Transmission and reception apparatus, methods, and systems for filtering content

Disclosed herein is a transmission apparatus for distributing a content to a client, including: a question generation section configured to generate question information representative of a question regarding liking of a user of the client; and a transmission section configured to transmit the question information and provider side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer set by a provider which provides the content to the question regarding the liking of the user to the client.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a transmission apparatus and method, a reception apparatus and method, and a transmission and reception system, and more particularly to a transmission apparatus and method, a reception apparatus and method, and a transmission and reception system by which a content can be acquired in response to metadata.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, together with digitalization of television broadcasting, the amount of information which can be broadcast at a time has increased dramatically, and various data are broadcast simultaneously together with a television program or content to be viewed on the real time basis.

Further, as a communication path for a content, a content download service which selectively uses the television broadcasting described above and the Internet which allows high speed downloading of data has been proposed and is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-21988.

Incidentally, in general content download services, a filtering attribute also called filtering index, filtering metadata or the like set by a server on the provider side which provides or distributes contents such as the content provider side or the service provider side is added as metadata to a content. Consequently, a client which receives or acquires the content can carry out filtering of the content.

The filtering attribute is set as a value of an element of metadata selected from within a metadata set prescribed by a standardization organization such as ATSC (Advanced Television Standard Committee) or ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Businesses).

In particular, a content to which filtering attributes that “viewing target” is selected as an element of metadata and that “years of life between ten and nineteen” is set as a value regarding the element of the metadata are applied is provided to clients which carry out filtering so as to acquire a “content for a viewer whose “viewing target is viewers whose years of life are between ten and nineteen.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, it is not available to apply metadata or a filtering attribute which is not included in a metadata set prescribed by a standardization organization to a content.

For example, even if the provider side wants to distribute a content whose “watching target is viewers of years of life between ten and nineteen” to viewers who “are interested in job-hunting,” if a metadata set prescribed by a standardization organization does not include “whether or not a viewer is interested in job-hunting” as an element of metadata, then the provider side cannot apply a filtering attribute that “interested in job-hunting” is set as an element of metadata to the content.

Accordingly, the provider side cannot distribute a content to which a matter which satisfies current needs such as, for example, to take a trend into consideration and in which a viewer is interested is applied as metadata.

Further, in such a case as described above, the client side cannot carry out filtering so that a content which satisfies the needs at the time is obtained.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a transmission apparatus and method, a reception apparatus and method, and a transmission and reception system by which a content which satisfies needs at the time can be acquired.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a transmission apparatus for distributing a content to a client, including question generation means for generating question information representative of a question regarding liking of a user of the client, and transmission means for transmitting the question information and provider side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer set by a provider which provides the content to the question regarding the liking of the user to the client.

The transmission apparatus may further include metadata generation means for generating metadata including the provider side answer information as metadata of the content corresponding to the answer set by the provider, the transmission means transmitting the metadata to the client.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided also a transmission method for a transmission apparatus for distributing a content to a client, including the steps of generating question information representative of a question regarding liking of a user of the client, and transmitting the question information and provider side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer set by a provider which provides the content to the question regarding the liking of the user to the client.

In the transmission apparatus and the transmission method, question information representative of a question regarding liking of a user of the client is generated. Then, the generated question information and provider side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer set by a provider which provides the content to the question regarding the liking of the user are transmitted to the client.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a reception apparatus for acquiring a content distributed from a server, including answer generation means for generating, in response to question information representative of a question regarding liking of a user and transmitted from the server to the reception apparatus, user side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer of the user to the question, and matching means for carrying out matching between the answer information and provider side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer set by a provider which provides the content to the question and transmitted from the server to the reception apparatus to determine acquisition of the content distributed from the server.

The matching means may carry out the matching to determine acquisition of the content corresponding to metadata including the provider side answer information.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided also a reception method for a reception apparatus for acquiring a content distributed from a server, including the steps of generating, in response to question information representative of a question regarding liking of a user and transmitted from the server to the reception apparatus, user side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer of the user to the question, and carrying out matching between the answer information and provider side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer set by a provider which provides the content to the question and transmitted from the server to the reception apparatus to determine acquisition of the content distributed from the server.

In the reception apparatus and the reception method, in response to question information representative of a question regarding liking of a user and transmitted from the server to the reception apparatus, user side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer of the user to the question is generated. Then, matching between the generated answer information and provider side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer set by a provider which provides the content to the question and transmitted from the server is carried out to determine acquisition of the content distributed from the server.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a transmission and reception system, including a transmission apparatus adapted to distribute a content, and a reception apparatus adapted to acquire the content distributed from the transmission apparatus, the transmission apparatus including question generation means for generating question information representative of a question regarding liking of a user of the reception apparatus, and transmission means for transmitting the question information and provider side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer set by a provider which provides the content to the question regarding the liking of the user to the reception apparatus, the reception apparatus including answer generation means for generating user side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer of the user to the question in response to the question information transmitted from the transmission apparatus, and matching means for carrying out matching between the user side answer information and the provider side answer information transmitted from the transmission apparatus to determine acquisition of the content distributed from the transmission apparatus.

In the transmission and reception system, question information representative of a question regarding liking of a user of the reception apparatus is generated. Then, the question information and provider side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer set by a provider which provides the content to the question regarding the liking of the user is transmitted to the reception apparatus. User side answer information in the form of a bit string representative of an answer of the user to the question is generated in response to the question information transmitted to the reception apparatus from the transmission apparatus. Then, matching between the generated user side answer information and the provider side answer information transmitted from the transmission apparatus is carried out to determine acquisition of the content distributed from the transmission apparatus.

With the transmission apparatus and method, reception apparatus and method, and transmission and reception system, it becomes possible to acquire a content which satisfies needs at the time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted that the description is carried out in the following order.

1. First Embodiment

2. Second Embodiment

1. First Embodiment

Example of the Configuration of the Broadcasting System

FIG. 1shows an example of a configuration of a broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The broadcasting system10ofFIG. 1is configured from a server11provided on the provider side such as a broadcasting company which broadcasts or provides a digital television program (hereinafter referred to suitably as content) and a client terminal (hereinafter referred to simply as client)12installed in a home of a user who enjoys broadcast contents. It is to be noted that, while the client12is installed in a plurality of user homes, the client12can be configured also as a portable terminal apparatus such as a portable telephone set or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

In the broadcasting system10, the server11transmits a content together with content metadata regarding the content as a signal of a digital broadcasting wave to the client12. The client12carries out filtering of the content based on the content metadata transmitted thereto together with the content so that only the content desired by the user is reproduced or accumulated. It is to be noted that the content metadata may not be transmitted together with the content but may be transmitted before the content is transmitted.

Example of the Hardware Configuration of the Server

FIG. 2shows an example of a hardware configuration of the server11. Referring toFIG. 2, the server11is configured, for example, using a computer as a base.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit)21executes various processes in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory)22or a program loaded from a storage section28into a RAM (Random Access Memory)23. Data necessary for executing various processes by the CPU21and so forth are suitably stored into the RAM23.

The CPU21, ROM22and RAM23are connected to each other through a bus24. Also an input/output interface25is connected to the bus24.

To the input/output interface25, an inputting section26configured from a keyboard, a mouse and so forth, an outputting section27configured from a display unit such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) unit or the like, a speaker and so forth, the storage section28configured from a hard disk and so forth and a communication section29configured from a modem, a terminal adapter and so forth are connected. The communication section29communicates with an external apparatus through a network not shown. Further, a program may be acquired through the communication section29and stored into the storage section28.

Further, a drive unit30is connected to the input/output interface25as occasion demands and a removable medium31such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk or a semiconductor memory is suitably loaded into to the input/output interface25. A computer program read out from such a removable medium as just described is installed into the storage section28as occasion demands.

It is to be noted that, though not shown, the hardware of the client12is configured similarly to the server11as shown inFIG. 2.

Example of the Functional Configuration of the Server

Next, an example of a functional configuration of the server11is described with reference toFIG. 3.

The server11is configured from a PDI-Q generator41, a transmission section42, a PDI-A generator43, a metadata distributor44, a content accumulation section45and a content distributor46.

The PDI-Q generator41generates a PDI-Q (Preference Demographic and Interest-Question) which is information representative of questions regarding the liking of the user or viewer of the client12. Then, the PDI-Q generator41transmits the generated PDI-Q to the client12through the transmission section42and supplies the PDI-Q to the PDI-A generator43.

The transmission section42transmits various data supplied thereto from the PDI-Q generator41, metadata distributor44and content distributor46to the client12.

The PDI-A generator43generates, based on the PDI-Q from the PDI-Q generator41, a PDI-A (Preference Demographic and Interest-Answer) which is information representative of an answer set on the provider side to the questions regarding the liking of the user of the client12described above and corresponds to the PDI-Q. The PDI-A generator43supplies the generated PDI-A to the metadata distributor44.

The metadata distributor44specifies or refers to a content corresponding to the answer set on the provider side from among contents accumulated in the content accumulation section45based on the PDI-A from the PDI-A generator43. The metadata distributor44generates content metadata including the PDI-A as content metadata of the specified content and transmits the generated data to the client12through the transmission section42.

The content accumulation section45accumulates various contents to be distributed to the client12.

The content distributor46acquires the content specified by the metadata distributor44from among the contents accumulated in the content accumulation section45and transmits the acquired content to the client12through the transmission section42.

Example of the Functional Configuration of the Client

Next, an example of a functional configuration of the client12is described with reference toFIG. 4.

The client12is configured from a reception section51, a PDI-A generator52, a PDI-A storage section53, a content filter54, a content reproduction section55and a content accumulation section56.

The reception section51receives various data transmitted from the server11and supplies the received data to the PDI-A generator52or the content filter54.

The PDI-A generator52generates, based on the PDI-Q transmitted from the server11, a PDI-A which indicates answers of the user to questions regarding the liking of the user of the client12and corresponds to the PDI-Q to supply to the PDI-A storage section53.

The PDI-A storage section53stores the PDI-A from the PDI-A generator52. The PDI-A stored in the PDI-A storage section53is suitably read out to the content filter54.

The content filter54reads out the PDI-A from the PDI-A storage section53and carries out filtering of the content based on the read out PDI-A and a PDI-A included in content metadata of the content received from the server11. The content filter54supplies the filtered content to the content reproduction section55or the content accumulation section56in response to a result of the filtering.

The content reproduction section55reproduces the content from the content filter54. Further, the content reproduction section55acquires the content from the content accumulation section56and reproduces the acquired content.

The content accumulation section56accumulates or records the content from the content filter54.

Example of the Transmission and Reception Processes of a Content

Next, transmission and reception processes of a content in the broadcasting system10are described with reference to a flow chart ofFIG. 5. In the content transmission and reception processes of the broadcasting system10, a content is distributed by executing a content distribution process by the server11and is acquired by executing a content acquisition process by the client12.

On the case where, on the provider side such as a broadcasting company, for example, a sponsor of a content to be broadcast or distributed or the broadcasting company itself requests distribution of a content for a viewer having a specific liking or a specific attribute, the PDI-Q generator41of the server11generates, at step S11, a PDI-Q for inquiring about what liking or attribute the user has to the viewer, that is, to the user of the client12, in response to operation of the staff on the provider side.

Example of the Syntax of the XML Schema

Here, an example of the syntax of the XML (Extensible Markup Language) schema for configuring a PDI-Q and a PDI-A is described with reference toFIG. 6.

InFIG. 6, the first row indicates a declaration or a definition for identifying the PDI-Q, and the second row indicates a name of the entire questions defined as the PDI-Q and a declaration of the type.

The third to twelfth rows indicate a name and a declaration of the type regarding the individual questions declared in the second row. In particular, the type “IntegerAnswerType” of a question defined by the name “QIA” in the fifth row indicates that the question requests an integer value type answer, and the type “BooleanAnswerType” of the question defined by the name “QBA” in the sixth row indicates that the question requests a logical value type answer. Further, the type “SelectionAnswerType” of the question defined by the name “QSA” in the seventh row indicates that the question requests an answer selection type answer, and the type “TextAnswerType” of the question defined by the name “QTA” in the eighth row indicates that the question requests a character column type answer. Further, the type “AnyAnswerType” of the question defined by the name “QAA” in the ninth row indicates that the question does not the type of an answer thereto.

The thirteenth to 44th rows indicate declarations of elements of the questions defined by the names “QIA,” “QBA,” “QSA” and “QTA” from among the questions declared as described above. Particularly, id elements indicated in the 15th, 24th, 31st and 40th rows indicate IDs (Identifiers) for identifying items of the questions, and are defined as given below as a first format:

In the first format, the term “common” indicates that the question identified by the id element is a question commonly defined independently of the provider, and the term “category” indicates a category of the question and the term “question-ID” indicates an identifier of the question. It is to be noted that the term “category” may be represented, as occasion demands, in a hierarchical nest structure like:

Further, the id element is defined as given below as a second format:

In the second format, the term “providerName” indicates a name of the provider by which the question identified by the id element is set. It is to be noted that the term “category” and the term “question-ID” are similar to those in the first format.

In this manner, the questions defined as the PDI-Q are distinguished, depending upon the id element, into those questions independent of the provider which provides contents and common to providers and those questions defined uniquely by the provider which provides the content.

A question independent of the provider which provide a content and an answer to the question are hereinafter referred to suitably as provider common filtering parameter, and a question defined uniquely by the provider which provides a content and an answer to the question are hereinafter referred to suitably as provider unique filtering parameter.

As described above, since the provider common filtering parameter is defined commonly by providers without depending upon individual providers, generally the provider common filtering parameter is provided by a vender, that is, by a maker or the like, of the client12. Accordingly, although the PDI-Q generator41in the server11can be made so as to be provided by the provider side, it may otherwise be made so as to be provided by the vender of the client12.

It is to be noted that the syntax which configures the PDI-Q and the PDI-A is not limited to that of the example illustrated inFIG. 6.

Example of the PDI-Q

Next, an example of the PDI-Q configured based on the syntax ofFIG. 6is described with reference toFIG. 7.

InFIG. 7, the term “transactional” in the first row is a value which indicates whether or not a recording/updating process is to be rolled back. In particular, when the questions, that is, the question group, defined by the PDI-Q are updated in the client12to which the questions are transmitted, all of the substance of the items of the PDI-Q may not be recorded/updated because of some accident such as disk writing error or interruption of a processing by increase of the processing load midway of processing for recording/updating the substance of the items of the PDI-Q into a storage region not shown of the client12. If all of the substance of the items of the PDI-Q is not recorded/updated, then the recording/updating process may be invalidated, that is, a rollback process may be carried out, going back to a state just before the recording/updating of the substance of the items of the PDI-Q. Thus, whether such rollback process should be carried out is represented by “transactional.” In the case where “transactional” is “true,” the PDI-Q is rolled back.

The second to fifth rows define a question for requesting a logic value type answer, and <id>Common:111</id> in the third row indicates an id element of the question and <q>Are you currently employed?</q> in the fourth row indicates the question itself.

The sixth to ninth rows define a question for requesting an integer value type answer, and <id>Common:222</id> in the seventh row indicates an id element of the question and <q>What is the age of the oldest member of the household who watches television?</q> in the eighth row indicates the question itself. It is to be noted that minInclusive=“10”maxInclusive=“100” in the sixth row indicates that an answer to the request is restricted to an integer value from 10 or more to 100 or less.

The tenth to 17th rows define a question for requesting an answer selection type answer, and <id>ProviderA:123</id> in the eleventh row indicates an id element of the question and <q>In which of the following sports are you most interested? (Multiple selection allowed)</q> indicates the question itself. Further, <a>Baseball</a> in the 13th row, <a>Basketball</a> in the 14th row, <a>Soccer</a> in the 15th row and <a>Hockey</a> in the 16th row individually indicate choices for an answer to the question. It is to be noted that minChoice=“1” maxChoice=“3” in the tenth row indicates that the number of answers to the question is restricted from one to three from among the choices.

The eighteenth to 24th rows define a question for requesting an answer selection type answer, and <id>ProviderA:ProgramX:123</id> in the 19th row indicates an id element of the question and <q>Do you enjoy camping and outdoor recreation? (Only one selection)</q> in the 20th row indicates the question itself. Further, <a>Never</a> in the 21st row, <a>Occasionally</a> in the 22nd row and <a>Frequently</a> in the 23rd row individually indicate the choices of an answer to the question. It is to be noted that maxChoice=“1” in the 18th row indicates that the number of answers to the question is restricted to one.

In this manner, in the PDI-Q, also candidates for the answer to the question and restriction conditions for the answer are defined depending upon the type of the question.

The 25th to 28th rows define a question for requesting a character column type answer, and <id>ProviderA:321</id> indicates an id element of the question in the 26th row and <q>Who's products are you most interested in recently?</q> in the 27th row indicates the question itself.

In the following description, the questions defined by the PDI-Q inFIG. 7are referred to as questions of id elements. In particular, the question defined in the second to fifth rows is distinguished as a question of “Common:111” and the question defined in the sixth to ninth rows is distinguished as a question of “Common:222.” Further, the question defined in the tenth to 17th rows is distinguished as a question of “ProviderA:123,” and the question defined in the 18th to 24th rows is distinguished as a question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123.” Furthermore, the question defined in the 25th to 28th rows is distinguished as a question of “ProviderA:321.”

At this time, the question of “Common:111” and the question of “Common:222” are distinguished as the provider common filtering parameter, and the question of “ProviderA:123,” question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123” and question of “ProviderA:321” are distinguished as the provider unique filtering parameter. For example, the question of “Common:111” indicates a question set commonly to providers and having the identifier “111,” and the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123” indicates a question set by the provider of “ProviderA” and whose category or program ID is “ProgramX” and identifier is “123.”

Referring back to the flow chart inFIG. 5, at step S12, the PDI-Q generator41of the server11transmits the generated PDI-Q to the client12through the transmission section42and supplies the PDI-Q to the PDI-A generator43.

At step S21, the reception section51of the client12receives the PDI-Q transmitted from the server11and supplies the received PDI-Q to the PDI-A generator52.

It is to be noted that the PDI-Q is received by the client12, for example, every time broadcasting or transmission is carried out after a predetermined interval of time from the broadcasting station as the provider in which the server11is installed. Or, the PDI-Q may be received by the client12when the channel is set to that of the broadcasting station in which the server11is installed.

At step S22, the PDI-A generator52of the client12generates a PDI-A to the questions defined by the PDI-Q received by the reception section51. In particular, if the PDI-Q from the server11is received, then the PDI-A generator52causes a display section not shown to display a screen image corresponding to each question defined by the PDI-Q and causes the user or viewer of the client12to input or select an answer to the question so that a PDI-A which indicates the answer to the question is generated. In particular, the PDI-A generator52interacts with the user to generate the PDI-A which indicates the answer to the question defined by the PDI-Q.

Example of the Screen Image Display in Communication with the User by the PDI-A Generator

Here, an example of screen image display in communication with the user by the PDI-A generator52is described with reference toFIGS. 8 to 12. It is to be noted that it is assumed here that the client12receives the PDI-Q described with reference toFIG. 7, and screen images corresponding to the question group defined by the received PDI-Q are successively displayed on the display section not shown of the client12.

FIG. 8shows an example of screen image display corresponding to the question of “Common:111” from among the questions defined by the PDI-Q described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 7. InFIG. 8, the question of “Are you currently employed?” indicated in the fourth row inFIG. 7is displayed in a question presentation region61. Further, the message of “choose one” for urging the user to input an answer to the question, a selection button62-1for urging the user to select “Yes” as the answer to the question and another selection button62-2for urging the user to select “No” as the answer to the question are displayed.

FIG. 9shows an example of screen image display corresponding to the question of “Common:222” from among the questions defined by the PDI-Q described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 7. InFIG. 9, the question of “What is the age of the oldest member of the household who watches television?” indicated in the eighth row inFIG. 7is displayed in a question presentation region71. Further, a message “enter age” for urging the user to input an answer to the question and an answer inputting region72for urging the user to input an integer value as the answer to the question are displayed.

FIG. 10shows an example of screen image display corresponding to the question of “ProviderA:123” from among the questions defined by the PDI-Q described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 7. InFIG. 10, the question of “In which of the following sports are you most interested? (Multiple selection allowed)” indicated in the twelfth row inFIG. 7is displayed in a question presentation region81. Further, the message of “choose one to three answers” for urging the user to input an answer to the question and selection buttons82-1to82-4for urging the user to select the choices of “Baseball,” “Basketball,” “Soccer” and “Hockey” as the answer to the question are displayed.

FIG. 11shows an example of screen image display corresponding to the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123” from among the questions defined by the PDI-Q described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 7. InFIG. 11, the question of “Do you enjoy camping and outdoor recreation? (Only one selection)” indicated in the 20th row inFIG. 7is displayed in a question presentation region91. Further, the message of “choose one” for urging the user to input an answer to the question and selection buttons92-1to92-3for urging the user to select the choices of “Never,” “Occasionally” and “Frequently” as the answer to the question are displayed.

FIG. 12shows an example of screen image display corresponding to the question of “ProviderA:321” from among the questions defined by the PDI-Q described with reference toFIG. 7. InFIG. 12, the question of “Who's products are you most interested in recently?” indicated in the 27th row inFIG. 7is displayed in a question presentation region101. Further, the message of “write anything” for urging the user to input an answer to the question and an answer inputting region102for urging the user to input a character string as the answer to the question are displayed.

In this manner, the PDI-A generator52urges the user to input or select an answer to the questions defined by the PDI-Q in accordance with the screen image display described with reference toFIGS. 8 to 12so that the PDI-A corresponding to the PDI-Q is generated.

It is to be noted that the screen image display described with reference toFIGS. 8 to 12may be carried out just after the PDI-Q is received or may be carried out when, after the PDI-Q is received and retained into the storage section not shown, an instruction to display a setting screen image is issued by the user.

Example of the PDI-A

Here, an example of the PDI-A generated by the PDI-A generator52is described with reference toFIG. 13. The PDI-A shown inFIG. 13is generated based on selection or inputting of answers by the user to the screen image display described with reference toFIGS. 8 to 12.

In particular, the second to fifth rows indicate an answer of the user to the question presented by the screen image display described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 8. In particular, <id>Common:111</id> in the third row indicates an id element of the question presented by the screen image display described with reference toFIG. 8, and <a>true</a> in the fourth row indicates that the selection button62-1for the answer of “Yes” in the displaying screen image inFIG. 8is selected as the answer to the question by the user.

The sixth to ninth rows indicate an answer of the user to the question presented by the screen image display described with reference toFIG. 9. In particular, <id>Common:222</id> in the seventh row indicates an id element of the question presented by the screen image display inFIG. 9, and <a>34</a> in the eighth row indicates that an integer value “34” is inputted as the answer to the question by the user to the answer inputting region72in the screen image display inFIG. 9.

The tenth to 15th rows indicate an answer of the user to the question presented by the screen image display described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 10. In particular, <id>ProviderA:123</id> in the eleventh row indicates an id element of the question presented by the screen image display inFIG. 10, and <a>Baseball</a> in the 12th row, <a>Soccer</a> in the 13th row and <a>Hockey</a> in the 14th row indicate that the selection buttons82-1,82-3and82-4are selected as the answer to the question by the user in the screen display inFIG. 10, respectively.

The 16th to 19th rows indicate an answer of the user to the question presented by the screen image display described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 11. In particular, <id>ProviderA:ProgramX:123</id> in the 17th row indicates an id element of the question presented by the screen image display inFIG. 11, and <a>Occasionally</a> in the 18th row indicates that the selection button92-2is selected as the answer to the question by the user in the screen image display inFIG. 11.

The 20th to 23rd rows indicate an answer of the user to the question presented by the screen image display described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 12. In particular, <id>ProviderA:321</id> on the 21st row indicates the id element of the question presented by the screen image display ofFIG. 12. Meanwhile, <a>Somy</a> on the 22nd row indicates that “Somy” is inputted as a character string to the answer inputting region102on the screen image display ofFIG. 12by the user as an answer to the question.

The PDI-A generator52supplies the PDI-A generated in this manner to the PDI-A storage section53so as to be stored. The PDI-A stored in the PDI-A storage section53is used when the content distributed from the server11conforms to the liking of the user of the client12as hereinafter described.

Referring back to the flow chart ofFIG. 5, at step S13, the PDI-A generator43of the server11generates a PDI-A to the questions defined in the PDI-Q from the PDI-Q generator41and supplies the generated PDI-A to the metadata distributor44. More particularly, if a PDI-Q is generated by an operation of the staff of the broadcasting station or provider side, then the PDI-A generator43causes the display section not shown to display such screen images which correspond to the questions defined in the PDI-Q as described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 8 to 12. Then, the PDI-A generator43causes the staff of the broadcasting station to input or select answers to the questions to generate a PDI-A representative of the answers. At this time, the staff of the broadcasting station would input or select answers corresponding to the content to be distributed as answers to the questions defined in the PDI-Q. In other words, the PDI-A generated by the PDI-A generator43represents information, that is, answers, generated by the provider side taking the liking of the user or viewer of the client12into consideration, for allowing the viewer to enjoy a content to be distributed later.

At step S14, the metadata distributor44specifies or refers to a content corresponding to the PDI-A from among the contents accumulated in the content accumulation section45based on the PDI-A from the PDI-A generator43. The content specified here may be a content with regard to which the similarity between the PDI-A from the PDI-A generator43and the content metadata applied in advance to the accumulated content is higher than a predetermined value or may be a content selected in advance as a content desirable to be viewed by the user by the staff of the broadcasting station. It is to be noted that the content specified by the metadata distributor44is acquired from the content accumulation section45by the content distributor46.

At step S15, the metadata distributor44newly generates, based on the content metadata applied in advance to the content specified at step S15and the PDI-A from the PDI-A generator43, content metadata including the PDI-A.

At step S16, the transmission section42distributes the content acquired by the content distributor46together with the content metadata generated by the metadata distributor44. At this time, as the content metadata, content metadata prescribed by a standardization organization may be transmitted in addition to the content metadata generated by the metadata distributor44.

In this manner, a content whose content metadata includes a PDI-A representative of answers intended by the provider side as the answers to the questions defined in the PDI-Q, or in other words, a content which conforms to the liking of the user and whose viewing is expected by the provider side, is distributed.

It is to be noted that the processes at steps S13to S16need not be executed immediately after the process at step S12, but may be executed before a PDI-A is generated and stored in the client12owned by each user.

Further, while, at step S16, the content is distributed together with the content metadata, the content may not be distributed together with the content metadata, but after the content metadata including the PDI-A is transmitted in advance to the client12, the content corresponding to the content metadata may be distributed.

After the content and the content metadata are distributed from the server11in this manner, at step S23, the reception section51of the client12receives the content and the content metadata distributed from the server11and supplies them to the content filter54.

At step S24, the content filter54carries out matching between the PDI-A stored in the PDI-A storage section53and the PDI-A included in the content metadata from the server11. It is to be noted that, in order to distinguish the PDI-A stored in the PDI-A storage section53and the PDI-A included in the content metadata from the server11from each other, the former is hereinafter referred to as user side PDI-A and the latter is hereinafter referred to as provider side PDI-A.

Example of the Matching Process by the Content Filter

Here, it is assumed that the PDI-A described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 13is generated and stored as the user side PDI-A and the PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 14is transmitted as the provider side PDI-A from the server11.

The provider side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 14has a basically similar configuration to that of the user side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 13, and therefore, overlapping description of the provider side PDI-A is omitted herein to avoid redundancy. However, the provider side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 14indicates that “false” is selected as an answer to the question of “Common:111” and “Baseball” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123” and besides “Never” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123.”

At this time, the content filter54compares the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A with each other. Then, if the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A exhibit coincidence with regard the answers to at least one question, then the content filter54decides that the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A match with each other. However, if the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A exhibit no coincidence with regard to the answers to any question, then the content filter54decides that the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A do not match with each other. In the present case, the answer to the question of “ProviderA:123” in the user side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 13and the answer to the question of “ProviderA:123” in the provider side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 14coincide with each other in that both of them include “Baseball.” Therefore, it is decided that the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A match with each other.

Then, it is assumed that a PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 15is transmitted as the provider side PDI-A from the server11.

The provider side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 15indicates that “Basketball” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123” and “Never” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123.”

In this instance, since the answers to the questions in the user side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 13and the answers to the questions in the provider side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 15do not coincide with each other at all, it is decided that the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A do not match with each other.

The content filter54carries out the matching process between the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A in this manner.

At step S25, the content filter54decides whether or not the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A match with each other. If it is decided at step S25that the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A match with each other, then the content filter54decides that the content distributed from the server11conforms to the liking of the user or viewer of the client12. Thus, the content filter54supplies the content to the content reproduction section55or the content accumulation section56, and then the processing advances to step S26.

If the content distributed from the server11is supplied from the content filter54to the content reproduction section55, then the content reproduction section55reproduces the content at step S26. On the other hand, if the content distributed from the server11is supplied from the content filter54to the content accumulation section56, then the content accumulation section56accumulates or records the content at step S26. The accumulated content is suitably supplied to and reproduced by the content reproduction section55in response to an operation instruction of the user.

On the other hand, if it is decided at step S25that the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A do not match with each other, then the content filter54decides that the content distributed from the server11does not conform to the liking of the user or viewer of the client12. Then, the content filter54abandons or deletes the content, and the processing is ended.

According to the process described above, in the broadcasting system, on the provider side, the server generates a PDI-Q representative of questions regarding the liking of the user, and the PDI-Q is transmitted to the client terminal. Further, a provider side PDI-A representative of answers set by the provider side to the PDI-Q is distributed as metadata of the corresponding content. Consequently, as content metadata, content metadata in accordance with needs at the time other than content metadata prescribed by a standardization organization can be applied to a content. On the other hand, on the user side, the client terminal generates a user side PDI-A representative of answers of the user to the PDI-Q from the server. Then, matching between the generated user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A from the server is carried out to determine whether or not the content distributed from the server should be acquired. Consequently, a content can be filtered with content metadata which satisfies needs at the time other than content metadata prescribed by a standardization organization. Accordingly, a content which satisfies current needs can be acquired.

It is to be noted that, while, in the foregoing description, the client12carries out matching between the PDI-As on the real time basis upon distribution of a content from the server11, all contents may be accumulated upon distribution of such contents from the server11. In this instance, matching between the PDI-As may be carried out on the background of the processing such that a content corresponding to a matched PDI-A, that is, a matched provider side PDI-A, from among the accumulated contents is reproduced or a content which corresponds to any PDI-A which does not match is deleted.

Further, in the foregoing description, the content filter54compares a user side PDI-A and a provider side PDI-A represented as instances, and matching between the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A is carried out depending upon whether or not answers to at least one question coincide with each other. However, the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A may be compared with each other by representing one of the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A as a query for evaluating the PDI-A.

In the following, a configuration for comparing a user side PDI-A and a provider side PDI-A with each other by representing one of the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A as a query is described.

Example 1 of the Matching Process by an Query for Evaluating a PDI-A

First, a configuration for representing a provider side PDI-A as a query and comparing a user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A with each other is described.

FIG. 16shows an example of a functional configuration of the server11which represents a provider side PDI-A as a query.

Referring toFIG. 16, the server11shown includes a PDI-Q generator41, a transmission section42, a content accumulation section45, a content distributor46, a PDI-A query generator111and a metadata distributor112.

It is to be noted that, in the server11ofFIG. 16, like elements having like functions to those of the elements provided in the server11ofFIG. 3are denoted by like terms and like reference characters and overlapping description of them is suitably omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, the server11ofFIG. 16is different from the server11ofFIG. 3in that it includes the PDI-A query generator111and the metadata distributor112in place of the PDI-A generator43and the metadata distributor44.

The PDI-A query generator111generates, based on a PDI-Q from the PDI-Q generator41, a PDI-A corresponding to the PDI-Q, that is, a provider side PDI-A, applies the generated provider side PDI-A to a predetermined conditional statement to generate a PDI-A query and supplies the PDI-A query to the metadata distributor112.

The metadata distributor112specifies or refers to, based on the PDI-A query from the PDI-A query generator111, a content corresponding to the PDI-A query from among contents accumulated in the content accumulation section45. The metadata distributor112generates content metadata including the PDI-A query as content metadata of the specified content and transmits the generated content metadata to the client12through the transmission section42.

In the client12in the present example, the content filter54shown inFIG. 4reads out a PDI-A, that is, a user side PDI-A, from the PDI-A storage section53, and filters the content based on the read out user side PDI-A and the PDI-A query included in the content metadata transmitted from the server11to the client12. Except this, the client12is same as the client12ofFIG. 4, and therefore, overlapping description of the same is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

Now, content transmission and reception processes of the broadcasting system10which includes the server11ofFIG. 16are described with reference to a flow chart ofFIG. 17.

It is to be noted that processes at steps S31, S32, S36, S41to S43, S45and S46of the flow chart ofFIG. 17are basically similar to the processes at steps S11, S12, S16, S21to S23, S25and S26of the flow chart ofFIG. 5, respectively. Therefore, overlapping description of them is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, at step S33, the PDI-A query generator111of the server11generates a provider side PDI-A to questions defined by the PDI-Q from the PDI-Q generator41and applies the generated provider side PDI-A to a predetermined conditional statement to generate a PDI-A query. Then, the PDI-A query generator111supplies the generated PDI-A query to the metadata distributor112. In particular, for example, if a PDI-Q is generated by an operation of staff of a broadcasting station, that is, the provider side, then the PDI-A query generator111causes the display section not shown to successively display such screen images corresponding to the questions defined by the PDI-Q as described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 8 to 12. Then, the PDI-A query generator111causes the staff of the broadcasting station to input or select answers to the questions and causes the staff to determine a combination of the answers, that is, a filtering condition, to generate a PDI-A query representative of the combination of the answers. At this time, the staff of the broadcasting station would input or select answers corresponding to a content to be distributed as answers to the questions defined in the PDI-Q and then determine a combination of the answers. In other words, the PDI-A query generated by the PDI-A query generator111represents information, that is, a combination of answers, generated by the provider side taking a liking of a user or viewer of the client12into consideration, for allowing the viewer to enjoy a content to be distributed later.

At step S34, the metadata distributor112specifies or refers to, based on the PDI-A query from the PDI-A query generator111, a content corresponding to the PDI-A query from among the contents accumulated in the content accumulation section45. The content specified here may be a content with regard to which the similarity between the PDI-A query from the PDI-A query generator111and the content metadata applied in advance to the accumulated content is higher than a predetermined value or may be a content selected in advance as a content desirable to be enjoyed by the user by the staff of the broadcasting station. It is to be noted that the content specified by the metadata distributor112is acquired from the content accumulation section45by the content distributor46.

At step S35, the metadata distributor112newly generates, based on the content metadata applied in advance to the content specified at step S34and the PDI-A query from the PDI-A query generator111, content metadata including the PDI-A query.

Then, at step S44, the content filter54of the client12carries out matching of the PDI-A stored in the PDI-A storage section53based on the PDI-A query included in the content metadata from the server11.

Here, it is assumed that the PDI-A described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 13is generated and stored as the user side PDI-A and a PDI-A query indicated below has been transmitted from the server11.

“//QBA[id=‘Common:111’ and a=‘true’] and //QSA[id=‘ProviderA:123’ and a=‘Baseball’]”

The PDI-A query given above indicates that the user side PDI-A evaluates whether “true” is selected as the answer to the question of “Common:111” and “Baseball” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123.”

At this time, the content filter54evaluates the user side PDI-A based on the PDI-A query. Then, if the user side PDI-A satisfies the PDI-A query, that is, is true, then the content filter54decides that the user side PDI-A and the PDI-A query match with each other, but if the PDI-A query is not satisfied, that is, is false, then the content filter54decides that the user side PDI-A and the PDI-A query do not match with each other. In this instance, in the user side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 13, since “true” is selected as an answer to the question of “Common:111” and besides “Baseball” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123,” it is decided that the user side PDI-A and the PDI-A query match with each other.

Since a more complicated filtering condition is represented by a PDI-A query set by the provider side in this manner, the provider side can allow a user or viewer who is expected to view a content by the provider to acquire a content.

Example 2 of the Matching Process by a Query for Evaluating a PDI-A

Now, a configuration which represents a user side PDI-A as a query to compare the user side PDI-A and a provider side PDI-A with each other is described.

FIG. 18shows an example of a functional configuration of the client12which represents a user side PDI-A as a query.

The client12ofFIG. 18includes a reception section51, a content filter54, a content reproduction section55, a content accumulation section56, a PDI-A query generator131, and a PDI-A query storage section132.

It is to be noted that, in the client12ofFIG. 18, like elements having like functions to those of the elements provided in the client12ofFIG. 4are denoted by like terms and like reference characters and overlapping description of them is suitably omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, the client12ofFIG. 18is different from the client12ofFIG. 4in that it includes the PDI-A query generator131and the PDI-A query storage section132in place of the PDI-A generator52and the PDI-A storage section53.

The PDI-A query generator131generates, based on a PDI-Q transmitted thereto from the server11, a PDI-A, that is, a user side PDI-A, corresponding to the PDI-Q and representative of answers of a user to questions about the liking of the user of the client12. Then, the PDI-A query generator131applies the generated user side PDI-A to a predetermined conditional statement to generate a PDI-A query and supplies the generated PDI-A query to the PDI-A query storage section132.

The PDI-A query storage section132stores the PDI-A query from the PDI-A query generator131. The PDI-A query stored in the PDI-A query storage section132is read out suitably into the content filter54.

It is to be noted that the content filter54ofFIG. 18reads out the PDI-A query from the PDI-A storage section53and filters the content based on the read out PDI-A query and the provider side PDI-A included in the content metadata transmitted thereto from the server11.

The server11in the present example is same as the server11shown inFIG. 3, and therefore, overlapping description thereof is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

Now, content transmission and reception processes of the broadcasting system10which includes the client12ofFIG. 18are described with reference to a flow chart ofFIG. 19.

It is to be noted that processes at steps S51to S61, S63, S65and S66of the flow chart ofFIG. 19are basically similar to the processes at steps S11to S21, S23, S25and S26, respectively, and therefore, overlapping description of them is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, at step S62, the PDI-A query generator131of the client12generates a user side PDI-A to questions defined in a PDI-Q received by the reception section51and applies the generated user side PDI-A to a predetermined conditional statement to generate a PDI-A query. In particular, for example, when a PDI-Q is received from a broadcasting station, the PDI-A query generator131causes the display section not shown to display such screen images which correspond to the question defined in the PDI-Q as described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 8 to 12. Then, the PDI-A query generator131causes the user or viewer of the client12to input or select answers to the questions and causes the user to determine a combination or filtering condition of the answers to generate a PDI-A query representative of the combination of the answers. In other words, the PDI-A query generator131interacts with the user to generate a PDI-A query representative of the combination of answers to the questions defined by the PDI-Q.

Then at step S64, the content filter54carries out matching of the provider side PDI-A included in the content metadata from the server11based on the PDI-A query stored in the PDI-A query storage section132.

Here, it is assumed that the PDI-A described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 14is transmitted as the provider side PDI-A from the server11and a PDI-A query given below is generated and stored.

“//QBA[id=‘Common:111’ and a=‘false’] and //QSA[id=‘ProviderA:123’ and a=‘Baseball’]”

The PDI-A query given above indicates that the provider side PDI-A evaluates whether “false” is selected as the answer to the question of “Common:111” and “Baseball” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123.”

At this time, the content filter54evaluates the provider side PDI-A based on the PDI-A query. Then, if the provider side PDI-A satisfies the PDI-A query, that is, is true, then the content filter54decides that the provider side PDI-A and the PDI-A query match with each other, but if the PDI-A query is not satisfied, that is, is false, then the content filter54decides that the provider side PDI-A and the PDI-A query do not match with each other. In this instance, in the provider side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 14, since “false” is selected as an answer to the question of “Common:111” and besides “Baseball” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123,” it is decided that the provider side PDI-A and the PDI-A query match with each other.

Since a more complicated filtering condition is represented by a PDI-A query set by the user side in this manner, it is possible to allow the user side to acquire a content expected thereby with a higher degree of certainty.

Incidentally, although the present invention can be applied to a broadcasting system which broadcasts a digital television program, as an example, the present invention can be applied to a broadcasting system which broadcasts in accordance with the ATSC-M/H (Mobile/Handheld) method which is an expanded method of the ATSC (Advanced Television Standard Committee) method to mobile communication.

Application Example to a Broadcasting System Which Broadcasts by the ATSC-M/H Method

FIG. 20shows an example of a configuration of a broadcasting system which broadcasts digital television programs of the ATSC method and the ATSC-M/H method in related arts.

The broadcasting system ofFIG. 20corresponds to the server11of the broadcasting system10ofFIG. 1and includes an ATSC Legacy System151, an ATSC M/H System152, an M/H Framing153and an RF/Transmission System154.

The ATSC Legacy System151signals a broadcasting stream in the form of an MPEG2-TS (Moving Picture Experts Group 2 Transport Stream) in accordance with the ATSC method in related arts. The ATSC M/H System152signals a broadcasting stream of IP packets in accordance with the ATSC-M/H method. Control Data152aof the ATSC M/H System152is control information regarding a broadcasting stream (A/V (Audio/Video) content) to be signaled from the ATSC M/H System152.

Broadcasting streams described above are multiplexed by the M/H Framing153and transmitted as a carrier by the RF/Transmission System154. It is to be noted that description of details of functions of the blocks mentioned is omitted herein because they are described in the ATSC standards.

FIG. 21illustrates a protocol stack of a signal of a broadcasting wave transmitted in accordance with the ATSC-M/H method.

Although detailed description is omitted, one of the highest hierarchies is “Service Guide” and prescribes metadata of a content to be provided in accordance with the ATSC-M/H method. The Control Data152aillustrated inFIG. 20is transmitted as content metadata (hereinafter referred to merely as Service Guide) prescribed by “Service Guide.” In particular, in the broadcasting system ofFIG. 20, a PDI-A, that is, a provider side PDI-A, a PDI-A query or a PDI-Q transmitted from the server11to the client12in the broadcasting system10described hereinabove is placed in and transmitted together with the Service Guide.

It is to be noted that a lower hierarchy “FLUTE” adjacent to the “Service Guide” and a lower hierarchy “ALC” adjacent to the “FLUTE” are hierarchies for transferring the Service Guide packetized in accordance with the UDP/IP (User Datagram Protocol/Internet Protocol).

As specifications of the Service Guide, a data configuration illustrated inFIG. 22is prescribed by the OMA (Open Mobile Alliance). It is to be noted that description of details of the configuration of the Service Guide illustrated inFIG. 22is omitted herein because it is prescribed in “‘Service Guide for Mobile Broadcast Services,’ Open Mobile Alliance, OMA-TSBCAST_ServiceGuide-V1—0, Candidate Version 1.0.”

The PDI-A, that is, the provider side PDI-A, or the PDI-A query, is placed into at least one of a “Service” fragment, a “Schedule” fragment and a “Content” fragment among components of the Service Guide illustrated inFIG. 22.

The “Service” fragment is metadata including control information regarding the substance of a channel service, andFIG. 23illustrates details of a configuration of the “Service” fragment. A PDI-A or a PDI-A query is placed into a “PrivateExt” element prescribed on the lowest stage of the “Service” fragment illustrated inFIG. 23by newly adding a “PDI-A” element to the “PrivateExt” element. More particularly, for example, the “PDI-A” element is represented by a character string as <xs:element name=“PDI-A” type=“xs:string” xmlns:xs=“http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLschema”/> in accordance with the XML schema and is then encoded.

The “Schedule” fragment is metadata including control information regarding a distribution schedule of a content, that is, a digital television program, andFIG. 24illustrates details of a configuration of the “Schedule” fragment. A PDI-A or a PDI-A query is placed into a “PrivateExt” element prescribed on the lowest stage of the “Schedule” fragment illustrated inFIG. 24by newly adding a “PDI-A” element to the “PrivateExt” element. More particularly, for example, the “PDI-A” element is represented by a character string as <xs:element name=“PDI-A” type=“xs:string” xmlns:xs=“http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLschema”/> in accordance with the XML schema and is then encoded.

The “Content” fragment is metadata including control information regarding the substance of a content, that is, a digital television program, andFIG. 25illustrates details of a configuration of the “Content” fragment. A PDI-A or a PDI-A query is placed into a “PrivateExt” element prescribed on the lowest stage of the “Content” fragment illustrated inFIG. 25by newly adding a “PDI-A” element to the “PrivateExt” element. More particularly, for example, the “PDI-A” element is represented by a character string as <xs:element name=“PDI-A” type=“xs:string” xmlns:xs=“http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLschema”/> in accordance with the XML schema and is then encoded.

Meanwhile, the PDI-Q is placed into “Interactivity Data” from among the components of the Service Guide illustrated inFIG. 22.

The “Interactivity Data” fragment is metadata regarding an application regarding a channel service or a content, that is, a digital television program, andFIG. 26illustrates details of a configuration of the “Interactivity Data” fragment. A PDI-Q is placed into a “PrivateExt” element prescribed on the lowest stage of the “Interactivity Data” fragment illustrated inFIG. 26by newly adding a “PDI-Q” element to the “PrivateExt” element. More particularly, the “PDI-Q” element is represented by a character string as <xs:element name=“PDI-Q” type=“xs:string” xmlns:xs=“http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLschema”/> in accordance with the XML schema and is then encoded.

While the foregoing description relates to an example wherein the present invention is applied to a broadcasting system which broadcasts in accordance with the ATSC-M/H method, the present invention can be applied also to a broadcasting system which carries out NRT (Non-Real Time) broadcasting in accordance with the ATSC system in related arts. Since the NRT broadcasting does not assume viewing of a content on the real time basis, there is no necessity to reproduce a content in synchronism with the broadcasting time of the content broadcast as data in the form of a broadcasting signal.

Application Example to a Broadcasting System which Carries Out NRT Broadcasting

FIG. 27illustrates a protocol stack of a signal of a broadcasting wave transmitted by NRT broadcasting.

Although detailed description is omitted, the lowermost layer is “Physical Layer” and corresponds to a frequency band of a broadcasting wave. An upper layer adjacent to the “Physical Layer” is “MPEG2-TS” and corresponds to a broadcasting stream broadcast as a broadcasting wave.

“ATSC-PSIP (Program and System Information Protocol)” and “MPEG2-PSI (Program Specific Information)” are illustrated as higher layers adjacent to “MPEG2-TS.” “ATSC-PSIP” is a layer having TVCT, and “MPEG2-PSI” is a layer having PAT (Program Association Table) and PMT (Program Map Table).

Meanwhile, “DSM-CC (Digital Storage Media Command and Control) Addressable Section” is indicated as an upper layer adjacent to “MPEG2-TS.” “DSM-CC Addressable Section” is used as an adaptation layer for transferring an IP packet on MPEG2-TS of a broadcasting stream.

FIG. 28illustrates a data structure of TVCT, PAT, PMT and DSM-CC Addressable Section. In TVCT, control information regarding a broadcasting stream to be broadcast by MPEG2-TS is described, and an MPEG2-TS by which DSM-CC Addressable Section for transferring an IP packet stream (UDP/IP Packet) is specified based on TVCT.

Referring back toFIG. 27, “IP” is indicated as an upper layer adjacent to “DSM-CC Addressable Section,” and “UDP” is indicated as a further higher layer adjacent to “IP.”

“Service Signaling Channel” and “FLUTE/ALC (File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport/Asynchronous Layered Coding Protocol)” are indicated as higher layers adjacent to “UDP.” “Service Signaling Channel” is a layer having SMT (Service Map Table) and NRT-IT (NRT Information Table). “FLUTE Session” is indicated as a higher layer adjacent to “FLUTE/ALC.” “FLUTE Session” is a layer having FLUTE-FDT (File Delivery Table) and A/V File.

FIG. 29illustrates a data structure of SMT, NRT-IT and FLUTE FDT. SMT describes metadata regarding a channel, and NRT-IT described metadata regarding a content. SMT and NRT-IT are transferred by “Service Signaling Channel” described hereinabove. FLUTE FDT describes information for identifying A/V files. It is to be noted that an A/V file is transferred by “FLUTE/ALC.”

Here, in a broadcasting system which carries out NRT broadcasting, a PDI-A, that is, a provider side PDI-A, a PDI-A query or a PDI-Q to be transmitted from the server11to the client12in the broadcasting system10described hereinabove is placed into and transmitted together with SMT or NRT-IT.

In particular, in the case where filtering of a content to be distributed is carried out in a unit of a channel or broadcasting station, “PDI descriptor” into which the PDI-A, PDI-A query or PDI-Q is to be placed is prescribed newly in the descriptor loop (“Service #1” inFIG. 29) of the service level of SMT.

On the other hand, in the case where filtering of a content to be distributed is carried out in a unit of a content, “PDI descriptor” into which the PDI-A, PDI-A query or PDI-Q is to be placed is prescribed newly in the descriptor loop (“Content #1” inFIG. 29) of the service level of NRT-IT.

FIG. 30illustrates an example of the syntax of “PDI descriptor.” InFIG. 30, each of descriptors to be described is defined together with a bit number (No. of Bits) and a format (Format).

According to the syntax illustrated inFIG. 30, a PDI-A, a PDI-A query or a PDI-Q is described in a descriptor of variable bits, that is, in “PDI_Q or PDI_A or PDI_A_Query.”

It is to be noted that the syntax of “PDI descriptor” is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 30.

In this manner, the present invention can be applied also to a broadcasting system which carries out NRT broadcasting.

It is to be noted that naturally the present invention may be applied also to a broadcasting system which broadcasts in accordance with the ATSC-M/H method described hereinabove and a broadcasting system which carries out NRT broadcasting in accordance with a method other than an existing broadcasting system.

Incidentally, in the broadcasting system10described above, the client12interacts with a user through screen image display corresponding to questions defined in a PDI-Q from the server11to generate user side PDI-A. If questions set or generated on the provider side have simple substance, then the client12can interact with the user through the screen image display described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 8 to 12. However, a question set by the provider side has the substance which requires high interactivity such as, for example, the substance which involves complicated conditional branching by selection of the user, there is the possibility that sufficient interaction with the user may not be carried out with such screen image display as described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 8 to 12. In such a case, since a PDI-A which reflects the liking of the user with a high degree of accuracy cannot be generated, an accurate filtering condition cannot be obtained. As a result, a content which satisfies needs in this instance cannot be acquired.

Therefore, in the following, embodiments regarding a broadcasting system which can sufficiently carry out interaction with a user even if a question set by the provider side has the substance which requires a high degree of interactivity are described.

2. Second Embodiment

Example of the Functional Configuration of the Server

First, an example of a functional configuration of the server11in the broadcasting system10which executes a script to carry out an interaction with a user is described with reference toFIG. 31.

The server11ofFIG. 31includes a transmission section42, a metadata distributor44, a content accumulation section45, a content distributor46, a PDI-S generator311and a PDI-S execution section312.

It is to be noted that, in the server11ofFIG. 31, like elements having like functions to those of the elements provided in the server11ofFIG. 3are denoted by like terms and like reference characters and overlapping description of them is suitably omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, the server11ofFIG. 31is different from the server11ofFIG. 3in that it includes the PDI-S generator311and the PDI-S execution section312in place of the PDI-Q generator41and the PDI-A generator43.

The PDI-S generator311generates a PDI-S (Preference Demographic and Interest-Script) which is a script for obtaining a user side PDI-A representative of answers of a user or viewer of the client12to questions regarding the liking of the user. Then, the PDI-S generator311transmits the generated PDI-S to the client12through the transmission section42and supplies the PDI-S to the PDI-S execution section312. The PDI-S includes a Web browser, other applications and so forth.

The PDI-S execution section312executes the PDI-S from the PDI-S generator311to generate a provider side PDI-A representative of an answer set by the provider side to the questions regarding the liking of the user of the client12, and supplies the generated provider side PDI-A to the metadata distributor44.

Example of the Functional Configuration of the Client

Now, an example of a functional configuration of the client12in the broadcasting system10wherein a script is executed to carry out an interaction with the user is described with reference toFIG. 32.

The client12ofFIG. 32includes a reception section51, a PDI-A storage section53, a content filter54, a content reproduction section55, a content accumulation section56, a PDI-S execution section321and a log information storage section322.

It is to be noted that, in the client12ofFIG. 32, like elements having like functions to those of the elements provided in the client12ofFIG. 4are denoted by like terms and like reference characters and overlapping description of them is suitably omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, the client12ofFIG. 32is different from the client12ofFIG. 4in that the PDI-S execution section321is provided in place of the PDI-A generator52and the log information storage section322is provided newly.

The PDI-S execution section321executes the PDI-S transmitted from the server11to generate a user side PDI-A representative of answers of the user to questions regarding the liking of the user of the client12, and supplies the generated user side PDI-A to the PDI-A storage section53. The PDI-S execution section321executes the PDI-S based on log information hereinafter described as occasion demands.

The log information storage section322has stored therein log information representative of a behavior log of the user who owns the client12. The log information stored in the log information storage section322is read out to the PDI-S execution section321as occasion demands.

Example of the Content Transmission and Reception Processes

Content transmission and reception processes of the broadcasting system10configured from the server11ofFIG. 31and the client12ofFIG. 32are described below with reference to a flow chart ofFIG. 33.

It is to be noted that processes at steps S114to S116and S123to S126of the flow chart ofFIG. 33are basically similar to the processes at steps S14to S16and S23to S26of the flow chart ofFIG. 5, respectively, and therefore, overlapping description of them is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, if, on the provider side such as a broadcasting company, for example, a sponsor of a content to be broadcast or distributed or the broadcasting company itself issues a request for distribution of a content to viewers having a particular liking or attribute, then the PDI-S generator311generates a PDI-S at step S111. In particular, the PDI-S generator311generates, in response to an operation of staff on the provider side, a PDI-S to the user of the client12for obtaining a user side PDI-A representative of answers of the user to the questions regarding what liking or attribute the user has.

Another Example of the Syntax of the XML Schema

Here, another example of the syntax of the XML schema for configuring a PDI-S and a PDI-A in the present embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 34.

It is to be noted that the first to 44th rows of the syntax illustrated inFIG. 34are same as the first to 44th rows of the syntax illustrated inFIG. 6, and therefore, overlapping description of them is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

The 45th to 50th rows represent a declaration of elements of a question defined by the name of “QAA” from among the questions declared in the fifth to ninth rows, that is, by a question whose type is “AnyAnswerType.” The id element indicated in the 47th row represents an ID for identifying the item of the question, and the format thereof is defined by a format “providerName:[category:]question-ID” similar to that of the provider unique filtering parameter.

In particular, a question defined by the name of “QAA,” that is, a question whose type is “AnyAnswerType,” and an answer to the question, are classified into the provider unique filtering parameter. It is to be noted that, since the question defined by the name of “QAA” does not limit the type of the answer, the question, that is, the q element, is not defined in the 45th to 50th rows.

Further, the answer to the question defined by the name of “QAA,” that is, the a element, can have a format whose substance can be grasped only by the provider who sets the question as hereinafter described and therefore is hereinafter referred to as provider unique filtering parameter of the provider hiding format.

Referring back to the flow chart ofFIG. 33, at step S112, the PDI-S generator311of the server11transmits the generated PDI-S to the client12through the transmission section42and supplies the PDI-S to the PDI-S execution section312.

At step S121, the reception section51of the client12receives the PDI-S transmitted from the server11and supplies the received PDI-S to the PDI-S execution section321.

It is to be noted that the PDI-S may be received by the client12, for example, every time it is broadcast or transmitted after a predetermined interval of time from a broadcasting station as the provider in which the server11is installed. Or, the PDI-S may be received by the client12when the client12adjusts the channel to the broadcasting station in which the server11is installed.

At step S122, the PDI-S execution section321of the client12carries out a PDI-S execution process to generate a user side PDI-A.

Example of the PDI-S Execution Process

Here, details of the PDI-S execution process by the PDI-S execution section321are described with reference toFIG. 35. After the PDI-S execution process is started, the PDI-S execution section321causes the display section not shown to display a screen image corresponding to a question defined in the PDI-S. Then, the PDI-S execution section321causes the user to select whether a user side PDI-A representative of an answer to the question is to be automatically generated or to be generated in response to an input of the user or viewer of the client12.

At step S131, the PDI-S execution section321decides whether or not the automatic generation of a user side PDI-A is selected. If it is decided at step S131that the automatic generation of a user side PDI-A is selected on the screen image displayed on the display section not shown, then the processing advances to step S132.

At step S132, the PDI-S execution section321executes the PDI-S to read out log information from the log information storage section322and generates a user side PDI-A based on the log information. In particular, the PDI-S execution section321analyzes the liking of the user from the behavior log of the user represented by the log information read out from the log information storage section322and generates a user side PDI-A representative of an answer to the question defined by the PDI-S based on a result of the analysis of the liking.

Further, the PDI-S execution section321analyses the liking of the user from the behavior log of the user represented by the log information stored in an external database on a network and received through the reception section51. Then, the PDI-S execution section321generates a user side PDI-A representative of answers to the questions defined by the PDI-S based on a result of the analysis of the liking.

In this manner, the PDI-S execution section321executes the PDI-S to interact with the user to generate a PDI-A representative of answers which reflect the liking of the user with a high degree of accuracy to the question defined by the PDI-S.

On the other hand, if it is decided at step S131that automatic generation of a PDI-A is not selected on the screen image displayed on the display section not shown, then the processing advances to step S133.

At step S133, the PDI-S execution section321generates a user side PDI-A in response to an input of the user on the screen image displayed on the display section not shown. In particular, the PDI-S execution section321allows the user or viewer of the client12to input or select answers to the questions defined in the PDI-S, which is displayed on the display section not shown, to generate a user side PDI-A representative of the answer.

Example of Screen Image Display in an Interaction with the User by the PDI-S

Here, an example of screen image display in an interaction with a user by the PDI-S is described with reference toFIGS. 36 to 39. It is to be noted here that it is assumed that the client12receives a PDI-S which defines a question same as the question defined by the PDI-Q described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 7, and screen images corresponding to the question group defined by the received PDI-S are successively displayed on the display section not shown of the client12.

FIG. 36shows an example of screen image display corresponding to the question of “ProviderA:123” inFIG. 7. InFIG. 36, a log reference button341on which “Reference the recent viewing log and, if you want to automatically generate an answer to the query below: In which of the following sports are you most interested? (Multiple selection allowed), click this button. If you want to specify the answer by yourself, choose one to three answers below:” is displayed and selection buttons342-1to342-4for allowing the user to select the choices “Baseball,” “Basketball,” “Soccer” and “Hockey” as candidates for the answer to the question are displayed.

If the log reference button341is depressed by the user on the screen image shown inFIG. 36, then the PDI-S execution section321reads out log information representative of the viewing log of television programs, for example, for a month in the past from the log information storage section322to analyze the liking of the user. Then, the PDI-S execution section321selects one of the candidates for the answer to the question of “ProviderA:123” which has the highest relationship to a result of the analysis of the liking and generates a user side PDT-A representative of the answer.

FIG. 37shows an example of screen image display corresponding to the question of “ProviderA:123” inFIG. 7. InFIG. 37, a log reference button351on which the message including the question indicated in the 20th row inFIG. 7, that is, the message “Reference the recent behavior log and, if you want to automatically generate an answer to the query below: Do you enjoy camping and outdoor recreation? (Only one selection). If you want to specify the answer by yourself, choose one answer below:” is displayed and selection buttons352-1to352-3for allowing the user to select the choices “Never,” “Occasionally,” and “Frequently” as candidates for the answer to the question are displayed.

If the log reference button351is depressed by the user on the screen image shown inFIG. 37, then the PDI-S execution section321reads out log information representative of records of going out for a month in the past such as, for example, a timetable from the log information storage section322to analyze the liking of the user. Then, the PDI-S execution section321selects one of the candidates for the answer to the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123” which has the highest relationship to a result of the analysis of the liking and generates a user side PDI-A representative of the answer.

FIG. 38shows an example of screen image display corresponding to the question of “ProviderA:321” inFIG. 7. InFIG. 38, a log reference button361on which the message including the question indicated in the 27th row inFIG. 7, that is, the message “Reference the recent product search log and, if you want to automatically generate an answer to the query below: Who's products are you most interested in recently?” is displayed and an answer inputting section region362for allowing the user to input a character string as the answer to the question is displayed.

If the log reference button361is depressed by the user on the screen image shown inFIG. 38, then the PDI-S execution section321reads out log information representative of commodities searched, for example, for a month in the past from a database of a company which manages a shopping site on the Internet to analyze the liking of the user. Then, the PDI-S execution section321generates a user side PDI-A representative of the answer to the question of “ProviderA:321” based on a result of the analysis.

FIG. 39shows an example of screen image display corresponding to a question of “ProviderA:Special:999” which is not included in the question defined in the PDI-Q described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 7. It is assumed that the question of “ProviderA:Special:999” is a question whose type is “AnyAnswerType” described hereinabove. InFIG. 39, a log reference button371on which a message including the question provided by the PDI-S, that is, the message “Reference a recent dialog log and, if you want to automatically generate an answer to the query: “What subject are you most interested in recently? If there is no need for automatic generation of answers, click the Cancel button below.” is displayed and a cancel button372for canceling the answer to the question is displayed.

If the log reference button371is depressed by the user on the screen image shown inFIG. 39, then the PDI-S execution section321reads out log information representative of dialogs or sentences communicated, for example, for one week in the past from a database of a company which provides a SNS (Special Network Service) on the Internet to analyze the liking of the user. Then, the PDI-S execution section321generates a PDI-A representative of the answer to the question of “ProviderA:Special:999” based on a result of the analysis.

It is to be noted that, while, in the examples of screen image display shown inFIGS. 36 and 37, the answer of the user is selected from among candidates for the answer to the question defined in the PDI-S, candidates for the answer to the question may be analogized from the behavior log of the user represented by the log information stored in the log information storage section322or an external database such that the answer of the user is selected from among the analogized candidates for the answer.

FIG. 40shows another example of screen image display corresponding to the question of “ProviderA:123” inFIG. 7. InFIG. 40, a question presentation region381in which a message including the question indicated in the 12th row inFIG. 7, that is, the message “The following three candidates are possible as a result of choosing by analogy of various log information of yours as an answer to the query: In which of the following sports are you most interested? (Multiple selection allowed). Choose one or more,” is displayed and selection buttons382-1to382-3for allowing the user to select the choices “Basketball,” “Soccer” and “Hockey” as analogized candidates for the answer to the question are displayed.

In this instance, the PDI-S execution section321executes the PDI-S to read out log information of television programs, for example, for a month in the past to analyze the liking of the user to analogize candidates for the answer to the question of “ProviderA:123.” Then, the PDI-S execution section321causes corresponding selection buttons to be displayed like a screen image shown inFIG. 40. If one of the selection buttons is selected by the user, then the PDI-S execution section321generates a user side PDI-A representative of the answer corresponding to the selected selection button.

The PDI-S execution section321executes the PDI-S to automatically generate a user side PDI-A representative of the answer to the question defined by the PDI-S based on log information of the user or generate a user side PDI-A representative of an answer to the question inputted or selected by the user.

Example of the PDI-A

Here, an example of a PDI-A generated by the PDI-S execution section321, that is, a user side PDI-A, is described with reference toFIG. 41. It is to be noted that the PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 41is generated based on log information of the user.

In particular, the second to seventh rows indicate an answer of the user automatically generated to the question presented by the screen image display described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 36. More particularly, <id>ProviderA:123</id> indicates an id element of the question presented by the screen image display ofFIG. 36, and <a>Baseball</a> in the fourth row, <a>Soccer</a> in the fifth row and <a>Hockey</a> in the sixth row indicate answers selected based on the log information of the user by the PDI-S execution section321as an answer to the question.

The eighth to eleventh rows indicate an automatically generated answer of the user to the question present by the screen image display described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 37. More particularly, <id>ProviderA:ProgramX:123</id> in the ninth row indicates an id element of the question presented by the screen image display ofFIG. 37, and <a>Occasionally</a> in the tenth row indicates an answer selected based on the log information of the user by the PDI-S execution section321as an answer to the question.

The 12th to 15th rows indicate an answer of the user automatically generated to the question presented by the screen image display described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 38. In particular, <id>ProviderA:231</id> in the 13th row indicates an id element of the question presented by the screen image display ofFIG. 38, and <a>Somy</a> in the 14th row indicates an answer generated based on the log information of the user by the PDI-S execution section321as an answer to the question.

The 16th to 19th rows indicate an answer of the user automatically generated to the question presented by the screen image display described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 39. In particular, <id>ProviderA:Special:999</id> in the 17th row indicates an id element of the question presented by the screen image display ofFIG. 39, and <a>jlKK3Q==</a> in the 18th row indicates an answer generated based on the log information of the user by the PDI-S execution section321as an answer to the question.

Here, <a>jlKK3Q==</a> is a provider unique filtering parameter of a provider hiding format whose substance can be grasped only by the provider which sets the question and is in a state encoded by such a method as, for example, Base64. In other words, the provider unique filtering parameter cannot be used as a filtering parameter by any other provider.

The PDI-S execution section321supplies the user side PDI-A generated in this manner to the PDI-A storage section53so as to be stored. The user side PDI-A stored in the PDI-A storage section53is used to decide whether or not a content distributed from the server11conforms to the liking of the user of the client12as hereinafter described.

It is to be noted that the user side PDI-A stored in the PDI-A storage section53is updated when the PDI-S is executed in an execution period designated in advance by the provider side by the PDI-S execution section321.

Referring back to the flow chart ofFIG. 33, at step S113, the PDI-S execution section312of the server11generates a provider side PDI-A to the questions defined by the PDI-S from the PDI-S generator311and supplies the generated provider side PDI-A to the metadata distributor44. In particular, the PDI-S execution section312analyzes or executes in response to an operation by staff of the broadcasting station, that is, of the provider side, and causes the display section not shown to display such screen images corresponding to the questions defined by the PDI-S as described hereinabove, for example, with reference toFIGS. 36 to 39. Then, the PDI-S execution section312generates a provider side PDI-A representative of the answers to the questions. At this time, the staff of the broadcasting station would cause the PDI-S to be analyzed or executed to select answers corresponding to a content to be distributed as answers to the questions defined by the PDI-S. In particular, the provider side PDI-A generated by the PDI-S execution section312represents information, that is, answers, for allowing the user or viewer of the client12to view a content to be distributed later with the liking of the viewer taken into consideration by the provider side.

Thereafter, in the server11, a content corresponding to the generated provider side PDI-A is specified or referred to, and content metadata including the provider side PDI-A is generated as content metadata of the specified content. Then, the specified content is distributed together with the generated content metadata.

Also here, it is to be noted that the content may not be distributed together with the content metadata, but after the content metadata including the provider side PDI-A is transmitted to the client12in advance, the content corresponding to the content metadata may be distributed.

Meanwhile, in the client12, the content and the content metadata distributed from the server11are received, and matching between the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A is carried out.

Here, it is assumed that the PDI-A described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 41is generated and stored as the user side PDI-A and a PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 42is transmitted as the provider side PDI-A from the server11to the client12.

The PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 42has a basic configuration same as that of the user side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 41, and overlapping detailed description thereof is omitted herein to avoid redundancy. However, this provider side PDI-A indicates that “Baseball” is set as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123” and “Never” is set as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123.”

At this time, the client12compares the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A with each other. Then, if answers to at least one question exhibit coincidence, then the client12decides that the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A match with each other. However, if answers to any question do not indicate coincidence, then the client12decides that the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A do not match with each other. In the case described above, since the answer to “ProviderA:123” in the user side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 41and the answer to the question of “providerA:123” in the provider side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 42coincide with each other in that they include “Baseball,” the client12decides that the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A match with each other.

Now, it is assumed that a PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 43is transmitted as the provider side PDI-A from the server11.

The provider side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 43indicates that “Basketball” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123” and “Never” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123.”

In this instance, since the answers to the questions in the user side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 41and the answers to the questions in the provider side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 43exhibit no coincidence, it is decided that the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A do not match with each other.

From a result of such a matching process as described above, it is determined whether or not the distributed content should be acquired.

According to the process described above, in the broadcasting system, on the provider side, a PDI-S for obtaining a user side PDI-A to questions regarding the liking of a user is generated by the server, and the PDI-S is transmitted to the client terminal. Further, a provider side PDI-A representative of an answer set by the provider side to the PDI-S is distributed as content metadata of a corresponding content. Consequently, as content metadata, content metadata which satisfies needs at the time other than content metadata prescribed by a standardization organization can be applied to a content. On the other hand, on the user side, the PDI-S from the server is executed by the client terminal to generate a user side PDI-A, and matching between the generated user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A from the server is carried out to determine whether or not the content distributed from the server should be acquired. Consequently, the content can be filtered with the content metadata which satisfies needs at the time other than content metadata prescribed by a standardization organization. Accordingly, a content which satisfies needs at the time can be acquired.

Further, on the client terminal, since interaction with the user can be carried out with the PDI-S, even if a question set by the provider side has the substance which requires a high interactivity, sufficient interaction with the user can be carried out. Accordingly, since a user side PDI-A which reflects the liking of the user with a high degree of accuracy can be generated, an accurate filtering condition can be obtained, and consequently, a content which satisfies needs at the time can be acquired with a higher degree of certainty.

It is to be noted that, also in a broadcasting system wherein a script is executed to carry out interaction with a user, one of a user side PDI-A and a provider side PDI-A may be represented as a query for evaluating a PDI-A to compare the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A with each other to carry out matching.

In the following, a configuration wherein one of a user side PDI-A and a provider side PDI-A is represented as a query to compare the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A with each other is described.

Example 3 of the Matching Process by a Query for Evaluating a PDI-A

First, a configuration which represents a provider side PDI-A as a query to compare a user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A with each other is described.

FIG. 44shows an example of a functional configuration of the server11which represents a provider side PDI-A as a query.

The server11ofFIG. 44includes a transmission section42, a content accumulation section45, a content distributor46, a PDI-S generator311, a PDI-S execution section391, and a metadata distributor392.

It is to be noted that, in the server11ofFIG. 44, like elements having like functions to those of the elements provided in the server11ofFIG. 31are denoted by like terms and like reference characters and overlapping description of them is suitably omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

The server11ofFIG. 44is different from the server11ofFIG. 31in that the PDI-S execution section391and the metadata distributor392are provided in place of the PDI-S execution section312and the metadata distributor44.

The PDI-S execution section391executes a PDI-S from the PDI-S generator311to generate a provider side PDI-A representative of an answer set by the provider to the questions regarding the liking of the user of the client12. Then, the PDI-S execution section391applies the generated provider side PDI-A to a predetermined conditional statement to generate a PDI-A query and supplies the generated PDI-A query to the metadata distributor392.

The metadata distributor392specifies or refers to, based on the PDI-A query from the PDI-S execution section391, a content corresponding to the PDI-A query from among the contents accumulated in the content accumulation section45. The metadata distributor392generates content metadata including the PDI-A query as content metadata of the specified content and transmits the generated content metadata to the client12through the transmission section42.

Further, the client12in the present example is same as the client12described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 32except that the content filter54shown inFIG. 32reads out the user side PDI-A from the PDI-A storage section53and a content is filtered based on the user side PDI-A and the PDI-A query included in the content metadata transmitted from the server11to the client12.

Now, content transmission and reception processes in the broadcasting system10including the server11ofFIG. 44are described with reference to a flow chart ofFIG. 45.

It is to be noted that processes at steps S151, S152, S156, S161to S163, S165and S166of the flow chart ofFIG. 45are basically similar to the processes at steps S111, S112, S116, S121to S123, S125and S126of the flow chart ofFIG. 33, respectively. Therefore, overlapping description of the processes is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, at step S153, the PDI-S execution section391of the server11generates a provider side PDI-A to the questions defined in the PDI-S from the PDI-S generator311and applies the generated provider side PDI-A to a predetermined conditional statement to generate a PDI-A query. Then, the PDI-S execution section391supplies the generated provider side PDI-A to the metadata distributor392. More particularly, for example, the PDI-S execution section391analyzes or executes the PDI-S in response to an operation of staff of a broadcasting station, that is, of the provider side so that such screen images corresponding to the questions defined in the PDI-S as described hereinabove, for example, with reference toFIGS. 36 to 39are displayed on the display section not shown, thereby setting the answers corresponding to the questions. Further, the PDI-S execution section391causes the staff to determine a combination of the individual answers, that is, a filtering condition, to generate a PDI-A query representative of the combination of the answers. At this time, the staff of the broadcasting station would cause the PDI-S execution section391to analyze or execute the PDI-S to select answers corresponding to the content to be distributed as answers to the questions defined in the PDI-S and determine a combination of the answers. In other words, the PDI-A query generated by the PDI-S execution section391represents information for allowing the user or viewer of the client12to view a content to be distributed later, that is, the combination of answers, with the liking of the viewer taken into consideration by the provider side.

At step S154, the metadata distributor392specifies or refers to, based on the PDI-A query from the PDI-S execution section391, a content corresponding to the PDI-A query from among the contents accumulated in the content accumulation section45. The content specified here may be a content having a similarity to content metadata applied in advance to the accumulated content higher than a predetermined value or may be a content selected in advance as a content to be viewed by the user by the staff of the broadcasting station. It is to be noted that the content specified by the metadata distributor392is acquired from the content accumulation section45by the content distributor46.

At step S155, the metadata distributor392newly generates, based on the content metadata applied in advance to the content specified at step S154and the PDI-A query from the PDI-S execution section391, content metadata including the PDI-A query.

Then at step S164, the content filter54of the client12carries out matching of the user side PDI-A stored in the PDI-A storage section53based on the PDI-A query included in the content metadata from the server11.

Here, it is assumed that the PDI-A described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 41is generated and stored as the user side PDI-A and a PDI-A given below has been transmitted from the server11to the client12:

The PDI-A query indicates that the user PDI-A evaluates whether or not “Baseball” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123.”

At this time, when the content filter54evaluates the user side PDI-A based on the PDI-A query that the PDI-A query is satisfied, that is, the PDI-A query is true, it decides that the user side PDI-A and the PDI-A query match with each other. However, if the PDI-A query is not satisfied or is false, then the content filter54decides that the user side PDI-A and the PDI-A query do not match with each other. In the present instance, since, in the user side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 41, “Baseball” is selected as the answer to the question of “ProviderA:123,” it is decided that the user side PDI-A and the PDI-A query match with each other.

Since a condition of complicated filtering is represented by the PDI-A query set by the provider side can be represented in this manner, it becomes possible to allow the user or viewer expected by the provider side to acquire a content with a higher degree of certainty.

Example 4 of the Matching Process by a Query for Evaluating a PDI-A

Now, a configuration which represents a user side PDI-A as a query to compare the user side PDI-A and a provider side PDI-A is described.

FIG. 46shows an example of a functional configuration of the client12which represents a user side PDI-A as a query.

Referring toFIG. 46, the client12shown includes a reception section51, a content filter54, a content reproduction section55, a content accumulation section56, a log information storage section322, a PDI-S execution section401and a PDI-A query storage section402.

It is to be noted that, in the client12ofFIG. 46, like elements having like functions to those of the elements provided in the client12ofFIG. 32are denoted by like terms and like reference characters and overlapping description of them is suitably omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, the client12ofFIG. 46is different from the client12ofFIG. 32in that it includes the PDI-S execution section401and the PDI-A query storage section402in place of the PDI-S execution section321and the PDI-A storage section53.

The PDI-S execution section401executes a PDI-S transmitted thereto from the server11to generate a user side PDI-A representative of answers of the user of the client12to questions regarding the liking of the user. Then, the PDI-S execution section401applies the generated user side PDI-A to a predetermined conditional statement to generate a PDI-A query and supplies the generated PDI-A query to the PDI-A query storage section402.

The PDI-A query storage section402stores the PDI-A query from the PDI-S execution section401. The PDI-A query stored in the PDI-A query storage section402is suitably read out into the content filter54.

It is to be noted that the content filter54reads out the PDI-A query from the PDI-A query storage section402and filters a content based on the read out PDI-A query and a provider side PDI-A included in content metadata transmitted to the client12from the server11.

Further, the server11in the present example is same as the server11ofFIG. 31, and therefore, overlapping description thereof is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

Now, content transmission and reception processes in the broadcasting system10which includes the client12ofFIG. 46are described with reference to a flow chart ofFIG. 47.

It is to be noted that processes at steps S171to S181, S183, S185and S186are basically similar to the processes at steps S111to S121, S123, S125and S126of the flow chart ofFIG. 33, respectively, and therefore, overlapping description of them is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, at step S182, the PDI-S execution section401of the client12carries out a PDI-S execution process to generate a PDI-A query.

Example of the PDI-S Execution Process

Here, details of the PDI-S execution process by the PDI-S execution section401are described with reference toFIG. 48. After the PDI-S execution process is started, the PDI-S execution section401causes the display section not shown to display a screen image corresponding to the questions defined by the PDI-S. Then, the PDI-S execution section401causes the user to select whether the user side PDI-A representative of the answers to the questions should be applied to a predetermined conditional statement to automatically generate a PDI-A query or a PDI-A query should be generated in response to an input of the user or viewer of the client12.

At step S191, the PDI-S execution section401decides whether or not automatic generation of a PDI-A query is selected. If it is decided at step S191that automatic generation of a PDI-A is selected on the screen image displayed on the display section not shown, then the processing advances to step S192.

At step S192, the PDI-S execution section401executes the PDI-S to read out log information from the log information storage section322and generates a PDI-A query based on the read out log information. More particularly, the PDI-S execution section401analyzes the liking of the user from the behavior log of the user represented by the log information read out from the log information storage section322and generates answers to the questions defined by the PDI-S based on a result of the analysis of the liking. Further, the PDI-S execution section401decides a combination of the questions, that is, a filtering condition, based on the log information to generate a PDI-A query representative of the combination of the answers.

Further, the PDI-S execution section401analyzes the liking of the user from the behavior log of the user presented by log information stored in a database on an external network and received through the reception section51. Then, the PDI-S execution section401generates answers to the questions defined by the PDI-S based on a result of the analysis of the liking. Further, the PDI-S execution section401determines a combination of the answers, that is, a filtering condition, based on the log information to generate a PDI-A query representative of the combination of the answers.

In this manner, the PDI-S execution section401executes the PDI-S and interacts with the user to generate a PDI-A query representative of answers which reflect the liking of the user with a high degree of accuracy to the questions defined in the PDI-S.

On the other hand, if it is decided at step S191that automatic generation of a PDI-A query is not selected on the screen image displayed on the display section not shown, then the processing advances to step S193.

At step S193, the PDI-S execution section401generates a PDI-A query in response to an input of the user on the screen image displayed on the display section not shown. More particularly, the PDI-S execution section401causes the user or viewer of the client12to input or select answers to the questions defined in the PDI-S and displayed on the display section not shown and causes the user to determine a combination of the answers, that is, a filtering condition, to generate a PDI-A query representative of the combination of answers.

The PDI-S execution section401supplies the PDI-A query generated in this manner to the PDI-A query storage section402so as to be stored.

Referring back to the flow chart ofFIG. 47, at step S184, the content filter54carries out matching of the provider side PDI-A included in the content metadata from the server11based on the PDI-A query stored in the PDI-A query storage section402.

Here, it is assumed that the PDI-A described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 42is transmitted as the provider side PDI-A from the server11and a PDI-A query given below is generated and stored:

“//QSA[id=‘ProviderA:123’ and a=‘Baseball’]” and //QSA[id=‘ProviderA:ProgramX:123’ and a=‘Never’]

The PDI-A query given above represents that the provider side PDI-A evaluates whether or not “Baseball” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123” and besides “Never” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123.”

At this time, the content filter54evaluates the provider side PDI-A based on the PDI-A query and, if the PDI-A query is satisfied or true, then the content filter54decides that the provider side PDI-A and the PDI-A query match with each other. However, if the PDI-A query is not satisfied or is false, then the content filter54decides that the provider side PDI-A and the PDI-A query do not match with each other. In the present instance, in the provider side PDI-A illustrated inFIG. 42, “Baseball” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA: 123” and besides “Never” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123.” Therefore, the content filter54decides that the provider side PDI-A and the PDI-A query match with each other.

Since a more detailed filtering condition can be represented by the PDI-A query set by the user side in this manner, a content expected by the user side can be acquired with a higher degree of certainty.

Application Example to a Broadcasting System which Broadcasts by the ATSC-M/H System

Incidentally, also the broadcasting system of the present embodiment described above can be applied to a broadcasting system which broadcasts by the ATSC-M/H method.

In such an instance, a PDI-A, that is, a provider side PDI-A, or a PDI-A query is placed into at least one of the “Service” fragment (FIG. 23), the “Schedule” fragment (FIG. 24) and the “Content” fragment (FIG. 25) from among the components of the Service Guide illustrated inFIG. 22as described hereinabove.

Meanwhile, a PDI-S is placed into the “Interactivity Data” fragment from among the components of the Service Guide illustrated inFIG. 22.

FIG. 49illustrates details of a configuration of the “Interactivity Data” fragment. The PDI-S is placed into a “PDI-S” element newly added to the “PrivateExt” element set at the lowermost stage in the Interactivity Data” fragment illustrated inFIG. 49. In particular, for example, the “PDI-S” element is represented by a character string as <xs:element name=‘PDI-S’ type=‘xs:string’ xmins:xs=“http://www.w3.org/2001/SML.Schema’/> by the XML schema and is encoded.

Application Example to a Broadcasting System which Carries Out NRT Broadcasting

The broadcasting system of the present embodiment can be applied also to a broadcasting system which carries out NRT broadcasting.

In such an instance, a PDI-A, that is, a provider side PDI-A, a PDI-A query or a PDI-S to be transmitted from the server11to the client12in the broadcasting system10described hereinabove is placed into and transmitted together with the “PDI descriptor” newly prescribed in SMT or NRT-IT (FIG. 29).

FIG. 50illustrates an example of the syntax of “PDI Descriptor.” InFIG. 50, each of the descriptors described is defined together with the bit number (No. of Bits) and the format (Format).

According to the syntax illustrated inFIG. 50, a PDI-A, a PDI-A query or a PDI-S is described in the descriptor “PDI_S or PDI_A or PDI_A_Query” of variable bits.

It is to be noted that the broadcasting system of the present embodiment can naturally be applied to a broadcasting system which broadcasts by the ATSC-M/H method described above and a broadcasting system which carries out NRT broadcasting by a method other than the existing broadcasting system.

Incidentally, in the embodiment described above, PDI-As, that is, a user side PDI-A and a provider side PDI-A, are generated as metadata of a text representation of the XML or the like and is used for filtering, that is, for a matching process. In particular, in filtering, texts, that is, XML instances, are compared with each other to determine whether or not they are same as each other.

However, since the process of comparing texts with each other requires a high cost in regard to the CPU load and the memory use amount, in the case where the amount of a content or contents to be distributed at a time is great, there is the possibility that the process may disturb efficient filtering of the distributed content or contents.

Therefore, in the following description, an embodiment of the present invention regarding a broadcasting system wherein a distributed content is filtered more efficiently is described.

Example of a Functional Configuration of the Server

First, an example of a functional configuration of the server11in the broadcasting system10wherein metadata is represented by a bitmap index is described with reference toFIG. 51.

The server11ofFIG. 51includes a transmission section42, a content accumulation section45, a content distributor46, a PDI-Q generator411, a PDI-BA generator412, and a metadata distributor413.

It is to be noted that, in the server11ofFIG. 51, like elements having like functions to those of the elements provided in the server11ofFIG. 3are denoted by like terms and like reference characters and overlapping description of them is suitably omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, the server11ofFIG. 51is different from the server11ofFIG. 3in that the PDI-Q generator411, PDI-BA generator412and metadata distributor413are provided in place of the PDI-Q generator41, PDI-A generator43and metadata distributor44.

The PDI-Q generator411generates a PDI-Q representative of a question about the liking of the user or viewer of the client12, and transmits the generated PDI-Q to the client12through the transmission section42and supplies the PDI-Q to the PDI-BA generator412. The id element of each question defined by the PDI-Q generated by the PDI-Q generator411is represented by a bitmap index, that is, a bit string, as hereinafter described.

The PDI-BA generator412generates, based on the PDI-Q from the PDI-Q generator411, a PDI-BA (Preference Demographic and Interest-Bitmap Answer) (hereinafter referred to suitably as provider side PDI-BA) which is information represented by a bitmap index, that is, a bit string, representing an answer set by the provider side to the questions regarding the liking of the user of the client12described hereinabove corresponding to the PDI-Q. Then, the PDI-BA generator412supplies the generated PDI-BA to the metadata distributor413.

The metadata distributor413specifies or refers to, based on the PDI-BA from the PDI-BA generator412, a content corresponding to the answer set by the provider side from among the contents accumulated in the content accumulation section45. The metadata distributor413generates content metadata including the PDI-BA as content metadata of the specified content and transmits the generated content metadata to the client12.

Example of the Functional Configuration of the Client

Now, an example of a functional configuration of the client12in the broadcasting system10wherein metadata is represented by a bitmap index is described with reference toFIG. 52.

The client12ofFIG. 52includes a reception section51, a content reproduction section55, a content accumulation section56, a PDI-BA generator421, a PDI-BA storage section422and a content filter423.

It is to be noted that, in the client12ofFIG. 52, like elements having like functions to those of the elements provided in the client12ofFIG. 4are denoted by like terms and like reference characters and overlapping description of them is suitably omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, the client12ofFIG. 52is different from the client12ofFIG. 4in that the PDI-BA generator421, PDI-BA storage section422and content filter423are provided in place of the PDI-A generator52, PDI-A storage section53and content filter54, respectively.

The PDI-BA generator421generates, based on the PDI-Q transmitted to the client12from the server11, a PDI-BA (hereinafter referred to suitably as user side PDI-BA) which is information represented by a bitmap index representing answers of the user to the questions regarding the liking of the user of the client12corresponding to the PDI-Q. Then, the PDI-BA generator421supplies the generated PDI-BA to the PDI-BA storage section422.

The PDI-BA storage section422stores the PDI-BA from the PDI-BA generator421. The PDI-BA stored in the PDI-BA storage section422is read out suitably from the content filter423.

The content filter423reads out the PDI-BA from the PDI-BA storage section422and filters a content based on the read out PDI-BA, that is, based on the user side PDI-BA, and the PDI-BA included in the content metadata of the content transmitted from the server11, that is, the provider side PDI-BA. The content filter423supplies the filtered content to the content reproduction section55or the content accumulation section56in response to a result of the filtering.

Example of Content Transmission and Reception Processes

Now, content transmission and reception processes of the broadcasting system10configured from the server11ofFIG. 51and the client12ofFIG. 52are described with reference to a flow chart ofFIG. 53.

In particular, if, on the provider side such as a broadcasting company, for example, a sponsor of a content to be broadcast or distributed or the broadcasting company itself issues a request for distribution of a content to viewers having a particular liking or attribute, then the PDI-Q generator411of the server11generates a PDI-Q at step S211. In particular, the PDI-Q generator411generates, in response to an operation of staff on the provider side, a PDI-Q to the user of the client12for inquiring about what liking or attribute the user has.

Further Example of the Syntax of the XML Schema

Here, an example of the syntax of the XML schema for configuring a PDI-Q and a PDI-BA in the present embodiment is described with reference toFIGS. 54 and 55.

It is to be noted that the first to 50th rows of the syntax illustrated inFIG. 54are basically similar to the first to 50th rows of the syntax illustrated inFIG. 34, respectively, and therefore, overlapping description of them is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

It is to be noted that, inFIG. 54, the type of id elements for identification of the items of the questions defined by the names of “QIA,” “QBA,” “QSA,” “QTA” and “QAA” indicated in the 15th, 24th, 31st, 40th and 47th rows is defined as “BitmapAnyURIType,” different from that inFIG. 34.

Further, inFIG. 54, the type of answers, that is, of a elements, to the questions defined by the names of “QBA,” “QSA” and “QAA” indicated in the 26th, 33rd and 48th rows is defined as “BitmapBooleanURIType,” “BitmapStringURIType” and “BitmapBase64 BinaryURIType, respectively, different from those inFIG. 34.

The 51st to 57th rows inFIG. 55indicate a declaration of the attribute of the id element of the type defined by “BitmapAnyURIType.”

The 58th to 64th rows indicate a declaration of the attribute of the a elements of the type defined by “BitmapBooleanURIType.”

Further, the 65th to 71st rows indicate a declaration of the attribute of the a elements of the type defined by “BitmapStringURIType,” and the 72nd to 78th rows indicate a declaration of the attribute of the a elements of the type defined by “BitmapBase64 BinaryURIType.”

In particular, the 51st to 78th rows ofFIG. 55declare that the id elements of all of the questions defined by the PDI-Q and the answers, that is, the a elements, to the questions defined by the names of “QBA,” “QSA” and “QAA” are represented by a bitmap index.

It is to be noted that also the questions and the answers to the questions declared in the syntaxes ofFIGS. 54 and 55are distinguished into provider common filtering parameters and provider unique filtering parameters.

Further, the answers, that is, the a elements, to the questions defined by the name of “QAA” are distinguished into provider unique filtering parameters of a format in which only the provider which sets the question can grasp the substance and of a provider unique format encoded by the Base64 system.

Example of the PDI-Q

Now, an example of a PDI-Q configured based on the indexes ofFIGS. 54 and 55is described with reference toFIG. 56.

It is to be noted that the questions defined by the PDI-Q illustrated inFIG. 56are basically same as those of the PDI-Q illustrated inFIG. 7, and therefore, overlapping description of them is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

However, inFIG. 56, the id elements of the questions defined by the names of “QBA” and “QSA” and the answers, that is, the a elements, to the questions are represented by a bitmap index, different from those inFIG. 7.

In particular, the id element of the question of “Common:111” in the third row is represented by a bitmap string of “00000000000101.” It is to be noted that <!-True=1, False=0- - > in the fourth row indicates that the answer to the question of “Common:111” which is a question for requesting an answer of the logic value type is represented by one of the bits of “1” (True) and “0” (False).

The id element of the question of “ProviderA:123” in the 10th row is represented by a bit string of “00000100000111.” Further, “Baseball” in the 13th row, “Basketball” in the 14th row, “Soccer” in the 15th row and “Hockey” in the 16th row which are choices as candidates for an answer to the question are represented by bit strings of “0001,” “0010,” “0100” and “1000,” respectively.

The id element of the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123” in the 19th row is represented by a bit string of “00000100000101.” Meanwhile, “Never” in the 21st row, “Occasionally” in the 22nd row and “Frequently” in the 23rd row which are choices as candidates for an answer to the question are represented by bit strings of “001,” “010” and “100,” respectively.

In this manner, in the PDI-Q indicated inFIG. 56, the id elements of the questions which request answers of the logic value type and the answer selection type and the answers to the questions, that is, the a elements, are represented by a bitmap index.

It is to be noted that the answers to the questions which request answers of the integer value type and the character string type are not selected from among choices as a plurality of, that is, two or more, candidates like answers to questions which request answers of the logic value type and the answer selection type, but are integer values or character strings inputted arbitrarily by the user, and therefore are not represented by a bitmap index. Further, although, according to the syntaxes ofFIGS. 54 and 55, id elements of questions which request answers of the integer value type and the character string type can be represented by a bitmap index, it is assumed here that they are not represented by a bitmap index.

Here, the following description is given under the assumption that the questions defined by a PDI-Q are those which request answers of the logic value type and the answer selection type.

Referring back to the flow chart ofFIG. 53, at step S212, the PDI-Q generator411of the server11transmits the generated PDI-Q to the client12through the transmission section42and supplies the PDI-Q to the PDI-BA generator412.

At step S221, the reception section51of the client12receives the PDI-Q transmitted from the server11and supplies the received PDI-Q to the PDI-BA generator421.

It is to be noted that the PDI-Q may be received by the client12, for example, every time it is broadcast or transmitted after a predetermined interval of time from a broadcasting station as a provider in which the server11is installed. Or, the PDI-Q may be received by the client12when the client12adjusts the channel to the broadcasting station in which the server11is installed.

At step S222, the PDI-BA generator421of the client12generates a user side PDI-BA to the questions defined in the PDI-Q received by the reception section51. In particular, when the PDI-Q is received from the server11, the PDI-BA generator421causes the display section not shown to display screen images corresponding to questions defined in the PDI-Q and causes the user or viewer of the client12to input or select answers to the questions to generate a user side PDI-BA representative of the answers. In other words, the PDI-BA generator421interacts with the user to generate a user side PDI-BA representative of answers to the questions defined in the PDI-Q.

Here, it is assumed that the client12receives a PDI-Q in which only questions which request answers of the logical value type and the answer selection type inFIG. 56and, the screen images shown inFIGS. 8,10and11are successively displayed as screen images corresponding to the question group defined in the received PDI-Q on the display section not shown of the client12.

Further, it is assumed that, on the screen image corresponding to the question of “Common:111” described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 8, the selection button62-1is selected by the user as an answer to the question. Further, on the screen image corresponding to the question of “ProviderA:123” described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 10, the selection buttons82-1,82-2,82-3and82-4are selected as an answer to the question by the user. Further, on the screen image corresponding to the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123” described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 11, the selection button92-2is selected as an answer to the question by the user.

At this time, the user side PDI-BA generated by the PDI-BA generator421is such as given below:

In the user side PDI-BA described above, the first row indicates an id element of the question of “Common:111” and that “True” is selected as an answer to the question.

The second row indicates an id element of the question of “PoviderA:123” and that “Baseball,” “Soccer” and “Hockey” are selected as an answer to the question. While the bitmap index notation of the answers is “0001,” “0100” and “1000,” since a plurality of answers, that is, one to three answers, are permitted by the question of “ProviderA:123,” “1101” obtained by OR coupling the bits of the answers is the bitmap index notation of the answer to the question of “ProviderA:123.”

The third row indicates an id element of the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123” and that “Occasionally” is selected as an answer to the question. Since the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123” restricts the number of answers to one, a notation of OR coupling of bits in the bitmap index notation of the candidates for an answer is not used, but “010” representative of “Occasionally” becomes a bitmap index notation of the answer to the question of the “ProviderA:ProgramX:123.”

It is to be noted that the values of the bits representative of the answer in the user side PDI-BA are actually mapped on a binary field.

FIG. 57illustrates an example of an answer in a user side PDI-BA mapped on a binary field.

At a right upper portion ofFIG. 57, an id element of the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123” and an answer to the question in the user side PDI-BA described hereinabove are indicated. As seen inFIG. 57, the six high order bits of the id element of the question represented in the bitmap index notation are mapped to six low order bits of a bit string B1of one byte, and eight low order bits of the id element of the question are mapped to bits of a bit string B2of one byte. Further, the three bits of the answer to the question, that is, the a element, are mapped to three low order bits of a bit string B3of one byte.

In this manner, an id element of one question in a user side PDI-BA and an answer to the question can be represented by three bytes at the most, and a question and an answer to the question can be specified only by the three bytes.

The PDI-BA generator421supplies the user side PDI-BA generated in this manner to the PDI-BA storage section422so as to be stored. The user side PDI-BA stored in the PDI-BA storage section422is used to decide whether or not a content distributed from the server11conforms to the liking of the user of the client12as hereinafter described.

Referring back again to the flow chart ofFIG. 53, at step S213, the PDI-BA generator412of the server11generates a provider side PDI-BA to the question defined in the PDI-Q from the PDI-Q generator411and supplies the generated provider side PDI-BA to the metadata distributor413. In particular, when a PDI-Q is generated in response to an operation of staff in the broadcasting station or provider side, the PDI-BA generator412causes the display section not shown to display such screen images corresponding to the questions defined in the PDI-Q as described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 8,10and11. Then, the PDI-BA generator412causes the staff of the broadcasting station to input or select answers to the questions to generate a provider side PDI-BA representative of the answers. At this time, the staff of the broadcasting station would input or select answers corresponding to a content to be distributed as answers to the questions defined in the PDI-Q. In other words, the provider side PDI-BA generated by the PDI-BA generator412represents information or answers for allowing the user or viewer of the client12to view a content to be distributed later with the liking of the viewer taken into consideration.

At step S214, the metadata distributor413specifies or refers to, based on the provider side PDI-BA from the PDI-BA generator412, a content corresponding to the PDI-BA from among the contents accumulated in the content accumulation section45. The content specified here may be a content having a similarity between the answer represented by the provider side PDI-BA from the PDI-BA generator412and content metadata applied in advance to the accumulated content higher than a predetermined value or may be a content selected in advance as a content to be viewed by the user by the staff of the broadcasting station. It is to be noted that the content specified by the metadata distributor413is acquired from the content accumulation section45by the content distributor46.

At step S215, the metadata distributor413newly generates, based on the content metadata applied in advance to the content specified at step S215and the provider side PDI-BA from the PDI-BA generator412, content metadata including the provider side PDI-BA.

At step S216, the transmission section42distributes the content acquired by the content distributor46together with the content metadata generated by the metadata distributor413. At this time, as the content metadata, content metadata prescribed by a standardization organization may be transmitted in addition to the content metadata generated by the metadata distributor44.

In this manner, a content whose content metadata includes a provider side PDI-BA representative of answers intended by the provider side, or in other words, a content which conforms to the liking of the user and whose viewing is expected by the provider side is distributed as the answers to the questions defined by the PDI-Q.

It is to be noted that the processes at steps S213to S216need not be executed immediately after the process at step S212but may be executed before a PDI-BA is generated by and stored into the client12owned by each user.

Further, while the content is distributed together with the content metadata at step S216, the content may not be distributed together with the content metadata, but otherwise, after the content metadata including the PDI-BA is transmitted to the client12in advance, the content corresponding to the content metadata may be distributed.

After the content and the content metadata are distributed in this manner, the reception section51of the client12receives the content and the content metadata distributed from the server11and supplies the received content and content metadata to the content filter423at step S223.

At step S224, the content filter423carries out matching between the user side PDI-BA stored in the PDI-BA storage section422and the provider side PDI-BA included in the content metadata from the server11.

Example of the Matching Process by the Content Filter

Here, it is assumed that the user side PDI-BA described hereinabove is generated and stored as the user side PDI-BA and a provider side PDI-BA given below is transmitted from the server11to the client12.

This provider side PDI-BA has a basically same configuration as the user side PDI-BA described hereinabove, and therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted herein to avoid redundancy. However, this provider side PDI-BA indicates that “Baseball” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123.”

At this time, the content filter423compares the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA with each other, and if they coincide with each other between the answers thereof to at least one of the questions, the content filter423decides that the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA match with each other. However, if the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA do not coincide with each other between the answers to any question, then the content filter423decides that they do not match with each other. In the present instance, since the answer to the question of “ProviderA:123” in the user side PDI-BA described hereinabove and the answer to the question of “ProviderA:123” in the provider side PDI-BA coincide with each other in that both of them include the bits representative of “Baseball,” it is decided that the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA match with each other.

It is assumed that a PDI-BA given below is transmitted as the provider side PDI-BA subsequently:

This provider side PDI-BA indicates that “Baseball” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:123” and “Never” is selected as an answer to the question of “ProviderA:ProgramX:123.”

In this instance, since the answer to the question in the user side PDI-BA described above and any answer to the questions in the provider side PDI-BA do not coincide with each other, it is decided that the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA do not match with each other.

The content filter423carries out the matching process between the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA in this manner.

At step S225, the content filter423decides whether or not the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA match with each other. If it is decided at step S225that the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA match with each other, then the content filter423decides that the content distributed from the server11conforms to the liking of the user or viewer of the client12. Then, the content filter423supplies the content to the content reproduction section55or the content accumulation section56, and then the processing advances to S226.

In the case where the content distributed from the server11is supplied from the content filter423to the content reproduction section55, the content reproduction section55reproduces the content at step S226. On the other hand, in the case where the content distributed from the server11is supplied from the content filter423to the content accumulation section56, the content accumulation section56accumulates or records the content at step S226. The accumulated content is supplied to and reproduced by the content reproduction section55suitably in response to an operation instruction of the user.

On the other hand, if it is decided at step S225that the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA do not match with each other, then the content filter423decides that the content distributed from the server11does not conform to the liking of the user or viewer of the client12and abandons or deletes the content. The, the processing is ended.

According to the process described above, on the provider side, a PDI-Q representative of questions regarding the liking of the user is generated by the server. Then, the PDI-Q is transmitted to the client terminal, and the provider side PDI-BA representative of the answers set by the provider side to the PDI-Q is distributed as content metadata of the corresponding content. Consequently, content metadata which satisfies needs at the time other than content metadata prescribed by a standardization organization can be applied to a content. On the other hand, on the user side, a user side PDI-BA representative of answers of the user to the PDI-Q from the server is generated, and matching between the thus generated user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA from the server is carried out to determine whether or not the content distributed from the server should be acquired. Consequently, a content can be filtered with content metadata which satisfies needs at the time other than content metadata prescribed by a standardization organization. Accordingly, a content which satisfies current needs can be acquired.

Meanwhile, in the case where the questions defined in the PDI-Q request answers of the logical value type and the answer selection type, when the client terminal carries out filtering of a content, the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA represented by bitmap indices are compared with each other. Therefore, the cost in regard to the CPU load and the memory use amount is lower than that in the case where the user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-A of text representations are compared with each other. Thus, even if a great amount of contents are distributed at a time, the distributed contents can be filtered efficiently.

It is to be noted that, while, in the foregoing description, the questions defined by the PDI-Q are only questions which request answers of the logic value type and the answer selection type, naturally they may otherwise include questions which request answers of the integer value type or the character string type. In this instance, the PDI-BAs, that is, the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA, include answers of the text representation as answers to the questions which request answers of the integer value type and the character string type. In particular, to a question whose id element is represented in a bitmap index representation, an answer of the bitmap index representation is generated, but to a question whose id element is not represented in a bitmap index representation, an answer of a text representation such as an integral value or a character string is generated.

Further, the configuration described above wherein an id element of a question and an answer to the question are represented by a bitmap index can be applied also to the broadcasting system of the second embodiment described hereinabove.

In the following, a configuration which uses a PDI-BA in the broadcasting system according to the second embodiment of the present invention described hereinabove is described.

Example of a Different Functional Configuration of the Server

First, an example of a different functional configuration of the server11in the broadcasting system10wherein metadata is represented by a bitmap index is described with reference toFIG. 58.

The server11ofFIG. 58includes a transmission section42, a content accumulation section45, a content distributor46, a metadata distributor413, a PDI-S generator431and a PDI-S execution section432.

It is to be noted that, in the server11ofFIG. 58, like elements having like functions to those of the elements provided in the server11ofFIG. 51are denoted by like terms and like reference characters and overlapping description of them is suitably omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, the server11ofFIG. 58is different from the server11ofFIG. 51in that it includes the PDI-S generator431and the PDI-S execution section432in place of the PDI-Q generator411and the PDI-BA generator412.

The PDI-S generator431generates a PDI-S which is a script for obtaining a user side PDI-BA representative of answers of a user to questions regarding the liking of the user or viewer of the client12. The PDI-S generator431transmits the generated PDI-S to the client12through the transmission section42and supplies the PDI-S to the PDI-S execution section432.

The PDI-S execution section432executes the PDI-S from the PDI-S generator431to generate a provider side PDI-BA representative of answers set by the provider side to the questions regarding the liking of the user of the client12. Then, the PDI-S execution section432supplies the generated provider side PDI-BA to the metadata distributor413.

Different Example of a Functional Configuration of the Client

Now, a different example of a functional configuration of the client12in the broadcasting system10wherein metadata is represented by a bitmap index is described with reference toFIG. 59.

The client12ofFIG. 59includes a reception section51, a content reproduction section55, a content accumulation section56, a PDI-BA storage section422, a content filter423, a PDI-S execution section441and a log information storage section442.

It is to be noted that, in the client12ofFIG. 59, like elements having like functions to those of the elements provided in the server12ofFIG. 52are denoted by like terms and like reference characters and overlapping description of them is suitably omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

In particular, the client12ofFIG. 59is different from the client12ofFIG. 52in that it includes the PDI-S execution section441in place of the PDI-BA generator421and additionally includes the log information storage section442.

The PDI-S execution section441executes the PDI-S transmitted from the server11to generate a user side PDI-BA representative of answers of the user to the questions regarding the liking of the user of the client12, and supplies the generated user side PDI-BA to the PDI-BA storage section422. The PDI-S execution section441executes the PDI-S based on log information hereinafter described as occasion demands.

The log information storage section442stores log information representative of a behavior log of the user who owns the client12. The log information stored in the log information storage section442is read out by the PDI-S execution section441as occasion demands.

Example of the Content Transmission and Reception Processes

Now, content transmission and reception processes and a PDI-S execution process in the broadcasting system10configured from the server11ofFIG. 58and the client12ofFIG. 59are described with reference to flow charts ofFIGS. 60 and 61.

It is to be noted that the content transmission and reception processes and the PDI-S execution process represented by the flow charts ofFIGS. 60 and 61are basically similar to the content transmission and reception processes and the PDI-S execution process executed by the broadcasting system10of the second embodiment described hereinabove and represented by the flow charts ofFIGS. 33 and 35except that a user side PDI-BA and a provider side PDI-BA are generated in place of a user side PDI-A and a provider side PDI-A. Therefore, overlapping description of the content transmission and reception processes and the PDI-S execution process is omitted herein to avoid redundancy. It is to be noted that generation of a user side PDI-BA and a provider side PDI-BA is carried out similarly to generation of a user side PDI-BA and a provider side PDI-BA in the content transmission and reception processes described hereinabove with reference to the flow chart ofFIG. 53.

In short, according to the process described above, in the broadcasting system, on the provider side, the server generates a PDI-S for obtaining a user side PDI-BA to questions regarding the liking of the user, and the generated PDI-S is transmitted to the client terminal. Further, a provider side PDI-BA representative of an answer set by the provider side to the PDI-S is distributed as content metadata of a corresponding content. Consequently, content metadata which satisfies needs at the time other than content metadata prescribed by a standardization organization can be applied to a content. On the other hand, on the user side, the client terminal executes the PDI-S from the server to generate a user side PDI-BA and carries out matching between the generated user side PDI-A and the provider side PDI-BA from the server to determine whether or not the content distributed from the server should be acquired. Consequently, a content can be filtered with content metadata which satisfies needs at the time other than content metadata prescribed by a standardization organization. Accordingly, a content which satisfies current needs can be acquired.

Further, in the case where the questions defined by the PDI-S request answers of the logic values and the answer selection type, when a content is filtered on the client terminal, the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA represented by bitmap indices are compared with each other. Therefore, the cost in regard to the CPU load and the memory use amount is lower than that in the case where the user side PDI-BA and the provider side PDI-BA of text representations are compared with each other. Thus, even if a great amount of contents are distributed at a time, the distributed contents can be filtered efficiently.

Further, since the client terminal can interact with the user by the PDI-S, even if a question set by the provider side has the substance which requires high interactivity, the client terminal can interact sufficiently with the user. Accordingly, since a user side PDI-BA which reflects the liking of the user with a high degree of accuracy can be generated, an accurate filtering condition can be obtained, and consequently, a content which satisfies needs at the time can be acquired with a higher degree of certainty.

Incidentally, also the broadcasting system of the present embodiment described hereinabove can be applied to a broadcasting system which broadcasts by the ATSC-M/H method.

Application Example to a Broadcasting System which Broadcasts by the ATSC-M/H System

In such an instance, the PDI-BA is placed into at least one of the “Service” fragment, “Schedule” fragment and “Content” fragment among the elements which configure the Service Guide shown inFIG. 22as described hereinabove.

FIG. 62illustrates details of a configuration of the “Service” fragment. Referring toFIG. 62, a “PDI-BA” element is newly added to the “PrivateExt” element defined on the lowermost stage in the “Service” fragment illustrated inFIG. 62, and the PDI-BA is placed into the “PDI-BA” element. More particularly, for example, a bitmap index of the “PDI-BA” element which is represented in bytes as <xs:element name=“PDI-BA” type=“xs:base64Binary” xmlns:xs=“http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema”/> by the XML schema is encoded as base64Binary.

FIG. 63illustrates details of a configuration of the “Schedule” fragment. Referring toFIG. 63, a “PDI-BA” element is newly added to the “PrivateExt” element defined on the lowermost stage in the “Schedule” fragment illustrated inFIG. 63, and the PDI-BA is placed into the “PDI-BA” element. More particularly, for example, a bitmap index of the “PDI-BA” element which is represented in bytes as <xs:element name=“PDI-BA” type=“xs:base64Binary” xmlns:xs=“http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema”/> by the XML schema is encoded as base64Binary.

FIG. 64illustrates details of a configuration of the “Content” fragment. Referring toFIG. 64, a “PDI-BA” element is newly added to the “PrivateExt” element defined on the lowermost stage in the “Content” fragment illustrated inFIG. 64, and the PDI-BA is placed into the “PDI-BA” element. More particularly, for example, a bitmap index of the “PDI-BA” element which is represented in bytes as <xs:element name=“PDI-BA” type=“xs:base64Binary” xmlns:xs=“http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema”/> by the XML schema is encoded as base64Binary.

It is to be noted that the PDI-Q or PDI-S is placed into the “Interactivity Data” fragment from among the elements which configure the Service Guide illustrated inFIG. 22as described hereinabove.

Further, the broadcasting system of the present embodiment can be applied also to a broadcasting system which carries out NRT broadcasting.

Application Example of a Broadcasting System which Carries Out NRT Broadcasting

In such a case, the PDI-BA, that is, the provider side PDI-BA, transmitted from the server11to the client12in the broadcasting system10described above is placed into and transmitted together with “PDI descriptor” newly prescribed in SMT or NRT-IT (FIG. 29).

FIG. 65illustrates an example of the syntax of “PDI descriptor.” InFIG. 65, each of the descriptors described is defined together with a bit number (No. of bits) and a format (Format).

According to the syntax illustrated inFIG. 65, the PDI-BA is described in the descriptor “PDI-BA” of variable bits.

It is to be noted that naturally the broadcasting system of the present embodiment can be applied to a broadcasting system which broadcasts by the ATSC-M/H system described hereinabove or a broadcasting system which carries out NRT broadcasting by a method other than an existing broadcasting system.

While the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, it may otherwise be executed by software. In the case where the series of processes is executed by software, a program which constructs the software is installed from a program recording medium into a computer incorporated in hardware for exclusive use or, for example, a personal computer for universal use which can execute various functions by installing various programs.

The program recording medium in which a program which is installed in a computer and can be placed into a state in which it can be executed by the computer is stored is configured from, as seen inFIG. 2, a removable medium31which is a package medium formed from a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (including a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) and an optical magnetic disc) or a semiconductor memory, the ROM22in which the program is stored temporarily or permanently or a hard disk or the like which configures the storage section28. Storage of the program into the program recording medium is carried out through a wire or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet or a digital satellite broadcast through the communication section29which is an interface of a router, a modem or the like as occasion demands.

It is to be noted that, in the present specification, the steps which describe the program may be but need not necessarily be processed in a time series in the order as described, and include processes which are executed in parallel or individually without being processed in a time series.

Further, in the present specification, the term “system” is used to represent an entire apparatus composed of a plurality of apparatus.