will be described. Further, other configurations of the inventory management server 5 and the program guide management server 6 will be similarly described. Therefore, the database of the inventory management server 5 that manages the inventory status of products in each store is the management information database 80A, and the database of the program guide management server 6 that stores the EPG data of each broadcasting station is the management information database 80B. To be done.

Next, the operation of the search system shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

First, the process in which the user of the user terminal 3 registers his or her own information in the portal server 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S1, the CP of the user terminal 3
U41 is a communication unit 4 in response to an instruction from the user.
9 is controlled to access the portal server 1 to request user registration.

The CPU 21 of the portal server 1 having received this request at step S11, at step S12,
A registration screen for inputting various information necessary for user registration is provided to the user terminal 3.

The information on the registration screen is received by the communication section 49 of the user terminal 3 in step S2 and displayed on the display section 47 in step S3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen for registering user information.

In the example of the figure, the information required for user registration is the user's mail (e-mail) address, the predetermined password required when actually requesting the search,
Location of the user's home, for example, the location of the destination where the user frequently makes a round trip to and from his / her home, such as the location of the train used to make the round trip, the station name, and the content that the user has subscribed to and can use The information is about services (services for receiving contents).

In the example shown in the figure, the mail address "aaa@ocomo.ne.jp" is entered in the mail address input field 91, and the user arbitrarily selects it in the password input field 92. An 8-digit password has been entered.

In the home position input field 93, position information of "N (north latitude) 43.1231 E (east longitude) 135.2121" is entered, and in the round-trip destination input field 94, "N43.2133 E136.13".
Location information of "12" has been entered. The position information may be input by the user, for example, by operating a keyboard or the like, or may be input by being input by a GPS (Global Positioning System) attached to the user terminal 3. Good. Further, the user may select and input the map from the displayed map, or may input the address or the like.

In the route input field 95, the route and station name frequently used by the user are entered. The first route is "JQ line Makuhari-Hongo station-Tsunduma station" and the second route is "JQ line." Tsudanuma Station-Shinagawa Station "and" JQ Line Shinagawa Station-Osaki Station "are entered as the third route. For example, information regarding these lines and stations is selected and input by the user from the displayed route map.

In the content service input field 96, for example, "terrestrial TV
(TV broadcasting) "is input, and" BS (Broadcasting Satellite) "is used as the second content service.
(BS Digital Television Broadcasting) "has been input, and" SkyTV (CS (CommComm
unications Satellite)) (CS digital television broadcast) "is input. Further, under the third content service, among the services provided by "SkyTV", "entry pack" which is a service contracted by the user is input.

Also, "Po-net Movie (content service using network 2)" is input as the fourth content service. In addition, in the content service input field 96, charges for each content service are entered. Content service input field 96
The information displayed in is selected and input from a predetermined selection screen, for example.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 5, the CPU 4 of the user terminal 3
1 is the step S when user information as shown in FIG. 6 is input in each input field of the registration screen and the transmission is instructed.
In step 4, the input user information is transmitted to the portal server 1.

At step S13, the CPU 21 of the portal server 1 receives the user information, and at step S14
Then, the received user information is stored (registered) in the user information management unit 30. The user information stored in the user information management unit 30 is referred to as needed when a search request is transmitted from a user who has registered the information, when a management server that transmits the search request is selected, and the like.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The process of the management server that registers the notification condition in the portal server 1 will be described.

As described above, when the search request is transmitted from the user terminal 3, this notification condition is used by the portal server 1 to select the management server to notify the search request. . In addition, in FIG. 7, a process in which the rental status management server 4 registers its own notification condition will be described. The registration processing by the inventory management server 5 and the program guide management server 6 is also the same as the processing shown in FIG. 7.

In step S31, the CPU 71 of the rental status management server 4 accesses the portal server 1 in response to an instruction from the administrator and requests registration of notification conditions.

The CPU 21 of the portal server 1 that has received this request in step S21 proceeds to step S22 and controls the communication unit 28 to provide the rental condition management server 4 with a registration screen of notification conditions.

The CPU 71 of the rental status management server 4, which has received the information of the registration screen in step S32, proceeds to step S33, displays the registration screen on the display unit 77, and presents it to the manager.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen for registering notification conditions.

In this example, the rental status management server 4 is identified, for example, identification information such as an e-mail address, a service name (a service name provided by a rental video shop) that requires a subscription to receive the content, Content names (software names) such as DVDs and video cassettes that can be provided by affiliated video shops, information on the receiving location of the content, or information on the receiving method (contact method) are required as notification conditions.

Further, information regarding the media to be provided to the user, the minimum price required for the provision, and the transmission point (the server name of the rental status management server 4) at which the portal server 1 sends the search request are required as notification conditions. Has been done.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8, "sap-system @ utay" is displayed in the provider ID input field 111 into which the identification information is input.
"a.com" email address has been entered, and the service name that requires subscription is entered.
“None” has been entered in. Also, "Any" is entered in the content name input field 113 into which the content name that can be provided is entered. This means that regardless of the content name, the user wants to be notified of the sent search request. Shows.

[Store] is entered in the contact method input field 114 in which the receiving location or the receiving method of the content is entered, and in the media input field 115 in which the type of media for providing the content is entered. "DVD" is entered. Also, the media input field 2
It is further input in 22 that “DVD” is a rental.

Further, "250 yen" is entered in the lowest price entry field 116 into which the lowest price required to provide (rent) the content is entered, and the request point entry field 117 into which the destination of the search request is entered. Is "http: /
"/soap.utaya.com/cgi/search" has been entered.

Therefore, in the state where the notification condition as shown in FIG. 8 is registered by the rental status management server 4, for example, when the user presents a request to retrieve a predetermined DVD acquisition method, When the user presents a request for searching for a method of acquiring predetermined content with 300 yen as the upper limit, the rental status management server 4 is notified of the search request.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7, the CPU 71 of the rental status management server 4 executes step S when the notification condition as shown in FIG. 8 is input in each input field and the transmission is instructed.
Proceeding to 34, the input notification condition is transmitted to the portal server 1.

In step S23, the CPU 21 of the portal server 1 receives the transmitted notification condition, proceeds to step S24, and reports the notification condition to the server information management section 31.
Let me remember (register). As a result, the portal server 1
When the search request is transmitted from the user terminal 3, the CPU 21 can select the management server that transmits the search request.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on the display section (display section 77A) of the inventory management server 5 when the inventory management server 5 executes the registration processing as shown in FIG. Is.

In the example of FIG. 9, each information is input by the administrator of the inventory management server 5,
The email address of "sap-system@conveni.com" is entered in the ID entry field 111, and the subscription service entry field 11
“None” is entered in 2. In addition, “Any” is input in the content name input field 113, and “store” is input in the contact method input field 114. Further, "DVD" is entered in the media input field 115, and the "DVD" is supposed to be purchased.

"2900 yen" is entered as the DVD price in the lowest price input field 116, and "http://soap.conveni.com/cgi/se" is entered in the request point input field 117.
"arch" has been entered.

Therefore, when the notification condition as shown in FIG. 9 is registered by the inventory management server 5, for example, when the user presents a request for searching the purchase method (purchase place, etc.) of the DVD, When the user presents a request to search for a method for purchasing a predetermined content with the upper limit of 3000 yen, the search request is transmitted to the inventory management server 5.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a registration screen displayed on the display section (display section 77B) of the program guide management server 6 when the program guide management server 6 executes the registration processing as shown in FIG. FIG.

In the example of FIG. 10, each information is input by the administrator of the program guide management server 6, and "epg-entrypack@sky.c" is entered in the provider ID input field 111.
The email address “o.jp” has been entered, and “entry pack” has been entered in the subscription service entry field 112. Further, “Any” is entered in the content name input field 113, and “Cony” is entered in the contact method input field 114.
"mmunications Satellite" has been entered. further,
In the media input field 115, “MPEG (Moving Picture Expe
"rts Group) 2-TS (Transport Stream)" is input. Then, the transfer rate of the transport stream is “6 Mbps”, and the transfer rate is variable (VBR (Var (Var
iable Bit Rate)).

In the lowest price input field 116, "0 yen" is entered as the lowest price for viewing a program (content), and programs other than PPV (Pay Per View) programs are also broadcast. It is shown. Also, in the request point input field 117, "http://soap.sky.co.jp/cgi/
"search" has been entered.

Therefore, in the state where the notification condition as shown in FIG. 10 is registered by the program guide management server 6, for example, the user who has sent the search request subscribes to the "entry pack" of CS digital television broadcasting. Is recognized by the portal server 1,
The search request will be notified to the program guide management server 6.

Next, with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 11 and 12, the user requests a search for information regarding the method of acquiring content (hereinafter referred to as content acquisition information as appropriate) and acquires the search result. A series of processing of the search system of FIG.

In step S41, the user terminal 3
When instructed by the user, the CPU 41 controls the communication unit 49 to access the portal server 1 and request a search for content acquisition information.

The CPU 21 of the portal server 1 having received this request at step S61 proceeds to step S62 and requests the input of the password. For example, CPU21
Provides a predetermined input screen to the user terminal 3 to notify the password.

In step S42, the CPU 41 of the user terminal 3 which has received this input screen (information of the input screen)
Advances to step S43 to display the password input screen on the display unit 47. The user operates the input unit 46 and registers the password registered as one of the user information (see FIG. 6).
The password input in the password input field 92 of 1) is input in a predetermined input field.

Then, when the transmission of the input password is instructed, the CPU 41 proceeds to step S44 and transmits the password to the portal server 1.

At step S63, the CPU 21 of the portal server 1 receives the transmitted password,
The password is authenticated by referring to the user information stored in the user information management unit 30. In addition to the password, the user may be allowed to input identification information such as a mail address.

Then, when the CPU 21 confirms that the password is valid, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S64 and provides the accessing user terminal 3 with an input screen for content acquisition conditions.

In step S45, the CPU 41 of the user terminal 3 which received the input screen of the acquisition condition,
Proceed to 46 to display it on the display unit 47.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a search screen for setting acquisition conditions.

In the example shown in the figure, the title (content name) of the content for which the content acquisition information is searched, the current position of the user, the price limit required to acquire the content, the acquisition time limit, and the acquisition (storage) period. Restrictions,
For example, limit the time required to acquire content
It is said that it can be set as an acquisition condition.

In the example of FIG. 13, the content name input field 131 into which the content name is input has "MI3" entered as the movie title, and the current position input field 132 into which the current position is input. "Work location" is entered in. These pieces of information may be input by the user operating the keyboard, or may be selected from a predetermined selection window or the like. In addition,
The location information of the work place is registered in the portal server 1 as the location information of the round-trip destination by the above-described user information registration processing.

In the price input field 133, "500 yen" is entered as the upper limit of the price required to acquire the content, and in the acquisition time input field 134, no time limit is entered. For example, by setting a desired time in the acquisition time input field 134, only the content acquisition information regarding the content that can be acquired within that time will be searched.

Further, in the example of FIG. 13, "3 days" or more is input in the valid period input field 135, and "1 hour" or less is input in the required time input field 136.

Note that the acquisition conditions that can be set are not limited to those shown in FIG.
D, video cassette, terrestrial television broadcasting, BS or CS digital television broadcasting, screening at movie theaters), restrictions on places where contents are used (viewed), etc. may be set.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 11, when the acquisition condition is input and the transmission is instructed as shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 41 of the user terminal 3 proceeds to step S47 and searches for the input acquisition condition. Send the request to the portal server 1.

At step S65, the CPU 21 of the portal server 1 receives the search request transmitted from the user terminal 3, and proceeds to step S66. And CPU2
1 refers to the notification condition stored in the server information management unit 31 and selects the management server to which the received search request is transmitted.

For example, the condition shown in FIG. 8 as the notification condition of the rental status management server 4, the condition shown in FIG. 9 as the notification condition of the inventory management server 5, and the notification condition of the program guide management server 6. While the conditions shown in FIG. 10 are registered in the server information management unit 31, the user who registered the user information shown in FIG. 6 notifies the acquisition conditions shown in FIG. If the request is received, the CPU 21 sends the search request sent from the user terminal 3 only to the rental status management server 4 and the program guide management server 6.

Specifically, "500 yen" is presented by the user as the upper limit of the price required to acquire the content (FIG. 13). On the other hand, the minimum rental price of the rental video shop managed by the rental status management server 4 is "250 yen" (Fig. 8), and the DV is sold at the convenience store managed by the inventory management server 5.
The lowest price of D is "2900 yen" (Fig. 9). Also,
The lowest price of a program broadcast by a broadcast station managed by the program guide management server 6 is "0 yen" (FIG. 10).

Therefore, due to the price limit presented by the user, the inventory management server 5 is not notified of the search request.

[0114] Further, the notification condition of the rental status management server 4 is not limited to the type of movie (content name) that can be provided (Fig. 8), and is registered as a notification condition by the program guide management server 6. As for the service (“entry pack”) that requires subscription, as shown in FIG. 6, the user of the user terminal 3 who has submitted the search request has contracted for the service.

Therefore, in such a case, step S66.
In the selection process, the rental status management server 4 and the program guide management server 6 are selected as the management servers that transmit the search request.

Then, in step S67, the CPU 2
1 sends the search request sent from the user terminal 3 to the rental status management server 4 and the program guide management server 6, respectively.

The search request transmitted from the portal server 1 is received by the communication unit 79 of the rental status management server 4 via the network 2 in step S81, and in step S91 the communication unit of the program guide management server 6 ( It is received by the communication unit 79B).

In step S 82, the CPU 71 of the rental status management server 4 searches the information stored in the management information database 80 based on the acquisition condition included in the search request transmitted from the portal server 1. Then, the CPU 71 extracts content acquisition information that satisfies the acquisition condition.

For example, when the acquisition condition as shown in FIG. 13 is notified, the CPU 71 searches the management information database 80, and the DVD and the video cassette of the movie “MI3” desired by the user are available at the rental video shop Makuhari. The fact that it can be rented out at the Hongo store is extracted. In this example, this Makuhari Hongo store is located within a one-hour round trip from the user's current location (working location), and "MI3"
DVDs and videocassettes can be rented for 3 days or more.

Then, in step S83, the CPU 71 transmits the information about the Makuhari Hongo store extracted in step S82 to the portal server 1 as a search result.

The search result transmitted from the rental status management server 4 is received by the portal server 1 in step S68.

On the other hand, in step S92, the CPU (CPU 71B) of the program guide management server 6 searches the management information database 80B based on the acquisition condition included in the sent search request.

Then, for example, in the service (the "entry pack" of the CS digital television broadcast) to which the user subscribes, the CPU 71A determines that the movie "MI
3 ”will be broadcast, and as additional information, the broadcast time of the movie, if the movie“ MI3 ”is a PPV program, its viewing fee, or detailed information about the movie“ MI3 ” URL of the site that can be viewed (Uniform Reso
Content acquisition information including information such as urce locator) is extracted as a search result.

In step S93, the CPU 71B
The search result extracted in step S92 is the portal server 1
Send to.

The CPU 21 of the portal server 1 receives the search result transmitted from the program guide management server 6 in step S69, and proceeds to step S70. Then, in step S70, the CPU 21 integrates the search result transmitted from the rental status management server 4 and the search result transmitted from the program guide management server 6.

The CPU 21 rearranges the search results in order from the lowest price required to acquire (view / listen) the content, or rearranges the search results in order from the shortest time to acquire the content. Also, depending on the user
A setting for rearranging search results may be performed.

In step S71, the CPU 21 sends the search results integrated in step S70 to the user terminal 3.

The search result transmitted from the portal server 1 is received by the communication section 49 of the user terminal 3 in step S48, and is displayed on the display section 47 in step S49.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of search results.

In the example shown in the figure, the content acquisition information retrieved by the program guide management server 6 is the retrieval result 1, and the content acquisition information retrieved by the rental status management server 4 is the retrieval result 2.

Search result 1 is a case where the above-mentioned movie "MI3" is viewed using CS digital television broadcasting. In this example, the provider of the movie is "Sky", The place where the movie can be viewed is "home", and the acquisition method is "broadcast (CS digital television broadcast)".

The broadcast time is set to "11:00 on March 10", which is two days after today (March 8), and the medium is a CS digital television broadcast wave. And
For example, a movie that has been broadcast may be a VCR (Video Cassette Recor).
der), DVCR (Digital Video Cassette Recorder), or a hard disk recorder.

Furthermore, the movie "MI3" is a PPV program,
The price is said to be "300 yen".

In search result 1, the provider name "Sk
Under "y" is underlined, and by clicking this "Sky", you can access the site where you can view detailed information of the movie "MI3". For example,
The user can access the site and check the cast and synopsis of the movie "MI3". Also, a predetermined scene of the movie "MI3" may be downloaded and viewed.

[0135] The price "300 yen" is also underlined. By clicking this "300 yen", the recording reservation of the movie "MI3" shown as the search result 1 can be set. There is.

Search result 2 is for rental video shop
This is a case of renting a DVD and watching the movie "MI3". In this example, the provider (a series of rental video shops) is "UTAYA". The place where the DVD can be borrowed is “store (Makuhari Hongo store described above)”, and the place of the store is displayed in the borrowing method column, such as 400 m from Makuhari station.

[0137] In addition, "UTAY", which is information about the provider,
The underline is displayed in "A" like "Sky" mentioned above, and by clicking "UTAYA", it is possible to access the site where detailed information of the movie "MI3" can be viewed.

[0138] Furthermore, "Makuhari Station 400" showing the location of the store
An underline is also displayed in "m", and this "Makuhari Station 400m"
By clicking, a map of the neighborhood of the store is displayed.

In the search result 2, the time of arrival at the Makuhari Hongo store is "20:30" when departing from the current location.
It is said that the media that can be borrowed is "DV
"D" and the period is "8 days". The fee for borrowing a DVD is "400 yen".

The user who confirms such a list display is
For example, the price “300 yen” shown in the search result 1 is clicked, the recording reservation is set, and then the search process is ended.

Since the search results of the content acquisition information are displayed as a list as described above, the user can perform comparison based on various conditions such as which acquisition method can be used to watch the movie at the lowest price. Therefore, the optimum viewing method can be selected.

Further, since it is possible to confirm information relating to various content acquisition methods simply by notifying the portal server 1 of the acquisition conditions, it is possible to save the trouble of accessing a predetermined server for each content acquisition method. .

Further, the administrator of the portal server 1 can collect the fee for providing the search result from the user who uses this search system. Further, a fee can be collected from the management server as a fee for introducing a user who desires the content. Of course, it is possible to collect the posting fee by posting an advertisement on the managed portal site.

In the above, the content acquisition information provided as a search result by the portal server 1 is as follows: when software rented out at a rental video shop is used, when software sold at a convenience store is used, Also, although it has been described that the CS digital television broadcasting is used, the content acquisition information may be provided when various media are used.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the search system to which the present invention is applied. In this example, the content acquisition information provided by the portal server 1 is:
The present invention relates to a viewing method using a screening at a movie theater, a viewing method using streaming content provided on a predetermined site on the network 2 or a download content, and a viewing method using software sold at a shopping site. It is a thing.

Since the search system shown in FIG. 15 has basically the same configuration as the search system shown in FIG. 1, detailed description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

The screening management server 151 manages various kinds of information such as the contents of a movie shown by a movie theater in a predetermined area and the location of the movie theater. The distribution site management server 152 is a URL of the site regarding streaming content and download content distributed from a predetermined site deployed on the network 2.
And manages various information such as contents. The shopping site management server 153 is the network 2
It manages information related to the shopping sites developed above, and has information on contents and products sold at the shopping sites.

Screening management server 151, distribution site management server 152, and shopping site management server 15
3 is similar to the rental status management server 4 described above,
The conditions for notifying the search request are registered in the portal server 1.

When the search request is transmitted from the portal server 1, each of these management servers searches the content acquisition information based on the acquisition condition included in the search request, and retrieves the search result. Send to.

When the search results are sent from the management server, the portal server 1 integrates the search results and sends the integrated search results to the user terminal 3.

In the user terminal 3, since the search result similar to that shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display unit 47,
The user can compare various content acquisition methods, and can select the most appropriate content acquisition method for his or her condition.

Since the configurations of the screening management server 151, the distribution site management server 152, and the shopping site management server 153 are the same as the rental status management server 4 of FIG. 1, their illustrations are omitted. Further, as in the case of the inventory management server 5 and the program guide management server 6 described above, the CPU of the screening management server 151
Is described as the CPU 71C, and the distribution site management server 15
The second CPU will be described as a CPU 71D, and the CPU of the shopping site management server 153 will be described as a CPU 71E. The same applies to other configurations of the management server in FIG.

Screening management server 151, distribution site management server 152, and shopping site management server 15
Similarly to the management server shown in FIG. 1, the third server 3 executes the processing as shown in FIG. 7, and registers the notification condition of the search request in the portal server 1.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on the display section (display section 77C) of the screening management server 151 when the screening management server 151 executes the registration processing as shown in FIG. Is.

In the example of FIG. 16, the screening management server 1
51 managers have entered each information,
"Epg-system@cinema.com" in the provider ID input field 111
Has been entered, and “none” has been entered in the subscription service entry field 112. Also, “MI3” is entered in the content name input field 113, and “cinema” is entered in the contact method input field 114. Further, “film (vista size)” is entered in the media input field 115.

[1000] "1000 yen" is entered as the entrance fee to the movie theater in the lowest price input field 116, and "http://soap.jp.cinema.com" in the request point input field 117.
"com / cgi / search" has been entered.

Therefore, in the state where the notification condition as shown in FIG. 16 is registered by the screening management server 151, for example, when the user presents a request to retrieve the acquisition method of the movie “MI3”, or 1200 When the user presents a request to search for a method of acquiring a predetermined content with the upper limit of the circle, the search request is notified to the screening management server 151.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a registration screen displayed on the display section (display section 77D) of the distribution site management server 152 when the distribution site management server 152 executes the registration processing as shown in FIG. FIG.

In the example of FIG. 17, each information is input by the administrator of the distribution site management server 152, and “epg@po-net.ne.jp” is entered in the provider ID input field 111.
Has been entered, and “none” has been entered in the subscription service entry field 112. In addition, “Any” is entered in the content name input field 113, and “IPv4 (Internet Protocol) is entered in the contact method input field 114.
ol version 4) ”has been entered.

"Real Media" is displayed in the media input field 115.
Has been entered, indicating that the application is required to view the streaming content. It is also shown that a "300kbps" line is required to view streaming content.

In the lowest price input field 116, "0 yen" is entered as the price of the streaming content,
In the request point input field 117, "http: //soap.po
-net.ne.jp/cgi/search ”is entered.

Therefore, when the notification condition as shown in FIG. 17 is registered by the distribution site management server 152, for example, when the user presents a request to retrieve the content acquisition information of the streaming content, or free of charge. When the user presents a request for searching the content acquisition information of the content that can be acquired by, the distribution site management server 152 is notified of the search request.

FIG. 18 shows another registration screen displayed on the display section (display section 77D) of the distribution site management server 152 when the distribution site management server 152 executes the registration processing as shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example. in this way,
One management server sends multiple notification conditions to the portal server 1
May be registered in.

In the example of FIG. 18, each information is input by the administrator of the distribution site management server 152, and the provider ID input field 111 is "epg @ po" as in the case shown in FIG. The mail address "-net.ne.jp" has been entered, and "none" has been entered in the subscription service entry field 112. In addition, “Any” is entered in the content name input field 113, and the contact method input field 11
In “4”, “IPv4” is entered.

“MPEG4” is entered in the media input field 115, and this download content is MPEG4.
It is shown to be downloaded in the format of. It is also shown that a "300kbps" line is required to view the downloaded content.

[0166] "0 yen" is entered as the price of the downloaded content in the lowest price input field 116, and "http: //soap.po-n" is entered in the request point input field 117.
"et.ne.jp/cgi/search" has been entered.

Therefore, when the notification condition as shown in FIG. 18 is registered by the distribution site management server 152,
In addition to when the user presents the search request as described in FIG. 17, for example, when the user presents a request to retrieve the content acquisition information regarding the downloaded content, the search request is sent to the distribution site management server. 152 will be notified.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a registration screen displayed on the display section (display section 77E) of the shopping site management server 153 when the shopping site management server 153 executes the registration processing as shown in FIG. FIG.

In the example of FIG. 19, each information is input by the administrator of the shopping site management server 153, and the provider ID input field 111 displays “shopping @ p
The e-mail address "o-net.ne.jp" has been entered, and "none" has been entered in the subscription service entry field 112. Also, “Any” is entered in the content name input field 113, “courier delivery” is entered in the contact method input field 114, and “DV” is entered in the media input field 115.
"D" is entered.

[0170] In the minimum price input field 116, "1890 yen" is set as the minimum price of the DVD sold at the shopping site managed by the shopping site management server 153.
Has been entered, and “http://soap.shopping.ne.jp/cgi/search” has been entered in the request point input field 117.

Therefore, when the notification condition as shown in FIG. 18 is registered by the shopping site management server 153, for example, when the user presents a request to retrieve the content acquisition information for purchasing a DVD at home delivery, etc. The search request is transmitted to the shopping site management server 153.

Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 20 and 21, a series of processes of the search system of FIG. 15 until the user requests the search for the content acquisition information and acquires the result will be described. .

The processing shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 is the same as that shown in FIG.
1 and the processing basically similar to the processing shown in FIG. That is, steps S101 to S10
4, and in steps S121 to S123, the password authentication process is performed between the user terminal 3 and the portal server 1, and when it is confirmed that the password is valid, in step S124, An input screen for inputting acquisition conditions is provided from the portal server 1 to the user terminal 3.

Then, in step S106, the acquisition condition input screen is displayed on the display unit 47 of the user terminal 3.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example of an input screen for inputting acquisition conditions.

The input screen of the acquisition condition shown in FIG. 22 is as shown in FIG.
Since it is the same as that shown in FIG. 3, detailed description thereof will be omitted, but in this example, the user inputs the movie “MI3” in the content name input field 131 as the title of the content, The current position is "N4
"3.2132 E135.2131" has been entered in the current position input field 132.

[0177] Also, "2000 yen" is entered in the price limit input field 133 as the upper limit of the amount of money required to acquire the content, and "1 hour" is entered in the required time limit input field 136 as the upper limit of the time required from the current location. There is. As described above, it is also possible to input media restrictions, restrictions on places where contents are used (viewed), and the like as acquisition conditions.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 20, when the respective conditions as shown in FIG. 22 are input and it is instructed to transmit them, the CPU 41 of the user terminal 3 advances to step S107, and the input acquisition A search request consisting of conditions is transmitted to the portal server 1.

The CPU 21 of the portal server 1
The search request transmitted from the user terminal 3 is received, and in step S126, the notification condition stored in the server information management unit 31 is referred to, and the management server to which the search request is transmitted is selected.

For example, the condition shown in FIG. 16 as the notification condition of the screening management server 151, the condition shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 as the notification condition of the distribution site management server 152, and the shopping site management server. 15
3 is registered in the server information management unit 31 as the notification condition of FIG. 3 from the user who has registered the user information as shown in FIG.
When each condition as shown in 2 is notified, CPU2
1 is a screening management server 151, a distribution site management server 1
The search request transmitted from the user terminal 3 is transmitted to 52 and the shopping site management server 153.

Specifically, "2000 yen" is presented by the user as the upper limit of the price for acquiring the content (FIG. 22). On the other hand, the minimum entrance fee of the movie theater managed by the screening management server 151 is “1000 yen” (FIG. 16), and the minimum price of the streaming content managed by the distribution site management server 152 and the download content is “0”. Circle "(FIG. 17 and FIG. 1)
8). Also, DVDs sold at shopping sites managed by the shopping site management server 153.
The lowest price is "1890 yen" (Fig. 19).

Therefore, the price condition presented by the user is the screening management server 151 and the distribution site management server 1.
52, and the price of the content managed by the shopping site management server 153 will be satisfied.

Further, the user requests to retrieve the content acquisition information of the movie "MI3" (see FIG. 2).
2) The screening management server 151 registers with the portal server 1 so as to notify the search request when the user makes a search request for the movie "MI3" (FIG. 1).
6). Further, the distribution site management server 152 and the shopping site management server 153 are registered in the portal server 1 so as to notify the search request of any title content (FIGS. 17 to 1).
9).

Therefore, in such a case, step S12
In the selection process of No. 6, all the management servers of the screening management server 151, the distribution site management server 152, and the shopping site management server 153 are selected as the management servers transmitting the search request.

Then, in step S127, the CPU
21 transmits the search request transmitted from the user terminal 3 to the management server selected in step S126.

The search request transmitted from the portal server 1 receives the screening management server 151 in step S141.
Is received by the communication unit (communication unit 79C) of step S
In 151, it is received by the communication unit (communication unit 79D) of the distribution site management server 152, and in step S161, it is received by the communication unit (communication unit 79E) of the shopping site management server 153.

In step S142, the CPU 71C of the screening management server 151 stores the screening contents stored in the management information database (management information database 80C) based on the acquisition conditions included in the search request transmitted from the portal server 1. Search for information about. Then, the CPU 71C extracts a content acquisition method that satisfies the acquisition condition.

For example, when the acquisition condition as shown in FIG. 22 is transmitted, the CPU 71C searches the management information database 80C and is in the theater currently showing the movie "MI3", and the user's A plurality of movie theaters that can be moved within one hour from the current location are extracted, and information such as the next screening start time at each movie theater or the entrance fee of each movie theater is extracted as a search result.

The CPU 71C then proceeds to step S143.
In, the search result extracted in step S142 is transmitted to the portal server 1.

The search result transmitted from the screening management server 151 is the portal server 1 in step S128.
Received by.

On the other hand, in step S152, the CPU (CPU 71D) of the distribution site management server 152 stores a management information database in which information related to the contents of streaming content and download content is stored based on the acquisition condition included in the search request. Search for 80D.

The CPU 71D extracts, from the management information database 80D, information on a site where the contents of the movie "MI3" can be downloaded within 2000 yen, for example, and sends it to the portal server 1 as a search result in step S153.

The search result transmitted from the distribution site management server 152 is received by the portal server 1 in step S129.

Further, in step S162, the CPU (CPU 71E) of the shopping site management server 153.
Searches the management information database 80E in which information about DVDs sold at a predetermined shopping site is stored based on the acquisition condition included in the search request.

[0195] The CPU 71E extracts, from the management information database 80E, information on a site where the DVD of the movie "MI3" can be delivered within 2000 yen, for example, and transmits it to the portal server 1 as a search result in step S163.

The CPU 21 of the portal server 1 which has received the search result by the shopping site management server 153,
In step S131, the search result transmitted from the screening management server 151 and the distribution site management server 15
The search result transmitted from the server 2 and the search result transmitted from the shopping site management server 153 are integrated. CPU21 transmits the integrated search result to the user terminal 3 in step S132.

In the search results transmitted to the user terminal 3, for example, the search results are sorted in the order that they can be acquired at a lower price.

The integrated search result transmitted from the portal server 1 is received by the communication section 49 of the user terminal 3 in step S108, and is displayed on the display section 47 in step S109.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display example of search results.

In the example of the figure, the search result searched by the distribution site management server 152 is the search result 1,
The search result searched by the shopping site management server 153 is the search result 2. The results searched by the screening management server 151 are the search results 3, 4, and 5.
It is said that.

Search result 1 is the information when the movie "MI3" is viewed using the download content provided from the predetermined distribution site on the network 2. In this example, the provider of the downloaded content is "Po-net", the movie can be viewed (the content can be acquired) at "home", and the acquisition method is "download". ing.

When the user heads home from the current location, the arrival time is set to "15:00", and the content is downloaded in the MPEG4 format in a compressed state. Furthermore, the search result 1 shows that the downloaded content is copy-guarded for copyright protection by a predetermined method and cannot be copied.

The price of the downloaded content of the movie "MI3" is "300 yen".

[0204] In the search result 1, "Po-net", which is the information about the provider, is underlined. By clicking this "Po-net", the movie " You can access the site where you can browse detailed information of "MI3".

Search result 2 is information when the DVD of the movie "MI3" is purchased and viewed at a predetermined shopping site. In this example, the provider is "Omazon" who is the manager of the shopping site. Has been done. The place where the DVD delivered to the home can be received is displayed as, for example, the home.

[0206] Also, underline is displayed in "delivery", which is shown as a method of acquiring contents, and by clicking this "delivery", detailed settings regarding the delivery destination and delivery time zone can be made. It is designed to be able to.

[0207] The search result 2 also includes other information (Today, March 8
If you apply for the DVD purchase, the arrival date will be "3
It is displayed that it is "9th of a month", and D of the movie "MI3"
It is displayed that the price of VD is "1890 yen". In addition, the price "1890 yen" is underlined. By clicking this "1890 yen", the DVD
You can apply to purchase.

The search results 3 to 5 are information when the movie “MI3” shown in each of the movie theaters 1 to 3 is viewed. Then, in the search results 3 to 5, information such as the location of each movie theater, the next screening start time, the screening format, and the price is shown.

[0209] For example, as shown in the search result 3, the movie theater 1 is 400 m from "Tsudanuma Station", and the next screening start time is "20:30". The screening format is "Vista size (wide size)".
It is said that the entrance fee to the movie theater is "1000 yen".

As shown in the search result 4, the movie theater 2 is 500 m from "Maihama Station", and the next screening start time is "20:00". The screening format is "IMAX (three-dimensional image)", and the entrance fee to the movie theater is "1000 yen".

Further, as shown in the search result 5, the movie theater 3 is located 200 m from "Yurakucho station", and the next screening start time is "20:30". The screening format is "Vista size (wide size)".
It is said that the entrance fee to the movie theater is "1000 yen".

[0212] In the search results 3 to 5, the underline is displayed in the display indicating the location of the movie theater. By clicking the display, the map of the neighborhood of each movie theater can be displayed. ing. Further, in the search result 4, an underline is displayed in the price display of the movie, and by clicking this display, for example, a movie viewing reservation can be made.

By confirming such a search result, the user can select the acquisition method suitable for his condition. In the case where the search result as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed, for example, the user selects to go to the movie theater 2 where the screening starts earliest, and ends the search process.

In the above description, for convenience of description, the search system shown in FIG. 1 and the search system shown in FIG. 15 are described separately, but in reality, these search systems are configured as one. Therefore, when a search request is transmitted from the user terminal 3, the portal server 1 may, if necessary, have the rental status management server 4, the inventory management server 5, and the program guide management server 6 shown in FIG. Shown management server 151, distribution site management server 152, and shopping site management server 153 shown in FIG.
, The search requests are simultaneously transmitted.

Further, in the above, the case where the content desired by the user is a movie has been mainly described, but the present invention is not limited to such a movie, and the present invention can be applied to various contents. it can. For example, the present invention can be applied to a case of retrieving information about a content such as a television program, a radio program, music, or a method of acquiring a DVD, a video cassette, a CD-ROM, or the like in which they are packaged. .

Further, the present invention can be applied to all things such as books, dishes and daily necessities. For example, if a user wants to eat "pizza",
By requesting the portal server 1 for the search, information on restaurants near the user's current location,
Information such as home delivery pizza is displayed as a search result.

Further, in the above, the search request from the user is transmitted to each management server via the portal server 1 and is searched based on the acquisition condition in each management server. When the portal server 1 is provided with a database for storing information (such as information on the rental status), the portal server 1 may search for itself and provide the search result to the user.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing still another configuration example of the search system to which the present invention is applied.

In the search system shown in FIGS. 1 and 15, it is assumed that the search is mainly for information about contents provided by a business operator such as a rental video shop or a convenience store.
The search system shown in (1) mainly searches for information about content provided by individuals (users of content provider terminals 161 and 162).

Further, in the search system shown in FIG. 24, when a search request is transmitted from the user terminal 3,
It is the portal server 1 itself that executes the search. Therefore, in the portal server 1 of FIG. 24, information on the content provider and information on the content provided by the provider are registered.

Then, when the search request is transmitted from the user terminal 3, the portal server 1 extracts the information of the provider who provides the content satisfying the condition from the database, based on the condition included in the search request. Then, the search result is transmitted to the user terminal 3.

As described above, the present invention can be applied to the case of purchasing the content provided by an individual.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the portal server 1 of FIG.

The portal server 1 shown in FIG. 25 has basically the same configuration as the portal server 1 shown in FIG. 2, but in addition to the configuration of FIG. The difference is that 171 is provided.

In this content provider information management unit 171, for example, the provider (user of the content provider terminal 161) transmitted from the content provider terminal 161.
Information of the contents, information of contents provided by the provider, and the like are stored.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the content provider terminal 161.

Like the user terminal 3 described above, the content provider terminal 161 is, for example, a terminal such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, or a PDA, and has the same configuration as the user terminal 3 shown in FIG. ing.

The configuration of the content provider terminal 162 is the same as the configuration of the content provider terminal 161, so its illustration is omitted.

Next, the operation of the search system of FIG. 24 will be described.

First, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 27, the user of the content provider terminal 161 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a provider) stores his own information (provider information),
A process of registering the information of the provided content in the portal server 1 will be described.

In step S171, the CPU 181 of the content provider terminal 161 controls the communication unit 189 in response to the instruction from the provider to access the portal server 1 to provide the provider information and the content to be provided. Request registration.

[0232] The request is received by the portal server 1 in step S191, and in step S192,
The information on the registration screen of the provider information is transmitted.

CPU 181 of content provider terminal 161
Receives the information provided from the portal server 1 in step S172, proceeds to step S173,
The display screen of the registration screen of the provider information is displayed on the display unit 187.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a display example of the registration screen.

In the example of FIG. 28, the provider information to be registered is basically the same information as the user information shown in FIG.

In this example, the mail address "bbb@ocomo.ne.jp" is entered in the mail address entry field 201 into which the provider's mail address is entered, and the password entry field 202 is entered. , The 8-digit password arbitrarily selected by the provider has been entered.

[0237] The position information of "N43.1234 E135.2121" is input to the home position input field 203 where the provider's home position is input, and the return destination input field 204 is input to the return destination position. Location information of "N43.2133 E136.1312" has been entered. As described above, for example, the provider may input the position information by itself, or the position information may be input by the GPS.

[0238] Route entry field 20 for inputting train routes, etc.
For example, the line and station name frequently used by the provider are entered in 5, and the first is "JQ Line Makuhari Hongo Station-
Tsudanuma Station "and the second one is" JQ Line Tsudanuma Station-Shinagawa Station ".

Therefore, since the position of the home or the like of the provider who registered the information shown in FIG. 28 is close to the position of the home or the like of the user who registered the information shown in FIG. When a search for acquired information is requested,
The portal server 1 extracts and provides the information of the provider who registered the information shown in FIG. 28 as a search result. That is, when the positions of homes are close to each other and the transaction is completed, the user who wants the content is, for example, a DVD.
Content such as can be received from the provider by hand.

Further, in the example of FIG. 28, the delivery time input field 20 for inputting the delivery time desired by the provider
6 is displayed, and there is "18: 0" at any place on the round trip route as the first delivery time.
The time zone of "0 to 23:00" is input. Next to that time zone, "1 day delay" is entered, which indicates that the delivery date of the product is the next day after the transaction is completed.

As the second delivery time, the time zone of "12:00 to 12:30" is input at the round-trip destination, and the delivery date is the day after the transaction is completed. Is shown. Furthermore, as the third delivery time, at home, “from 19:00 to 2
The time of "3:00" has been entered.

Below that, "excluding weekends and holidays" is entered as a remark regarding the delivery time.

Returning to the description of FIG. 27, the information input on the provider information registration screen is transmitted to the portal server 1 in step S174 when the transmission is instructed.

[0244] At step S193, the CPU 21 of the portal server 1 receives the provider information, and at step S1.
Proceeding to 94, the content provider terminal 161 is provided with a registration screen for information about content.

The information on the registration screen is received by the content provider terminal 161 in step S175 and displayed in step S176.

[0246] Fig. 29 is a diagram showing a display example of a registration screen of information on contents (contents provided by a provider).

In the example of the figure, a content name input field 221 for inputting the title of the content, a media input field 222 for inputting the content media, and a quantity input field 223 for inputting the number thereof are displayed. Also,
Below that, a comment input field 224 in which a predetermined comment is input, a contact method input field 225 in which a contact method (delivery method) is input, a price limit input field 226 in which a lower limit of the price is input, and a portal for transactions. A transaction action input field 227 into which an action performed by the server 1 is input is displayed.

Then, in the example of FIG. 29, the movie "MI3" is entered in the content name input field 221.
“DVD” has been entered in the media input field 222,
“1” is input in the quantity input field 223, and “no box” is input in the comment input field 224. Further, "handing" is input in the contact method input field 225, "1000 yen or more" is input in the price limit input field 226, and the first transaction action is entered in the transaction action input field 227. “Notification by email”, “Automatic establishment” as the second transaction action, and “Time place automatic” as the third action are input.

Therefore, when a user who desires the registered content accesses the portal server 1, the transaction is automatically performed by the portal server 1 based on the mutual delivery conditions such as the delivery time of the content and the delivery location. Will be established. Then, when the transaction is completed, the fact is notified to the content provider terminal 161 by mail.

CPU 181 of content provider terminal 161
Is input by the provider as shown in FIG. 29,
When the transmission is instructed, the input information is transmitted to the portal server 1 in step S177.

When the CPU 21 of the portal server 1 receives the registration information of the content transmitted from the content provider terminal 161 in step S195, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S196 and stores the registration information in step S1.
In association with the registration information of the provider received in 93,
It is stored in the content provider information management unit 171.

As a result, when the condition of the desired content is presented by the user, it is possible to provide the information about the provider of the content satisfying the condition.

Next, the overall operation of the search system of FIG. 24 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 30 and 31.

Steps S221 to S226,
And the processing executed between the user terminal 3 and the portal server 1 in steps S241 to S244 is the same as steps S41 to S4 in FIG.
Since the processing is the same as the processing executed in step 6 and steps S61 to S64, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

That is, steps S221 to S226 and steps S241 to S24.
4, when authentication processing is executed based on the password transmitted from the user terminal 3 and its validity is confirmed, a screen for inputting content acquisition conditions is displayed from the portal server 1 to the user terminal 3. Provided.

In step S226, the input screen is displayed on the display unit 47 of the user terminal 3, and the acquisition condition as shown in FIG. 22, for example, is input to the input screen. Then, when the transmission of the acquisition condition is instructed, the search request including the acquisition condition is transmitted to the portal server 1 in step S227.

The CPU 21 of the portal server 1 that has received the search request in step S245 proceeds to step S246 to search the information stored in the content provider information management section 171 based on the acquisition condition included in the search request. To do.

[0258] Then, the CPU 21 extracts the information about the provider of the content that satisfies the acquisition condition, and the step S
At 247, the extracted information is transmitted to the user terminal 3 as a search result.

For example, when the user notifies the acquisition condition as shown in FIG. 22 and the content registration information as shown in FIG. 29 is stored in the content provider information management section 171, the CPU 21 The information of the provider who registered the information shown in 29 is extracted as a search result.

That is, the title of the content desired by the user is the movie “MI3”, and the upper limit of the price is “2”.
000 yen "(Fig. 22). On the other hand, the title of the content provided by the provider is the movie “MI3”, and the lower limit of the price is “1000 yen” (FIG. 29).

Also, registered user information (FIG. 6)
And as shown in the content provider information (Fig. 28),
Since their homes are close to each other, the CPU 21
The information of the provider of the content provider terminal 161 is transmitted to the user terminal 3 as a search result.

The search result transmitted from the portal server 1 is received by the user terminal 3 in step S228, and is displayed in step S229.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a display example of search results.

In this example, "search result of content name MI3" is displayed at the top of the screen, and search results (search result 1, search result 2) are displayed below it in a list. Therefore, in FIG. 32, an example is shown in which a provider other than the provider who registered the information in FIG. 29 is searched for.

Then, in the example of FIG. 32, the movie "MI
3 ”providers and media, their charges, and their email addresses are displayed as search results. At the right end of each search result, a button operated when referring to detailed information is displayed. The user can refer to the registration information of the content as shown in FIG. 29, for example, by operating the display of “details”.

[0266] In the search result 1, the provider is "provider A", the medium is "DVD", the charge is "1000 yen or more", and the email address is "bbb @ oc."
omo.ne.jp ”. In search result 2, the provider is "provider B" and the medium is "VHS".
The charge is "1200 yen or more" and the email address is "ccc@ocomo.ne.jp".

Further, the mail address is underlined, and the user can easily send the mail to the provider by clicking the mail address.

The user performs a predetermined operation in the state where such a search result is displayed, and notifies the portal server 1 of the purchase intention. For example, when the user selects to purchase the content (DVD) from the provider shown in the search result 1, the information notifying it is transmitted from the user terminal 3 to the portal server 1 in step S230.

When the CPU 21 of the portal server 1 receives the notification at step S248, the CPU 21 at step S249.
Then, the process notifies the provider (content provider terminal 161) that registered the content selected to purchase that the transaction has been completed.

In the content provider terminal 161,
The fact that the transaction has been completed is notified by e-mail or the like, and the notification is displayed on the display unit 187 in step S262. Further, since information on the purchaser (user of the user terminal 3) is also displayed on the display unit 187, the provider can determine details such as delivery of the DVD by mail or the like with the purchaser. it can.

As described above, the present invention can be applied even when an individual provides contents.

It should be noted that the search system shown in FIGS. 1 and 15 for mainly searching the information on the contents provided by the business operator and the search system shown in FIG. 24 for the information on the contents mainly provided by the individual are searched. It is also possible to configure a search system that is combined with a search system.

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software.

When a series of processes is executed by software, a program that constitutes the software is installed in a computer in which dedicated hardware is installed, or various programs are installed to perform various functions. It is installed from a network 2 or a recording medium into a general-purpose personal computer or the like capable of executing.

This recording medium, as shown in FIG. 3, is a magnetic disk 5 on which the program is recorded, which is distributed in order to provide the program to the user separately from the apparatus main body.
1 (including floppy disk), optical disk 52 (CD-R
OM, DVD included), magneto-optical disk 53 (including MD (registered trademark) (Mini-Disk)), or semiconductor memory 54
In addition to being configured by a package medium such as the above, it is configured by a ROM 42 in which a program is recorded, which is provided to the user in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus body in advance, a hard disk included in the storage unit 48, and the like.

In the present specification, the steps for writing the program recorded on the recording medium are not limited to the processing performed in time series according to the order described, but may be performed in parallel even if they are not necessarily processed in time series. Alternatively, it also includes processes that are individually executed.

In this specification, the system means
It represents the entire apparatus composed of a plurality of devices.

[0278]

According to the information providing method and apparatus of the present invention, a search request for information regarding an acquisition method of a predetermined content transmitted from an information processing terminal is received and notified from each of a plurality of management apparatuses. The condition for notifying the search request is stored. Further, based on the stored conditions, the management device that notifies the search request is selected, and the search request is notified to the selected management device. Then, in response to the notified search request, the management apparatus acquires the information about the acquisition method of the content, and the information processing terminal is provided. Therefore, with respect to the favorite content, the optimum acquisition method can be easily provided. And you can search quickly.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a search system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a portal server of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a user terminal shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a rental status management server in FIG.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the search system of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a user information registration screen.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another process of the search system of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a notification condition registration screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another display example of a notification condition registration screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another display example of the notification condition registration screen.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating still another process of the search system in FIG.

12 is a flowchart following FIG. 11 for explaining still another processing of the search system in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a search screen.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of search results.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of another search system to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of a notification condition registration screen.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another display example of a notification condition registration screen.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing still another display example of the notification condition registration screen.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display example of a notification condition registration screen.

20 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the search system of FIG.

21 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the search system of FIG.
It is a flowchart following 0.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another display example of the search screen.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another display example of search results.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration example of still another search system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the portal server of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the content provider terminal of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the search system in FIG.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a provider information registration screen.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a display example of a content registration screen.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating another process of the search system of FIG. 24.

31 is a flowchart illustrating another process of the search system of FIG. 24, following FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing still another display example of search results.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 portal server, 2 network, 3 user terminals, 4 rental status management server, 5 inventory management server, 6 program guide management server, 21 CP
U, 22 ROM, 23 RAM, 24 bus, 25
Input / output interface, 26 input section, 27 display section, 28 communication section, 29 storage section, 30 user information management section, 31 server information management section, 41 CP
U, 42 ROM, 43 RAM, 44 bus, 45
Input / output interface, 46 input section, 47 display section, 48 storage section, 49 communication section, 50 drive, 51 magnetic disk, 52 optical disk, 5
3 magneto-optical disk, 54 semiconductor memory, 71
CPU, 72 ROM, 73 RAM, 74 bus, 75
I / O interface, 76 input section, 77 display section, 78 storage section, 79 communication section, 80 management information database, 151 screening management server, 15
2 Distribution site management server 152 Shopping site management server

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An information providing method of a plurality of management devices for managing a content providing situation and an information providing device for communicating with a predetermined information processing terminal, comprising: obtaining a predetermined content transmitted from the information processing terminal. A receiving step of receiving a search request for information regarding a method, a condition storing step of storing a condition of notifying the search request notified from each of the plurality of management devices, and stored by the processing of the condition storing step. Based on the condition, the selection step of selecting the management device that notifies the search request received by the process of the reception step, and the search for the management device selected by the process of the selection step A notification step of notifying a request, and a previous step according to the search request notified by the processing of the notification step. To obtain information about how to obtain the retrieved the content in the management device, an information providing method characterized by including a providing step of providing the information processing terminal. 2. In the process of the selecting step, the condition stored by the process of the condition storing step and the information about the user of the information processing terminal are referred to, and the content managed by the management device is a content. The information providing method according to claim 1, wherein the management device is selected based on a content providing service required to use the service and a content providing service subscribed to by the user. 3. The information on the method of acquiring the content provided by the processing of the providing step includes information on the location of providing the content, information on the medium of the content, and information on the price required to acquire the content. The information providing method according to claim 1, wherein the method is provided at least. 4. A plurality of management devices that manage the provision status of contents, and an information providing device that communicates with a predetermined information processing terminal, wherein information about a method for acquiring the predetermined content transmitted from the information processing terminal is stored. Based on a receiving unit that receives a search request, a condition storage unit that stores a condition for notifying the search request that is notified from each of the plurality of management devices, and based on the condition stored by the condition storage unit. A selection unit that selects the management device that notifies the search request received by the reception unit; and the management device selected by the selection unit,
Notifying means for notifying the search request, and according to the search request notified by the notifying means,
An information providing apparatus, comprising: a providing unit that acquires information regarding an acquisition method of the content searched by the management apparatus and provides the information to the information processing terminal.