Two-way data communication method and two-way data communication apparatus using the same

The invention relates to a two-way data communication apparatus in television broadcast or data broadcast signal transmitted through telephone circuit, and a two-way data communication apparatus according to this method, and more particularly, in a system having a response server and an individual information server connected to a telephone circuit, the apparatus comprises data broadcast decoder means for decoding television broadcast or data broadcast signal transmitted through telephone circuit, display means for displaying the information of television broadcast or data broadcast, and a modem connected to the telephone circuit, and moreover by installing user information control means for controlling the individual information server, the individual information can be controlled exclusively, and by registering, updating, collating and confirming it securely, efficient keeping of user information and confidence are achieved, and problems in two-way communication are prevented.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a two-way data communication method in 
data broadcast signals transmitted by television broadcast or telephone 
circuit, and a two-way data communication apparatus by the same method, 
and the apparatus relates to a two-way communication apparatus comprising 
a data broadcast decoder for decoding the data broadcast signals 
transmitted by television broadcast or telephone circuit, a display unit 
for displaying the video signals of television broadcast or data 
broadcast, and a modem connected to the telephone circuit. 
In particular, it relates to a two-way communication method applied in a 
system in which a response server and an individual information server are 
connected to the telephone circuit, and a two-way communication apparatus 
using the same method. 
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline configuration of a data 
broadcast system with an interactive function. In FIG. 1, reference 
numeral 1 is a television broadcast station, 2 is a data broadcast 
receiver serving also as television receiver comprising a data broadcast 
decoder 2a and a modem 2b, and 3 is a response server connected to the 
data broadcast receiver 2 through a telephone circuit 4 and also connected 
to the television broadcast station 1 through a telephone circuit 5. 
At the television broadcast station 1, character and graphic data, and 
program for giving interactive property are coded according to 
predetermined standard, and converted into data signals, and synchronizing 
codes and error correction codes are added, and are assigned in a data 
packet to be prepared as data broadcast signal, which is superposed in the 
vertical blanking period (VBL) of video signal same as in the case of 
teletext, and is converted into radio wave and broadcast. 
In the data broadcast receiver 2, the data broadcast signal is decoded in 
the data broadcast decoder 2a, and stored and displayed, and is further 
deciphered as required and processed as specified. If the content of 
television broadcast is television shopping or opinion survey, the data 
broadcast signal includes the telephone number and facsimile number of the 
customer and distributor, which are stored in the memory. 
By input means of the data broadcast receiver 2, the merchandise name, 
quantity of purchase, purchaser's name, address, response data of opinion 
survey, and others are added, and stored in memory. By dialing 
automatically, necessary data is transmitted to the response server 3 by 
the modem 2b through the telephone circuit 4. 
The response server 3 collects orders and replies from the individual 
homes, and processes data according to the prepared instructions from the 
television broadcast station 1, information provider, or service outlet, 
and transmits the result of processing to the television broadcast station 
1, information provider, or service outlet. In this way, data is 
transmitted and received interactively (in two ways). 
When the user receives presentation of online service between the data 
broadcast receiver 2 and the response server 3 of information provider or 
service outlet, for example, in the case of online shopping, the 
individual information of the user such as name, address and telephone 
number is indispensable for actually distributing the merchandise to the 
user or collecting the payment. 
If the individual information is held and controlled in the response 
server, as the response servers in service increase or new response 
servers are available, the individual information must be registered in 
the new response servers. It is very troublesome to register every 
individual information. Still worse, as the response servers holding and 
controlling the individual information increase, possibility of unexpected 
leak of individual information to outside increases, and a problem of 
protection of privacy arises. 
To eliminate such inconveniences, separately from the response servers of 
the information provider and service outlet, it may be considered to 
establish an organ such as individual information server for holding and 
controlling individual information exclusively. An individual response 
server, only when the merchandise order is established, inquires and 
acquires the individual information of the transaction partner from the 
individual information server. By holding and controlling the individual 
information of mass users exclusively in the independent individual 
information server, it solves the problems of the trouble of individual 
registrations, and external leak of huge individual information. 
When data broadcast signals are superposed on television broadcast, various 
information can be presented inexpensively over a wide area (coverage). 
Thus, various information providers can transmit information. 
However, since the individual users present the individual information to 
the information providers and service outlets, if huge individual 
information leaks, it can arouse the problem of protection of privacy. It 
is hence necessary to protect the information of individual users. 
In particular, if the individual information is held and controlled in the 
response server, every time the response servers increase in number, the 
individual information must be registered. It is very troublesome, and 
also possibility of unexpected leak of individual information to outside 
increases, and a problem of protection of privacy arises. 
To receive presentation of various online services such as online shopping 
transacted through telephone circuit between the data broadcast receiver 
and response server as mentioned above, registration of user individual 
information such as name, address and telephone number is indispensable. 
Such individual information is, however, subject to change. When moving the 
residence, the address and telephone number are change. If the residence 
is not changed, the telephone number can be changed. The name may be 
changed by marriage or the like. Although the individual information is 
changed, if the individual information registered in the individual 
information server is unchanged, the user cannot receive presentation of 
online service, and the information provider or service outlet cannot do 
business. According to the rule of the beneficiary's burden, the user must 
request the individual information server to renew (update) the 
registration of individual information when the own individual information 
is changed. 
Actually, however, the user often notices the necessity of updating only 
when making use of presentation of online service. Since it is not updated 
yet, actually, the user cannot receive presentation of online service when 
desired. It is far from organic function of the two-way data communication 
system. 
To function the two-way data communication system organically, therefore, 
it is considered to urge periodically the user to update if the individual 
information is changed. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is hence an object of the invention to solve the above problems by 
efficiently and securely controlling the user information recorded in such 
individual information server. 
To solve the problems, the invention provides a two-way data communication 
method comprising a step of decoding television broadcast or data 
broadcast signal transmitted through telephone circuit, a step of 
displaying decoded information of television broadcast or data broadcast, 
and step of presenting user information to an individual information 
server through telephone circuit by a user, and a step of controlling 
information about registration, updating and confirmation of the user 
information in the individual information server. 
The apparatus employing this method comprises data broadcast decoder means 
for decoding television broadcast or data broadcast signal transmitted 
through telephone circuit, display means for displaying the information of 
television broadcast or data broadcast decoded by the data broadcast 
decoder means, a modem connected to the telephone circuit, and user 
information control means for controlling the user information to be 
recorded in an individual information server, thereby presenting a two-way 
data communication apparatus for presenting the user information to the 
individual information server through the telephone circuit by the user, 
and controlling the information about registration, updating and 
confirmation of the user information in the individual information server 
by the user information control means. 
Accordingly, the user information can be protected, updated, and registered 
securely, while inconveniences of two-way communication can be prevented. 
In particular, by establishing an organ such as individual information 
server for holding and controlling the individual information exclusively, 
it is not necessary to register the individual information in each 
response server, and in addition to this effect, by installing the user 
information control means for registering, updating and collating the 
individual information in the individual information server in the two-way 
data communication apparatus itself, the individual information can be 
registered, updated, and collated easily, and the protection will be 
securer. 
Moreover, a two-way data communication method is presented, in which the 
step of controlling the user information comprises a step of sending 
ciphered first information to the response server through a telephone 
circuit by the user, a step of receiving a ciphered confirm response from 
the individual information server through the response server, a step of 
receiving key information for deciphering the confirm response, a step of 
confirming transmission of the first information by the key information, a 
step of sending ciphered second information to compensate for the first 
information to the individual information server through the response 
server, and a step of sending the user information to the response server 
according to the second information by the individual information server, 
and supplying this information to a third party by the response server. 
In the apparatus employing this method, the user information control means 
comprises means for sending ciphered first information to a response 
server by the user through a telephone circuit, means for receiving 
ciphered confirm response from an individual information server through 
the response server, means for receiving key information for deciphering 
this confirm response, means for confirming transmission of the first 
information by this key information, and means for sending ciphered second 
information to compensate for the first information to the individual 
information server through the response server, in which the individual 
information server sends the user information to the response server on 
the basis of the second information, and this information is supplied to a 
third party by the response server, so that the data protection may be 
reinforced. That is, the user confirms that the order has been received, 
and at this time of ordering, the information provider or service outlet 
cannot hold the individual information, and can use the individual 
information of the user only once as the response to the order, so that 
the user information can be securely protected. 
According to the two-way data communication method, the step of controlling 
the user information comprises a step of collating connection of telephone 
circuit on the basis of the user information from the individual 
information server in a specific period after the telephone circuit is 
once cut off, and a step of displaying completion of procedure when 
collated, or displaying incompletion of procedure when not collated. In 
the apparatus employing this method, which is applied in the system for 
protecting the user information by registering the user easily in an 
individual information server for controlling the individual information 
independent of the information provider or service outlet, the user 
information control means comprises means for collating connection of 
telephone circuit on the basis of the user information from the individual 
information server in a specific time after the telephone circuit is once 
cut off, and means for displaying completion of procedure when collated, 
or displaying incompletion of procedure when not collated, so that the 
data can be updated securely. 
In the two-way data communication method, the step of controlling the user 
information comprises a step of comparing the data of the date of the 
registered user information and the present date, and a step of displaying 
a specific subsequent period when matched, or a message for urging 
updating if necessary to change the user individual information. The 
apparatus employing this method comprises means for comparing the data of 
the date of the registered user information and the present date, and 
means for displaying a specific subsequent period when matched, or a 
message for urging updating if necessary to change the user individual 
information, and therefore the data can be updated more efficiently and 
securely. That is, if the user individual information such as name, 
address and telephone number is changed, a message for urging updating is 
displayed, and the registration is renewed, and the two-way data 
communication system can function organically.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
(Embodiment 1) 
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electric constitution of a two-way 
data communication apparatus as transmission and reception terminal of the 
user of two-way communication method of the embodiment. 
In FIG. 2, a two-way data communication apparatus 10 is composed as 
follows. Reference numeral 11 is a CPU (central processing unit) 
responsible for control of the entire system, 12 is a ROM (read-only 
memory) for storing the program for that control, 13 is a RAM (random 
access memory) for assisting the control and operation and storing decoded 
data broadcast signals, 14 is an input terminal of television signals 
received by a receiving antenna (not shown), 15 is a video signal receiver 
for selecting and demodulating video signal of a desired channel from 
input television signals, 16 is a data broadcast decoder for separating 
and decoding data broadcast signal superposed in the vertical blanking 
period of the demodulated video signal, 17 is a video changer for changing 
over and sending out video signal from the video signal receiver 15 and 
data broadcast signal from the RAM 13, 18 is a display controller for 
changing over the reception channel in the channel selector in the video 
signal receiver 15, controlling the display state such as screen division 
in a display 19 or scroll of data broadcast signal, or controlling the 
video changer 17, 19 is a display unit such as CRT and LCD, 20 is an 
operation input unit such as operation panel and remote control including 
data input, 21 is an input interface, 22 is a modem for two-way 
communication with telephone circuit by converting digital data into 
analog audio signal level, 23 is a bus connecting the parts from CPU 11 
and ROM 12 to the modem 22, and 24 is an NCU (network control unit) for 
connecting the modem 22 to a telephone circuit 30. Moreover, reference 
numeral 40 is a response server connected to the NCU 24 of the two-way 
data communication method 10 through the telephone circuit 30 
interactively (in two ways). Reference numeral 50 is an individual 
information server connected to the NCU 24 of the two-way data 
communication apparatus 10 and the response server 40 interactively (in 
two ways). 
First, a general operation of reception of data broadcast program is 
described. The video signal receiver 15 selects a station from the 
received television signal, sends out the television signal of the 
reception channel to the video changer 17 and also sends out to the data 
broadcast decoder 16. In the data broadcast decoder 16, the data broadcast 
signal superposed in the vertical blanking period of the selected video 
signal is separated and decoded, and is sent out to the RAM 13 to be 
stored temporarily. The display controller 18 controls the video changer 
17, and sends out either the video signal of television broadcast from the 
video signal receiver 15 or the data broadcast signal being read out from 
the RAM 13 to the display 19. The display controller 18 also controls to 
display in full screen or two divided screens as the display format of the 
display 19, or to display character data in the bottom or top of the full 
screen by scrolling like superimposing. The control effected by the 
display controller 18 is determined by the input command from the 
operation input unit 20. 
When the program of data broadcast is quiz show, variety program or opinion 
survey participated by viewers, the user manipulates to select one out of 
preset replies, and commands automatic dialing, then the CPU 11 dials the 
response server 40 automatically through the modem 22, NCU 24, and 
telephone circuit 30, and presents the reply information to the response 
server 40. The response server 40 processes the information if necessary, 
and sends the result to the broadcast station through telephone circuit. 
Next is explained the operation for ordering merchandise by connecting the 
two-way data communication apparatus 10 to the response server 40 and 
individual information server 50 through telephone circuit 30, by 
referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. 
FIG. 3 shows the data exchange in this case, FIG. 4 shows the data content, 
and FIG. 5 shows the time series of data exchange. 
The action of the user is described, to begin with. 
At the user's terminal, in order to protect the user, the key information 
for deciphering the cipher from the individual information server 50 
holding the individual information in batch is stored (step S11). 
Commodity information is presented through television broadcast station 60 
or telephone circuit, and this broadcast is received and displayed (step 
S12). By confirming the order, order confirm data 1 (composed of terminal 
ID and user ID) in FIG. 4 is sent to the response server 40 (step S13). In 
this stage, it is not necessary to transmit specific order information. 
The response server 40 acts to bridge among the user, the distributor who 
actually sells the commodity, various service outlets, or information 
provider, and the broadcast station through television broadcast or 
telephone circuit, and exists in a plurality. 
Once the telephone connection is cut off, waiting for reception from the 
response server 40 (step S14), if ciphered user information is not 
received within a specific time, it is terminated (steps S16, S17). When 
ciphered user information is received (step S15), using the previously 
received deciphering key information, the ciphered user information is 
deciphered (step S18), so that the user information is displayed (step 
S19). As a result, the user confirms that the order is received. 
By requesting connection to the response server 40 and sending order 
confirm data 2 (terminal ID, user ID, password, ordered commodity 
information), a specific order is made (step S20). This ends the order 
processing (step S21). 
Next, the operation of the response server 40 is described. 
The response server 40 is ready to receive connection from the terminal of 
the individual user through telephone circuit (step S31). Confirming the 
connection from the individual user and receiving the order confirm data 1 
(step S32), the terminal ID is extracted therefrom and sent to the 
individual information server 50 (step S33). 
Waiting for transmission from the individual information server 50 (step 
S34), if not received within specific time, the circuit is cut off (steps 
S36, S37). 
When receiving ciphered user information (information composed of service 
outlet code, terminal ID, user ID, ciphered individual address, name, 
etc.) from the individual information server 50 (step S38), it is 
transferred to the user. When receiving order confirm data from the user 
(step S39), the ciphered terminal ID and merchandise data (composed of 
terminal ID, user ID, ciphered password, ordered commodity information) is 
extracted, and sent to the individual information server 50 (step S40). 
Waiting for reception from the individual information server 50 (step 
S41), if not received within specific time, processing is terminated 
(steps S43, S44). 
When user information (name, telephone number, address, etc.) is received 
from the individual information server 50, it is sent to the commodity 
distributor or the like as order information (step S45), and the order 
entry process is over (step S46). The commodity distributor 70 or the like 
receives it, and ships the commodity to the individual user, and collects 
the payment from the user. 
Or, the credit card number may be presented as user information, and the 
payment may be completed. 
Herein, if the order confirm data 1, 2 and user information are collated in 
the response server, since the ciphering method is not always the same, if 
a user having a specific address and name purchases a specific commodity 
by one order, it can be confirmed, but by a next order, when order confirm 
data 1, 2 are received, the ordering user cannot be identified, so that 
the security of the user can be protected. 
Then, the operation of the individual information server 50 is described. 
The individual information server 50 sends the deciphering key information 
to the individual users (step S51), and is waiting for reception from the 
response server (step S52). 
The deciphering key information may be either presented periodically to the 
user, or presented upon every entry of order. 
When terminal ID data is received from the response server 40 (step S53), 
user information is retrieved from the database provided in the individual 
information server 50 (step S54), and it is ciphered (step S55), and 
ciphered user information (information composed of service outlet code, 
terminal ID, user ID, ciphered individual address, name, etc.) is sent to 
the response server 40 (step S56). 
When it is transmitted to the user through the response server 40, it is an 
order confirmation to the user, and the specific order from the user is 
received through the response server as terminal ID and merchandise data 
(step S57), and the user information is retrieved from the database (step 
S58), and it is transmitted to the response server 40 (step S59). This 
ends the operation of the individual information server 50 of one order. 
Ciphering is determined by the speed of data communication and magnitude of 
individual information. 
The individual information is presented twice to the response server 40, 
but the method of presentation is not limited to the manner in the 
embodiment. It does not matter, for example, if more information is 
ciphered in the first data transmission (order confirm data 1). 
(Embodiment 2) 
The electric constitution of the two-way data communication apparatus of 
the embodiment is same as the constitution of the first embodiment shown 
in FIG. 2, and the description of the constitution in FIG. 2 is hence 
omitted. The operation is described below while referring to the 
flowcharts in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. 
First, a general operation of reception of data broadcast program is 
described. The video signal receiver 15 in FIG. 2 selects a station from 
the received television signal, sends out the television signal of the 
reception channel to the video changer 17 and also sends out to the data 
broadcast decoder 16. In the data broadcast decoder 16, the data broadcast 
signal superposed in the vertical blanking period of the selected video 
signal is separated and decoded, and is sent out to the RAM 13 to be 
stored temporarily. The display controller 18 controls the video changer 
17, and sends out either the video signal of television broadcast from the 
video signal receiver 15 or the data broadcast signal being read out from 
the RAM 13 to the display 19. The display controller 18 also controls to 
display in full screen or two divided screens as the display format of the 
display 19, or to display character data in the bottom or top of the full 
screen by scrolling like superimposing. The control effected by the 
display controller 18 is determined by the input command from the 
operation input unit 20. 
When the program of data broadcast is quiz show, variety program or opinion 
survey participated by viewers, the user manipulates to select one out of 
preset replies, and commands automatic dialing, then the CPU 11 dials the 
response server 40 automatically through the modem 22, NCU 24, and 
telephone circuit 30. and presents the reply information to the response 
server 40. The response server 40 processes the information if necessary, 
and sends the result to the broadcast station through telephone circuit. 
Next is explained the operation for registering by connecting the two-way 
data communication apparatus 10 to the individual information server 50 
through the telephone circuit 30. 
The action of the individual user is explained by reference to the 
flowchart in FIG. 6. 
The user enters the user information in the individual information server 
50 through the user's telephone circuit (step S111), and requests 
connection to the individual information server 50 (step S112). 
Confirming the connection (step S113), if connection is not successful, 
connection is requested again (step S112). 
As a result, the machine ID of data broadcast receiver and user information 
are sent to the server (step S114), and the telephone circuit is once cut 
off (step S115). After a specific time (S116), the telephone circuit is 
connected according to the user information from the individual 
information server (step S117), and when connected, the machine ID is sent 
to the server (step S119), and is collated and confirmed from the server 
(step S120), and when confirmed and collated, completion of registration 
is displayed (step S121). If not connected within specific time (step 
S118), failure of registration is displayed (step S122). 
Referring next to the flowchart in FIG. 7, the operation of the individual 
information server is described below. 
The individual information server 50 is ready to receive connection from 
the terminal of the individual user through the telephone circuit (step 
S1101). Confirming connection from the individual user (step S1102), the 
machine ID and user information are received in the server (step S1103), 
and the machine ID is recorded (step S1104). Further, extracting the 
telephone number from the user information (step S1105), the telephone 
circuit is once cut off (step S1106). After a specific time, connection of 
telephone circuit is requested on the basis of the individual user 
information from the individual information server 50 (step S1107), 
connection is confirmed (step S1108), and when connected, the machine ID 
is received (step S1109), and collated (step Sllll), and confirmation is 
sent to the individual terminal (step S1112) to complete the registration. 
If the machine ID is not collated, mismatching is sent to the individual 
terminal (step S1113). Hence, the individual information server or the 
user can cut off the connection of telephone circuit. 
If not connected (step S1110), the process returns to request for 
connection (step S1107). 
(Embodiment 3) 
The manner of registration is described by referring to FIGS. 8, 9, 10. 
The action of the individual user is first explained by reference to FIG. 
8. The user enters the user information in the individual information 
server 50 through the user's telephone circuit. 
The user, when connected to the individual information server 50, waits 
until data is sent from the server 50 (step S131), and a list of 
prefecture names, city names and town names is received and displayed 
(step S132), so that the user can select the own prefecture name, city 
name, and town name (step S133). 
By further pressing confirm key (step S135), the selected information is 
sent to the server 50, and more specific address data is transmitted from 
the server 50. 
By transmitting by repeating this operation, the address is specified, and 
is sent to the server 50. 
The operation of the individual information server is described below while 
referring to the flow chart in FIG. 9. 
The server 50 presents the address information to the individual user 
through the telephone circuit, and waits for transmission from the 
individual user (step S1201), and when receiving the user's selection, it 
retrieves the regional database (DB) (step S1203), and sends more specific 
address information to the individual terminal (step S1204). 
When the address is specified by repeating this operation, it is terminal 
(step S1202), and the address information is registered in the user 
database (step S1205). 
The address database may be provided in the terminal itself. 
Herein, FIG. 10 shows the manner of selection by the user, and the address 
is specified by selecting the screen as shown in FIG. 10(b) by the cursor. 
The address database is built in a hierarchical structure as shown in FIG. 
11, and a more specified address list is designated by selection by the 
user. 
(Embodiment 4) 
This is to explain the operation of updating the individual data by 
connecting the two-way data communication apparatus 10 to the individual 
information server 50 through the telephone circuit 30. 
The action of the individual user is described according to the flowchart 
in FIG. 12. 
Suppose the user has changed the user information such as telephone number 
or machine ID of two-way data communication apparatus 10, or address, and 
when the procedure is complete, a change flag is not set up (step S141). 
and if not set up, it means the state of waiting for connection from the 
individual information server 50 (step S142). 
If the change flag is set up, it is known that the change registration in 
the individual information server 50 is not finished, and the procedure is 
completed (step S141). 
When connected (step S143), the changed user information is sent to the 
individual information server 50 through telephone circuit, and procedure 
is complete (steps S145, S147). 
The specific flow of this procedure is as mentioned in the foregoing 
embodiments. 
If not connected, it is judged that the change registration in the 
individual information server is not finished, and the procedure is 
completed (step S146). 
According to the flowchart in FIG. 13, the operation of the individual 
information server is described. 
The individual information server 50 requests connection from the terminal 
of the individual user through the telephone circuit (step S1302), and 
when confirming connection (step S1303), it receives the machine ID and 
user information (step S1304), and compares the user information such as 
machine ID of database of individual information server (step S1305). 
If impossible to collate, a change flag is set up on the database of 
individual information server, and connection is terminated. 
When the user information is not changed, or when reregistering changed 
information, this information is stored, and the procedure is completed. A 
specific flow of this procedure is same as the flowchart in FIG. 6 
relating to embodiment 2, and in FIG. 8 (step S131), completion of 
registration is displayed, and the state is at the same time changed to be 
in the absence of change flag. The operation of the individual information 
server at the time of re-registration is same as in the flowchart in FIG. 
9, and in FIG. 9 (step S1205), registering in the database, the state is 
changed to be in the absence of change flag on the user databases. 
If impossible to collate, a change flag is set up on the database of the 
individual information server, and connection is terminated. 
Aside from the change of user information started by request of connection 
of individual information server 50, as the user requests connection 
periodically, the individual information such as machine ID, address and 
telephone number can be changed periodically. 
Hereinafter, the embodiments of the two-way data communication apparatus of 
the invention are described below while referring to the accompanying 
drawings. 
(Embodiment 5) 
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an electric constitution of a two-way 
data communication apparatus according to embodiment 5. 
In FIG. 14, those having the same functions as in embodiments 1, 2, 3 and 4 
are identified with same reference numerals. Description of constitution 
of same functions is omitted. 
Meanwhile, reference numeral 40 is a response server connected to an NCU 24 
of a two-way communication apparatus 10 through a telephone circuit 30 
interactively (in two ways), 50 is an individual information server 
connected to the NCU 24 of the two-way data communication apparatus 10 and 
response server 40 through the telephone circuit 30 interactively (in two 
ways), and 60 is a television broadcast station. Although not shown in the 
drawing, there are plural response servers 40, and each response server 40 
is connected to the individual information server 50 through the telephone 
circuit 30. Each response server 40 and individual information server 50 
are connected to the television broadcast station 60 through the telephone 
circuit 30. 
First, operation of initial registration of user individual information is 
described. Usually, when the two-way data communication apparatus 10 is 
purchased, or when contracting an online service, the user individual 
information is initially registered in the individual information server 
50. This initial registration is entered through the telephone circuit 30. 
That is, the user manipulates the operation input unit 20 to display the 
menu of individual information registration on the display 19, and 
operates the keys to send the user registration request and terminal ID to 
the individual information server 50 through the modem 22 and telephone 
circuit 30. The terminal ID is stored in the ROM 12. Receiving this 
information, the individual information server 50 downloads the 
registration program in the two-way data communication apparatus 10 
through the telephone circuit 30. This program is stored in the RAM 13. By 
key operation, the user enters the individual information such as name, 
address, telephone number, date of birth and sex. The individual 
information is sent out to the individual information server 50 through 
the telephone circuit 30, and is stored in the hard disk. The birthday 
based on the date of birth of the individual information is registered in 
the RAM 13 of the two-way data communication apparatus 10. Dialing 
automatically by the registered telephone number from the individual 
information server 50, completion of registration is confirmed, and the 
user ID is sent out from the individual information server 50, and the 
two-way data communication apparatus 10 registers the received user ID in 
the RAM 13, and erases the registration program. Or, the registration 
program may be preliminarily stored in the memory of the terminal, and 
without having to download from the individual information server, the 
individual information may be entered by the terminal, and then registered 
in the individual information server through the telephone circuit. 
In this way, the user individual information such as name, address and 
telephone number is registered in the individual information server 50 
together with the user ID, and the birthday of the user is registered as a 
specific date in the RAM 13 of the two-way data communication apparatus 
10. 
Next, a general operation of reception of data broadcast program is 
described. The video signal receiver 15 selects a station from the 
received television signal, sends out the television signal of the 
reception channel to the video changer 17 and also sends out to the data 
broadcast decoder 16. In the data broadcast decoder 16, the data broadcast 
signal superposed in the vertical blanking period of the selected video 
signal is separated and decoded, and is sent out to the RAM 13 to be 
stored temporarily. The display controller 18 controls the video changer 
17, and sends out either the video signal of television broadcast from the 
video signal receiver 15 or the data broadcast signal being read out from 
the RAM 13 to the display 19. The display controller 18 also controls to 
display in full screen or two divided screens as the display format of the 
display 19, or to display character data in the bottom or top of the full 
screen by scrolling like superimposing. The control effected by the 
display controller 18 is determined by the input command from the 
operation input unit 20. 
When the program of data broadcast is quiz show, variety program or opinion 
survey participated by viewers, the user manipulates to select one out of 
preset replies, and commands automatic dialing, then the CPU 11 dials the 
response server 40 automatically through the modem 22, NCU 24, and 
telephone circuit 30, and presents the reply information to the response 
server 40. The response server 40 processes the information if necessary, 
and sends the result to the broadcast station 60 through telephone 
circuit. 
Operation of online shopping by viewing the program of television broadcast 
or the information transmitted from the response server is briefly 
described below. The transmitted merchandise information is shown in the 
display 19. When order confirm is instructed by manipulation of the 
operation input unit 20, order confirm data (terminal ID, user ID, 
password, ordered merchandise information) is sent to the response server 
40 through the telephone circuit 30, and order processing is complete. The 
response server 40 sends the terminal ID to the individual information 
server 50, and receives the user individual information (name, address, 
telephone number, etc.) from the individual information server 50, and it 
is sent to the merchandise distributor or the like as the order 
information, and order entry processing is over. The merchandise 
distributor ships the ordered merchandise to the corresponding user 
according to the user individual information, and collects the payment 
from the user. 
Operation of display of birthday message is described below. As already 
explained, the data of birthday of the user is registered in the RAM 13 of 
the two-way data communication apparatus 10, and in the individual 
information server 50, together with the user ID, the user individual 
information such as name, address and telephone number are registered. 
From the television broadcast station 60, the birthday message is always 
transmitted on the broadcast wave. This birthday message includes, 
together with the greeting of the birthday, a message urging to update the 
registration along with change in the user individual information. For 
example, the message says, "Happy birthday| If there is any change in your 
name, address or telephone number, please update your registration." The 
birthday message is superposed in the vertical blanking period of 
broadcast wave. This birthday message is always received in the two-way 
data communication apparatus 10, but is not displayed until the birthday. 
As shown in the flowchart in FIG. 15, when the power source of the two-way 
data communication apparatus 10 is turned on, the CPU 11 judges if the 
present date clocked by the built-in timer has reached the birthday 
registered in the RAM 13, that is, the birthday or a later day (step 
S151), and if not reaching, display of birthday message is banned (step 
S155), and when reaching the birthday, it is judged if it is within one 
month from birthday or not (step S152), and if it is within one month, the 
birthday message decoded in the data broadcast decoder 16 is displayed in 
the display 19 (step S153). That is, for one month from the birthday, 
every time the power source of the two-way data communication apparatus 10 
is turned on, the birthday message is displayed. Waiting until expiring 
(step S154), display of birthday message is banned (stopped) (step S155). 
Seeing this birthday message, the user is urged to judge if the present 
individual information such as name, address and telephone number is 
changed from the name, address and telephone number registered in the 
individual information server 50, and is encouraged to update the 
registration if changed. When exceeding one month from the birthday, it is 
understood that the message is sufficiently transmitted to the user, and 
the birthday message is no longer displayed (step S155). 
If the individual information has been changed, the user updates the 
registration of individual information in the individual information 
server 50. Hence, presentation of online service can be received 
successively. 
Incidentally, display of birthday message for one month from the birthday 
may be annoying to the user. It is canceled by the operation shown in the 
flowchart in FIG. 16(a). Wishing not to display the birthday message, the 
user manipulates the erase key on the operation input unit 20 (remote 
controller). The CPU 11 judges if the erase key has been manipulated or 
not (step S1401), and if manipulated, display flag F.sub.1 is reset (step 
S1402). Then, in the flowchart in FIG. 15, step F152a is added, so that 
the birthday message is displayed only when the display flag F.sub.1 is 
set (step S153), while the birthday message is not displayed when the 
display flag F.sub.1 is reset (step S155). 
If the display flag F.sub.1 remains reset, when the birthday arrives next 
year, the birthday message may not be displayed. Accordingly, as shown in 
FIG. 16(b), judging if passing 11 months, for example, from birthday (step 
S1501), if passing, the display flag F.sub.1 is returned to the set state 
(step S1502). Then, the judgement at step S152a is YES, so that the 
birthday message may be displayed again. 
(Embodiment 6) 
In embodiment 5, the birthday message was "Happy birthday| 
If there is any change in your name, address or telephone number, please 
update your registration." By contrast, it may be also considered to 
display specific registered individual information such as name, address 
and telephone number. That is, the birthday message says, for example, 
"Happy birthday| Your registered name, address and telephone number are . 
. . , . . . , . . . . Is there any change? If any, please update you 
registration." The birthday message of such content is displayed in 
embodiment 6. The birthday message containing such individual information 
is sent from the individual information server 50, not from the broadcast 
station 60. Therefore, the message is not always transmitted, but is sent 
only when requested. 
The operation is explained in the flowchart in FIG. 17. When the power 
source of the two-way data communication apparatus 10 is turned on, the 
CPU 11 judges if the present date clocked by the built-in timer has 
reached the birthday registered in the RAM 13 or not (step S1601), and the 
operation is terminated if not reaching, and when reaching the birthday, 
it is judged if it is within, for example, one month from the birthday or 
not (step S1602), and the operation is terminated if over one month, but 
when within one month, the individual information server 50 is dialed 
automatically through the telephone circuit 30. At this time, while 
sending the terminal ID, transmission of birthday message is also 
requested (step S1603). It then waits for reception from the individual 
information server 50 (step S1604). The individual information server 50, 
when transmission of birthday message is requested from the two-way data 
communication apparatus 10, the birthday message including the individual 
information is sent to the two-way data communication apparatus 10 at the 
demanding terminal ID. In the two-way data communication apparatus 10, the 
received birthday message including the individual information is stored 
in the RAM 13 (step S1605), and the birthday message is displayed in the 
display 19 (step S1606). For a period of one month from birthday, every 
time the power source of the two-way data communication apparatus 10 is 
turned on, the birthday message is displayed. When expiring (step S1607), 
display of birthday message is stopped (step S1608), and the birthday 
message is erased from the RAM 13 (step S1609). The user reads the 
birthday message specifically including the individual information such as 
the name, address and telephone number, and can compare the present 
individual information such as name, address and telephone number with the 
individual information already registered in the individual information 
server 50 such as name, address and telephone number very clearly, and is 
strongly urged to judge if changed or not, and is encouraged to update the 
registration if changed. When exceeding one month from the birthday, 
message transmission is not requested to the individual information server 
50. 
After confirming the birthday message, if desired to ban the display of the 
birthday message for a month from birthday, it can be processed similarly 
as shown in FIG. 16 by manipulating the erase key. 
(Embodiment 7) 
Embodiment 7 is intended to receive transmission of birthday message from 
the response server 40 instead of the individual information server 50. In 
this case, the birthday message does not include specific individual 
information such as name, address and telephone number, but same as in the 
case of broadcast wave, it is a general message such as "Happy birthday| 
If there is any change in your name, address or telephone number, please 
update your registration." 
In operation, at step S1603 in the flowchart in FIG. 17, the "individual 
information server" should be replaced by the "response server," and at 
step S1605, the "birthday message including individual information" should 
be replaced by a simple "birthday message." 
(Embodiment 8) 
In embodiment 8, the birthday message is not received from outside, but is 
issued within the two-way data communication apparatus 10. That is, the 
birthday message is preliminarily written in the ROM 12, and as the CPU 11 
judges the date, when the present date reaches the birthday (and for a 
month on), the birthday message is read out from the ROM 12 and is 
displayed in the display 19. In this embodiment, a larger memory capacity 
is needed in the ROM 12, but control of message display is very simple. 
(Embodiment 9) 
In the foregoing embodiments 5 to 8, the birthday data is registered in the 
RAM 13 by manipulation of the operation input unit 20. This is because 
whether the present date has reached the birthday is judged in the two-way 
data communication apparatus 10. It is based on the idea that it is 
natural to register the birthday in the two-way data communication 
apparatus 10 because the birthday is the date of birth of the user of the 
two-way data communication apparatus 10. However, if the power supply is 
stopped, or the power cord is unplugged, the data of the birthday may be 
deleted from the RAM 13. In such a case, manipulation for registration of 
birthday is needed again, but it is annoying for the user or it may be 
forgotten. 
Here arises an idea of registering the data of birthday in the individual 
information server 50 to have judgement of birthday managed by the 
individual information server 50. Embodiment 9 conforms to this idea as 
described below. 
In the individual information server 50, suppose the user individual 
information such as the date of birth of the user (birthday) and terminal 
ID be registered aside from the name, address and telephone number. The 
CPU in the individual information server 50 judges if the present date 
clocked by the built-in timer has reached the registered birthday or not, 
and when reaching, the corresponding terminal ID and message broadcast 
command are sent out to the broadcast station 60. The broadcast station 60 
sends out the received terminal ID and birthday message on the broadcast 
wave. This process is executed, in principle, for a month from the 
birthday. 
The operation is described according to the flowchart in FIG. 18. In the 
two-way data communication apparatus 10, the CPU 11 judges, when the power 
is turned on, if the terminal ID is received from the broadcast station 60 
or not (step S1701), and when received, the received terminal ID is 
compared with the terminal ID being read out from the ROM 12 (step S1702). 
As a result of comparison, when two terminal IDs are matched (YES at step 
S1703), the birthday message received from the broadcast station 60 is 
displayed in the display 19 (step S1704). At this time, the birthday 
message is ordinary, saying, for example same as above, "Happy birthday| 
If there is any change in your name, address or telephone number, please 
update your registration." 
(Embodiment 10) 
In the type of not registering the birthday date in the RAM 13 of the 
two-way data communication apparatus 10, a method of displaying the 
birthday message including the individual information as the birthday 
message may be also considered. It is embodiment 10. The birthday message 
including the individual information is acquired by access to the 
individual information server 50. That is, in succession to steps S1701 to 
S1703 in FIG. 18, it is constituted to execute steps S1603 to S1609 in 
FIG. 17. 
In the two-way data communication apparatus 10, the CPU 11 judges if the 
terminal ID is received from the broadcast station 60 or not when the 
power source is turned on (step S1701), and when received, the received 
terminal ID and the terminal ID being read out from the ROM 12 are 
compared (step S1702). As a result of comparison, when the two terminal 
IDs are matched (YES at step S1703), the individual information server 50 
is dialed automatically through the telephone circuit 30. At this time, as 
shown in FIG. 17, transmission of birthday message is requested together 
with terminal ID (step S1603). Then the apparatus waits for reception from 
the individual information server 50 (step S1604). The individual 
information server 50, when transmission of birthday message is requested 
from the two-way data communication apparatus 10, sends the birthday 
message including the individual information such as name, address and 
telephone number to the two-way data communication apparatus 10 of the 
demanding terminal ID. In the two-way data communication apparatus 10, the 
birthday message including the received individual information is stored 
in the RAM 13 (step S1605), and the birthday message is displayed in the 
display 19 (step S1606). For one month from the birthday, every time the 
power source of the two-way data communication apparatus 10 is turned on, 
the birthday message is displayed. Waiting until expiring (step S1607), 
display of birthday message is stopped (step S1608), and the birthday 
message is erased from the RAM 13 (step S1609). 
(Embodiment 11) 
In the foregoing embodiments 9, 10, even after the user has confirmed the 
birthday message including the individual information, the message is 
displayed for a month from the birthday, and this annoyance is swept away 
herein. 
Same as in FIG. 16, if not desired to display birthday message, the user 
manipulates the erase key on the operation input unit 20 (remote 
controller). As shown in FIG. 16(a), the CPU 11 judges if the erase key 
has been manipulated or not (step S1401), and when manipulated, the 
display flag F.sub.1 is reset (step S1402). In the flowchart in FIG. 18, 
step S1703a is added, and the birthday message is displayed only when the 
display flag F.sub.1 is set (step S1704), and when the display flag 
F.sub.1 is reset, the birthday message is not displayed (step S1706). If 
the display flag F.sub.1 remains reset, the birthday message is not 
displayed on the birthday of next year. 
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16(b), it is judged if passing, for example, 
11 months after birthday (step S1501), and if passing, the display flag 
F.sub.1 is returned to the set state (step S1502). Then, judgement is YES 
at step S1703a in FIG. 18, so that the birthday message will be displayed 
again. 
In other method, when the erase key is manipulated in the operation input 
unit 20, it may be considered to constitute so as not to transmit birthday 
message from the broadcast station 60. That is, when the erase key is 
manipulated, the individual information server 50 is dialed automatically 
from the two-way data communication apparatus 10, and the erase signal is 
sent together with the terminal ID. Receiving the erase signal, the 
individual information server 50 resets the display flag F.sub.1 as the 
individual information of the corresponding terminal ID. The CPU of the 
individual information server 50 does not send the terminal ID to the 
broadcast station 60 if the present date reaches the birthday as far as 
the display flag F.sub.1 is reset. Therefore, the terminal ID and birthday 
message are not sent out from the broadcast station 60. When passing, for 
example, more than 11 months from the birthday, the display flag F.sub.1 
is returned to the set state, so that the birthday message is sent out 
again on the next birthday. 
In the foregoing embodiments 5 to 11, as the specific date to be compared 
with the present date, the birthday is represented, not limited to this, 
the user may register any desired date. 
In the embodiments 5 to 11, the message to urge updating is displayed on 
the occasion of once a year. In the following embodiments, by contrast, 
the year is divided into four seasons, and the message to urge updating is 
displayed in every season to increase the number of occasions of urging to 
update. 
The display flag may be also held in the individual information server. 
(Embodiment 12) 
As the turning points of seasons, four dates T.sub.1, T.sub.2, T.sub.3, 
T.sub.4 are set, and four corresponding season's greetings M.sub.1, 
M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4 are set. For example, in this embodiment, 
T.sub.1 is December 31, T.sub.2 is March 31, T.sub.3 is June 30, and 
T.sub.4 is September 30. For example, season's greeting M.sub.1 is "Happy 
New Year| Best wishes. Incidentally, if there is any change in your name, 
address or telephone number, please update your registration."; season's 
greeting M.sub.2 is "It's getting warmer day by day. Do you enjoy the 
spring flowers? Incidentally, . . . (ditto) . . ."; season's greeting 
M.sub.3 is "The summer is near. Have you planned your vacation? 
Incidentally, . . . (ditto) . . ."; and season's greeting M.sub.4 is "The 
fall is a good season for reading books. But be careful not to catch cold. 
Incidentally, . . . (ditto) . . . ." The "ditto" is "if there is any 
change in your name, address or telephone number, please update your 
registration." 
In the two-way data communication apparatus 10, the CPU 11 controls the 
season flag F.sub.2 according to the built-in timer. That is, as shown in 
the flowchart in FIG. 6, judging if reaching the season's turning point 
T.sub.1 (step S1801), and when reached, the season flag F.sub.2 is reset 
(step S1802), judging if reaching the next season's turning point T.sub.2 
(step S1803), and when reached, the season flag F.sub.2 is reset (step 
S1804), judging if reaching the next season's turning point T.sub.3 (step 
S1805), and when reached, the season flag F.sub.2 is reset (step S1806), 
and judging if reaching the next season's turning point T.sub.4 (step 
S1807), and when reached, the season flag F.sub.2 is reset (step S1808). 
At the broadcast station 60, the season's turning point is judged, and the 
season's greeting corresponding to the present season is selected from the 
season's greetings M.sub.1 to M.sub.4, and it is sent on the broadcast 
wave routinely. 
In the two-way data communication apparatus 10, when set in the mode of 
reception of data broadcast service, the operation in the flowchart in 
FIG. 20 is executed. Receiving the season's greeting from the broadcast 
station 60 (step S1901), it is judged if the season flag F.sub.2 is reset 
(step S1902), and if reset, the received season's message is displayed in 
the display 19 (step S1903), and the season flag F.sub.2 is set to show 
that the display is made (step S1904). As a result, the message composed 
of the season's greeting and urging for updating is displayed. Once the 
message is displayed, the season flag F.sub.2 is set, and the judgement is 
NO at step S62, so that the message is no longer displayed. 
It is specifically as follows. For example, on December 31 (T.sub.1), the 
season flag F.sub.2 is reset. Next day, January 1, when receiving data 
broadcast service, the season's greeting M.sub.1 is received and 
displayed, "Happy New Year| Best wishes. Incidentally, if there is any 
change in your name, address or telephone number, please update your 
registration." On January 2, if data broadcast service is received, since 
the season flag F.sub.2 is set, the season's greeting M.sub.1 is not 
displayed. Next, on March 31 (T.sub.2), the season flag F.sub.2 is reset 
again, and when data broadcast service is received later, the season's 
greeting M.sub.2 is displayed, and if the same service is received 
afterwards, the season's greeting M.sub.2 is not displayed. The same 
hereinafter, the update urging message is displayed four times a year, and 
the number of occasions of urging to update is increased. 
(Embodiment 13) 
Embodiment 13 is intended to display the user individual information such 
as name, address, and telephone number registered in the individual 
information server 50. As shown in the flowchart in FIG. 21, receiving the 
season's greeting from the broadcast station 60 (step S2001), it is judged 
if the season flag F.sub.2 is reset or not (step S2002), and when reset, 
the individual information server 50 is dialed automatically through the 
telephone circuit 30, and the terminal ID is sent and also transmission of 
user individual information is requested (step S2003). The individual 
information server 50 sends the registered user individual information 
according to the request from the two-way data communication apparatus 10 
to the two-way data communication apparatus 10 of the demanding terminal 
ID. In the two-way data communication apparatus 10, the season's greeting 
received from the broadcast station 60 and the user individual information 
received from the individual information server 50 are displayed in the 
display 19 (step S2005), and the season flag F.sub.2 is set to show the 
display is made (step S2006). Thus, the message composed of season's 
greeting, urging to update, and specific individual information such as 
name, address and telephone number is displayed. Once the message is 
displayed, the season flag F.sub.2 is set, and it is judged NO at step 
S72, and message is not displayed. 
(Embodiment 14) 
Embodiment 14 is intended to judge the season flag F.sub.2 in the response 
server, and send the season's greeting from the response server. This is 
explained by referring to FIG. 22 showing the operation at the side of 
two-way data communication apparatus 10 and flowchart in FIG. 23 showing 
the operation at the side of response server 40. 
When utilizing online service from the two-way data communication apparatus 
10 to the response server 40 through the telephone circuit 30, as shown in 
FIG. 22, access to the response server 40 is executed (step S2101), and 
the season flag F.sub.2 and terminal ID are sent to the response server 40 
at this time (step S2102). In the response server 40, as shown in FIG. 23, 
it is judged if the transmitted season flag F.sub.2 is reset or not (step 
S2201), and if reset, accessing the individual information server 50, the 
user individual information (name, address, telephone number, etc.) is 
acquired (step S2202), and the message composed of season's greeting, 
urging to update, and specific individual information such as name, 
address and telephone number is set to the two-way data communication 
apparatus 10 of the received terminal ID through the telephone circuit 30 
(step S2203), and thereafter the usual online service process is executed 
(step S2204). At the side of two-way data communication apparatus 10, 
receiving the message composed of season's greeting, urging to update, and 
specific individual information such as name, address and telephone number 
sent from the response server 40 is received (step S2103), and the message 
is displayed in the display 19 (step S2104), and the season flag F.sub.2 
is set to show the display is made (step S2105). Thereafter, the usual 
online service process is executed (step S2106). 
Once the message is displayed at step S2103, the season flag F.sub.2 is 
set, and until the season flag F.sub.2 is reset again by the process in 
FIG. 19, if the online service is accessed, it is judged NO at step S2201 
in FIG. 23 at the side of the response server 40, and hence process at 
steps S2202, S2203 is skipped to resume the ordinary online service 
process (step S2204). 
(Embodiment 15) 
In embodiment 15, transmission and display of user individual information 
in embodiment 14 are omitted. That is, the acquisition process of user 
individual information at step S2202 in FIG. 23 is omitted. At step S2203, 
the message composed of season's greeting and urging to update is sent to 
the two-way data communication apparatus 10. Similarly, what is received 
and displayed at steps S2103, S2104 in FIG. 22 is the message composed of 
season's greeting and urging to update. 
In the foregoing embodiments 12 to 15, different season's greetings are 
prepared at every turning point of four seasons, but, instead, a common 
greeting may be always given. For example, "How are you?" It is only an 
example to divide the year into four, but it may be divided into two, six 
or twelve. The more the number of divisions, the more occasions are 
available for urging to update registration. In FIG. 19, the season's 
turning point dates of T.sub.1, T.sub.2, T.sub.3, T.sub.4 may be common 
fixed values in the two-way data communication apparatus 10, but it may 
cause concentration of updating procedures of registration of user 
individual information, possibly leading to disorderly connection tries or 
jamming of circuit. Accordingly, in the manufacturing stage (before 
shipping) of the two-way data communication apparatus 10, when registering 
the terminal ID or the like, the season's turning point date may be 
slightly deviated in every model or lot. Hence, the timing of updating 
procedure may be dispersed, and the processing may be done smoothly on the 
whole. 
According to the invention, as clear from the illustrated embodiments, the 
user information is protected, updated, and registered securely, and 
troubles occurring in two-way communication can be prevented, and in 
particular by establishing an organ of individual information server for 
storing and controlling the individual information exclusively, in 
addition to the effect of elimination of necessity of registering 
individual information in each response server, the individual information 
can be registered, updated and collated more easily, and protected more 
securely by installing the means for controlling the user information for 
registering, updating and collating the individual information of 
individual information servers in the two-way data communication apparatus 
itself. 
Thus, according to the invention, the confidence of control of individual 
information can be enhanced in two-way data communication, and when 
ordering a commodity, since the user individual information is once 
displayed to the user, the user can confirm that the user individual 
information is correct, and if changed correctly or not when ordered, so 
that the accuracy of user individual information can be assured, and this 
effect is an indispensable benefit for the user. 
Also according to the invention, the individual information can be 
controlled for a long period, and this effect is indispensable for the 
two-way media. 
Further according to the invention, if the user individual information such 
as name, address, and telephone number is changed, an urging message to 
update the registration is displayed, and the registration is renewed, so 
that the two-way data system can function organically.