Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and information processing system

An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present technology performs a search for a recorded program and a program to be provided later to acquire a first search result in a case where a character string indicating content of an utterance of a user does not include a predetermined character string indicating the setting of the schedule recording of the program to be provided later and performs a search for the program to be provided later to acquire a second search result in a case where the character string includes the predetermined character string. In a case where a program whose schedule recording is to be set is selected from a display screen of the second search result, the information processing apparatus sets the schedule recording of the selected program without displaying a detail screen.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/JP2017/032750 filed Sep. 12, 2017, which claims the priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-186973 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Sep. 26, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and an information processing system, and more particularly to, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and an information processing system that enable a user to easily set the schedule recording of programs listed as search results.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, the accuracy of voice recognition has been improved. For example, some television sets can search for programs on the basis of the words uttered by the user through a microphone provided in a remote controller or the like.

The user selects a predetermined program from the programs listed as the search results to set the schedule recording of the program or to start the playback of a recorded program.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

In some cases, the content of words uttered by the user to search for a program includes information that can specify what the user is going to do with the searched program. For example, in a case where the user utters a sentence “Record next week's ◯◯◯◯ drama”, it can be presumed that the user intends to record drama programs related to “◯◯◯◯”.

The present technology has been made in view of such a situation and an object of the present technology is to provide a technique that enables a user to easily set the schedule recording of programs listed as search results.

Solutions to Problems

An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present technology includes: a program search unit that performs a search for a recorded program and a program to be provided later on the basis of a character string indicating content of an utterance of a user to acquire a first search result in a case where the character string does not include a first character string indicating setting of schedule recording of the program to be provided later and performs a search for the program to be provided later on the basis of the character string to acquire a second search result in a case where the character string includes the first character string; a display control unit that performs control such that a display screen of the first search result or a display screen of the second search result is displayed; and a setting unit that, in a case where a predetermined program to be provided later is selected as a program whose schedule recording is to be set from the display screen of the first search result, displays a detail screen including information related to the predetermined program, instead of the display screen of the first search result, and sets the schedule recording of the predetermined program; and, in a case where a program whose schedule recording is to be set is selected from the display screen of the second search result, sets the schedule recording of the selected program without displaying the detail screen.

In the aspect of the present technology, in a case where the character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user does not include the first character string indicating the setting of the schedule recording of the program to be provided later, a search is performed for the recorded program and the program to be provided later on the basis of the character string to acquire the first search result. In a case where a predetermined program to be provided later is selected as a program whose schedule recording is to be set from the display screen of the first search result, the detail screen including the information related to the predetermined program is displayed, instead of the display screen of the first search result, and the schedule recording of the predetermined program is set. In addition, in a case where the character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user includes the first character string, a search is performed for the program to be provided later on the basis of the character string to acquire the second search result. In a case where a program whose schedule recording is to be set is selected from the display screen of the second search result, the schedule recording of the selected program is set without displaying the detail screen.

Further, an information processing system according to another aspect of the present technology includes a server and an information processing apparatus. The server includes: a search unit that specifies a program whose schedule recording is to be set in a case where a character string indicating content of an utterance of a user includes a first character string indicating setting of the schedule recording of a program to be provided later; and a communication unit that transmits identification information of the specified program and a first command to set schedule recording to the information processing apparatus in a case where the program whose schedule recording is to be set is specified and transmits a search result of content based on the character string to the information processing apparatus in a case where the program whose schedule recording is to be set is not specified. In addition, the information processing apparatus includes: a communication unit that transmits audio data of the utterance to the server and receives information transmitted from the server; a program search unit that searches for a program on the basis of the character string transmitted from the server; a display control unit that performs control such that a display screen including the search result of the content and a search result of the program is displayed in a case where the search result of the content is transmitted from the server; and a setting unit that sets the schedule recording of a program identified by the identification information, without displaying the display screen, in a case where the identification information and the first command are transmitted from the server.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present technology, it is possible to easily set the schedule recording of programs listed as search results.

In addition, the effects described therein are not necessarily limited and may be any of the effects described in the present disclosure.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described. The description will be made in the following order.

1. Example of Configuration of Information Processing System

2. Example of Display of Search Result

3. First Search Example (Example of Search Using Character Strings with Different Granularities)

4. Second Search Example (Example in which Search Range is Refined According to Content of Utterance)

5. Third Search Example (Example in which Server Specifies Program)

6. Modification Examples

1. Example of Configuration of Information Processing System

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present technology.

An information processing system illustrated inFIG. 1has a configuration in which a television set1(hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a TV1) and a cooperation server2are connected to each other by a network3such as the Internet.

Communication is performed between the TV1and the cooperation server2through the network3. The network3may be any one of a wired network, a wireless network, and a combination of the wired network and the wireless network.

The TV1receives television broadcasting, such as terrestrial digital broadcasts, satellite broadcasts, or cable broadcasts. The TV1displays a video of a broadcast program on a display and outputs a voice of the program from a speaker. Programs may be provided through the network3.

In addition, the TV1has a function of recording a received program on an embedded recording medium or an external recording medium and a function of playing hack a recorded program. A recorder connected to the TV1may record programs.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example of an application structure of the TV1.

The TV1is provided with a TV operating system (OS). Various applications, such as a search application, a program playback application, a program recording application, and a program listing application, operate on the TV OS in cooperation with the TV OS.

The search application illustrated inFIG. 2is an application that searches for, for example, Web content. The content includes various kinds of digital data that can be used by a user and include moving images, still images, music, games, electronic books, applications, and two or more combinations thereof.

The program playback application is an application that plays back, for example, a program that is being broadcast and a recorded program. The program recording application is an application that records a program. The program listing application is an application that performs the display of an electronic program guide (EPG), the management of the schedule recording of programs, and the like.

Various modules including a program search module that cooperates with the search application are provided in the TV1. For example, the program search module performs a program search process of searching for a program inserted into the EPG, a program search process of searching for a recorded program, and the like. While the search application searches for Web content which is external content provided through the network3, the program search module can search for content in the TV1.

For example, the search application is software provided by a company that provides the TV OS. In contrast, the program search module is software provided by a company that is provided with software, such as the TV OS or the search application, and manufactures and sells the TV1.

These programs are executed to implement various functions, such as a program receiving function, a program recording function, a recorded program playback function, and a program search function.

The TV1having the various functions is operated by a remote controller4. The remote controller4transmits information indicating the content of an operation of the user to the TV1.

The remote controller4is provided with buttons used for various operations and a microphone. In a case where a microphone button is pressed, the remote controller4collects the user's voice through the microphone and transmits audio data to the TV1.

The TV1can search for various types of content including a program using a voice, which will be described below. Of course, the TV1can search for content, using a character string manually input by a button provided in the remote controller4. Next, a case where content is searched using a voice will be mainly described.

The cooperation server2is a server that is managed by a company providing the TV OS. The cooperation server2provides various functions, such as a Web content search function and a function of recognizing the voice transmitted from the TV1, to each apparatus including the TV1which is provided with the TV OS.

2. Example of Display of Search Result

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example of a search result screen.

For example, in a case where the user operates the remote controller4to perform the search function and utters words indicating a search key, the search result screen illustrated inFIG. 3is displayed on the display of the TV1.

A character string display field11which is a display field for a character string as a content search key is formed in an upper part of the search result screen. In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, a character string “a program in which XXX appears” is displayed. The TV1enables the user to search for content using a natural language that is used daily.

In a case where the user presses the microphone button of the remote controller4and utters words, the remote controller4transmits audio data to the TV1. The audio data transmitted to the TV1is transmitted to the cooperation server2and the cooperation server2performs voice recognition. The character string display field11is displayed on the basis of the result of the voice recognition transmitted from the cooperation server2.

A Web moving image region21, a program region22, and a movie region23are sequentially formed below the character string display field11from the upper side. Card-shaped images that indicate content listed as the search results are displayed side by side. Hereinafter, the card-shaped images indicating content are simply referred to as card images as appropriate.

The Web moving image region21is a region in which a row of card images indicating Web moving images are displayed. For example, the cooperation server2provides a service that distributes moving images posted by various users. The card images displayed in the Web moving image region21are images indicating moving images searched from the moving images distributed by the moving image distribution service of the cooperation server2.

The program region22is a region in which a row of card images indicating programs is displayed. Characters “Schedule terrestrial D” are displayed above the leftmost card image. The card images displayed in the program region22illustrated inFIG. 3are images indicating the programs whose schedule recording can be set and which have been searched from the programs that are currently being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast, that is, the programs to be broadcast later.

One card image indicating a program is divided into two upper and lower stages. A thumbnail image of the program is displayed in the upper stage of the card image and program information including a program name, a broadcasting date, and the like, and time is displayed in the lower stage.

The movie region23is a region in which a row of card images indicating Web movie content is displayed. For example, the cooperation server2also provides a service that downloads movie content or sells movie content using streaming. The card images displayed in the movie region23are images indicating movie content searched from the movie content sold by the cooperation server2.

In addition, dashed lines indicating the Web moving image region21, the program region22, and the movie region23are not actually displayed on the screen. Regions in which the search results of content in other categories are displayed are arranged below the movie region23, which is not displayed on the search result screen illustrated inFIG. 3. The user scrolls the display ranges to see the search results of content in other categories which are not displayed.

The search results displayed in the Web moving image region21and the movie region23are obtained by performing a search, collectively using the entire character string indicating the content of an utterance of the user, that is, the entire character string displayed in the character string display field11as a key, which will be described in detail below.

In contrast, the search results displayed in the program region22are obtained by performing a search using decomposed character strings obtained as the syntax analysis result of the character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user.

The results obtained by performing a search on the basis of the entire character string input by the user and the results obtained by performing a search on the basis of the decomposed character strings forming the character string are displayed on one search result screen.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating another example of the search result screen.

In some cases, a row of card images indicating the programs whose schedule recording can be set and a row of card images indicating the recorded programs are displayed in the program region22. Of the two rows of card images displayed in the program region22illustrated inFIG. 4, the lower row is a row of card images indicating the recorded programs. Characters “Terrestrial D recorded” are displayed above the leftmost card image indicating the recorded program.

In some cases, the row of card images indicating the programs whose schedule recording can be set is not displayed in the program region22and only the row of card images indicating the recorded programs is displayed in the program region22.

In a case where the search result screen is displayed, the user can operate the remote controller4to select predetermined content and can, for example, view a Web moving image, schedule the recording of a program, play back a recorded program, and download movie content. A card image indicating the content that is being selected is popped up and emphasized as illustrated in the leftmost Web moving image illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4.

3. First Search Example

Here, an example in which a search is performed on the basis of the entire character string input by the user and a search is performed on the basis of the decomposed character strings forming the character string will be described.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an example of syntax analysis.

As illustrated in the upper stage ofFIG. 5, for example, in a case where the user utters words “Next week's ◯◯◯◯ drama”, the cooperation server2performs voice recognition and generates a character string “Next week's ◯◯◯◯ drama”.

It is assumed that “◯◯◯◯” is a proper noun and is the name of a person such as the name of an actor. In this example, the user intends to search for the drama in which “◯◯◯◯” appears and which will be broadcast next week. The character string “Next week's ◯◯◯◯ drama” is transmitted from the cooperation server2to the TV1.

The search application of the TV1which has received the character string “Next week's ◯◯◯◯ drama” transmitted from the cooperation server2further acquires the search results of Web content. The search results of Web content are transmitted from the cooperation server2to the TV1, following the character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user.

The cooperation server2searches for a Web moving image and movie content, collectively using the entire character string “Next week's ◯◯◯◯ drama”, and transmits the search results to the TV1.

The TV1performs control such that a card image indicating the Web moving image obtained as the search result is displayed in the Web moving image region21of the search result screen and a card image indicating the movie content is displayed in the movie region23of the search result screen.

In addition, the TV1performs syntax analysis for the character string “Next week's ◯◯◯◯ drama”, as represented by an arrow inFIG. 5. A natural language spoken by the user is divided into morphemes which are the smallest meaningful units by the syntax analysis and parts of speech of each morpheme or the like are determined. In addition, for example, the morphemes are combined with each other to generate a decomposed character string with an attribute that is suitable for use in searching for a program.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 5, a decomposed character string “next week” with an attribute “tense”, a decomposed character string “◯◯◯◯” with an attribute “name”, and a decomposed character string “drama” with an attribute “genre” are generated on the basis of the character string “Next week's ◯◯◯◯ drama”.

The TV1sets search conditions on the basis of “next week”, “◯◯◯◯”, and “drama” obtained as the results of the syntax analysis and searches for a program. For example, the search conditions are set such that the program whose genre is drama and which will be broadcast next week on the basis of today is searched. The TV1performs control such that a card image indicating the program obtained as the search result is additionally displayed in the program region22of the search result screen.

With this configuration, the search result screen including the search results based on the entire character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user and the search results based on the decomposed character strings forming the character string, which has been described with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, is displayed.

<3-1. Example of Configuration of Each Apparatus>

<3-1-1. Configuration of TV1>

FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the TV1.

A broadcast receiving unit101receives a broadcast wave signal supplied from an antenna (not illustrated), performs various types of processing, such as A/D conversion and demodulation, and outputs program data to a decoder102.

The decoder102decodes a video stream forming the program data such that a video of the program is displayed on a display103such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display. In addition, the decoder102decodes an audio stream forming the program data such that a voice of the program is output from a speaker104in synchronization with the video.

A central processing unit (CPU)106, a read only memory (ROM)107, and a random access memory (RAM)108are connected to each other by a bus105. The CPU106executes a program recorded on the ROM107or a recording unit109using the RAM108to control the overall operation of the TV1.

The recording unit109is a recording medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The recording unit109records content, such as a broadcast program, and various types of data, such as EPG data and a program.

A communication unit110is an interface of the network3. The communication unit110communicates with the cooperation server2.

An operation I/F unit111receives data transmitted from the remote controller4and outputs the data to the CPU106through the bus105.

FIG. 7is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the TV1.

The CPU106illustrated inFIG. 6executes each program illustrated inFIG. 2to implement at least some of the functional units illustrated inFIG. 7.

In a case where the program whose schedule recording has been set starts to be broadcast with reference to information recorded on a program information recording unit125, a recording control unit121controls the broadcast receiving unit101such that data of the program to be recorded is acquired. Information related to the schedule recording of a program is recorded on the program information recording unit125. The recording control unit121outputs the acquired data of the program to a recorded program recording unit122such that the recorded program recording unit122records the data.

For example, the program recording application is executed to implement the recording control unit121.

The recorded program recording unit122is implemented in the recording unit109. The recorded program recording unit122records the data of the program supplied from the recording control unit121and manages the data as a recorded program.

A playback control unit123reads the data of a program to which an instruction for playback is given from the recorded programs recorded on the recorded program recording unit122and outputs the data to the decoder102such that the data is played back.

A broadcast wave reception control unit124controls the reception of broadcast waves by the broadcast receiving unit101. In addition, the broadcast wave reception control unit124extracts EPG data from the broadcast wave signal received by the broadcast receiving unit101such that the EPG data is recorded on the program information recording unit125.

For example, the program playback application is executed to implement the playback control unit123and the broadcast wave reception control unit124.

The program information recording unit125is implemented in the recording unit109. The program information recording unit125records the EPG data supplied from the broadcast wave reception control unit124and information related to schedule recording supplied from a schedule recording management unit126.

The schedule recording management unit126sets the schedule recording of a predetermined program in response to an operation of the user and directs the program information recording unit125to record information indicating the content of the program.

For example, the program listing application is executed to implement the schedule recording management unit126.

A program search unit127outputs a character string supplied from a character string acquisition unit129to a syntax analysis unit131such that the syntax analysis unit131performs syntax analysis. The program search unit127searches for a program, using the decomposed character strings supplied as the result of the syntax analysis from the syntax analysis unit131as search keys.

Specifically, the program search unit127searches for a program from the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast, with reference to the EPG data recorded on the program information recording unit125. In addition, the program search unit127searches for the recorded program recorded on the recorded program recording unit122. The program search unit127outputs information related to the searched program to a display control unit132.

For example, the program search module is executed to implement the program search unit127.

An audio data receiving unit128controls the operation I/F unit111such that the audio data indicating the content of the utterance of the user which has been transmitted from the remote controller4is received. The audio data receiving unit128outputs the received audio data to the character string acquisition unit129.

The character string acquisition unit129controls the communication unit110such that the received audio data is transmitted to the cooperation server2. In addition, the character string acquisition unit129acquires a character string transmitted from the cooperation server2in response to the transmission of the audio data. The character string acquisition unit129outputs the acquired character string to the program search unit127and a Web content search unit130.

In addition, in a case where a character string as a search key is manually input by the user, the operation I/F unit111receives the character string transmitted from the remote controller4and the character string acquisition unit129acquires the character string.

The Web content search unit130controls the communication unit110such that the search results of Web content transmitted from the cooperation server2are acquired. The Web content search unit130outputs the search results of the Web content to the display control unit132.

The TV1may transmit a character string to the cooperation server2and the cooperation server2may search for Web content in response to the transmission of the character string and the cooperation server2may transmit the search result to the TV1. In this case, the Web content search unit130transmits the character string supplied from the character string acquisition unit129to the cooperation server2and acquires the search results of Web content.

The syntax analysis unit131performs syntax analysis for the character string supplied from the program search unit127and outputs decomposed character strings to the program search unit127. The syntax analysis unit131has information used for natural language processing.

The display control unit132performs control such that a search result screen is displayed on the display103on the basis of the search result supplied from the program search unit127and the search result supplied from the Web content search unit130.

For example, the search application is executed to implement the audio data receiving unit128, the character string acquisition unit129, the Web content search unit130, and the display control unit132surrounded by a dashed line L1.

<3-1-2. Configuration of Cooperation Server2>

FIG. 8is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the cooperation server2.

A CPU201, a ROM202, and a RAM203are connected to each other by a bus204. In addition, an input/output interface205is connected to the bus204.

An input unit206including, for example, a keyboard and a mouse and an output unit207including, for example, a display and a speaker are connected to the input/output interface205. In addition, a recording unit208, such as a hard disk or a non-volatile memory, a communication unit209that is, for example, a network interface and communicates with the TV1, and a drive210that drives a removable medium211are connected to the input/output interface205.

FIG. 9is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the cooperation server2.

The CPU201illustrated inFIG. 8executes a predetermined program to implement at least some of the functional units illustrated inFIG. 9. In the cooperation server2, an audio data acquisition unit221, a voice recognition unit222, and a search unit223are implemented.

The audio data acquisition unit221controls the communication unit209to acquire the audio data transmitted from the TV1. The audio data acquisition unit221outputs the acquired audio data to the voice recognition unit222.

The voice recognition unit222performs voice recognition for the audio data supplied from the audio data acquisition unit221. The voice recognition unit222controls the communication unit209such that a character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user is transmitted to the TV1. In addition, the voice recognition unit222outputs the character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user to the search unit223.

The search unit223searches for Web content on the basis of the character string transmitted from the voice recognition unit222or the character string appropriately transmitted from the TV1. The data of various types of content, such as the data of a Web moving image distributed by a moving image distribution service provided by the cooperation server2and movie content transmitted by a content sales service provided by the cooperation server2, is recorded on the recording unit208. The search unit223controls the communication unit209such that the search results are transmitted to the TV1.

In this example, the functions of the cooperation server2are implemented by one computer. However, the functions of the cooperation server2may be dispersively implemented by a plurality of computers. In a case where the functions of the cooperation server2are dispersively implemented by a plurality of computers, each configuration illustrated inFIG. 9is implemented by the plurality of computers and the processes are cooperatively performed.

<3-2. Example of Operation of Information Processing System>

Here, the operation of the TV1and the cooperation server2having the above-mentioned configurations will be described with reference to a sequence diagram illustrated inFIG. 10.

For example, in a case where the microphone collects the user's voice “Next week's ◯◯◯◯ drama”, in step S1, the remote controller4transmits the collected audio data to the TV1.

In step S11, the audio data receiving unit128of the TV1receives the audio data transmitted from the remote controller4. The received audio data is supplied to the character string acquisition unit129.

In step S12, the character string acquisition unit129transmits the audio data to the cooperation server2.

In step S51, the audio data acquisition unit221of the cooperation server2receives the audio data transmitted from the TV1. The received audio data is supplied to the voice recognition unit222.

In step S52, the voice recognition unit222performs voice recognition on the basis of the audio data to generate a character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user. The character string obtained by the voice recognition is supplied to the search unit223.

In step S53, the voice recognition unit222transmits the character string obtained by the voice recognition to the TV1.

The search unit223searches for Web content on the basis of the entire character string obtained by the voice recognition in step S54and transmits the search result to the TV1in step S55.

In step S13, the character string acquisition unit129of the TV1receives the character string transmitted from the cooperation server2in step S53. In addition, in step S14, the Web content search unit130of the TV1receives the search results transmitted from the cooperation server2in step S55. The search results received by the Web content search unit130are supplied to the display control unit132.

In step S15, the character string acquisition unit129outputs the character string transmitted from the cooperation server2to the program search unit127.

In step S16, the display control unit132performs control such that the search result screen on which card images indicating the searched Web content are arranged side by side is displayed on the display103on the basis of the search results supplied from the Web content search unit130. In this case, card images indicating the searched Web moving images are displayed in the Web moving image region21and card images indicating movie content are displayed in the movie region23.

The program search unit127receives the character string supplied from the character string acquisition unit129in step S31and outputs the character string to the syntax analysis unit131in step S32.

The syntax analysis unit131receives the character string supplied from the program search unit127in step S41and performs syntax analysis in step S42.

In step S43, the syntax analysis unit131outputs decomposed character strings acquired as the result of the syntax analysis to the program search unit127together with the attribute information of each decomposed character string.

The program search unit127receives the information supplied from the syntax analysis unit131in step S33and searches for a program from the programs that are being broadcast, the programs scheduled to be broadcast, and the recorded programs on the basis of the decomposed character strings in step S34. For example, search conditions are set by the decomposed character strings and a program is searched.

In step S35, the program search unit127outputs information related to the searched program to the display control unit132together with information for specifying an application that starts in a case in which each program is selected. For example, for the searched program that is being broadcast and the searched program scheduled to be broadcast, information indicating the program listing application is output as an application that starts in a case in which the programs are selected. In addition, for the searched recorded program, information indicating the program playback application is output as an application that starts in a case in which the program is selected.

The display control unit132receives the information supplied from the program search unit127in step S17and performs controls such that a card image of the searched program is added and displayed on the search result screen in step S18.

With this configuration, a row of card images indicating the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast or/and a row of card images indicating the recorded programs are displayed in the program region22in addition to the display of the Web moving image region21and the movie region23. Then, a series of processes for displaying the search result screen ends.

In a case where the user selects one of the card images indicating the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast, which are displayed in the program region22, the program listing application starts and, for example, the detailed information of the program is displayed. Then, the schedule recording management unit126sets the schedule recording of the selected program.

In addition, in a case where the user selects one of the card images indicating the recorded programs displayed in the program region22, the program playback application starts and the data of the selected recorded program is read from the recorded program recording unit122. The read data is supplied to the playback control unit123and the recorded program starts to be played back.

The information of Web content searched on the basis of the entire character string input by the user and the information of the program searched on the basis of the decomposed character strings forming the character string are displayed on one search result screen by the above-mentioned series of processes.

Among the programs to be searched, some programs are not found in a case where a search is performed using the entire character string and are found in a case where a search is performed using the decomposed character strings. In addition, in a case where a program is searched using the entire character string, a program which is not related to “◯◯◯◯” that the user is looking for may be searched on the basis of on a character string other than “◯◯◯◯”.

Since a search is performed using the decomposed character strings, it is possible to search for a program with high accuracy according to the intention of the user.

In this embodiment, a program is searched using the decomposed character strings. However, Web content may be searched using the decomposed character strings.

In addition, the process in each step described with reference toFIG. 10is appropriately performed in parallel to the processes in other steps or before and after the processes in other steps. This is similar to processes in sequence diagrams which will be described below.

4. Second Search Example

In some cases, it is possible to specify whether or not the user intends to search for a program from the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast and to set the schedule recording of the program or the user intends to search for a program from the recorded programs and to view the program, on the basis of the content of the utterance of the user.

In a case where the intention of the user is specified, a method for presenting the search result and the flow of screen display may be switched according to the intention of the user.

FIGS. 11 and 12are diagrams illustrating an example of the specification of the intention of the user.

In a case where the user utters a word with a specific attribute following a word “recorded” as illustrated in an upper stage ofFIG. 11, it is specified that the user intends to view a recorded program which is related to the word uttered after the word “recorded”. In this example, in a case where the user utters a word with at least one of attributes “tense”, “person's name”, “program name”, “genre”, or “broadcasting station name” following the word “recorded”, the intention of the user is specified.

In a case where syntax analysis is performed for a character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user to detect that the user has uttered a word with a specific attribute following the word “recorded”, a recorded program list display command is output from the syntax analysis unit131to the program search unit127as represented by an arrow. The recorded program list display command is a command to display the search results of the recorded program.

The program search unit127that has received the recorded program list display command searches for a program from only the recorded programs. A recorded program searched on the basis of the decomposed character strings is displayed as the search result on the search result screen, following the word “recorded”, and the program that is being broadcast and the program scheduled to be broadcast are not displayed.

For example, in a case where the user utters a character string “I want to view the recorded ΔΔΔΔ” as illustrated in a lower stage ofFIG. 11, the syntax analysis unit131performs syntax analysis for the character string and both a word “ΔΔΔΔ” with the attribute “program name” and the recorded program list display command are supplied to the program search unit127. Here, it is assumed that “ΔΔΔΔ” is a proper noun indicating a program name.

The program search unit127searches for programs from only the recorded programs on the basis of “ΔΔΔΔ”. The search results of the recorded programs having the “ΔΔΔΔ” as the “program name” are displayed on the program search screen.

In a case where the user utters any one of the words “schedule”, “record”, and “schedule recording” following the word with a specific attribute as illustrated in an upper stage ofFIG. 12, it is specified that the user intends to set the schedule recording of the program that is being broadcast and the program scheduled to be recorded, which are related to the word uttered before, for example, the word “schedule”. In this example, in a case where the user utters, for example, the word “schedule” following a word with at least one of the attributes “tense”, “person's name”, “program name”, “genre”, or “broadcasting station name”, the intention of the user is specified.

In addition, in a case where the user utters words “schedule and”, the similar process as that in a case where the user utters the word “schedule” is performed. Further, in a case where the user utters words “record and”, the similar process as that in a case where the user utters the word “record” is performed.

In a case where syntax analysis is performed for a character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user to detect that the user has uttered, for example, the word “schedule” following a word with a specific attribute, a schedule recording setting command is output from the syntax analysis unit131to the program search unit127as represented by an arrow. The schedule recording setting command is a command to display search results of the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast, of which the schedule recording can be set.

The program search unit127that has received the schedule recording setting command searches for a program from only the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast. The programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast, which have been searched on the basis of the decomposed character strings before, for example, the word “schedule”, are displayed as the search results on the search result screen and no recorded programs are displayed.

For example, in a case where the user utters a character string “Record next week's ◯◯◯◯ drama” as illustrated in a lower stage ofFIG. 12, the syntax analysis unit131performs syntax analysis for the character string. In addition, a decomposed character string “next week” with an attribute “tense”, a decomposed character string “◯◯◯◯” with an attribute “person's name”, and a decomposed character string “drama” with an attribute “genre” as the result of the syntax analysis and the schedule recording setting command are supplied to the program search unit127.

The program search unit127searches for programs from only the “drama” programs to be broadcast “next week” on the basis of “◯◯◯◯”. The search results of the programs in which “◯◯◯◯” appears are displayed on the program search screen.

As such, the TV1can specify the intention of the user from the uttered content and change a method for presenting the search result.

That is, in a case where the user intends to search for a program from the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast and to set the schedule recording of the program, the search range is refined and the search results of the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast are displayed. In addition, in a case where the user intends to search for a program from the recorded programs and to view the program, the search range is refined and the search results of the recorded programs are displayed.

This configuration in which a method for presenting the search results is changed makes it possible to display the search result screen that is intuitive and easy to understand for the user.

<4-1. Example of Screen Transition>

FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of screen display.

Screen #1illustrated at the left end ofFIG. 13is a screen of a program that is being viewed. For example, in a case where the user presses the microphone button of the remote controller4in this state, the TV1is changed to a state in which it waits for the input of the user's voice as represented by an arrow A1. The display of the display103is switched to screen #2which is a voice standby screen.

The audio data transmitted from the remote controller4is transmitted to the cooperation server2and the character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user is acquired. In addition, syntax analysis is performed for the character string transmitted from the cooperation server2in the TV1and decomposed character strings are acquired. The recorded program list display command or the schedule recording setting command is appropriately output from the syntax analysis unit131to the program search unit127according to the content of the decomposed character strings.

In a case where the recorded program list display command or the schedule recording setting command is not included in the result of the syntax analysis output from the syntax analysis unit131, the display of the display103is switched to search result screen #3in which the program search range has not been refined, as represented by an arrow A2. The search result screen #3is similar to the screen that has been described with reference toFIG. 4and includes the search results of the programs that are being broadcast, the programs scheduled to be broadcast, and the recorded programs.

In a case where a predetermined program is selected from the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast on the search result screen #3, the display of the display103is switched to program detail screen #4as represented by an arrow A3. The program detail screen #4is a screen that includes detailed information such as the content and broadcasting date and time of the program selected by the user. The program detail screen #4is displayed on the basis of, for example, the EPG recorded on the program information recording unit125.

For example, a schedule recording button that is operated to set the schedule recording of the program whose detailed information is being displayed, a schedule viewing button that is operated to schedule viewing, and a return button that is operated to return to the search result screen #3are displayed on the program detail screen #4.

For example, in a case where the schedule recording button is operated, the display of the display103is switched to scheduled content confirmation screen #5as represented by an arrow A4. For example, scheduled content and a confirmation button that is operated to confirm the schedule are displayed on the scheduled content confirmation screen #5.

In a case where the confirmation button is operated, the schedule recording of the program is completed and information indicating the content of the program is recorded on the program information recording unit125as represented by an arrow A5. The display of the display103is switched to the program detail screen #4as represented by an arrow A6. In a case where the return button is operated on the program detail screen #4, the display of the display103returns to the search result screen #3as represented by an arrow A7.

In a case where a predetermined recorded program is selected on the search result screen #3, the display of the display103is switched to program playback screen #6as represented by an arrow A8. The data of the recorded program is read from the recorded program recording unit122and the recorded program is played back by the playback control unit123.

In a case where the playback of the program ends as represented by an arrow A9, the display of the display103returns to the search result screen #3as represented by an arrow A10.

In a case where the recorded program list display command or the schedule recording setting command is not included in the result of the syntax analysis output from the syntax analysis unit131, the display of the display103at the time of the setting of schedule recording is switched as surrounded by a dashed line L11.

In contrast, in a case where the recorded program list display command or the schedule recording setting command is included in the result of the syntax analysis output from the syntax analysis unit131, the display of the display103is switched to search result screen #7in which the program search range has been refined as represented by an arrow A11.

The search result screen #7is a screen including the search results of the recorded programs in a case where the recorded program list display command is output and is a screen including the search results of the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast in a case where the schedule recording setting command is output.

In a case where the command output from the syntax analysis unit131is the schedule recording setting command and a predetermined program is selected from the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast on the search result screen #7, the schedule recording of the program is completed and information indicating the content of the program is recorded on the program information recording unit125as represented by an arrow A12. That is, in this case, since it is specified that the user intends to set the schedule recording of the program, for example, the program detail screen #4is not displayed.

As represented by an arrow A13, the search result screen #7is continuously displayed on the display103even while the program is scheduled. The user can successively set the schedule recording of a plurality of programs only by selecting a program from a list of the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast on the search result screen #7.

In a case where the command output from the syntax analysis unit131is the recorded program list display command and a predetermined recorded program is selected on the search result screen #7, the display of the display103is switched to the program playback screen #6as represented by an arrow A14. The data of the recorded program is read from the recorded program recording unit122and the recorded program is played back by the playback control unit123.

In a case where the playback of the program ends, the display of the display103returns to the search result screen #7as represented by an arrow A15.

As such, in a case where the schedule recording setting command is included in the result of the syntax analysis output from the syntax analysis unit131, the display of the display103at the time of the setting of schedule recording is switched as surrounded by a dashed line L12.

In particular, since the display of the screen until schedule recording is set is switched according to the intention of the user specified from the uttered content as described above, the user can easily set the schedule recording of the programs listed as the search results.

<4-2. Example of Operation of Information Processing System>

Here, the operation of the TV1and the cooperation server2implementing the screen display illustrated inFIG. 13will be described with reference to a sequence diagram illustrated inFIG. 14.

The process illustrated inFIG. 14starts in a case where the TV1receives audio data transmitted from the remote controller4. In addition, a process in steps S101to S105, S121to S123, and S141to143in the TV1illustrated inFIG. 14is similar to the process in steps S12to S16, S31to S33, and S41to43illustrated inFIG. 10, respectively. Further, a process in steps S151to S155in the cooperation server2illustrated inFIG. 14is similar to the process in steps S51to S55illustrated inFIG. 10. The description of overlapping content will be appropriately omitted.

In step S101, the character string acquisition unit129of the TV1transmits the audio data, which has been transmitted from the remote controller4and then received by the audio data receiving unit128, to the cooperation server2.

In step S151, the audio data acquisition unit221of the cooperation server2receives the audio data transmitted from the TV1.

In step S152, the voice recognition unit222performs voice recognition to generate a character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user.

In step S153, the voice recognition unit222transmits the character string obtained by the voice recognition to the TV1.

The search unit223searches for Web content on the basis of the entire character string obtained by the voice recognition in step S154and transmits the search result to the TV1in step S155.

In step S102, the character string acquisition unit129of the TV1receives the character string transmitted from the cooperation server2in step S153. In addition, in step S103, the Web content search unit130of the TV1receives the search results transmitted from the cooperation server2in step S155.

In step S104, the character string acquisition unit129outputs the character string transmitted from the cooperation server2to the program search unit127.

In step S105, the display control unit132performs control such that the search result screen, on which card images indicating Web content are arranged side by side, is displayed on the display103on the basis of the search results supplied from the Web content search unit130.

Meanwhile, the program search unit127receives the character string supplied from the character string acquisition unit129in step S121and outputs the character string to the syntax analysis unit131in step S122.

The syntax analysis unit131receives the character string supplied from the program search unit127in step S141and performs syntax analysis in step S142. The syntax analysis unit131detects whether or not the user utters a word with a specific attribute following the word “recorded” or utters a word “schedule” following a word with a specific attribute, on the basis of the result of the syntax analysis.

In step S143, the syntax analysis unit131outputs the decomposed character strings acquired as the result of the syntax analysis to the program search unit127together with the attribute information of each decomposed character string. The transmitted result of the syntax analysis includes the recorded program list display command in a case where it is detected that a word with a specific attribute is uttered following the word “recorded”. In addition, the transmitted result of the syntax analysis includes the schedule recording setting command in a case where it is detected that, for example, the word “schedule” is uttered following a word with a specific attribute.

In step S123, the program search unit127receives the information supplied from the syntax analysis unit131.

In a case where the recorded program list display command or the schedule recording setting command is not included in the received information, in step S124, the program search unit127searches for a program from the programs that are being broadcast, the programs scheduled to be broadcast, and the recorded programs on the basis of the decomposed character strings.

In step S125, the program search unit127outputs information related to the searched programs to the display control unit132together with information for specifying applications that start in a case where each program is selected.

In contrast, in a case where the recorded program list display command or the schedule recording setting command is included in the received information, in step S126, the program search unit127sets the program search range according to the type of command. In a case where the command supplied from the syntax analysis unit131is the recorded program list display command, the recorded programs are set as the search range. In a case where the command is the schedule recording setting command, the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast are set as the search range.

In step S127, the program search unit127searches for a program from the programs in the set search range on the basis of the decomposed character strings.

In step S128, the program search unit127outputs information related to the searched programs to the display control unit132together with information for specifying applications that start in a case where each program is selected.

In step S106, the display control unit132receives the search results output in step S125. In step S107, the display control unit132receives the search results output in step S128.

In step S108, the display control unit132performs control such that the card images of the searched programs are added and displayed on the search result screen. For example, in a case where the syntax analysis unit131outputs the recorded program list display command, a row of the recorded programs is added to the program region22and is then displayed. In a case where the syntax analysis unit131outputs the schedule recording setting command, a row of the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast is added to the program region22and is then displayed. Then, the screen display is switched as described with reference toFIG. 13.

As described above, in a case where a voice search is performed to view the recorded programs, only the recorded programs are displayed as the search results. Therefore, the user can easily select a program to view.

In addition, in a case where a voice search is performed to set the schedule recording of the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast, only the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast are displayed as the search results. Therefore, the user can easily select a program to record. In a case where the user selects a program to record, for example, a detail screen is not displayed and schedule recording is directly set. Therefore, the user can easily set the schedule recording of a program.

In a case where the schedule recording of another program, whose broadcasting time overlaps the broadcasting time of a program selected for schedule recording, has been set, a dialog box301for providing notification of the fact is displayed on the search result screen as illustrated inFIG. 15.

A button that is operated in a case where the user selects not to set the schedule recording of the selected program and a button that is operated in a case where the schedule recording of the selected program is set are displayed in the dialog box301illustrated inFIG. 15.

The display of the dialogue box enables the user to confirm that the schedule recording of another program whose broadcasting time overlaps has already been set even in a case where a program detail screen or a screen for confirming scheduled content is not displayed.

FIG. 16is a diagram illustrating another example of the display of the search result screen.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 16, a card image311that is selected in a case where a schedule list is displayed side by side with card images indicating the searched programs is displayed at the right end of a row of the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast. In a case where the card image311is selected, the schedule list is displayed on the display103.

The schedule list is a list of the programs whose schedule recording has been set. The schedule recording of programs can be modified or canceled from the schedule list.

Since the setting of schedule recording is completed only by selecting the card image of the program, the user is likely to set schedule recording by mistake. For this reason, a card image for displaying the schedule list is displayed to ensure a guide line to the schedule list on the search result screen. In this case, the user can easily modify the setting of schedule recording.

FIG. 17is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of screen display.

Search result screen #21illustrated inFIG. 17is the same as the screen illustrated inFIG. 16. In a case where the card image311is selected, the schedule list is displayed instead of the search result screen #21as represented by an arrow A21. The schedule list may be displayed so as to be superimposed on the search result screen #21.

In a case where only the recorded programs are displayed as the search results, a guide line to a recorded program list is ensured on the search result screen #21. The recorded program list is a list of the recorded programs. The recorded program list is displayed on the basis of, for example, the information recorded on the recorded program recording unit122.

In this case, a card image that is selected in a case where the recorded program list is displayed side by side with card images indicating the searched programs is displayed at the right end of a row of the recorded programs. In a case where the card image for displaying the recorded program list is selected, the recorded program list is displayed instead of the search result screen #21as represented by an arrow A22illustrated inFIG. 17.

As such, a guide line to other screens, such as the schedule list or the recorded program list, may be prepared on the search result screen.

5. Third Search Example

It is specified whether or not the user intends to view a recorded program or to set the schedule recording of a program that is being broadcast or a program scheduled to be broadcast, on the basis of the words uttered by the user. However, the program intended by the user may also be specified. In this case, information used to specify the program is managed by the cooperation server2and the program intended by the user is specified by the cooperation server2.

For example, in a case where it is specified that the user intends to view a recorded program, the cooperation server2transmits a command to start the playback of the specified program to the TV1. The TV1starts to play back the recorded program specified by the cooperation server2, without displaying the search result screen.

In addition, in a case where it is specified that the user intends to set the schedule recording of the program that is being broadcast and the program scheduled to be broadcast, the cooperation server2transmits a command to set the schedule recording of the specified program to the TV1. The TV1sets the schedule recording of the program specified by the cooperation server2, without displaying the search result screen.

<5-1. Example of Screen Transition>

FIG. 18is a diagram illustrating another example of the flow of screen display.

Screen #31illustrated at the left end ofFIG. 18is a screen of a program that is being viewed. For example, in a case where the user presses the microphone button of the remote controller4in this state, the TV1is changed to a state in which it waits for the input of the user's voice as represented by an arrow A31. The display of the display103is switched to screen #32which is a voice standby screen.

Audio data transmitted from the remote controller4is transmitted to the cooperation server2and a character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user is acquired. The cooperation server2specifies the program intended by the user and the type of process for the program, on the basis of the acquired character string.

For example, the program is specified by detecting a program name included in the character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user. The cooperation server2manages the names of various programs.

In addition, for example, the type of process for the program is specified by detecting that the user has uttered the word “schedule” following a word with a specific attribute or by detecting that the user has uttered a word with a specific attribute following the word “recorded”. The cooperation server2appropriately performs syntax analysis.

In a case where the program intended by the user is not capable of being specified, but the type of process for a certain program is specified, the recorded program list display command or the schedule recording setting command is transmitted from the cooperation server2to the TV1.

The switching of screen display in this case is performed according to the procedure surrounded by a dashed line L12as represented by an arrow A32. Screen display surrounded by the dashed line L12illustrated inFIG. 18is similar to the screen display surrounded by the dashed line L12illustrated inFIG. 13.

That is, in a case where the user utters the word “schedule” or the like following a word with a specific attribute, the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast, which have been searched on the basis of the decomposed character strings, are displayed on the search result screen. In a case where a predetermined program is selected from the programs that are being broadcast and the programs scheduled to be broadcast, schedule recording is set, without displaying the program detail screen, as represented by an arrow A12.

In addition, in a case where the user utters a word with a specific attribute following the word “recorded”, the recorded programs searched on the basis of the decomposed character strings are displayed on the search result screen. In a case where a predetermined program is selected from the recorded programs as the search results, the recorded program starts to be played back as represented by an arrow A14.

In a case where the program intended by the user and the setting of schedule recording as the type of process for the program are specified, the display of the display103is switched to scheduled content confirmation screen #33as represented by an arrow A33.

The scheduled content confirmation screen #33is a screen that presents the content of the schedule recording of the program specified from the content of the utterance of the user. For example, scheduled content and a confirmation button that is operated to confirm the schedule are displayed on the scheduled content confirmation screen #33.

In a case where the confirmation button is operated, the schedule recording of the program is completed as represented by an arrow A34and information indicating the content of the schedule recording is recorded on the program information recording unit125. Then, the display of the display103returns to, for example, the screen #31. In a case where the program intended by the user and the setting of schedule recording as the type of process for the program are specified, schedule recording may be set, without displaying the scheduled content confirmation screen #33.

Further, in a case where the program intended by the user and the viewing of the recorded program as the type of process for the program are specified, the display of the display103is switched to the program playback screen #6as represented by an arrow A35. The recorded program recording unit122reads the data of the recorded program and the playback control unit123plays back the recorded program.

As such, in a case where the program intended by the user and the type of process for the program are specified, the display of the display103is switched as surrounded by a dashed line L21.

With this configuration, the user can directly start the playback of a recorded program or can directly set the schedule recording of a program, without operating the search result screen, using words similar to conversation.

<5-2. Example of Operation of Information Processing System>

Here, the operation of the TV1and the cooperation server2implementing the above-mentioned screen display will be described with reference to a sequence diagram illustrated inFIG. 19.

The process illustrated inFIG. 19start in a case where the TV1receives audio data transmitted from the remote controller4.

In step S211, the character string acquisition unit129of the TV1transmits the audio data, which has been transmitted from the remote controller4and then received by the audio data receiving unit128, to the cooperation server2.

In step S231, the audio data acquisition unit221of the cooperation server2receives the audio data transmitted from the TV1.

In step S232, the voice recognition unit222performs voice recognition on the basis of the audio data to generate a character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user. In addition, the voice recognition unit222performs appropriate syntax analysis for the generated character string. The voice recognition unit222specifies the type of process for a program on the basis of the character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user.

In step S233, the search unit223specifies a program intended by the user, for example, by using a character string indicating a program name obtained by the syntax analysis. The description will be made assuming that the program intended by the user has been specified. In a case where the program has not been specified, the similar process as that described with reference toFIG. 14is performed.

In a case where a program that is being broadcast or a program scheduled to be broadcast is specified as the program intended by the user and the setting of schedule recording is specified as the type of process for the program, in step S234, the search unit223transmits program information and a schedule recording setting command to the TV1. The program information includes the identification information of the program intended by the user.

In step S201, the schedule recording management unit126of the TV1receives the information transmitted from the cooperation server2. The display control unit132displays a scheduled content confirmation screen on the basis of the information transmitted from the cooperation server2. The units illustrated inFIG. 7are connected to each other by paths (not illustrated) other than the paths represented by arrows inFIG. 7.

In a case where the confirmation of the schedule recording of the program is selected, in step S202, the schedule recording management unit126sets the schedule recording of the program identified by the identification information.

In contrast, in a case where a recorded program is specified as the program intended by the user and viewing is specified as the type of process for the program, in step S235, the search unit223transmits program information and a playback command to the TV1.

The schedule recording management unit126of the TV1receives the information transmitted from the cooperation server2in step S203and inquires of the program search unit127whether or not the program specified by the cooperation server2has been recorded in step S204. The inquiry from the schedule recording management unit126to the program search unit127includes the identification information of the program.

In step S221, the program search unit127receives the inquiry from the schedule recording management unit126.

The program search unit127searches for the program specified by the cooperation server2from the recorded programs recorded on the recorded program recording unit122in step S222and outputs the inquiry result to the schedule recording management unit126in step S223. Here, it is assumed that the program specified by the cooperation server2, that is, the program intended by the user has been recorded.

In step S205, the schedule recording management unit126receives the inquiry result supplied from the program search unit127.

In step S206, the schedule recording management unit126directs the playback control unit123to start to play back the program specified by the cooperation server2and to end the process.

The above-mentioned process makes it possible for the user to directly start the playback of a recorded program, without operating the search result screen, or to directly set the schedule recording of a program.

In the above description, the cooperation server2specifies the program intended by the user and the type of process for the program. However, the TV1may perform the specification.

In addition, the processes of the TV1that can be performed by voices are the setting of schedule recording and the playback of a recorded program. However, other types of processes, such as the setting of schedule viewing and the dubbing of a recorded program, may be performed by voices. In addition, other types of processes, such as the playback and purchase of Web content, may be performed by voices.

6. Modification Examples

In the above description, the TV1as an information processing apparatus and the cooperation server2form the information processing system. However, other apparatuses that can receive broadcast waves and the cooperation server2may form the information processing system.

For example, the information processing system can be formed by using a set-top box without a display for displaying content, a recording device, such as a hard disk recorder, or a portable terminal, such as a tablet terminal, instead of the TV1.

In addition, at least some of the functions of the TV1may be provided in an apparatus outside the TV1. For example, the function of the syntax analysis unit131among the functions illustrated inFIG. 7may be provided in an external server and the TV1may perform each of the above-mentioned processes in cooperation with the external server. In addition, the recording unit109or a recorder may also be provided in the external server. Further, content may not be provided by broadcast waves, but may be provided from the external server through the Internet.

In addition, at least some of the functions illustrated inFIG. 7may be provided in a portable terminal, such as a smart phone, that can communicate with the TV1and each of the above-mentioned processes may be performed by the TV1and the portable terminal.

Further, in the above description, the information processing system processes the character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user. However, the information processing system may be configured so as to process a character string input by, for example, the user through a keyboard or by a touch operation of the user, in addition to the content of the utterance of the user.

In the specification, the system means a set of a plurality of components (for example, apparatuses and modules (parts)). However, it does not matter whether or not all of the components are provided in the same housing. Therefore, the system includes a plurality of apparatuses that are accommodated in separate housings and are connected to each other through a network and one apparatus having a plurality of modules accommodated in one housing.

The series of processes may be performed by hardware or software. In a case where the series of processes is performed by software, a program forming the software is installed in, for example, a computer that is incorporated into dedicated hardware or a general-purpose personal computer.

The program to be installed is recorded on the removable medium211illustrated inFIG. 8which is, for example, an optical disk (for example, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile disc (DVD)) or a semiconductor memory and is then provided. In addition, the program may be provided through a wired or wireless transmission medium, such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting. The program can be installed in the ROM202or the recording unit208in advance.

In addition, the program executed by the computer may be a program that is processed in time series along the order described in the specification or a program that is processed in parallel or at a necessary time such as at the time when a call is made.

The embodiment of the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be changed in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the present technology.

For example, the present technology may have a cloud computing configuration in which one function is shared and processed by a plurality of apparatuses through a network.

In addition, each step described in the above-mentioned flowcharts may be performed by one apparatus or may be dispersively performed by a plurality of apparatuses.

Furthermore, in a case where one step includes a plurality of processes, the plurality of processes included in the one step may be performed by one apparatus or may be dispersively performed by a plurality of apparatuses.

<Example of Combination of Configurations>

The present technology may have the following configurations.

(1) An information processing apparatus including:

a program search unit that performs a search for a recorded program and a program to be provided later on the basis of a character string indicating content of an utterance of a user to acquire a first search result in a case where the character string does not include a first character string indicating setting of schedule recording of the program to be provided later and performs a search for the program to be provided later on the basis of the character string to acquire a second search result in a case where the character string includes the first character string;

a display control unit that performs control such that a display screen of the first search result or a display screen of the second search result is displayed; and

a setting unit that, in a case where a predetermined program to be provided later is selected as a program whose schedule recording is to be set from the display screen of the first search result, displays a detail screen including information related to the predetermined program, instead of the display screen of the first search result, and sets the schedule recording of the predetermined program; and, in a case where a program whose schedule recording is to be set is selected from the display screen of the second search result, sets the schedule recording of the selected program without displaying the detail screen.

(2) The information processing apparatus according to (1), further including:

a syntax analysis unit that performs syntax analysis for the character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user,

in which the program search unit may search for a program on the basis of decomposed character strings which are results of the syntax analysis to acquire the first search result or the second search result.

(3) The information processing apparatus according to (2), further including:

a content search unit that acquires a search result of content provided through a network based on the character string,

in which the display control unit performs control such that the first search result or the second search result is displayed in addition to the search result of the content.

(4) The information processing apparatus according to (3),

in which the content search unit acquires the search result of the content obtained by a server that provides the content on the basis of the character string.

(5) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4),

in which, in a case where the character string does not include the first character string and includes a second character string indicating a playback of a recorded program, the program search unit performs a search for the recorded program on the basis of the character string, and

the display control unit performs control such that a search result of the recorded program is displayed.

in which the display control unit performs control such that an image, which is operated in a case where a list of programs scheduled to be recorded is displayed, is displayed side by side with an image indicating the program which is the second search result.

an acquisition unit that transmits audio data of the utterance to a server and acquires the character string transmitted from the server.

(8) An information processing method including:

performing a search for a recorded program and a program to be provided later on the basis of a character string indicating content of an utterance of a user to acquire a first search result in a case where the character string does not include a predetermined character string indicating setting of schedule recording of the program to be provided later;

in a case where a predetermined program to be provided later is selected as a program whose schedule recording is to be set from a display screen of the first search result, displaying a detail screen including information related to the predetermined program, instead of the display screen of the first search result, and setting the schedule recording of the predetermined program;

performing a search for the program to be provided later on the basis of the character string to acquire a second search result in a case where the character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user includes the predetermined character string; and

in a case where a program whose schedule recording is to be set is selected from a display screen of the second search result, setting the schedule recording of the selected program without displaying the detail screen.

(9) A program that causes a computer to perform a process including steps of:

performing a search for a recorded program and a program to be provided later on the basis of a character string indicating content of an utterance of a user to acquire a first search result in a case where the character string does not include a predetermined character string indicating setting of schedule recording of the program to be provided later;

in a case where a predetermined program to be provided later is selected as a program whose schedule recording is to be set from a display screen of the first search result, displaying a detail screen including information related to the predetermined program, instead of the display screen of the first search result, and setting the schedule recording of the predetermined program;

performing a search for the program to be provided later on the basis of the character string to acquire a second search result in a case where the character string indicating the content of the utterance of the user includes the predetermined character string; and

in a case where a program whose schedule recording is to be set is selected from a display screen of the second search result, setting the schedule recording of the selected program without displaying the detail screen.

(10) An information processing system including:

a server including:a search unit that specifies a program whose schedule recording is to be set in a case where a character string indicating content of an utterance of a user includes a first character string indicating setting of the schedule recording of a program to be provided later; anda communication unit that transmits first identification information of the specified program and a first command to set schedule recording to an information processing apparatus in a case where the program whose schedule recording is to be set is specified and transmits a search result of content based on the character string to the information processing apparatus in a case where the program whose schedule recording is to be set is not specified; and

the information processing apparatus including:a communication unit that transmits audio data of the utterance to the server and receives information transmitted from the server;a program search unit that searches for a program on the basis of the character string transmitted from the server;a display control unit that performs control such that a display screen including the search result of the content and a search result of the program is displayed in a case where the search result of the content is transmitted from the server; anda setting unit that sets the schedule recording of a program identified by the first identification information, without displaying the display screen, in a case where the first identification information and the first command are transmitted from the server.

(11) The information processing system according to (10),

in which the search unit of the server specifies a program to be played back in a case where the character string does not include the first character string and includes a second character string indicating a playback of a recorded program,

in a case where the program to be played back is specified, the communication unit of the server transmits second identification information of the specified program and a second command to start playback to the information processing apparatus, and

the information processing apparatus further includes a playback control unit that starts the playback of a recorded program identified by the second identification information, without displaying the display screen, in a case where the second identification information and the second command are transmitted from the server.

(12) An information processing apparatus including:

a communication unit that transmits audio data of an utterance of a user to a server which specifies a program whose schedule recording is to be set in a case where a character string indicating content of the utterance of the user includes a predetermined character string indicating setting of the schedule recording of a program to be provided later, transmits identification information of the specified program and a command to set schedule recording in a case where the program whose schedule recording is to be set is specified, and transmits a search result of content based on the character string in a case where the program whose schedule recording is to be set is not specified and receives information transmitted from the server;

a program search unit that searches for a program on the basis of the character string transmitted from the server;

a display control unit that performs control such that a display screen including the search result of the content and a search result of the program is displayed in a case where the search result of the content is transmitted from the server; and

a setting unit that sets the schedule recording of a program identified by the identification information, without displaying the display screen, in a case where the identification information and the command are transmitted from the server.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1Television set2Cooperation server121Recording control unit122Recorded program recording unit123Playback control unit124Broadcast wave reception control unit125Program information recording unit126Schedule recording management unit127Program search unit128Audio data receiving unit129Character string acquisition unit130Web content search unit131Syntax analysis unit132Display control unit221Audio data acquisition unit222Voice recognition unit223Search unit