Information presentation method, operation program, and information presentation system

An information presenting device (100) presents image information; an operative device (200) accepts a predetermined input operation during the presentation of the image information; a guide information managing device (300) stores date and time information indicating a date and a time at which the input operation is accepted, image specifying information specifying image information presented when the input operation is accepted, and guide destination information indicating a guide destination to which the user is guided is stored in a database in association with one another, the guide destination information being specified by the date and time information, and the image specifying information; and a guide device (400) presents the guide destination information in response to a request from the user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for presenting information, an operation program, and a system for presenting information.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, there has been a technology that allows to accept an operation input performed by a user at an arbitrary timing during an image output, and transfer locational information given to image data corresponding to the image output to a communication terminal to be used by the user (for example, see Patent Literature 1).

However, the conventional configuration has a problem that it is impossible to acquire locational information in a case that locational information given to an image does not exist during the image output, or that a plurality of pieces of locational information are included.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: International Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007/099815

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention has been worked out in order to solve the aforementioned problem. The present invention has an object of providing a method for presenting information, an operative program, and a system for presenting information wherein it is possible to guide a user to a guide destination introduced in a scene in which the user has an interest during viewing of interest information.

A method for presenting information according to one accept of the present invention includes: an image information presenting step of presenting image information; an operative step of accepting a predetermined input operation by a user during the presentation of the image information; a guide destination acquiring step of acquiring guide destination information indicating a guide destination to which the user is guided, the guide destination information being specified by date and time information indicating a date and a time at which the input operation is accepted in the operative step, and image specifying information specifying the image information presented in the image information presenting step when the input operation is accepted; a storing step of storing the date and time information, the image specifying information, and the guide destination information in a database in association with one another; and a guide destination presenting step of presenting the guide destination information in response to a request from the user.

According to the present invention, the guide destination information indicating the guide destination to which the user is guided is acquired, and the date and time information, the image specifying information, and the guide destination information is stored in the data base in association with one another, the guide destination information being specified by the date and time information indicating the date and the time at which the input operation is accepted, and the image information specifying the image information presented when the input operation is accepted. Therefore, it is possible to guide the user to the guide destination introduced in the scene in which the user has the interest during viewing of the image information.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments illustrate some examples of the invention, and not delimit the protection scope of the present invention.

(Overview of Services to be Provided)

FIG. 1Ais a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be provided by a system for presenting information according to an embodiment,FIG. 1Bis a diagram illustrating an example in which a device manufacturer is a datacenter operating company, andFIG. 1Cis a diagram illustrating an example in which both or one of the device manufacturer and a managing company are/is the datacenter operating company.

A group1000is, for example, a company, a party, or a home, and the scale thereof does not matter. The group1000contains a plurality of devices1010including a device A and a device B, and a home gateway1020. The plurality of devices1010include a device (e.g. a smartphone, a personal computer (PC), or a television) able to connect to the Internet, and a device (e.g. a lighting fixture, a washing machine, or a refrigerator) unable to connect to the Internet by itself. The plurality of devices1010may include a device which is not connectable to the Internet by itself, but is connectable to the Internet via the home gateway1020. User1uses the plurality of the devices1010in the group1000. For example, each of the plurality of devices1010shown in the group1000constitutes a terminal in the present embodiment.

A datacenter operating company1100includes a cloud server1110. The cloud server1110is a virtual server associated with a variety of devices via the Internet. The cloud server1110mainly manages huge data (big data) which have difficulty in management by widely used database managing tools or the like. The datacenter operating company1100manages data, manages the cloud server1110, and operates a datacenter which performs these operations. The details of the services performed by the datacenter operating company1100will be described later.

The datacenter operating company1100is not limited to a company which merely manages data or operates the cloud server1110. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1B, in the case of a device manufacturer which develops and manufactures one of the plurality of devices1010manages data or manages the cloud server1110, the device manufacturer is the datacenter operating company1100. Furthermore, the number of datacenter operating companies1100is not limited to one. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1C, in the case of the device manufacturer and another managing company jointly or sharingly manage data or operates the cloud server1110, both or one of the device manufacturer and the managing company are/is the datacenter operating company1110.

A service provider1200has a server1210. The scale of the server1210does not matter. Thus, the server1210includes, for example, a memory in a PC for personal use. Also, the service provider1200may not have the server1210in another case.

In the aforementioned services, the home gateway1020is not a necessary element. For example, in the case that the cloud server1110manages all the data, the home gateway1020is unnecessary. Furthermore, in the case that all the devices in a house are connected to the Internet, a device unable to connect to the Internet by itself may not exist.

Next, a flow of information in the aforementioned services will be described.

The device A or the device B in the group1000transmits corresponding log information to the cloud server1110of the datacenter operating company1100. The cloud server1110collects the log information of the device A or the device B (see the arrow1001inFIG. 1A). The log information here is information indicating, for example, operation conditions or operation dates and times of the plurality of devices1010. For example, the log information includes a viewing history of a television, information of recording reservation of a recorder, an operation date and time of a refrigerator, a quantity of laundry, dates and times at which a refrigerator is opened and closed, the number of times of the opening and closing of the refrigerator, but is not limited to these pieces of information, and may include a variety of pieces of information acquirable from a variety of devices. The log information may be directly provided from the plurality of devices1010themselves to the cloud server1110via the Internet. Also, the log information may be temporarily collected from a plurality of devices1010to the home gateway1020, and provided from the home gateway1020to the cloud server1110.

Subsequently, the cloud server1110of the datacenter operating company1100provides the collected log information to the service provider1200at a discrete extent. The discrete extent may be an extent to which the datacenter operating company1100can organize and provide the collected information to the service provider1200, or an extent to which the service provider1200requests. The information is defined to be provided at the discrete extent, but may not be provided at the discrete extent. Alternatively, the amount of information to be provided may vary depending on a condition. The log information is stored in the server121(sic,1210) provided in the service provider1200, if necessary (see the arrow1002inFIG. 1A).

Then, the service provider1200organizes the log information into information suitable for a service to be provided to a user, and provides the organized information to the user. The user provided with the service may be the user1who uses the plurality of devices1010, or may be external user2. A method for providing a service to the users1,2may include, for example, directly providing the service to the users1,2, from the service provider1200(the arrows1003and1004inFIG. 1A). A method for providing the service to the user1may include, for example, providing the service to the user1via the cloud server1110of the datacenter operating company1100again (the arrows1005and1006inFIG. 1A). Moreover, the cloud server1110of the datacenter operating company1100may organize the log information into information suitable for the service to be provided to the user, and provide the organized information to the service provider1200.

It should be noted that the user1may be the same as or different from the user2.

First Embodiment

General Configuration

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating a general configuration of a system for providing information according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The system for providing the information includes an information presenting device100, an operative device200, a guide information managing device300, and a guide device400.

The information presenting device100is communicatively connected to the operative device200via a network500. Furthermore, the information presenting device100is communicatively connected to the guide information managing device300via the network500. The guide information managing device300is communicatively connected to the guide device400via the network500. The network500is, for example, the Internet.

<Detailed Configuration of Information Presenting Device100>

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the information presenting device100and the operative device200in the first embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the information presenting device100includes a receiving unit110, a decoding unit120, a display unit130, a setting storage unit140, and a communicating unit150.

The receiving unit110receives a broadcast wave corresponding to channel information set in the setting storage unit140.

The decoding unit120decodes the broadcast wave received by the receiving unit110.

The display unit130presents (displays) the broadcast wave decoded by the decoding unit120or the information received by the communicating unit150. The display unit130displays image information.

The setting storage unit140stores channel information transmitted from the operative device200, an identification number of the information presenting device100(an information presenting device ID), an identification number of a user (a user ID), an identification number of the guide device400(a guide device ID), and other information.

The communicating unit150receives date and time information transmitted by the operative device200. The communicating unit150reads out the channel information, the identification number of the information presenting device100, and the identification number of the user from the setting storage unit140, when receiving the date and time information. The communicating unit150transmits the date and time information received from the operative device200, and the channel information, the identification number of the information presenting device100and the identification number of the user read out from the setting storage unit140when receiving the date and time information, as interest information to the guide information managing device300.

<Detailed Configuration of Operative Device200>

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the operative device200includes an input unit210and a timer unit220.

The input unit210accepts an input operation about information indicating that a user has an interest in a program being viewed by the user, or information specifying a commodity or a place, in which the user has an interest, introduced in a program being viewed by the user. In this manner, the user can notify that the user has the interest in the presented information at the timing at which the user has the interest in the information presented from the display unit130. The input unit210accepts a predetermined input operation by the user during presentation of the image information. The input unit210further accepts an operation of setting a channel for the information presenting device100.

For example, the input unit210is configured by a button. The user pushes down the button at a timing at which the user has an interest in image information presented from the display unit130to thereby input the fact that the user has the interest in the currently displayed image information. The input unit210may be configured by, for example, a voice collector adaptable to receive a voice input in place of the button. Or, the input unit210may be configured by, for example, a device adaptable to accept a sight line input. Alternatively, the input unit210may be configured by, for example, a sensor or a camera adaptable to accept a gesture input. The input unit210further may be configured by a keyboard adaptable to accept a character input. Also, the input unit210may be configured by a pointing device such as a mouse. In this way, the input unit210may have any configuration adaptable to accept an input of information by the user about the user's interest.

For example, in the case that the operative device200is configured by a remote controller, the remote controller includes an interest button. Alternatively, a specific button provided to the remote controller is used as the interest button. When an interest candidate place is introduced in a program being viewed, the user pushes down the interest button. In this manner, the user can input the timing at which the user has the interest in the program being viewed.

In other cases, for example, in the case that the operative device200is configured by a smartphone, the smartphone displays an interest button on a display screen. The user pushes down the interest button when a candidate interest place is introduced in a program being viewed. The smartphone may cause an application adaptable to accept an input operation, or an application adaptable to collect voices in a peripheral area to activate, in place of displaying the interest button. When the interest candidate place is introduced in the program being viewed, the user utters voices indicating a demand, e.g. “want to go”, “want to eat”, or “want to buy”. The application collects the voices indicating the demand of the user. Whereby, the input unit210determines that the timing at which the voices indicating the demand for the program being viewed corresponds to the timing at which the user has the interest in the program, and outputs a timing signal. The timer unit220outputs date and time information indicating a date and a time in response to the input of the timing signal. Accordingly, the user can specify a seen in which the user has the interest in the program being viewed.

Moreover, the input unit210can specify which coordinate position in a program being viewed presents an object or a place in which the user has an interest by, for example, acquiring a sight line position of the user over a screen in response to these input operations.

Furthermore, for example, in the case that a plurality of places are displayed in a program being viewed, when the input unit210accepts an voice input, the input unit210analyzes contents of the utterance of “want to go to XX” by the user to thereby realize specifying that the user has an interest in “XX”. Also, the input unit210may judge that the user has an interest in all the information presented in the information presenting device100, for example, at the timing at which the button is pushed down. Particularly, it can be assumed that the user has an interest in an image and a voice being viewed for which the user sets a channel.

When a signal indicating that the user has an interest in currently displayed image information is input from the input unit210, the timer unit220outputs date and time information indicating the date and time at which the signal is input to the information presenting device100.

The operative device200and the information presenting device100are communicatively connected to each other via, for example, an infrared communication, a near-field wireless communication, or a wireless communication.

In the present embodiment, the operative device200includes the timer unit220. Alternatively, the information presenting device100may include the timer unit220under the condition that the information presented from the display unit130to the user is in synchronism with the predetermined input operation by the user.

When the signal indicating the timing at which the user has the interest is input from the input unit210, and the date and time information is given, the timer unit220may provide the date and time information with a predetermined time margin. For example, a motion image of one second is made of thirty pictures, but the date and time information may not necessarily have an accuracy to specify a particular picture. Accordingly, the timer unit220can match the information in which the user has the interest with the presented information owing to the predetermined time margin provided to the time date and time information to be given even in the case that there is some difference between the time at which the user inputs to have the interest into the input unit210and the time at which the information is presented in the information presenting device100.

For example, in the timer unit220, the date and time information may include a time period of five seconds before and after the time at which the input operation is performed.

<Detailed Configuration of Guide Information Managing Device300>

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the guide information managing device300in the first embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the guide information managing device300includes a receiving unit310, an input storage unit320, a meta-information storage unit330, a registration unit340, a presentation information storage unit350, a transmitting unit360, and a meta-information acquiring unit370.

The receiving unit310receives interest information transmitted by the information presenting device100. The receiving unit310also receives a reference request transmitted from the guide device400.

The input storage unit320stores the interest information received by the receiving unit310. At this time, the input storage unit320may notify the timing at which the interest information is stored to the registration unit340.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an exemplary interest information table stored in the input storage unit in the first embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the input storage unit320stores the interest information table in which the date and time information and the channel information is associated with each other. The interest information table illustrated inFIG. 5is provided for each identification number of an information presenting device and each identification number of a user. In other words, the interest information transmitted from the information presenting device100includes the date and time information, the channel information, the identification number of the information presenting device, and the identification number of the user. The input storage unit320stores the date and time information, and the channel information in association with each other in the interest information table corresponding to the identification number of the information presenting device and the identification number of the user.

The meta-information storage unit330stores information relevant to the image information (hereinafter, also referred to as meta-information) presented from the information presenting device100. At this time, the meta-information storage unit330may notify the timing at which the meta-information is stored to the registration unit340.

The meta-information acquiring unit370acquires meta-information, and the meta-information storage unit330stores the acquired meta-information.

For example, regarding the meta-information to be registered in the meta-information storage unit330, the meta-information acquiring unit370may take out an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) from a broadcast wave, and the meta-information storage unit330may store the taken-out EPG as the meta-information. The meta-information acquiring unit370may acquire the EPG via a network such as the Internet, and the meta-information storage unit330may store the acquired EPG as the meta-information.

It should be noted that the meta-information may not be the EPG. In some cases, the EPG is limited to main information in a program, thus may not include a sufficient amount of data. In the case that a program database service provides information of a program in addition to the EPG, the meta-information acquiring unit370may acquire the information of the program from the program database service, and the meta-information storage unit330may store the acquired information. Moreover, the meta-information acquiring unit370may acquire a picture by decoding a broadcast wave, extract a particular character string or a particular picture by analyzing the acquired picture, and acquire information relevant to the particular character string or the particular picture from the Internet or other network, and the meta-information storage unit330may store the acquired information.

Furthermore, the meta-information acquiring unit370may acquire information of a program created by an other user having viewed the same program, and the meta-information storage unit330may store the acquired information. For example, the meta-information acquiring unit370may accept an input of locational information by an other user having viewed the same image, and the meta-information storage unit330may store the accepted locational information. Additionally, for example, the meta-information acquiring unit370may collect information relevant to an image having been viewed by an other user to thereby add relevant information to the information so as to be stored. In this case, the meta-information acquiring unit370may use the character string collected by the user and held in the input storage unit320.

The meta-information includes guide destination information indicating a place which is specified by the date and time information and the image specifying information, and is introduced in the image information. The meta-information includes guide destination information indicating a network address which is specified by the date and time information and the image specifying information, and is in connection with a selling of a commodity introduced in the image information.

FIG. 6illustrates a meta-information table stored in a meta-information storage unit in the first embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the meta-information table stores channel information, date and time information, a program name, spot information, locational information, an address, a relevant commodity, a telephone number, an URL, a cast and scene information in association with one another. Each scene has the meta-information even in the same program.

The channel information represents information specifying a broadcast station which has broadcasted the program. The date and time information represents information indicating a broadcasting date and time of a predetermined scene in the program. The program name represents information indicating the name of the broadcasted program. The spot information represents information indicating the name of the place introduced in the predetermined scene in the program. The locational information represents information indicating the location of the place introduced in the predetermined scene in the program. The address represents information indicating the address of the place introduced in the predetermined scene in the program. The relevant commodity represents information of the name of the commodity introduced in the predetermined scene in the program. The telephone number represents the telephone number of the place introduced in the predetermined scene in the program. The URL represents information indicating the URL of the website about the place introduced in the predetermined scene in the program. The cast represents information indicating the cast in the predetermined scene in the program. The scene information represents the information explaining the contents of the predetermined scene in the program.

The registration unit340stores the interest information stored in the input storage unit320, and the guide destination included in the meta-information stored in the meta-information storage unit330in the presentation information storage unit350in association with each other. For example, the registration unit340refers to the meta-information storage unit330at the timing at which the interest information is stored in the input storage unit320, and reads out the guide destination information included in the meta-information when the meta-information corresponding to the program specified by the channel information and the date and time information included in the stored interest information is stored. Then, the registration unit340further outputs the interest information and the guide destination information to the presentation information storage unit350, and deletes the interest information stored in the input storage unit320. Moreover, the registration unit340refers to the input storage unit320at the timing at which the meta-information is stored in the meta-information storage unit330. When the interest information corresponding to the channel information and the date and time information of the program specified by the meta-information is stored, the registration unit340outputs the interest information and the guide destination information to the presentation information storage unit350, and deletes the interest information stored in the input storage unit320.

The presentation information storage unit350stores the interest information and the guide destination information output from the registration unit340. At this time, the presentation information storage unit350may transmit the timing at which the guide destination information is stored to the transmitting unit360. The registration unit340stores the date and time information indicating the date and time at which the input operation by the user is accepted during the presentation of the image information, the image specifying information specifying image information presented when the input operation is accepted, and guide destination information indicating a guide destination to which the user is guided and which is specified by the date and time information and the image specifying information in the presentation information storage unit350in association with one another. The channel information corresponds to one example of the image specifying information.

For example, the presentation information storage unit350stores the date and time information included in the interest information, and the name and the address of the place, and the program name included in the meta-information in association with one another.

When the receiving unit310receives a reference request from the guide device400, the transmitting unit360acquires the guide destination information from the presentation information storage unit350and transmits the acquired guide destination information to the guide device400. When the transmitting unit360receives a signal indicating that the guide destination information is stored from the presentation information storage unit350, the transmitting unit360transmits information indicating that the guide destination information is stored to the information presenting device100or the guide device400. When the information presenting device100or the guide device400receives the information indicating that the guide destination information is stored, the information presenting device100or the guide device400notifies the registration completion of the guide destination information to the user. The information presenting device100or the guide device400may, for example, notify a message stating that “registration has been completed” by a voice, or a text or illustration on a display screen in order to inform the user of the registration completion about the candidate place.

<Detailed Configuration of Guide Device400>

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the guide device400in the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 7, the guide device400includes a communicating unit410, an input unit420, a target destination setting unit430, a route specifying unit440, a map storage unit450, a current location specifying unit460, and a display unit470.

When a reference request for guide destination information is input by the input unit420, the communicating unit410transmits the reference request to the guide information managing device300. Moreover, the communicating unit410receives the guide destination information transmitted from the guide information managing device300.

The target destination setting unit430sets a target destination. For example, the target destination setting unit430performs a push notification or a list display of guide destination information received by the communicating unit410, and accepts selection of a specific destination among the guide destination information by the user to thereby set the target destination. For example, the target destination setting unit430may set the target destination on the basis of the keyword relevant to the target destination, the telephone number of the destination, or the address of the target destination. Moreover, the target destination setting unit430may set a transit spot in addition to the target destination. In this case, for example, a target destination which is stored in the input storage unit320but is still not registered in the presentation information storage unit350may be set as non-selectable.

The current location specifying unit460specifies a current location of the guide device400. For example, the current location specifying unit460specifies the current location by a positioning system such as a GPS (Global Positioning System). Additionally, for example, the current location specifying unit460may specify the current location by another positioning system using a communication spot such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or a base station such as a SP mode. Or, the current location may be specified by a direct input by a user.

The map storage unit450stores map information, and further stores sightseeing information, shop and store information, or event information in addition to information of geographic contours or roads.

The route specifying unit440specifies an optimal route from the current location to the target destination by using the current location specified by the current location specifying unit460, the target destination set by the target destination setting unit430, and the map information stored in the map storage unit450.

The display unit470displays an operation screen, an information presentation screen, or route guide information of the guide device400to a user. The display unit470may present guide destination information to the user by a voice in addition to a picture. For example, in the case that the guide device400is a car navigation device, a smartphone, or a tablet computer, the car navigation device, the smartphone, or the tablet computer may present guide destination information on each screen, or may output the guide destination information by a voice from each speaker. At this time, for example, when the interest information registered in the input storage unit320is associated with the guide destination information and registered in the presentation information storage unit350, the display unit470may notify the storage of the guide destination information.

The configuration of the system for presenting information in the first embodiment of the present invention has been described.

Hereinafter, the operation of the system for presenting information in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

<Operation of Information Presenting System>

<Operation of Information Presenting Device100>

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information presenting device100in the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the setting storage unit140of the information presenting device100acquires and stores channel information input from the operative device200, and sets a channel of a broadcast wave to be received by the receiving unit110on the basis of the channel information (step S1).

Next, the receiving unit110receives the broadcast wave corresponding to the set channel information, the decoding unit120decodes the received broadcast wave, and the display unit130outputs a decoded image or voice (step S2).

Then, the communicating unit150judges whether or not date and time information transmitted from the operative device200is received (step S3). When it is judged that the date and time information is received (YES in step S3), the communicating unit150reads out the channel information, an identification number of a user, and an identification number of the information presenting device stored in the setting storage unit140, and transmits interest information including the read-out channel information, the identification number of the user and the identification number of the information presenting device, and the received date and time information to the information managing device300(step S4). After that, the flow returns to the process in step S2.

To the contrary, when it is judged that the date and time information is not received (NO in step S3), the setting storage unit140judges whether or not channel information to change the channel is input from the operative device200(step S5). When it is judged that the channel is changed (YES in step S5), the setting storage unit140stores the channel information input from the operative device200, and changes the channel of the broadcast wave to be received by the receiving unit110according to the channel information (step S6). After that, the flow returns to the process in step S2.

On the other hand, when it is judged that the channel is not changed (NO in step S5), the setting storage unit140judges whether or not an operation of a power-off is input from the operative device200(step S7). When it is judged that the power-off is not performed (NO in step S7), the flow returns to step S2. To the contrary, when it is judged that the power-off is performed, the setting storage unit140performs the power-off, and ends the process.

FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the operative device200in the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the input unit210of the operative device200judges whether or not a signal representing an indication that a user has an interest in an image displayed by the information presenting device100is input, that is, judges whether or not an interest button is pushed down (step S11). When it is judged that the interest button is pushed down (YES in step S11), the timer unit220transmits timer information of the time at which the interest button is pushed down as date and time information to the information presenting device100(step S12). After that, the flow returns to the process in step S11.

To the contrary, when it is judged that the interest button is not pushed down (NO in step S11), the input unit210judges whether or not an operation to change the channel is input (step S13). When it is judged that the operation to change the channel is input (YES in step S13), the input unit210transmits the channel information to change the channel to the information presenting device100(step S14). After that, the flow returns to the process in step S11. On the other hand, when it is judged that the operation to change the channel is not input (NO in step S13), the flow returns to the process in step S11.

FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating exemplary screen images displayed on the operative device200and the information presenting device100during viewing of a program in the first embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the operative device200displays a current date and time, a viewing channel number, a program being viewed, and the interest button211during presentation of a television program by the information presenting device100. When a certain place or commodity in which a user has an interest is displayed in the program being viewed, the user pushes down the interest button211.

The information presenting device100may include the functions of the operative device200. In other words, the information presenting device100illustrated inFIG. 3may further include the input unit210and the timer unit220.

FIG. 11is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen image displayed on the information presenting device100during viewing of a program in the first embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 11, the information presenting device100includes the functions of the operative device200. Therefore, the information presenting device100displays a television program being viewed, a current date and time, a viewing channel number, a name of the program being viewed, and the interest button211. When a certain place or commodity in which a user has an interest is displayed in the program being viewed, the user pushes down the interest button211.

<Operation of Guide Information Managing Device300>

FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the guide information managing device300in the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the receiving unit310of the guide information managing device300judges whether or not interest information transmitted by the information present device100is received (step S21). When it is judged that the interest information is received (YES in step S21), the receiving unit310allows the received interest information to be stored in the input storage unit320(step S22). After that, the flow returns to the process in step S21.

To the contrary, when it is judged that the interest information is not received (NO in step S21), the registration unit340judges whether or not the meta-information storage unit330stores meta-information of a program specified by the date and time information and the channel information included in the interest information stored in the input storage unit320(step S23). When it is judged that the meta-information of the program specified by the interest information is stored (YES in step S23), the registration unit340allows the interest information and guide destination information included in the meta-information corresponding to the interest information to be stored in the presentation information storage unit350(step S24).

Next, the transmitting unit360notifies that the guide destination information is stored in the presentation information storage unit350to the information presenting device100or the guide device400(step S25). After that, the flow returns to the process in step S21. To the contrary, when it is judged that the meta-information of the program specified by the interest information is not stored (NO in step S23), it is judged whether or not the receiving unit310receives a reference request for referring to the guide destination information (step S26). When it is judged that the reference request is received (YES in step S26), the transmitting unit360transmits the guide destination information stored in the presentation information storage unit350to the guide device400(step S27). After that, the flow returns to the process in step S21. On the other hand, when it is judged that the reference request is not received (No in step S26), the flow returns to step S21.

FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen image displayed on the information presenting device100when guide destination information is stored in the presentation information storage unit350.

In the guide information managing device300, when the guide destination information is stored in the presentation information storage unit350, it is notified to the information presenting device100that the guide destination information is stored in the presentation information storage unit350.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, the information presenting device100displays a name and an address of a place for which the guide destination information is stored, and outputs the stored place name by a voice.

FIG. 14is a diagram illustrating an exemplary screen image displayed on the operative device200when the guide destination information is stored in the presentation information storage unit350.

In the guide information managing device300, when the guide destination information is stored in the presentation information storage unit350, it is notified to the operative device200that the guide destination is stored in the presentation information storage unit350.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the operative device200displays a name and an address of a place for which the guide destination information is stored, and outputs the stored place name by a voice. It is notified to at least either of the information presenting device100and the operative device200that the guide destination information is stored in the presentation information storage unit350.

As described above, after guide destination information is stored in a database, information indicating that the guide destination information is stored in the database is presented. In this manner, it is notified to a user that the guide destination information is stored in the presentation information storage unit350, therefore, the user can know that a place introduced in a program having been viewed is guidable, and can know that the place is settable in the guide device400as a target destination.

<Operation of Guide Device400>

FIG. 15is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the guide device400in the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the current location specifying unit460of the guide device400acquires a current location of the guide device400(step S31).

Next, the input unit420judges whether or not an input of a reference request for referring to guide destination information is accepted (step S32). For example, a menu screen image is displayed on the display unit470and a specific item which corresponds to the reference request is selected. Then, it is judged that the input of the reference request is accepted. When it is judged that the input of the reference request is not accepted (NO in step S32), the input unit420accepts a direct input of a target destination by the user (step S33).

To the contrary, when it is judged that the input of the reference request is accepted (YES in step S32), the communicating unit410transmits the reference request requesting the transmission of the guide destination information to the guide information managing device300(step S34).

Next, the communicating unit410receives the guide destination information transmitted by the guide information managing device300(step S35).

Subsequently, the input unit420accepts a selection of the user's desired target destination (guide destination information) among the guide destination information received by the communicating unit410(step S36).

Then, when the user selects the guide destination information, the target destination setting unit430sets the selected guide destination information in the route specifying unit440as a target destination (step S37).

The route specifying unit440determines a route from the current location to the target destination on the basis of the current location acquired by the current location specifying unit460, the target destination set by the target destination setting unit430, and the map information stored in the map storage unit450(step S38).

After that, the route specifying unit440causes the display unit470to output route guide information guiding the user from the current location to the target destination in accordance with the determined route (step S39).

FIG. 16is a diagram illustrating an exemplary menu screen image displayed on the guide device400.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, the guide device400displays a menu screen image to set a target destination. The menu screen image has a button471for inputting a target destination using a keyword, a button472for inputting an address of the target destination, a button473for inputting a telephone number of the target destination, a button474for displaying the target destination registered as a favorite, a button475for displaying the target destination recommendable to the user, and a button476for displaying the target destination registered by pushing down an interest button during viewing of a program.

When the button476is pushed down, the communicating unit410transmits a reference request to the guide information managing device300. The communicating unit410receives the guide destination information transmitted by the guide information managing device300, and the display unit470displays the received guide destination information.

FIG. 17is a diagram illustrating an exemplary guide destination information displayed in the order of viewing dates and times on the guide device400.

The guide device400displays a list of places registered as places in which a user has interests during viewing of programs. As illustrated inFIG. 17, the guide device400displays names of guide destinations, addresses of the guide destinations, programs having been viewed, and date and times at which the interest button has been pushed down. The respective guide destinations are displayed in the order of viewing dates and times. Moreover, the guide device400displays the button477for setting each guide destination as a target destination, and the button478for deleting the guide destination from the list.

When the button477is pushed down, a guide destination corresponding to the button477is set as a target destination. When the button478is pushed down, the communicating unit410of the guide device400transmits a deletion request requesting deletion of the guide destination corresponding to the button478from the database to the guide information managing device300. The receiving unit310of the guide information managing device300deletes the corresponding guide destination information from the presentation information storage unit350upon receipt of the deletion request.

In this manner, it is presented whether or not guide destination information is stored in the database in response to a request from a user. When a plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented, the plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented in the order of presentation of the image information.

FIG. 18is a diagram illustrating an exemplary guide destination information displayed on the guide device400in the order of nearness to a current location.

The guide device400displays a list of places registered as places in which a user has interests during viewing of programs. As illustrated inFIG. 18, the guide device400displays names of guide destinations, addresses of the guide destinations, programs having been viewed, and distances from the current location. The respective guide destinations are displayed in the order of nearness to the current location. Moreover, the guide device400displays the button477for setting each guide destination as a target destination, and the button478for deleting the guide destination from the list.

In this manner, when a plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented, the a plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented in the order of nearness to the current location of the guide device400which presents the plurality of pieces of guide destination information.

FIG. 19is a diagram illustrating an exemplary guide destination information displayed on the guide device400in the descending order of the number of registrations performed by the same user.

The guide device400displays a list of places registered as places in which a user has interests during viewing of programs. As illustrated inFIG. 19, the guide device400displays names of guide destinations, addresses of the guide destinations, programs having been viewed, and the number of registrations performed by the same user. The respective guide destinations are displayed in the descending order of the number of registrations performed by the same user. Moreover, the guide device400displays the button477for setting each guide destination as a target destination, and the button478for deleting the guide destination from the list.

When the interest button is pushed down a plurality of times during viewing of the same program (scene), a plurality of pieces of the same guide destination information are created. The number of pieces of the same guide destination information is counted, and displayed as a registration number.

As described above, when a plurality of pieces of destination information are presented, the plurality of pieces of destination information are presented in the descending order of the number of registrations performed by the same user.

FIG. 20is a diagram illustrating an exemplary guide destination information displayed on the guide device400in the order of the number of registrations performed by an other user.

The guide device400displays a list of places registered as places in which a user has interests during viewing of programs. As illustrated inFIG. 20, the guide device400displays names of guide destinations, addresses of the guide destinations, programs having been viewed, and the number of registrations performed by an other user. The respective guide destinations are displayed in the descending order of registrations performed by the other user. Moreover, the guide device400displays the button477for setting each guide destination as a target destination, and the button478for deleting the guide destination from the list.

The guide information managing device300counts the number of storage incidences that a plurality of other users store in other databases the same guide destination information as that stored in the database. When a plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented, the plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented in the descending order of the number of storage incidences in the other databases.

FIG. 21is a diagram illustrating another exemplary guide destination information displayed on the guide device400in the order of viewing dates and times.

The guide device400displays a list of places registered as places in which a user has interests during viewing of programs. As illustrated inFIG. 21, the guide device400displays names of guide destinations, addresses of the guide destinations, programs having been viewed, and date and times at which the interest button has been pushed down. The respective guide destinations are displayed in the order of viewing dates and times. When meta-information (a name and an address of each destination) corresponding to the interest information stored in the input storage unit320is not stored in the meta-information storage unit330, the guide device400displays that the name and the address of the guide destination are unregistered.

The guide device400displays the button477for selecting each guide destination as a target destination so as not to be selectable about the guide destination whose name and address is unregistered.

When guide destination information is not stored, only interest information is displayed, thus the user can confirm interest information for which guide destination information has not been stored yet.

FIG. 22is a diagram illustrating an exemplary information presented in the guide device400about a guide destination nearest to a current location.

The guide device400displays a place nearest from the current location among places registered as places in which a user has interests during viewing of programs. As illustrated inFIG. 22, the guide device400displays a name of a guide destination nearest to the current location. Moreover, the guide device400displays the button477for setting the guide destination as a target destination.

Accordingly, presented is the information of the guide destination nearest to the current location of the guide device400which presents the guide destination information.

FIG. 23is a diagram illustrating an exemplary information displayed on the guide device400about a guide destination existing on a route from a current location to a destination.

When the route from the current location to the target destination is determined, the guide device400displays a place existing near the route among the places registered as places in which a user has interests during viewing of programs. As illustrated inFIG. 23, the guide device400displays a name of a guide destination which exists within a predetermined distance from the determined route. Moreover, the guide device400displays the button477for setting the guide destination as a target destination.

In this way, the route from the current location to the target destination is determined, and the information of the guide destination existing near the determined route is presented.

FIG. 24is a diagram illustrating an exemplary information displayed on the guide device400about other guide destination introduced in a program having been viewed by a user.

The guide device400may display a list of places introduced in programs except for the places registered as places in which a user has interests during viewing of programs. As illustrated inFIG. 24, the guide device400displays a name of each guide destination. The displayed guide destination information is not the guide destination information registered by pushing down the interest button by the user, but the guide destination information introduced in a scene for which the user has not pushed down the interest button in the same program. Moreover, the guide device400displays the button477for setting the guide destination as a target destination.

As described above, guide destination information introduced in a scene for which the user has not pushed down the interest button may be presented.

<Operation of Entire System for Presenting Information>

FIG. 25is a sequence diagram explaining an operation of the entire system for presenting information in the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the operative device200accepts an input of channel setting by user A (step S1101).

Next, the operative device200transmits the channel information input by the user A to the information presenting device100(step S1102).

Then, the information presenting device100receives the channel information transmitted by the operative device200, and sets a channel to be received in the receiving unit110in response to the received channel information (step S1103).

Subsequently, the information presenting device100chronologically outputs an image and a voice corresponding to the set channel (steps S1104to S1110). For example, the information presenting device100outputs an image and a voice of scene A at a certain time (step S1104), an image and voice of scene B at another time (step S1107), an image and voice of scene C at a subsequent time (step S1109), and an image and voice of scene D at further subsequent time (step S1110).

When the user A has an interest in an image and a voice during viewing, the user A operates the operative device200to notify that the user A has the interest. The operative device200accepts the pushing down of the interest button by the user (step S1105). For example, when a scene in which the user A has an interest is displayed, the user A pushes down the interest button provided in the operative device200. InFIG. 25, the pushing down of the interest button is accepted during the output of the scene B.

When the pushing down of the interest button is accepted, the operative device200transmits date and time information at the timing at which the interest button is pushed down (step S1106). The date and time information is transmitted to the information presenting device100, and the information presenting device100transmits the interest information indicating that the user A has an interest in a place or a commodity introduced in the displayed scene B to the guide information managing device300.

The guide information managing device300allows the interest information transmitted to be stored in the input storage unit320by the information presenting device100(step S1108).

Next, the guide information managing device300allows the meta-information including the address of the place displayed in the scene B in which the user1has the interest to be stored in the mete-information storage unit330(step S1111).

Subsequently, the guide information managing device300allows the interest information, and the guide destination information included in the meta-information in association with each other to be stored in the presentation information storage unit350(step S1112).

Then, the guide information managing device300accepts an input of a reference request requesting guide destination information from the user A (step S1113). The guide information managing device300accepts the input of the reference request from the user A, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. An input of a reference request from user B who is different from the user A may be accepted.

Next, the guide device400transmits the reference request for the guide destination information to the information managing device300in order to acquire the guide destination information (step S1114).

The guide information managing device300receives the reference request, and transmits the guide destination information stored in the presentation information storage unit350to the guide device400(step S1115).

The guide device400receives the guide destination information transmitted by the guide information managing device300, and the display unit470displays the received guide destination information (step S1116). The user A refers to the displayed guide destination information.

The guide device400further accepts selection of user A's desired guide destination information (step S1117). Then, the guide device400sets the guide destination information selected by the user A as a target destination (step S1118). Subsequently, the guide device400determines a route from a current location to the set target destination, and displays route guide information guiding the user from the current location to the target destination in accordance with the determined route (step S1120).

The operation of the system for presenting information in the first embodiment of the present invention has been described.

Effects

The system for presenting information makes it possible to, when an image being viewed includes a place where a user wants to go, acquire information relevant to the place after the presentation of the image even in the case that the information is not given to the image data during the viewing of the image to thereby guide the user to the place in which the user has the interest during viewing of the image. In other words, the system for presenting information makes it possible to specify a scene of an image specified by the user during viewing of the image, and provide information relevant to the specified scene as guide destination information.

Accordingly, the system for presenting information makes it possible to specify information designated by the information presenting device during the presentation of the information to thereby acquire and provide additional information relevant to the specified information.

Second Embodiment

General Configuration

A general configuration of a system for presenting information in a present second embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the operative device200. Only the difference from the first embodiment will be described below.

<Detailed Configuration of Operative Device200>

FIG. 26is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an information presenting device100and an operative device200in the second embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 26, the operative device200includes an input unit210, a timer unit220, and a voice recognizing unit230. The voice recognizing unit230recognizes a voice input from the input unit210, and transmits information indicating a timing and an object in which a user has an interest to the information presenting device100.

The operative device200is configured by, for example, a remote controller or a smartphone, and causes an application adapted to input a voice to activate. The input unit210includes, for example, a microphone, and collects voices in a peripheral area. The input unit210accepts a voice uttered by a user during the presentation of image information. When a place, an item or a commodity in which the user has an interest is introduced in a program being viewed, the user utters voices indicating a demand, e.g. “want to go”, “want to eat”, or “want to buy”. The voice recognizing unit230performs voice recognition of the voices collected by the input unit210, generates character string information obtained by converting contents of the utterance indicating the user's demand into a character string, and transmits the generated character string information to the information presenting device100. In this case, the character string information includes, for example, information indicating a place where the user wants to go, an item which the user wants to eat, or a commodity the user wants to buy.

Furthermore, when the voices are acquired by the input unit210, the timer unit220outputs date and time information indicating a date and a time at which the voices acquired. When the voice recognizing unit230judges that the voices indicate a demand, the timer unit220may output the date and time information indicating the date and the time at which the voices are acquired to the information presenting device100.

Whereby, the input unit210determines that the timing at which the voices indicating the demand for the program being viewed corresponds to the timing at which the user has the interest in the program, and outputs a timing signal. The timer unit220outputs date and time information indicating a coinciding date and a time in response to the input of the timing signal. Accordingly, the user can specify a seen in which the user has the interest in the program being viewed. Furthermore, for example, in the case that a plurality of places are displayed in a program being viewed, the voice recognizing unit230analyzes contents of the utterance of “want to go to XXXX” by the user to thereby specify that the user has an interest in “XX (sic. XXXX)”, when accepting the voice input.

The communicating unit150of the information presenting device100receives the date and time information and the character string information transmitted by the operative device200. The communicating unit150reads out the channel information, the identification number of the information presenting device100, and the identification number of the user from the setting storage unit140, when receiving the date and time information and the character string information. The communicating unit150transmits the date and time information and the character string information received from the operative device200, and the channel information, the identification number of the information presenting device100and the identification number of the user read out from the setting storage unit140when receiving the date and time information, as interest information to the guide information managing device300.

The receiving unit310of the guide information managing device300receives the interest information transmitted by the information presenting device100. The input storage unit320stores the interest information received by the receiving unit310.

FIG. 27is a diagram illustrating an interest information table stored in an input storage unit in the second embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 27, an input storage unit320stores the interest information table in which the date and time information, the channel information, and the character string information is associated with one another. The character string information is information specifying a place or a commodity in which a user has an interest, or specifying a place or a commodity in which a viewer has an interest among a plurality of places or commodities introduced in a program being viewed. The interest information table illustrated inFIG. 27is provided for each identification number of an information presenting device and each identification number of a user. In other words, the interest information transmitted from the information presenting device100includes the date and time information, the channel information, the character string information, the identification number of the information presenting device, and the identification number of the user. The input storage unit320stores the date and time information, the channel information and the character string information in association with one another in the interest information table corresponding to the identification number of the information presenting device and the identification number of the user.

The configuration of the system for presenting information in the second embodiment has been described.

Hereinafter, the operation of the system for presenting information in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the operation of the operative device200. Only the difference from the first embodiment will be described below.

The operation of the operative device200in the second embodiment will be described by using the flowchart ofFIG. 9. In step S11ofFIG. 9, the voice recognizing unit230judges whether or not contents of an utterance by a user are contents indicating that the user has an interest. When it is judged that the contents of the utterance by the user are the contents indicating that the user has the interest (YES in step11), the voice recognizing unit230transmits the character string information indicating a place or an object in which the user has the interest to the information presenting device100, and the timer unit220transmits the date and time information to the information presenting device100, in step S12.

FIG. 28is a diagram explaining a process of registering a place where a user wants to go as interest information by a voice input in the second embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 28, the operative device200accepts a voice input by a viewer during display of a television program by the information presenting device100. A user utters, for example, “I want to go”, when a place in which the user has an interest is displayed in the program being viewed. The voice recognizing unit230of the operative device200performs voice recognition of the voices uttered by the viewer, and judges that the voices of “I want to go” are voices indicating a demand. When it is judged that the input voices are the voices indicating the demand, the timer unit220transmits the date and time information to the information presenting device100. After that, the operative device200outputs voices, for example, “It will be registered”.

Also, when the voices include a voice specifying a concrete place, the voice recognizing unit230creates character string information indicating the concrete place, and transmits the created character string information to the information presenting device100. When the voices do not include any voice specifying the concrete place, the voice recognizing unit230may not transmit the character string information to the information presenting device100.

The communicating unit150of the information presenting device100receives the date and time information and the character string information transmitted from the operative device200. The communicating unit150transmits the date and time information and the character string information received from the operative device200, and the channel information, the identification number of the information presenting device100and the identification number of the user read out from the setting storage unit140when receiving the date and time information, as interest information to the guide information managing device300.

The receiving unit310of the guide information managing device300receives the interest information transmitted by the information presenting device100. The input storage unit320stores the interest information received by the receiving unit310.

FIG. 29is a diagram explaining a process of registering a place where a user wants to go eating as interest information by a voice input in the second embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 29, the operative device200accepts a voice input by a viewer during display of a television program by the information presenting device100. A user utters, for example, “I want to go eating”, when a place in which the user has an interest is displayed in the program being viewed. The voice recognizing unit230of the operative device200performs voice recognition of the voices uttered by the viewer, and judges that the voices of “I want to go eating” are voices indicating a demand. When it is judged that the input voices are voices indicating the demand, the timer unit220transmits the date and time information to the information presenting device100. After that, the operative device200outputs voices, for example, “It will be registered”. Other processes are the same as those inFIG. 28.

FIG. 30is a diagram explaining a process of registering a commodity which a user wants to buy as interest information by a voice input in the second embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 30, the operative device200accepts a voice input by a viewer during display of a television program by the information presenting device100. A user utters, for example, “I want to buy”, when a commodity in which the user has an interest is displayed in the program being viewed. The voice recognizing unit230of the operative device200performs voice recognition of the voices uttered by the viewer, and judges that the voices of “I want to buy” are voices indicating a demand. When it is judged that the input voices are voices indicating the demand, the timer unit220transmits the date and time information to the information presenting device100. After that, the operative device200outputs voices, for example, “It will be registered”. Other processes are the same as those inFIG. 28.

FIG. 31is a diagram explaining a process of registering an item which a user wants to eat when a plurality of places are displayed in a program being viewed in the second embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 31, the operative device200accepts a voice input by a viewer during display of a television program by the information presenting device100. In this case, the television program displays a plurality of items, thus it is impossible to specify which item the viewer wants to eat only by the input of the voices of “I want to eat”. Therefore, a user utters, for example, “I want to eat Chinese noodle BB”, during the display of the plurality of items including one in which the user has an interest in the program being viewed. The voice recognizing unit230of the operative device200performs voice recognition of the voices uttered by the viewer, and judges that the voices of “I want to eat” are voices indicating a demand.

Moreover, the voice recognizing unit230judges that the voices of “Chinese noodle BB” are the voices indicating a specific item. When it is judged that the input voices are the voices indicating the demand, the timer unit220transmits the date and time information to the information presenting device100. Also, when it is judged that the input voices are voices indicating the specific item, the voice recognizing unit230converts the voices indicating the specific item into character string information, and transmits the character string information to the information presenting device100. After that, the operative device200outputs voices, for example, “It will be registered”.

The operation of the system for presenting information in the second embodiment have been described.

Effects

The system for presenting information makes it possible to, when information of a plurality of places or objects are presented during viewing of an image, specify a place or an object in which a user has an interest. In other words, the system for presenting information makes it possible to specify information designated by the user among a plurality of pieces of information (places or objects) presented in a scene of an image designated by the user during the viewing of the image, and provide information relevant to the specified scene as guide destination information.

Accordingly, the system for presenting information makes it possible to specify information designated by the information presenting device during the presentation of the information to thereby acquire and provide additional information relevant to the specified information.

Third Embodiment

General Configuration

A general configuration of a system for presenting information in a third embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment.

The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the operative device200. Only the difference from the first embodiment will be described below.

<Detailed Configuration of Operative Device200>

FIG. 32is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an information presenting device100and an operative device200in the third embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 32, the operative device200includes an input unit210, a timer unit220, and a coordinate recognizing unit240.

The input210includes an interest button to be pushed down during presentation of an image in which a user has an interest.

The input210includes a camera for detecting a sight line of the user. The coordinate recognizing unit240accepts sight line information indicating the position of the sight line of the user over a screen. The coordinate recognizing unit240specifies a positional coordinate on the screen about the sight line of the user input from the input unit210, and transmits the specified positional coordinate to the information presenting device100. Furthermore, the coordinate recognizing unit240is triggered by the pushing down of the interest button to thereby specify the positional coordinate on the screen about the sight line of the user input from the input unit210. In this manner, it is possible to specify which positional coordinate in an image presented by the information presenting device100presents a place or an object in which the user has an interest.

The input210may include a pointing device. In this case, the coordinate recognizing unit240accepts an input operation about a positional coordinate on the screen, the positional coordinate being instructed by the pointing device. The coordinate recognizing unit240may specify the positional coordinate input from the input unit210and indicated by the pointing device, and transmit the specified positional coordinate to the information presenting device100. Furthermore, the coordinate recognizing unit240is triggered by the pushing down of the interest button to thereby specify the positional coordinate input from the input unit210and indicated by the pointing device.

The communicating unit150of the information presenting device100receives the date and time information and the positional coordinate information transmitted by the operative device200. The communicating unit150reads out the channel information, the identification number of the information presenting device100, and the identification number of the user from the setting storage unit140, when receiving the date and time information and the positional coordinate information. The communicating unit150transmits the date and time information and the positional coordinate information received from the operative device200, and the channel information, the identification number of the information presenting device100and the identification number of the user read out from the setting storage unit140when receiving the date and time information as interest information to the guide information managing device300.

The receiving unit310of the guide information managing device300receives the interest information transmitted by the information presenting device100. The input storage unit320stores the interest information received by the receiving unit310. The registration unit340acquires the guide destination information associated with the positional coordinate information from the meta-information storage unit330. The meta-information storage unit330stores the guide destination information in association with the positional coordinate information. The presentation information storage unit350stores the date and time information, the image specifying information, and the guide destination information acquired by the registration unit340.

FIG. 33is a diagram illustrating an exemplary interest information table stored in an input storage unit in the third embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 33, the input storage unit320stores the interest information table in which the date and time information, the channel information, and the positional coordinate information is associated with one another. The positional coordinate information is information specifying a place or a commodity in which a user has an interest, and specifying a place or a commodity in which a viewer has an interest among a plurality of places or commodities introduced in a program being viewed. The positional coordinate information is represented by a positional coordinated of a pixel. The interest information table illustrated inFIG. 33is provided for each identification number of an information presenting device and each identification number of a user. In other words, the interest information transmitted from the information presenting device100includes the date and time information, the channel information, the positional coordinate information, the identification number of the information presenting device, and the identification number of the user. The input storage unit320stores the date and time information, the channel information and the positional coordinate information in association with one another in the interest information table corresponding to the identification number of the information presenting device and the identification number of the user.

The configuration of the system for presenting information in the third embodiment has been described.

Hereinafter, the operation of the system for presenting information in the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the operation of the operative device200. Only the difference from the first embodiment will be described below.

The operation of the operative device200in the third embodiment will be described by using the flowchart ofFIG. 9. In step S11ofFIG. 9, the input unit210judges whether or not the interest button which indicates that a user has an interest is pushed down or not. The input unit210may judge whether or not there is a voice input. When it is judged that the interest button is pushed down (YES in step S11), the timer unit220transmits timer information of the time at which the interest button is pushed down as date and time information to the information presenting device100.

Next, the coordinate recognizing unit240specifies a positional coordinate of a sight line on a screen when the interest button is pushed down, and transmits information of the specified positional coordinate to the information presenting device100. At this time, the coordinate recognizing unit240may specify a positional coordinate indicated by a pointing device when the interest button is pushed down, and transmits the specified coordinate to the information presenting device100.

FIG. 34is a diagram explaining a process of registering an item which a user wants to eat as interest information by a voice input and a detection of a sight line in the third embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 34, the operative device200accepts a voice input by a viewer during display of a television program by the information presenting device100. InFIG. 34, the information presenting device100includes the operative device200. At this time, the television program displays a plurality of items, thus it is impossible to specify which item the viewer wants to eat only by the input of the voices, “I want to eat”. Therefore, a user utters, for example, “I want to eat”, while watching an item in which the user has an interest during the display of the plurality of items including the item in which the user has the interest in the program being viewed. The voice recognizing unit230(not shown) of the operative device200performs voice recognition of the voices uttered by the viewer, and judges that the voices of “I want to eat” are voices indicating a demand.

Furthermore, the coordinate recognizing unit240specifies a positional coordinate of a sight line of a user on a screen. When it is judged that input voices are voices indicating the demand, the timer unit220transmits the date and time information to the information presenting device100. Also, the coordinate recognizing unit240transmits the specified positional coordinate information to the information presenting device100.

The communicating unit150of the information presenting device100receives the date and time information and the positional coordinate information transmitted from the operative device200. The communicating unit150transmits the date and time information and the positional coordinate information received from the operative device200, and the channel information, the identification number of the information presenting device100, and the identification number of the user read out from the setting storage unit140when receiving the date and time information, as interest information to the guide information managing device300.

The receiving unit310of the guide information managing device300receives the interest information transmitted by the information presenting device100. The input storage unit320stores the interest information received by the receiving unit310.

FIG. 35is a diagram explaining a process of registering an item which a user wants to eat as interest information by a pointing device in the third embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 35, the operative device200accepts an input operation of a pointing device by a viewer during display of a television program by the information presenting device100. The pointing device is, for example, a mouse212. InFIG. 35, the information presenting device100includes the operative device200. At this time, the television program displays a plurality of items. The user moves a pointer to an item in which the user has an interest and pushes down a button provided to a mouse212during the presentation of the plurality of items including the item in which the user has the interest in the program being viewed. The button provided to the mouse212corresponds to the interest button.

The coordinate recognizing unit240specifies a positional coordinate of the pointer. The timer unit220transmits the date and time information to the information presenting device100. Furthermore, the coordinate recognizing unit240transmits the specified positional coordinate information to the information presenting device100. Other processes are the same as those inFIG. 34.

The operation of the system for presenting information in the third embodiment has been described.

Effects

The system for presenting information makes it possible to, when information of a plurality of places or objects are presented during viewing of an image, specify a place or an object in which a user has an interest. In other words, the system for presenting information makes it possible to specify information designated by the user among a plurality of pieces of information (places or objects) presented in a scene of an image designated by the user during the viewing of the image, and provide information relevant to the specified scene as guide destination information.

Accordingly, the system for presenting information makes it possible to specify information designated by the information presenting device during the presentation of the information to thereby acquire and provide additional information relevant to the specified information.

Fourth Embodiment

General Configuration

A general configuration of a system for presenting information in a fourth embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment.

The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the operative device200. Only the difference from the first to third embodiment will be described below.

<Detailed Configuration of Operative Device200>

FIG. 36is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an information presenting device100and an operative device200in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 36, the operative device200includes an input unit210, a timer unit220, and a character input unit250. The input unit210accepts a character input by a user. The character input unit250interprets the meaning of the character string input from the input unit210, generates character string information, and transmits the generated character string information to the information presenting device100. When a place, an item or a commodity in which a user has an interest is introduced in a program being viewed, the user inputs characters indicating a demand, e.g. “want to go”, “want to eat”, or “want to buy”. In this case, the character string information may include, for example, information indicating a place where the user wants to go, an item which the user wants to eat, or a commodity which the user wants to buy.

The configuration of the system for presenting information in the fourth embodiment has been described.

Hereinafter, the operation of the system for presenting information in the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the operation of the operative device200. Only the difference from the first embodiment will be described below.

The operation of the operative device200in the fourth embodiment will be described by using the flowchart ofFIG. 9. In step S11ofFIG. 9, the character input unit250judges whether or not contents of a character string input by a user are contents indicating that the user has an interest. When it is judged that the contents of the character string input by the user are the contents indicating that the user has the interest (YES in step11), the voice character input unit250transmits the character string information indicating a place or an object in which the user has the interest to the information presenting device100, and the timer unit220transmits the date and time information to the information presenting device100, in step S12.

FIG. 37is a diagram for an explanation about a process of registering a place where a user wants to go as interest information by a character input in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 37, the operative device200accepts a character input by a viewer during display of a television program by the information presenting device100. The user inputs, for example, “I want to go”, when a place in which the user has an interest is displayed in the program being viewed. The character input unit250of the operative device200interprets the meaning of the character strings input by the viewer, and judges that the character strings of “I want to go” are character strings indicating a demand. When it is judged that the input character strings are the character strings indicating the demand, the timer unit220transmits the date and time information to the information presenting device100.

Also, when the character strings include a character string specifying a concrete place, the character input unit250creates character string information indicating the concrete place, and transmits the created character string information to the information presenting device100. When the character strings do not include any character string specifying the concrete place, the character input unit250may not transmit the character string information to the information presenting device100.

The communicating unit150of the information presenting device100receives the date and time information and the character string information transmitted from the operative device200. The communicating unit150transmits the date and time information and the character string information received from the operative device200, and the channel information, the identification number of the information presenting device100, and the identification number of the user read out from the setting storage unit140when receiving the date and time information, as interest information to the guide information managing device300.

The receiving unit310of the guide information managing device300receives the interest information transmitted by the information presenting device100. The input storage unit320stores the interest information received by the receiving unit310.

The operation of the system for presenting information in the fourth embodiment has been described.

Effects

The system for presenting information makes it possible to, when information of a plurality of places or objects are presented during viewing of an image, specify a place or an object in which a user has an interest. In other words, the system for presenting information makes it possible to specify information designated by the user among a plurality of pieces of information (places or objects) presented in a scene of an image designated by the user during the viewing of the image, and provide information relevant to the specified scene as guide destination information.

Accordingly, the system for presenting information makes it possible to specify information designated by the information presenting device during the presentation of the information to thereby acquire and provide additional information relevant to the specified information.

Fifth Embodiment

General Configuration

A general configuration of a system for presenting information in a fifth embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment.

The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the guide device400. Only the difference from the first embodiment will be described below.

The guide device400is configured by, for example, a web browser.

<Detailed Configuration of Guide Device400>

FIG. 38is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a guide device400in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 38, the guide device400includes a communicating unit410, an input unit420, a display unit470, and a guide destination setting unit.

When a reference request for guide destination information is input by the input unit420, the communicating unit410transmits the reference request to the guide information managing device300. Moreover, the communicating unit410receives the guide destination information transmitted from the guide information managing device300.

The display unit470displays an operation screen or an information presentation screen of the guide device400to a user. The display unit470may present the guide destination information to the user by a voice in addition to an image. For example, in the case that the guide device400is a car navigation device, a smartphone, or a tablet computer, the car navigation device, the smartphone, or the tablet computer may present guide destination information on each screen, or may output the guide destination information by a voice from each speaker.

When the user having referred to the guide destination information received by the communicating unit410selects specific guide destination information by using the input unit420, the guide destination setting unit480stores and sets the selected guide destination information, and requests the reference of the webpage to the communicating unit410.

The configuration of the system for presenting information in the fifth embodiment of the present invention has been described.

Hereinafter, the operation of the system for presenting information in the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the operation of the guide device400. Only the difference from the first embodiment will be described below.

<Operation of Guide Device400>

The operation of the guide device400in the fifth embodiment will be described by using the flowchart ofFIG. 15. In step S38ofFIG. 15, the guide destination setting unit480determines a webpage of a guide destination. Next, in Step S39, the display unit470displays the webpage determined by the guide destination setting unit480.

The operation of the system for presenting information in the fifth embodiment has been described.

Effects

The system for presenting information makes it possible to, when information of a plurality of places or objects are presented during viewing of an image, obtain guide destination information for guiding a user to a place or an object in which the user has an interest. In other words, the system for presenting information makes it possible to specify information designated by the user among a plurality of pieces of information (places or objects) presented in a scene of an image designated by the user during the viewing of the image, and provide information relevant to the specified scene as guide destination information.

Accordingly, the system for presenting information makes it possible to specify information designated by the information presenting device during the presentation of the information to thereby acquire and provide additional information relevant to the specified information.

Sixth Embodiment

General Configuration

A general configuration of a system for presenting information in a sixth embodiment is identical to that of the first embodiment.

The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the guide information managing device300. Only the difference from the first embodiment will be described below.

<Detailed Configuration of Guide Information Managing Device300>

FIG. 39is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a guide information managing device300in a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 39, the guide information managing device300includes a receiving unit310, an input storage unit320, a meta-information storage unit330, a registration unit340, a presentation information storage unit350, a transmitting unit360, and a meta-information generating unit380.

The meta-information generating unit380generates guide destination information based on image information. The meta-information generating unit380refers to image and a voice obtained by encoding a broadcast wave transmitted to the information presenting device100, a recorded image and voice, and information on the Internet or a database on the Internet, and performs picture recognition, voice recognition or character recognition to thereby generate meta-information, as needed. For example, the meta-information generating unit380calculates an interrelationship between a picture included in a motion image, and each of pictures taken by a plurality of users at a plurality of places. When the both pictures are similar to each other, the meta-information generating unit380judges that the place in the picture included in the motion image is the same as the place in the picture taken by a user, and outputs locational information given to the picture taken by the user as the meta-information. Moreover, for example, the meta-information generating unit380may recognize and analyze the presented voice, and output locational information included in the voice as the meta-information relevant to the presented voice.

<Detailed Configuration of Modified Guide Information Managing Device300>

FIG. 40is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a modified guide information managing device300in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 40, the guide information managing device300includes a receiving unit310, an input storage unit320, a meta-information storage unit330, a registration unit340, a presentation information storage unit350, a transmitting unit360, and a meta-information generating unit380.

The meta-information generating unit380may determine the priority order of meta-information to be generated with reference to information stored in the input storage unit320. The meta-information generating unit380also can judge not to give the meta-information to presenting information or a scene for which interest information is not stored in the input storage unit320. When a plurality of pieces of guide destination information is generated, the meta-information generating unit380determines the priority order of the plurality of pieces of guide destination information in response to an accepted input operation.

Interest information of the plurality of users is acquired and stored in the input storage unit320to thereby make it is possible to prioritize the registration of the guide destination information in which more users have interest.

The configuration of the system for presenting information in the sixth embodiment of the present invention has been described.

Hereinafter, the operation of the system for presenting information in the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the operation of the guide information managing device300. Only the difference from the first embodiment will be described below.

<Operation of Guide Information Managing Device300>

The operation of the guide information managing device300in the sixth embodiment will be described by using the flowchart ofFIG. 12. In step S23ofFIG. 12, when it is judged that meta-information of a program specified by interest information is not stored (No in step S23), the meta-information generating unit380generates meta-information (guide destination information) based on image information. Next, the registration unit340judges whether or not the meta-information (guide destination information) is generated. When it is judged that the meta-information (guide destination information) is generated, the flow proceeds to the process in step S24. To the contrary, when it is judged that the meta-information (guide destination information) is not generated, the flow proceeds to the process in step S26.

The operation of the system for presenting information in the sixth embodiment has been described.

Effects

Even when a plurality of pieces of information of places or objects are not presented during viewing of an image, the system for presenting information makes it possible to obtain guide destination information guiding a user to a place or an object in which the user has an interest. In other words, the system for presenting information makes it possible to specify a scene of an image designated by the user and analyze the specified scene to thereby output relevant additional information (guide destination information) during viewing of the image by the information presenting device.

Accordingly, the system for presenting information makes it possible to specify information designated by the information presenting device during the presentation of the information to thereby acquire and provide additional information relevant to the specified information.

In the respective embodiments, a single information presenting device100is connected with a single operative device200. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A single information presenting device100may be connected with a plurality of operative devices200, or a plurality of information presenting devices100may be connected with a single operative device200.

The respective embodiments may be combined with one another. For example, the second embodiment may be combined with the sixth embodiment.

The techniques described in all of the aforementioned embodiments are realized by, for example, the following types of cloud services. However, the types of cloud services that realize the techniques described in the aforementioned aspects are not limited to the following types.

(Service Type 1: Proprietary Data Center Type Cloud Service)

FIG. 41is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be provided by a system for presenting information in service type 1 (proprietary data center type cloud service). In the present type, the service provider1200acquires information from the group1000, and provides a service to a user. In the present type, the service provider1200has functions of a data center operating company. In other words, the service provider1200owns a cloud server110that manages big data. Therefore, a data center operating company does not exist.

In the present type, the service provider1200operates and manages the data center (cloud server)203. In addition, the service provider1200manages an operating system (OS)2020and an application2010. The service provider1200provides a service using the OS2020and the application2010managed by the service provider1200(the arrow2040).

(Service Type 2: Cloud Service Using IaaS)

FIG. 42is a diagram illustrating an overview of a service to be provided by a system for presenting information of service type 2 (cloud service using IaaS). In this case, IaaS is an abbreviation of Infrastructure as a Service and refers to a cloud service provision model where an infrastructure for building and running a computer system itself is provided as an Internet-based service.

In the present type, the data center operating company1100operates and manages the data center (cloud server)2030. In addition, the service provider1200manages an OS2020and an application2010. The service provider1200provides a service using the OS2020and the application2010managed by the service provider1200(the arrow2040).

(Service Type 3: Cloud Service Using PaaS)

FIG. 43is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be provided by a system for presenting information of service type 3 (cloud service using PaaS). In this case, PaaS is an abbreviation of Platform as a Service and refers to a cloud service provision model where a platform that constitutes a foundation for building and running software is provided as an Internet-based service.

In the present type, the data center operating company1100manages the OS2020and operates and manages the data center (cloud server)2030. In addition, the service provider1200manages the application2010. The service provider1200provides service using the OS2020managed by the data center operating company1100and the application2010managed by the service provider1200(the arrow2040).

(Service Type 4: Cloud Service Using SaaS)

FIG. 44is a diagram illustrating an overview of services to be provided by a system for presenting information of service type 4 (cloud service using SaaS). In this case, PaaS is an abbreviation of Platform as a Service. The cloud service using SaaS is a cloud service provision model having, for example, a function that enables a user such as a company or an individual that does not own a data center (cloud server) to use an application provided by a platform provider that owns a data center (cloud server) via a network such as the Internet.

In the present type, the data center operating company1100manages the application2010, manages the OS2020, and operates and manages the data center (cloud server)2030. In addition, the service provider1200provides a service using the OS2020and the application2010managed by the data center operating company1100(the arrow2040).

As described above, the service provider1200provides services in all types of cloud services. In addition, for example, an OS, an application, a database for big data, and the like may be developed in-house or may be outsourced by the service provider or the data center operating company.

The present invention has been described on the basis of the aforementioned embodiments and modifications. However, the present invention should not be limited to the aforementioned embodiments and modifications. The present invention further includes the following modifications.

(1) Specifically, each of the aforementioned devices is a computer system configured by, for example, a microprocessor, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk unit, a display unit, a keyboard, and a mouse. The RAM or the hard disk unit stores a computer program. The microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program to thereby achieve functions of each of the devices. In this case, the computer program is configured by combinations of a plurality of command codes indicating commands to the computer in order to achieve predetermined functions.

(2) A part of or an entirety of the constituent elements of each of the aforementioned devices may be configured by a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). The system LSI is a super multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating a plurality of constituent units on a single tip, i.e. a computer system configured by a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM and the like. The RAM stores a computer program. The microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program to thereby achieve functions of each of the system LSI.

Moreover, each part of the constituent elements of each of the devices may be independently configured as a single tip, or all the constituent elements may be integrally configured as a single tip.

The system is represented as the LSI in this case, but is also represented as an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI depending on an integrational difference. Furthermore, the manner to realize the integrated circuit is not limited to the LSI, and the integrated circuit may be realized by a special circuit or a widely-used processor. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or a reconfigurable processor may be used, the FPGA being programmable, and the reconfigurable processor being reconfigurable to connect or set a circuit cell in the LSI, after the manufacturing of the LSI.

Moreover, in accordance with an emergence of an advanced technology which realizes the integration circuit in place of the LSI owing to the progress of the semiconductor technology or another relevant technology, the advanced technology may be of course utilized to integrate function brocks. The possible advanced technology for realizing the integrated circuit in place of the LSI may include utilization of, for example, a biotechnology.

(3) A part of or an entirety of the constituent elements of each of the aforementioned devices may be configured by an IC card or a single module detachably attachable to each of the devices. The IC card or the module is a computer system configured by, for example, a microprocessor, a ROM, and a RAM. The IC card or the module may include the aforementioned super multi-functional LSI. The microprocessor operates in accordance with a computer program to thereby achieve functions of the IC card or the module. The IC card or the module may have a tamper resistance.

(4) The present invention may include the aforementioned methods. Furthermore, the present invention may include a computer program to be realized by these methods using a computer, or a digital signal configured by the computer program.

The present invention may include a computer-readable recording medium which records the aforementioned computer program or digital signal, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), or a semiconductor memory. Or, the present invention may be a digital signal recorded in the recording medium.

The present invention may transmit the computer program or the digital signal via a telecommunication line, a wireless communication line, a wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, or a data broadcast.

The present invention may include a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory. The memory may store the aforementioned computer program, and the microprocessor may operate in accordance with the aforementioned computer program.

The present invention may be implemented by other independent computer system by recording the computer program or the digital signal in the recording medium to be transferred, or transferring the computer program or digital signal via the network and the like.

(5) One or more of the aforementioned embodiments and the modifications may be combined in the present invention.

The aforementioned concrete embodiments mainly include the inventions having the below-mentioned configurations.

A method for presenting information according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an image information presenting step of presenting image information; an operative step of accepting a predetermined input operation by a user during the presentation of the image information; a guide destination acquiring step of acquiring guide destination information indicating a guide destination to which the user is guided, the guide destination information being specified by date and time information indicating a date and a time at which the input operation is accepted in the operative step, and image specifying information specifying the image information presented in the image information presenting step when the input operation is accepted; a storing step of storing the date and time information, the image specifying information, and the guide destination information in a database in association with one another; and a guide destination presenting step of presenting the guide destination information in response to a request from the user.

In this configuration, the image information is presented, and the predetermined input operation by the user is accepted during the presentation of the image information. The guide destination information indicating the guide destination to which the user is guided is acquired, the guide destination information being specified by the date and time information indicating the date and the time at which the input operation is accepted, and the image specifying information specifying the image information presented when the input operation is accepted. The date and time information, the image specifying information, and the guide destination information is stored in the database in association with one another. Then, the guide destination information is presented in response to the request from the user.

In this manner, the guide destination indicating the guide destination to which the user is guided is acquired, the guide destination being specified by the date and time information indicating the date and the time at which the input operation is accepted, and the image specifying information specifying the image information presented when the input operation is accepted. The date and time information, the image specifying information, and the guide destination information is stored in the database in association with one another. Accordingly, it is possible to guide the user to the guide destination introduced in a scene in which the user has an interest during viewing of the image information.

In the aforementioned method, it is preferable that the guide destination information includes information indicating a place which is specified by the date and time information and the image specifying information, and is introduced in the image information.

In this configuration, it is possible to guide the user to the place introduced in the image information.

In the aforementioned method, it is preferable that the guide destination information includes information indicating a network address which is specified by the date and time information and the image specifying information, and is in connection with a selling of a commodity introduced in the image information.

In this configuration, it is possible to guide the user to the network address which is in connection with the selling of the commodity introduced in the image information.

In the aforementioned method, it is preferable in the operative step that a pushing down of a predetermined button by a user is accepted during the presentation of the image information.

In this configuration, the pushing down of the predetermined button by the user is accepted, thereby allowing the user to easily designate a scene in which the user has the interest during viewing of the image information.

In the aforementioned method, it is preferable in the operative step that a voice uttered by the user is accepted during the presentation of the image information.

In this configuration, the voice uttered by the user is accepted, thereby allowing the user to easily designate the scene in which the user has the interest.

In the aforementioned method, it is preferable in the operative step that a character input by the user is accepted during the presentation of the image information.

In this configuration, the character input by the user is accepted, thereby allowing the user to easily designate a scene in which the user has an interest during viewing of the image information.

In the aforementioned method, it is preferable in the guide destination presenting step that the guide destination information is presented on a screen, and in the operative step that sight line information indicating a sight line position of the user over a screen is accepted during the presentation of the image information.

In this configuration, the guide destination information is displayed on the screen, and the sight line information indicating the sight line position of the user over the screen is accepted. Whereby, in the case that a plurality of places or commodities are displayed in one scene, it is possible to specify a place or a commodity in which the user has an interest.

In the aforementioned method, it is preferable in the guide destination presenting step that, the guide destination information is displayed on a screen; and, in the operative step, an input operation of a positional coordinate on the screen is accepted, the positional coordinate being designated by a pointing device, the method further including: an acquiring step of acquiring guide destination information which corresponds to the positional coordinate accepted in the operative step, wherein in the storing step, the date and time information, the image specifying information, and the guide destination information acquired in the acquiring step is stored.

In this configuration, the input operation of the positional coordinate on the screen is accepted, the positional coordinate being instructed by the pointing device. Also, the guide destination information corresponding to the accepted positional coordinate is acquired. Therefore, in the case that a plurality of places or commodities are displayed in one scene, it is possible to specify a place or commodity in which the user has an interest.

In the aforementioned method, it is preferable in the storing step that user information identifying the user is further stored in association with other information.

In this configuration, the user information identifying the user is further stored in association with other information. Therefore, it is possible to create a database for each user.

In the aforementioned method, it is preferable in the storing step that information presenting device identifying information is stored in association with other information, the information presenting device identifying information being adapted for identifying an information presenting device which presents the image information in the image information presenting step.

In this configuration, the information presenting device being adapted for identifying information identifying the information presenting device which presents image information is further stored in association with other information. Therefore, it is possible to create a database for each information presenting device.

In the aforementioned method, in the storing step, it is preferable in the storing step that guide device identifying information is stored in association with other information, the guide device identifying information being adapted for identifying a guide device which presents the guide destination information in the guide destination presenting step.

In this configuration, the guide device identifying information being adapted for identifying the guide device which presents the guide destination information is further stored in association with other information. Therefore, it is possible to create a database for each guide device.

It is preferable that the aforementioned method further includes: a generating step of judging whether or not images taken by an other user at a plurality of places include one similar to an image included in the image information presented when the input operation by the user is accepted, and, when a similar image is judged to be included, generating locational information given to the image taken by the other user as the guide destination information.

In this configuration, it is unnecessary to give the guide destination information to the image information, and it is possible to create the guide destination information by using the locational information given to the picture taken by other user.

In the aforementioned method, it is preferable in the generating step that, when a plurality of pieces of guide destination information are generated, a priority order of the plurality of pieces of guide destination information is determined in response to an input operation accepted in the operative step; and in the guide destination presenting step, the plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented in accordance with the determined priority order.

In this configuration, when the plurality of pieces of guide destination information are generated, the priority order of the plurality of pieces of guide destination information is determined in response to the accepted input operation. Therefore, it is possible to generate the guide destination information in the priority order of a scene for which more input operations are performed.

It is preferable that the aforementioned method further includes: a storage completion presenting step of presenting information indicating that the guide destination information is stored in the database, after the guide destination information is stored in the database in the storing step.

In this configuration, after the guide destination information is stored in the database, information indicating that the guide destination information is stored is presented. Therefore, the user can know that the guide destination introduced in a scene in which the user has the interest in the image information is guidable.

In the aforementioned method, it is preferable in the guide destination presenting step that it is presented whether or not the guide destination information is stored in the database in response to the request from the user.

In this configuration, it is presented whether or not the guide destination information is stored in the database in response to the request from the user, thereby allowing the user to confirm whether or not the guide destination is stored in the database.

In the aforementioned method, it is preferable in the guide destination presenting step that, when a plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented, the plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented in an order of presentations of the image information.

In this configuration, it is possible to present the plurality of pieces of guide destination in the order of presentations of the image information.

It is preferable that the aforementioned method further includes: a counting step of counting the number of storage incidences that a plurality of other users store in other databases the same guide destination information as that stored in the database, wherein, in the guide destination presenting step, when a plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented, the plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented in a descending order of the number of storage incidences in the other databases.

In this configuration, it is possible to present the plurality of pieces of guide destination information in the descending order of the number of storage incidences in the other databases.

In the aforementioned method according, it is preferable in the guide destination presenting step that, when a plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented, the a plurality of pieces of guide destination information are presented in an order of their locational nearness to a current location of a presenting device which presents the plurality of pieces of guide destination information.

In this configuration, it is possible to present the plurality of pieces of guide destination information in the order of their locational nearness to the current location of the presenting device.

An operative program according to another aspect of the present invention is an operative program for accepting an operation by a user, the program causing a computer to function as: an operative unit which accepts a predetermined input operation during a presentation of image information; and a transmitting unit which transmits date and time information indicating a date and a time at which the input operation is accepted by the operative unit, wherein the date and time information is used, in association with image specifying information specifying the image information presented when the input operation is accepted, to specify guide destination information indicating a guide destination to which the user is guided.

In this configuration, the predetermined input operation by the user is accepted during the presentation of the image information, and the date and time information indicating the date and the time at which the input operation is accepted is transmitted. The date and time information is used together with the image specifying information specifying the image information presented when the input operation is accepted in order to specify the guide destination information indicating the guide destination to which the user is guided. Therefore, it is possible to designate a scene in which the user has an interest during viewing of the image information, and guide the user to the guide destination introduced in the scene in which the user has the interest.

A system for presenting information according to another aspect of the present invention is a system for presenting image information, including: an information presenting device which presents image information; an operative device which accepts a predetermined input operation by a user during the presentation of the image information; a guide information managing device which stores date and time information indicating a date and a time at which the input operation is accepted by the operative device, image specifying information specifying the image information presented by the information presenting device when the input operation is accepted, and guide destination information indicating a guide destination to which the user is guided in a database in association with one another, the guide destination information being specified by the date and time information, and the image specifying information; and a presenting device which presents the guide destination information stored in the guide information managing device.

In this configuration, the image information is presented, and the predetermined input operation by the user is accepted during the presentation of the image information. The date and time information indicating the date and the time at which the input operation is accepted, the image specifying information specifying the image information presented when the input operation is accepted, and the guide destination information indicating the guide destination to which the user is guided is stored in the database in association with one another, the guide destination information being specified by the date and time information, and the image specifying information. Then, the guide destination information is presented in response to the request from the user.

As described above, the date and time information indicating the date and the time at which the input operation is accepted by the operative device, the image specifying information specifying the image information presented by the information presenting device when the input operation is accepted, and the guide destination information indicating the guide destination to which the user is guided is stored in the database in association with one another, the guide destination information being specified by the date and time information, and the image specifying information. Therefore, it is possible to guide the user to the guide destination introduced in the scene in which the user has the interest during viewing of the image information.

Moreover, the information presenting device may include the functions of the operative device. Also, the information presenting device may include the functions of the presenting device. Furthermore, the information presenting device may include the functions of the operative device and the presenting device.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION

The method for presenting information, the operative program, and the system for presenting information according to the present invention make it possible to guide a user to a guide destination introduced in a scene in which the user has an interest during viewing of image information, thus are respectively useful as a method for presenting information, an operative program and a system for presenting information.