Reception device and management device of service advertisement information

A transmission unit of an information processing device transmits user identification information which identifies users, a password, and device identification information which identifies the information processing device to a management device which manages the information processing device. A receiving unit receives registration completion information which indicates that the user identification information, the password and the device identification information were associated with each other and registered at the management device. A storage unit stores device identification information transmitted by the transmission unit into a storage medium. A control unit controls the transmission unit to transmit device attribute information which indicates the attributes of the information processing device and request information which requests advertisement information in the event that the device identification information is not stored by the storage unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information management device, a communication method for the information processing device, a communication method for the information management device, a communication program for the information processing device, and a communication program for the information management device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an information processing device, an information management device, a communication method for the information processing device, a communication method for the information management device, a communication program for the information processing device, and a communication program for the information management device for transmitting and receiving service advertisement information.

BACKGROUND ART

Presently, various music-related services are available on the Internet. For example, there are services that deliver song information, audio data and the like contained in CDs (Compact Disc) currently available, and services that provide information related to a song currently on air on radio programs including name of song or performer, and name or number of the CD containing the song (NowOnAir). In addition, some services deliver digital data of songs, while others accept orders for CD mail-order businesses.

There are information processing devices, for example audio equipment, which can receive such services. Through user registration with an information management device which provide service from information processing device, for example a server, a user can receive various services. It is desirable that the information management device transmits advertisement information regarding their services to users (information processing devices) who have not yet completed user registration.

Meanwhile, there exists a storage medium that allows more effective demonstrations while keeping costs at a minimum. The storage medium stores identification information indicating that the medium is to be used for demonstration. For example, a video camera may be arranged to switch to demonstration mode once identification information recorded on the storage medium loaded into the video camera is identified (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

However, when services are provided in response to a user's input of his or her user ID or other user identification information, determination of whether the user has already completed user registration or not can only be achieved after the user inputs such user identification information into an information processing device. Therefore, there was a problem wherein users who have not completed user registration were unable to receive at their information processing devices advertisement information encouraging them to join the services.

Another problem was that, for some information processing devices, their performance and functionalities made it difficult for them to receive advertisement information.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and its purpose is to facilitate reception of advertisement information on services when users have not yet completed user registration, and to provide an information processing device, an information management device, a communication method for an information processing device, a communication method for an information management device, a communication program for an information processing device, and a communication program for an information management device which enable reception of advertisement information depending on their respective performances and functionalities.

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, an information processing device which receives advertisement information of services comprises: transmission means for transmitting user identification information which identifies users, a password, and device identification information which identifies the information processing device to a management device which manages the information processing device; receiving means for receiving registration completion information which indicates that the user identification information, password and device identification information were associated with each other and registered at the management device; storage means for storing at least the device identification information; and control means for controlling the transmission means to transmit device attribute information which indicates the attributes of the information processing device and request information which requests advertisement information in the event that device identification information is not stored in the storage means, and is arranged so that the receiving means receives advertisement information corresponding to device attribute information in response to such request information.

The information processing device transmits user identification information which identifies users, a password, and device identification information which identifies the information processing device to a management device which manages the information processing device, and stores at least the device identification information. In addition, when no device identification information is stored, it transmits device attribute information that indicates the attributes of the information processing device and request information which requests advertisement information to the management device, and receives advertisement information corresponding to the device attribute information.

According to the information processing device of the present invention, user identification information, a password, and device identification information is transmitted to the management device, and at least the device identification information is stored. This enables determination of whether or not a user has completed user registration to be achieved by checking whether device identification information is stored or not, and facilitates reception of advertisement information in the event that a user has not completed user registration with the management device.

In addition, since device attribute information that indicates the attributes of the information processing device is transmitted, and advertisement information corresponding to the device attribute information is received, such advertisement information can be received depending on performances and functionalities.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The principle of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a drawing.FIG. 1is a principle diagram explaining the principle of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 1, an information processing device1comprises a transmission means2, a receiving means3, a storage means4and a control means6. The information processing device1and a management device7are interconnected, and are able to communicate with each other.

For users who have completed user registration, the management device7provides services such as songs or NowOnAir to the information processing device1. For users who have not completed user registration, the management device7transmits advertisement information to the information processing device1in order to encourage users to complete user registration (or join the service).

The transmission means2transmits user identification information that identifies users, a password, and device identification information which identifies the information processing device1to the management device7which manages the information processing device1. The receiving means3receives registration completion information that indicates that the user identification information, password and device identification information were associated with each other and registered at the management device7.

The storage means4stores the device identification information transmitted by the transmission means2to a storage medium5. The control means6controls the transmission means2to transmit device attribute information which indicates the attributes of the information processing device1and requests information which requests advertisement information in the event that device identification information is not stored by the storage means4. Device attribute information is, for example, the performance and functionalities of a display device included in the information processing device1.

After the transmission means2transmits request information under the control of the control means6, the receiving means3receives advertisement information corresponding to the device attribute information from the management device7.

The operation of the principle diagram will now be described. Upon user registration, a user inputs user identification information, a password and device identification information to the information processing device1. The transmission means2transmits the user identification information, password, and device identification information to the management device7. From the management device7, the receiving means3receives registration completion information indicating that the user identification information, password and device identification information were associated with each other and registered. The storage means4stores the device identification information transmitted by the transmission means2to the storage medium5. Therefore, device identification information is stored in the storage medium5only upon user registration by a user with the management device7. If a user has not completed user registration, device identification information is not stored in the storage medium5.

When the device identification information is not stored by the storage means4, the control means6controls the transmission means2to transmit device attribute information which indicates the attributes of the information processing device1and request information which requests advertisement information.

As described above, when device identification information is not stored, i.e. when a user has not yet registered with the management device7, the information processing device1transmits device attribute information which indicates the attributes of the information processing device and request information which requests advertisement information to the management device7. The receiving means3then receives advertisement information corresponding to the device attribute information from the management device7. Thus, determination of whether a user has completed user registration or not can be achieved by checking whether device identification information is stored in the storage medium5or not, and reception of advertisement information in the event that a user has not completed user registration with the management device7can be easily performed.

Additionally, since the information processing device1transmits device attribute information indicating its own attributes and receives advertisement information corresponding to the device attribute information, it can now receive advertisement information according to its performance and functionalities.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to a drawing. In the following description, the process of saving information related to a song or a set of songs will be referred to as clipping.

FIG. 2is a diagram showing a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. A terminal device10is connected via a network30to various servers. The network30is, for example, the Internet. Examples of servers include a CD title information providing server31, a broadcast station server32, a music delivery server33, a CD store server34, and an integrated service server35.

The CD title information providing server31provides delivery service of information of songs contained in commercially available CDs. The broadcast station server32is a server managed by broadcast stations which broadcast FM radio, television or the like, and provides information related to songs aired during their programs.

The function of the broadcast station server32for providing related information can be roughly divided into two functions. The first is a function that provides NowOnAir of programs currently on air. The second is a function that provides related information on songs already aired (OnAirList), in response to requests from the terminal device10(the OnAirList includes related information on each song). For example, the broadcast station server32provides information related to songs aired on a specified program, or information related to songs aired during a designated time slot.

The music delivery server33is a server that provides delivery service of digital data of songs (song data). For example, the music delivery server33provides song data only to a terminal device10of a user that has gone through the purchasing procedure of that song. The music delivery server33can also provide related information of delivered songs.

The CD store server34is a server that accepts orders and the like for CD mail-order businesses. The CD store server34also provides a delivery service of sample audio data, or a service for providing information related to songs contained in a currently available CD.

The integrated service server35functions as a window (portal site) for providing services via the network30, and mediates the provision of various integrated services. For example, the integrated service server35delivers information indicating the source of related information of songs on air (e.g. URL (Uniform Resource Locator)) to the terminal device10.

As seen, a plurality of servers offers services for providing related information on a song or a set of songs on the network30. In other words, each server functions as a source for a song or a set of songs on the network30.

The music delivery server33and the CD store server34are servers that allow purchasing of songs. Therefore, a user may actually purchase a song or a set of songs via the network30by operating the terminal device10and accessing a server allowing purchasing of songs. By going through a purchasing procedure with the music delivery server33, the user of the terminal device10can download song data from the music delivery server33. In addition, the user of the terminal device10can have CDs delivered to his or her home by going through a purchasing procedure with the CD store server34.

The terminal device10retains the sources of a locally stored song or set of songs in a storage medium such as a CD29a, MD (Mini Disc)29band hard disk drive (HDD)21. The CD29aand the MD29bare portable storage mediums, and can be easily attached to and removed from the terminal device10. The type of local sources prepared for the terminal device10varies, depending on the type and purpose of the terminal device10.

The sources of the song or set of songs locally stored depicted inFIG. 2are exemplary. As long as a storage medium exists locally in relation to the terminal device10, storing a song or a set of songs therein will enable the storage medium to function as a source of a local song or set of songs.

In addition, the terminal device10comprises a clipped information storage device21awhich stores clipped related information. The clipped information storage device21ais a secondary storage device to the terminal device10. For example, a portion of the storage area of HDD21and the like may be made to function as the clipped information storage device21a. By the way, the terminal device10is can perform clipping on both songs and set of songs. This allows the use of volume clipping for FM programs and CD albums which contain many songs of interest, where one clipping operation records all related information on the set of songs of interest.

By the way, the terminal device10according to the present embodiment also functions as an audio device with a song playback function.FIG. 3is an external view of the terminal device. As shown inFIG. 3, the terminal device10according to the present embodiment externally resembles a typical music center. The terminal device10comprises a device main body10a, speakers25aand25b, and a remote controller40. The device main body10ais equipped with a function to playback CDs or DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), a function to playback and record on MDs, and a function to receive FM and TV broadcasts. Audio signals generated by the device main body10aare transmitted to speakers25aand25bwhere they are outputted.

The device main body10aalso comprises a display device17. The display device17displays information related to the song currently played, or related information and the like stored through clipping. The remote controller40is an input device for remotely controlling the device main body10a. The remote controller40is provided with a plurality of operation keys. When an operation key is pressed by the user, a signal corresponding to the pressed operation key is transmitted from the remote controller40to the device main body10ausing infrared or other wireless communication means.

operation keys include direction keys41ato41d, a confirmation key42, function selection keys43ato43c, a tool key44and a return key45. The direction keys41ato41dare used, for example, to move a cursor displayed on the display device17, or to move an area to be focused. The four direction keys41ato41drespectively correspond to up, down, left and right directions, and the cursor or the like is moved in the direction corresponding to the pressed direction key.

The tool key44is a button to display a tool menu on the display device17. The tool menu displays commands corresponding to the content displayed on the display device17. The user can select any command from the tool menu to have the terminal device10execute processing corresponding to that command. For example, when the user operates the direction keys41ato41dto select any command, and then presses the confirmation key42, the terminal device10will execute processing corresponding to that command.

The return key45is a button for returning the content displayed on the display device17to its previous state. In addition to those shown inFIG. 3, the remote controller40may be equipped with other various operation keys. Examples of such operation keys include a volume control key, a play key for playing a CD and the like, and a stop key.

Next, the internal configuration of the terminal device10will be described.FIG. 4is a hardware block diagram of a terminal device. A terminal device10as shown inFIG. 4enables managing, storing and playing various sources such as songs. A CPU11handles overall control and arithmetic processing of the terminal device10based on a launched program. For example, the CPU11performs communication operations via the network30, input and output operations in regards to the user, playing and clipping of contents acquired from a media, storage of contents to the HDD21and management of such storage, and information search via the network30based on clipped information and the like. Recordable and playable content data supported by the terminal device10according to the present embodiment include audio and video content data. The CPU11exchanges control signals and data with each circuit component via a bus12.

Operation programs and program loaders to be executed by the CPU11, various computation coefficients, and parameters and the like used in programs are stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory)13. Programs to be executed by the CPU11will be deployed in a RAM20. The RAM20is also used as a data area or task area that will be required when the CPU11performs various processing.

An operation input section15comprises various manipulators and the like such as operation keys, a jog dial, a touch panel or the like provided on the chassis of the terminal device10. A keyboard or a mouse for GUI (Graphical User Interface) operations may be provided as the operation input section15. Information input at the operation input section15will undergo predetermined processing at an input processing section14before being transmitted as an operation command to the CPU11. The CPU11performs predetermined computation and control to ensure that the operation of the device is in response to the input operation command.

A display device such as a liquid crystal display is connected as the display device17to display various information. When the CPU11supplies a display processing section16with display information based on various statuses of operation, input or communication, the display processing section16instructs the display device17to perform display operations based on the supplied display data. For example, contents of related information delivered by a server and the like, or contents of clipped information are displayed on the display device17. In addition, when a song search via the network30is performed, the result of the search will be displayed on the display device17.

Media drives19aand19bare drives that are able to record and play (some storage media only allow playing) contents such as songs stored in a portable storage medium. By the way, storage media recordable or playable on each media drive19aand19bis not restricted to only one type. In other words, the media drives may record and play storage media of various types. For example, the media drive19amay play CDs and DVDs, while the media drive19bmay record and play MDs.

Portable storage media for storing contents such as songs and the like should not be limited to optical storage media such as CDs and DVDs. For example, contents may be stored in storage media comprising semiconductor memories such as a flash memory. In this case, a flash memory reader/writer is connected to the bus12.

By inserting a storage medium (CD, DVD, MD and the like) containing any content into the media drive19aor19b, and performing predetermined operations using the remote controller40, the user may enjoy songs or the like. For example, when the user operates the remote controller40to give the media drive19aplayback instructions, the CPU11instructs the media drive19ato play contents. In response, the media drive19aaccesses and reads a designated content from the mounted storage medium.

If the content read in this way is an audio content, the content is forwarded to an audio data processing section24after undergoing processing such as decoding by CPU11, when necessary. At the audio data processing section24, the content undergoes acoustic field processing such as equalizing, volume control, D/A conversion, amplification and the like, and then output from the speaker section25. As shown inFIG. 3, the speaker section25is comprised of a plurality of speakers25aand25b, and is capable of providing stereo output.

Contents played by the media drives19aand19bcan be accumulated as audio data files in the HDD21under the control of the CPU11. The format of the audio data file may adopt the CD format of a 44.1 KHz sampling frequency and 16-bit quantization. Alternatively, in order to save space on the HDD21, the compressed audio data may be in a compressed format based on predetermined methods. Compression methods which can be used in this case include the ATRAC (Advanced Transform Acoustic Coding, trademark) method or the MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3) method.

A tuner section27may be, for example, an AM or FM radio tuner, and under the control of the CPU11, demodulates broadcast signals received by an antenna26. The tuner may also be a television tuner, satellite broadcast tuner or a digital broadcast tuner and the like. The demodulated broadcast audio signal undergoes predetermined processing at the audio data processing section24, and is then output from the speaker section25as broadcast audio.

A communication processing section22performs encoding of data to be transmitted and decoding of received data based on the control of the CPU11. A network interface23transmits data to be transmitted that is encoded by the communication processing section22to a predetermined device supporting an external network via the network30. The network interface23forwards signals transmitted by the external network-supporting device to the communication processing section22via the network30. The communication processing section22forwards the received information to the CPU11. Information received via the network30includes, for example, information relating to programs currently on air on FM or the like, or information of songs contained in a CD or the like.

An infrared communication section28performs communication with the remote controller40using wireless communication means such as infrared. The infrared communication section28also performs predetermined processing on signals transmitted from the remote controller40, and in turn transmits the signal as an operation command to the CPU11. The CPU11performs predetermined computation and control to ensure that the operation of the device is in response to the input operation command.

The configuration of the terminal device10is not restricted to the configuration shown inFIG. 4, and allows many variations. For example, interfaces to peripheral devices using communication methods such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE1394 and Bluetooth may be provided. Audio contents downloaded through the above-mentioned network interfaces23via the network30, as well as audio contents transferred via interfaces such as USB or IEEE1394 mentioned above may be stored in the HDD21. In addition, a terminal for connecting a microphone or an external headphone, a video output terminal supporting DVD playback, a line connecting terminal, or an optical digital connecting terminal and the like may be provided. Furthermore, a PCMCIA slot, a memory card slot and the like may be formed to allow data transfer with external information processing devices or audio devices.

Next, a configuration of program modules according to a system of the present embodiment will be described. Program modules are information describing processing to be executed by the terminal device10. The terminal device10achieves predetermined functions based on such program modules. In the following description, a function realized by executing the corresponding program module will be referred to by the name of that program module.

FIG. 5is a diagram depicting a program module configuration of the terminal device10. As shown inFIG. 5, the program modules of the terminal device10are configured to run on an OS. Owing to the functions of various program modules, the terminal device10is able to communicate with a CD title information providing server31, a broadcast station server32, a music delivery server33, a CD store server34, an integrated service server35, an Internet radio server36and other various servers.

An HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) message program111enables HTTP-based communication with the CD title information providing server31, the broadcast station server32, the CD store server34, the integrated service server35and other various servers. A communicator program112is a communication module enabling various communications with the integrated service server35and the like.

Located above (indicating a function closer to a user interface) the communicator program112are a content playback module113that interprets and plays codec of contents, and a copyright protection information management module114that handles information related to copyright protection. Provided above the content playback module113is an Internet radio selection/playing module118that selects and plays an Internet radio station. Provided above the copyright protection information management module114is a song purchasing/playing module119that purchases songs and plays sample songs.

Furthermore, an XML (extensible Markup Language) browser151is provided above the Internet radio selection/playing module118and the song purchasing/playing module119. The XML browser151interprets the contents of XML files transmitted from the various servers, and displays such contents on the display device17. The XML browser151interprets the contents of the user's input to the terminal device10while the terminal device10is in integrated service using mode. The XML browser151then hands processing requests and the like corresponding to the input contents to other modules. For example, songs selected by the user via the XML browser151is processed for purchasing at the song purchasing/playing module119, and written into the HDD21via a hard disk content controller117.

An authentication library131of a library130is connected to the communicator program112. The authentication library131performs authentication on behalf of the integrated service server35and other various servers.

Provided above the communicator program112is a database access module115, a content data access module116and a hard disk content controller117. The database access module115accesses various databases built into the HDD21. The content data access module116accesses contents stored in the HDD21. The hard disk content controller117manages contents stored in the HDD21.

Provided above the hard disk content controller117is a related information displaying module120, a tuner selection/playing/recording module121and a song purchasing/playing module119. The related information displaying module120displays titles of songs aired by a radio station, and the name of artists on the display device17. The tuner selection/playing/recording module121selects a radio station, and records contents of songs received from that radio station onto the HDD21.

For example, songs received from a radio station selected via an audio user interface (Audio UI)152are written into the HDD21via the content data access module116.

With the tuner selection/playing/recording module121, the related information displaying module120receives as related information title of songs and artist names currently on air on a radio station from the CD title information providing server31and the broadcast station server32or the like via the HTTP message program111, and displays the related information on the display device17via the audio user interface152.

Related information displayed on the display device17via the audio user interface152may be temporarily stored in the clip library132of the library130. In addition, if so instructed by the user, related information may be eventually stored in the HDD21via the database access module115.

Furthermore, program modules of the terminal device10include a CD playback module141for playing CDs and an HDD playback module142for playing the HDD21. Playback results are output via the audio data processing section24and the speaker section25.

With a terminal device10thus configured, related information can be obtained from a server, which in turn may be clipped by the user. Song search or purchasing may be performed simultaneously while clipping.

Next, the internal configuration of the integrated service server35will be described.FIG. 6is a hardware block diagram of an integrated service server. The integrated service server35shown inFIG. 6is wholly controlled by a CPU35a. A RAM35b, an HDD35c, a graphic processing device35d, an input interface35e, and a communication interface35fare connected to the CPU35avia a bus35g.

The RAM35btemporarily stores at least a portion of an OS (Operating System) program to be executed by the CPU35aor application programs for providing various information to the terminal device10. The RAM35balso stores various data required for processing by the CPU35a. The HDD35cstores the OS or application programs for providing information.

A monitor35his connected to the graphic processing device35d. Following an instruction from the CPU35a, the graphic processing device35ddisplays images on the display of the monitor35h. A keyboard35iand a mouse35jare connected to the input interface35e. The input interface35etransmits signals transmitted by the keyboard35iand the mouse35jto the CPU35avia the bus35g.

The communication interface35fis connected to the network30. The communication interface35fcommunicates with the terminal device10and various servers via the network30. The integrated service server35is able to achieve the processing functions of the present embodiment through the afore-mentioned hardware configuration. Although the hardware configuration of the integrated service server35has been representatively explained inFIG. 6, other servers may also be realized using similar hardware configurations.

Next, user registration with the integrated service server35will be described. In order to receive services from the various servers, a user must complete user registration with the integrated service server35. The user inputs information required for user registration into the terminal device10and transmits the input to the integrated service server35, and obtains a user ID and a password. At this time, the user inputs a terminal ID into the terminal device10. The terminal, ID is an identifier that identifies each terminal device when a user owns a plurality of terminal devices, and is arbitrarily input by the user. The terminal ID is then transmitted by the CPU11of the terminal device10to the integrated service server35to be registered, and at the same time is stored in the ROM13or the HDD21of the terminal device10.

The process flow of user registration with the integrated service server35from the terminal device10will now be explained with reference toFIG. 7.FIG. 7is a sequential diagram showing the process flow of user registration.

In step S1, in order to register a user ID and a password input by a user's operations, the CPU11of the terminal device10transmits the user ID and password to the integrated service server35as a part of registration information. All communications between the terminal device10and the integrated service server35employ SSL (Secure Socket Layer), and are therefore arranged to prevent leakage of information to third parties.

In step S11, the CPU35aof the integrated service server35receives the user ID and password as a part of registration information. In step S12, the CPU35acompares the received user ID and password to a management table that manages such information, and after verifying that no duplicate user IDs exist, registers the user ID, and transmits that the registration was completed in the form of user registration completion information to the terminal device10. If a duplicate user ID exists, the CPU35atransmits a message prompting input of an alternate user ID to the terminal device10, and makes the terminal device10transmit the alternate user ID and password inputted by the user.

In step S2, in response to the received user registration completion information, the CPU11of the terminal device10displays on the display device17that the registration of the user ID has been completed. In step S3, based on predetermined registration operations by the user, the CPU11stores the terminal ID and public setting to the HDD21of the terminal device10. A public setting means configuring the settings so that the existence of the terminal device10is either made public (for example, over the network30) to other users, or not.

In step S4, the CPU11transmits the terminal ID and the public setting to the integrated service server35as the remainder of the registration information. In step S13, the CPU35aof the integrated service server35receives the terminal ID and the public setting, transmitted from the terminal device10as the remainder of the registration information.

In step S14, the CPU35aregisters the terminal ID and the public setting in the management table by associating them to a user ID. In step S15, the CPU35atransmits registration completion information indicating that registration of the terminal ID and the public setting has been completed to the terminal device10, and concludes processing for user registration at the integrated service server35.

In step S5, the CPU11of the terminal device10receives registration completion information from the integrated service server35. In step S6, the CPU11notifies the user that user registration has been completed by displaying as such on the display device17, and concludes processing for user registration.

By the way, the CPU11of the terminal device10stores the user ID and password received from the user into the RAM20. The CPU11also stores the received terminal ID into the ROM13or the HDD21. Therefore, when there is a need to reaccess the server, unless erased by, for example, shut down, the user ID and password stored in the RAM20will be reused, thereby avoiding the trouble of reinput. The terminal ID is stored in the ROM13or the HDD21and therefore will not be erased.

Once receiving user authentication from the integrated service server35, the user (terminal device10) will be issued a ticket. This allows the terminal device10to access the various servers that actually provide service. The various servers determine whether or not the user of the terminal device10has been recently (for example, within the last minute) authenticated as a registered user by referring the registration completion time or the like included in the ticket. If it is determined that the user is authenticated, services corresponding to the request from the terminal device10are provided.

Next, types of registration of a terminal device to an integrated service server will be described.FIG. 8is an explanatory diagram of registration types of a terminal device to an integrated service server. InFIG. 8, terminal devices50ato50cexternally resemble the terminal device10shown inFIG. 3, and have similar hardware blocks to that of the terminal device10shown inFIG. 4. It is assumed that user A owns the terminal devices50ato50c. By completing user registration with the integrated service server35, user A may receive services provided by the CD title information providing server31, the broadcast station server32, and the music delivery server33.

Now, assume that user A receives services (by completing user registration) from the integrated service server35. User A will possess a user ID of his or her user registration with the integrated service server35. The terminal devices50ato50care respectively assigned nicknames N1to N3(terminal IDs) arbitrarily given by the user. The nicknames N1to N3are stored in the HDDs of the terminal devices50ato50c. In terminal devices owned by the same user, the nicknames (terminal IDs) are unique. However, in a terminal device that receives services from the integrated service server35, the nickname does not have to be unique. In other words, identical nicknames may be used if not used by the same user. This enables determination of the target of service by a combination of a user ID and a nickname, and allows user A to receive services provided by the CD title information providing server31, the broadcast station server32, and the music delivery server33. Nicknames may be arranged to be irrevocable once set.

Next, an auto demo will be described. When a user has not yet joined (has not yet completed user registration) the integrated service server35, an auto demo prompting the user to join will be displayed on the display device17of the terminal device10.

First, the CPU11of the terminal device10needs to determine whether or not the user has already joined the services of the integrated service server35. This is determined by the terminal ID stored in the HDD21. More specifically, if a terminal ID is stored in the HDD21, the user is registered and the terminal device10does not have to perform an auto demo. On the other hand, if a terminal ID is not stored in the HDD21, the terminal device10transmits device attribute information indicating its own performance and functionalities and a request signal requesting an auto demo to the integrated service server35.

Upon receiving the device attribute information and a request signal requesting an auto demo from the terminal device10, the CPU35aof the integrated service server35transmits video data of an auto demo corresponding to the received device attribute information to the terminal device10.

The CPU11of the terminal device10displays the received video data of the auto demo on the display device17.

The processing at the start of auto demo service will now be described in detail with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9is a flowchart showing the processing procedures at start of service. In step S21, the CPU11of the terminal device10is connected to the integrated service server35.

In step S22, the CPU11detects whether or not a nickname (terminal ID) is stored in the HDD21. If a nickname is stored (i.e. if user registration has been completed), the process proceeds to step S23. If a nickname is not stored (i.e. if user registration has not been completed), the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S23, the CPU11receives a user ID and a password from the user, and transmits them to the integrated service server35. Provision of service will commence upon authentication of the user ID and password by the integrated service server35.

In step S24, the CPU11transmits device attribute information indicating the attributes of the terminal device10and a request signal requesting an auto demo to the integrated service server35. Device attribute information is, for example, the capacity of the CPU11, the displaying capacity of the display device17, and the memory capacity of the RAM20which temporarily stores data of the auto demo. In addition, if the terminal device10is a portable device equipped with a battery, device attribute information will also include information regarding the presence of a battery.

In step S25, the CPU11receives data from the integrated service server35of an auto demo prompting the user to join the integrated service server35, and displays it on the display device17. In step S26, when the display of the auto demo ends, the CPU11accepts a user ID from the user. Input of the user ID allows determination of whether the user has already joined the service or not. If the user has not yet joined the service, the process proceeds to step S27. If the user has already joined the service, the process proceeds to step S28.

In step S27the CPU11accepts joining procedures to the service. This is done in a similar way to the flow of user registration shown inFIG. 7. In step S28, the CPU11accepts nicknames from the user. The accepted nicknames are transmitted to the integrated service server35. In step S29, the CPU11provides membership guidance to other services. Other services mean the services provided by the various servers linked from page information owned by the integrated service server35. The CPU11requests the integrated service server35to transmit auto demos of membership guidance for the services provided by the various servers. In response to the request, the integrated service server35transmits data of auto demos of membership guidance to the terminal device10. The terminal device10receives data of the auto demos of membership guidance, and displays them on the display device17. By the way, this is not a requisite process.

The integrated service server35transmits data of auto demos according to the device attribute information transmitted from the terminal device10. For example, if the capacity of the CPU11or the displaying ability of the display device17of the terminal device10are low, data with reduced image quality will be transmitted to enable displaying of the auto demo. In addition, if the memory capacity of the RAM20is limited, auto demo data with limited volume will be transmitted to accommodate the limited memory capacity. Furthermore, if a battery powers the terminal device10, auto demo data with limited volume will be transmitted to avoid any wasting of power.

An auto demo of NowOnAir will next be described using diagrams showing exemplary screens. TheFIGS. 10 to 13are diagrams showing exemplary screens of an auto demo. The auto demo screen changes over time; in this case fromFIG. 10toFIG. 13.

As shown by the screen61ofFIG. 10, an auto demo screen of NowOnAir is displayed on the display device17. The screen61displays a NowOnAir of the radio station TFM, wherein the name of the program, the name of the song currently on air and the name of the performer are displayed. In addition, a method for selecting information contained in NowOnAir is indicated. In this example, the radio frequency is 76.** MHz, the program name is “Countdown Japan (hosted by John ## and Paul $$)”, the name of the song is “Sign”, and the name of the performer is Ringo Patent. A method for selecting information contained in NowOnAir using direction and confirmation keys is indicated.

After a predetermined length of time, the screen62shown inFIG. 11is displayed. In screen62, a pop up menu62ais shown.62arepresents a list of tools, and one of the tools, namely clipping, is currently underlined. Since this is an auto demo, these will be automatically displayed. In actual use, the pop up menu62ais displayed by pressing a tool key44of the remote controller40, and the tools will be selected from the list by using direction keys41ato41d.

After a further predetermined length of time, the screen63shown inFIG. 12is displayed. In screen63, a NowOnAir to be clipped to a clip folder is displayed. The screen63also displays NowOnAirs previously clipped.

After a further predetermined length of time, the screen64shown inFIG. 13is displayed. In screen64, a NowOnAir clipped to the clip folder is displayed.

As described above, the screen of an auto demo of a NowOnAir changes, and by demonstrating to the user how easily NowOnAirs can be clipped, prompts the user to join NowOnAir. It can also be arranged to display auto demos in sequence for the services other than NowOnAir.

As seen, when a terminal ID is input during user registration, the terminal device10stores the terminal ID into the HDD21. Then, whether or not a user has completed user registration is determined by whether the terminal ID is stored in the HDD21or not. Therefore, reception of advertisement information in the event that a user has not registered with the integrated service server35is easily achieved.

In addition, since the terminal device10transmits device attribute information indicating its own attributes, and receives auto demos corresponding to the device attribute information, it is able to receive auto demos according to the performance and functionalities of the terminal device10. Moreover, by displaying membership guidance of the services provided by the various servers onto the terminal device10, the user will be able to gain knowledge on the services available.

Various processing according to the above-described embodiment may be provided by a program describing the contents of such various processing. In this case, by executing the program on a computer, the above-described processing functions will be achieved on the computer.

In other words, while various processing according to the above-described embodiment may be performed by the hardware configuration shown inFIG. 4, they can be also performed by software. In this case, the above-described processing is performed by installing a program comprising a software into a general purpose personal computer and the like that is able to perform processing according to a program installed, via a network or a storage media.

In addition, the program may be stored in a storage medium readable by a computer. Storage media that can be used for this purpose include, for example, magnetic disks (hard disk, floppy disk or the like) or magnetic tapes, optical disks (DVD, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R (Recordable)/RW (Re-Writable), magneto-optical disks (MO: Magneto-Optical disk), semiconductor memories and the like.

A computer executing this program stores, for example, a program stored in a portable storage medium or a program transferred from a server, to its own storage device. The computer reads a program from its own storage, and executes processing according to the program. The computer may also read a program directly from the portable storage medium, and execute processing according to the program. The computer may also successively execute processing according to received programs whenever they are transferred from a server.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, while a radio broadcast that is aired by a radio station was used as a broadcast receivable by the terminal device10, the present invention is not limited to this application, and the terminal device10may be configured to receive Internet radio broadcast or satellite radio broadcast and obtain their respective related information, or to receive television broadcast that is aired by a television station and obtain various information and the like related to the television programs in the television broadcast from servers on the network.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, while the case of implementing the various circuits shown inFIG. 4and the program modules shown inFIG. 5to a terminal device10has been described, the present invention is not limited to this application, and these components may be implemented on various terminals other than the terminal device10such as a cellular phone or personal computer, which will be able to perform the same processing as the above-described terminal device10by implementing these components.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention may be widely applied to systems providing services on networks.