U.S. patent application number 11/324389 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for information communication system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yuki Kusumi, Yasushi Nishimura, Kazuo Okamura, Tatsuya Shimoji, Yasunori Tanaka, Keisei Yamamuro.
Application Number | 20060107270 11/324389 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18737444 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060107270 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamamuro; Keisei ; et
al. |
May 18, 2006 |
Information communication system
Abstract
The present invention provides a system capable of individually
controlling each of receiving devices while making full use of the
advantages of broadcasting. Simultaneous transmission is carried
out from a broadcasting device 2 to a plurality of receiving
devices 6 via a broadcasting path. Further, the broadcasting device
2 sends operation control data to the receiving device 6 through a
communication path. The receiving device 6 changes its operation in
accordance with the operation control data when received
broadcasting is decoded. In this way, each of the receiver devices
6 can be controlled individually using the operation control data
while making full use of the advantages of broadcasting.
Inventors: |
Yamamuro; Keisei; (Osaka,
JP) ; Shimoji; Tatsuya; (Osaka, JP) ; Kusumi;
Yuki; (Kashiba-shi, JP) ; Nishimura; Yasushi;
(Osaka, JP) ; Okamura; Kazuo; (Kawasaki-shi,
JP) ; Tanaka; Yasunori; (Osaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON PEABODY, LLP
401 9TH STREET, NW
SUITE 900
WASHINGTON
DC
20004-2128
US
|
Assignee: |
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.,
Ltd.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
18737444 |
Appl. No.: |
11/324389 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09929279 |
Aug 15, 2001 |
7016992 |
|
|
11324389 |
Jan 4, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
719/313 ;
348/E7.063 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04H 40/90 20130101;
H04N 21/6408 20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101; H04N 7/165 20130101;
H04N 21/8193 20130101; H04N 21/8126 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
719/313 |
International
Class: |
G06F 9/46 20060101
G06F009/46 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 17, 2000 |
JP |
2000-247326 |
Claims
1. An information communication system comprising: a broadcasting
device transmitting a broadcasting signal; and a receiving device
receiving the broadcasting signal from the broadcasting device via
a broadcasting path, wherein the broadcasting device comprises: a
broadcasting transmission part for transmitting the broadcasting
signal simultaneous to a plurality of receiving devices via the
broadcasting path; and a control data transmission part for
transmitting operation control data controlling an operation mode
of the receiving device through a communications path which is
different from the broadcasting path; and wherein the receiving
device each comprises: a broadcasting receiving part for receiving
the broadcasting signal via the transmission path; a control data
receiving part for receiving the operation control data from the
control data transmission part through the communications path; and
a control part performing a control process including a decoding
process in which the broadcasting signal received by the
broadcasting receiving part are decoded and the decoded signals are
outputted to a user, the control part changing the control in
accordance with the operation control data received by the control
data receiving part.
2. A broadcasting device simultaneously performing broadcasting to
a receiving device and designating an operation mode related with
reception of the broadcasting to a desired receiving device, the
broadcasting device comprising: a broadcasting transmission part
for transmitting a broadcasting signal simultaneous to a plurality
of receiving devices via the broadcasting path; and a control data
transmission part for transmitting operation control data
controlling an operation mode of the receiving device through a
communications path which is different from the broadcasting
path.
3. A receiving device, for receiving a broadcasting signal
transmitted from a broadcasting device via a broadcasting path, and
for decoding the received signals and outputting the resultant
signals, the receiving device comprising: a broadcasting receiving
part for receiving the broadcasting signal via the broadcasting
path; a control data receiving part for receiving the operation
control data from the broadcasting device through a communications
path which is different from the broadcasting path; and a control
part performing a control process including a decoding process in
which the broadcasting signal received by the broadcasting
receiving part are decoded and the decoded signals are outputted to
a user; and wherein the control part changes the control in
accordance with the operation control data received by the control
data receiving part.
4. The receiving device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the
communications path includes one of a public telephone network and
the Internet communications network.
5. The receiving device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the
operation control data is transmitted to the receiving device as an
electronic mail.
6. The receiving device in accordance with claim 5, wherein the
operation control data is transmitted in a form of an electronic
mail installing the operation control data in its header
region.
7. The receiving device in accordance with claim 5, wherein the
broadcasting device notifies a specific receiving device via the
broadcasting path that the broadcasting device has sent an
electric-mail toward the specific receiving device through the
communications path, and wherein the receiving device, after
confirming the notification, establishes a communication link to
obtain the electric-mail.
8. The receiving device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the
receiving device changes the control assigned to each operation
button in accordance with the received operation control data.
9. The receiving device in accordance with claim 8, wherein the
operation control data includes a description for making a
reservation for recording a program to be transmitted via the
broadcasting path and another description for assigning a function
of making a reservation for recording the program to which of the
operation button, and wherein the receiving device assigns the
function of making a reservation for recording the program to one
of the operation buttons in accordance with the description of the
operation control data.
10. The receiving device in accordance with claim 9, wherein the
operation control data is sent from the broadcasting device to the
receiving device in a form of an electronic mail, and wherein the
receiving device displays a recommended program in accordance with
a description of informing a recommended program included in the
electronic mail and displays that the function of making a
reservation for recording is assigned to which one of the operation
buttons in accordance with the operation control data.
11. The receiving device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the
receiving device performs a control process in which a
determination is made whether viewing of a predetermined
broadcasting program is allowed or not in accordance with the
received operation control data.
12. The receiving device in accordance with claim 11, wherein a
user of the receiving device sends a request of permission for
viewing the broadcasting program to the broadcasting device through
the communications line by operating the receiving device, and
wherein the broadcasting device sends operation control data for
allowing view of the broadcasting program to a receiving device
upon receipt of the request in accordance with predetermined
criteria.
13. The receiving device in accordance with claim 11, wherein the
broadcasting program is a quiz program, wherein a user sends an
answer of a quiz to the broadcasting device through the
communications path by operating the receiving device, and wherein
the broadcasting device sends operation control data for allowing
view of the quiz program only to a predetermined receiving device
based on a judgment in which a determination is carried out whether
the received answer is correct or not.
14. The receiving device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the
operation control data includes one of a program and data,
necessary for outputting content of a program in accordance with
the broadcasting signal transmitted via the broadcasting path, and
wherein the receiving device outputs the content of the program
using one of the program and the data.
15. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a control
program realizing a receiving device, for receiving a broadcasting
signal transmitted from a broadcasting device via a broadcasting
path, for decoding the received signal, and for outputting the
decoded signal, using a computer, the program comprising the steps
of: performing a control process including a decoding process in
which the broadcasting signal received by the broadcasting
receiving part are decoded and the decoded signals are outputted to
a user; and changing the control in accordance with operation
control data received through a communications path which is
different from the broadcasting path.
16. A communication method using a broadcasting device which
transmits a broadcasting signal to a receiving device which
receives the broadcasting signal from the broadcasting device via a
broadcasting path, the method comprising the steps of: providing a
communications path, through which communications between the
broadcasting device and the receiving device can be performed,
separate from the broadcasting path; at the broadcasting device:
transmitting operation control data for controlling an operation
mode of the receiving device; and at the receiving device:
receiving the operation control data; and changing control to the
broadcasting signal received via the broadcasting path in
accordance with the operation control data.
17. A broadcasting method simultaneously performing broadcasting to
a receiving device and designating an operation mode related with
reception of the broadcasting to a desired receiving device, the
method comprising the steps of: transmitting a broadcasting signal
simultaneous to a plurality of receiving devices via the
broadcasting path; and transmitting operation control data
controlling an operation mode of the receiving device through a
communications path which is different from the broadcasting
path
18. A receiving method, for receiving a broadcasting signal
transmitted from a broadcasting device via a broadcasting path, and
for decoding the received signals and outputting the resultant
signals, the method comprising the steps of: receiving the
broadcasting signal via the broadcasting path; receiving the
operation control data from the broadcasting device through a
communications path which is different from the broadcasting path;
and performing a control process including a decoding process in
which the broadcasting signal are decoded and the decoded signals
are outputted to a user; and wherein the control process is changed
in accordance with the received operation control data.
19. A computer program product for a communication method using a
broadcasting device which transmits a broadcasting signal to a
receiving device which receives the broadcasting signal from the
broadcasting device via a broadcasting path, and including one or
more computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable
medium and configured to cause one or more computer processors to
perform the steps of: providing a communications path, through
which communications between the broadcasting device and the
receiving device can be performed, separate from the broadcasting
path; at the broadcasting device: transmitting operation control
data for controlling an operation mode of the receiving device; and
at the receiving device: receiving the operation control data; and
changing control to the broadcasting signal received via the
broadcasting path in accordance with the operation control
data.
20. A computer program product for a broadcasting method for
simultaneously performing broadcasting to a receiving device and
designating an operation mode related with reception of the
broadcasting to a desired receiving device, and including one or
more computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable
medium and configured to cause one or more computer processors to
perform the steps of: transmitting a broadcasting signal
simultaneous to a plurality of receiving devices via the
broadcasting path; and transmitting operation control data
controlling an operation mode of the receiving device through a
communications path which is different from the broadcasting
path
21. A computer program product for a receiving method for receiving
a broadcasting signal transmitted from a broadcasting device via a
broadcasting path, and for decoding the received signals and
outputting the resultant signals, and including one or more
computer readable instructions stored on a computer readable medium
and configured to cause one or more computer processors to perform
the steps of: receiving the broadcasting signal via the
broadcasting path; receiving the operation control data from the
broadcasting device through a communications path which is
different from the broadcasting path; and performing a control
process including a decoding process in which the broadcasting
signal are decoded and the decoded signals are outputted to a user;
and wherein the control process is changed in accordance with the
received operation control data.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] All the content disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No.
2000-247326 (filed on Aug. 17, 2001) including specification,
claims, drawings and abstract and summary, is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a technique for controlling a
receiver(s) by a transmitter such as a broadcasting device via a
communications path.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A broadcasting system has an advantage that the system can
provide a program simultaneously to a number of receivers at a low
cost. On the other hand, the system has a disadvantage such that
the operation of individual receivers can not easily be controlled
from the transmitter side since the transmitter side carries out
broadcasting that makes simultaneous transmissions.
[0004] Not only a broadcasting system, sometimes actions related
with information being transmitted are required to an operator of
the receiver when information is transmitted to the receiver from
the transmitter. This might be a case that a broadcasting station
transmits information regarding recommended programs to the
receiver using an electronic mail. When the user who received such
e-mail try to program one of the recommended programs for
recording, the user need to perform the following steps: 1) see an
electric program guide on a display, 2) search the program
therefrom, and 3) carry out a series of procedures for reservation
for recording (program recording). This requires complicated
operation to the user.
[0005] Similarly, such complication also arises when some actions
related with information being transmitted from a transmitter to a
receiver are expected.
[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome the
above-mentioned problems and to provide a system capable of
controlling the operations of individual receivers such as
receiving broadcast in a broadcasting system.
[0007] Further object of the present invention is to provide a
system capable of constructing a user interface optimized to
operations when some actions related with information being
transmitted from a transmitter are expected at a receiver side.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] (1) (5) (20) In accordance with characteristics of the
present invention, there is provided an information communications
system comprising a broadcasting device transmitting a broadcasting
signal and a receiving device receiving the broadcasting signal
from the broadcasting device via a broadcasting path,
[0009] wherein the broadcasting device comprises: a broadcasting
transmission part for transmitting the broadcasting signal
simultaneous to a plurality of receiving devices via the
broadcasting path; and a control data transmission part for
transmitting operation control data controlling an operation mode
of the receiving device through a communications path which is
different from the broadcasting path; and
[0010] wherein the receiving device each comprises: a broadcasting
receiving part for receiving the broadcasting signal via the
transmission path; a control data receiving part for receiving the
operation control data from the control data transmission part
through the communications path; and a control part performing a
control process including a decoding process in which the
broadcasting signal received by the broadcasting receiving part are
decoded and the decoded signals are outputted to a user, the
control part changing the control in accordance with the operation
control data received by the control data receiving part. In this
way, the receiver devices can be controlled individually while
making full use of the advantages of broadcasting.
[0011] (6) In accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided an information communications system
in which the communications path includes one of a public telephone
network and the Internet communications network. In this way, the
receiver devices can easily be controlled individually.
[0012] (7) In accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided an information communications system
in which the operation control data is transmitted to the receiving
device as an electronic mail. In this way, an operation mode of the
receiving device can be controlled using an electronic mail.
[0013] (8) In accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided an information communications system
in which the operation control data is transmitted in a form of an
electronic mail installing the operation control data in its header
region in this way, the operation control data can easily be
separated from the body of an electronic mail.
[0014] (9) In accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided an information communications system
in which the broadcasting device notifies a specific receiving
device via the broadcasting path that the broadcasting device has
sent an electric-mail toward the specific receiving device through
the communications path,
[0015] and wherein the receiving device, after confirming the
notification, establishes a communication link to obtain the
electric-mail.
[0016] In this way, more efficient communications can be
established without spending unnecessary expenses and without doing
needless tasks.
[0017] (10) In accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided an information communications system
in which the receiving device changes the control assigned to each
operation button in accordance with the received operation control
data.
[0018] In this way, control can be optimized by the control of the
transmission side.
[0019] (11) In accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided an information communications system
in which the operation control data includes a description for
making a reservation for recording a program to be transmitted via
the broadcasting path and another description for assigning a
function of making a reservation for recording the program to which
of the operation button,
[0020] and wherein the receiving device assigns the function of
making a reservation for recording the program to one of the
operation buttons in accordance with the description of the
operation control data. In this way, the user can make a
reservation for recording a program easily.
[0021] (12) In accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided an information communications system
in which the operation control data is sent from the broadcasting
device to the receiving device in a form of an electronic mail,
[0022] and wherein the receiving device displays a recommended
program in accordance with a description of informing a recommended
program included in the electronic mail and displays that the
function of making a reservation for recording is assigned to which
one of the operation buttons in accordance with the operation
control data. In this way, the user can easily recognize function
of each of the operation buttons.
[0023] (13) In accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided an information communications system
in which the receiving device performs a control process in which a
determination is made whether viewing of a predetermined
broadcasting program is allowed or not in accordance with the
received operation control data.
[0024] In this way, allowance for viewing a predetermined
broadcasting program can be provided to individual receiving device
by the control of the transmission side.
[0025] (14) In accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided an information communications system
in which a user of the receiving device sends a request of
permission for viewing the broadcasting program to the broadcasting
device through the communications line by operating the receiving
device,
[0026] and wherein the broadcasting device sends operation control
data for allowing view of the broadcasting program to a receiving
device upon receipt of the request in accordance with predetermined
criteria.
[0027] In this way, the transmission device receives requests from
the receiving devices and can provide the allowance only to part of
the receiving devices, which satisfy predetermined criteria.
[0028] (15) In accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided an information communications system
in which the broadcasting program is a quiz program,
[0029] wherein a user sends an answer of a quiz to the broadcasting
device through the communications path by operating the receiving
device,
[0030] and wherein the broadcasting device sends operation control
data for allowing view of the quiz program only to a predetermined
receiving device based on a judgement in which a determination is
carried out whether the received answer is correct or not.
[0031] In this way, allowance for viewing a predetermined
broadcasting program can be provided depending upon the answer of
the quiz.
[0032] (16) In accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided an information communications system
in which the operation control data includes one of a program and
data, necessary for outputting content of a program in accordance
with the broadcasting signal transmitted via the broadcasting
path,
[0033] and wherein the receiving device outputs the content of the
program using one of the program and the data.
[0034] In this way, the program and/or data necessary for viewing
broadcasting can be provided only to a predetermined receiving
device(s).
[0035] (21)(27)(30) In accordance with characteristics of the
present invention, there is provided an electronic mail system in
which the transmission device transmits operation control data, for
controlling a user interface of the receiving device when a control
related with a body of the electronic mail is performed at the
receiving device, together with the body of the electronic mail so
as to be included in the body,
[0036] and wherein the receiving device outputs the body of the
received electronic mail to the user and constructs a user
interface for performing a control related with the body of the
electronic mail in accordance with the received operation control
data.
[0037] In this way, an optimum user interface suitable for the
transmitted information can be constructed dynamically at the
receiving device according to the intent of the transmission
side.
[0038] (28) In accordance with characteristics of the present
invention, there is provided an electronic mail system in which the
operation control data includes data for setting function of an
operation button of the receiving device. In this way, function of
the operation buttons can be assigned to most suitable ones for
content of the information.
[0039] The term "broadcasting path" in this invention refers to any
communication path(s) for performing simultaneous transmission, for
example a wireless communication path(s) and a wire communication
path(s).
[0040] The term "communications path different from the
broadcasting path" refers to not only a communications path which
is not physically identical with the broadcasting path even if the
path is physically identical with the broadcasting path, that
includes a communications path independent from the broadcasting
path from a certain point of view, for example, frequency, timing.
Practically, such communications path includes not only a wire
communications path such as a public telephone network, the
Internet communications network both opposing a concept of a
wireless communications path used as the broadcasting path, but
also includes a wireless communication path using different
frequencies and a wireless communication path capable of being
separated by timing.
[0041] The term "receiving device" refers to a device carrying out
at least a process of receiving a broadcasting signal and
extracting data on a desired program. This includes not only a
set-top box, but also a television-set which equips function of a
set-top box.
[0042] The term "storage medium storing a program" refers to a ROM,
a RAM, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a memory card, a hard disk, for
example, on which a program(s) is recorded. The concept of this
term also includes communication media such as telephone lines and
transmission routes. The concept also includes not only recording
media such as a hard disk with which a program recorded thereon is
directly executed but also recording media such as a CD-ROM
recording a program to be once installed on a hard disk or the like
and then executed.
[0043] The term "program" as used herein refers not only to a
program that can be directly executed with a CPU, but also to a
program of a source format, compression-processed program, coded
program, etc.
[0044] The features, other objects, applications, and advantages of
the present invention will become clear in reference to the
following embodiments and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0045] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a broadcasting
system using the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 2 is an overall view of a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0047] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the broadcasting device;
[0048] FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing packetized broadcasting
signals;
[0049] FIG. 5 is an example of an electronic mail;
[0050] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing how to create an electronic
mail;
[0051] FIG. 7 is a view showing an image displayed when an
electronic mail is created;
[0052] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a receiving device;
[0053] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the hardware structure of the
receiving device;
[0054] FIG. 10 is a view showing an appearance of a remote
controller;
[0055] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing performed for
a received electronic mail;
[0056] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing performed
responsive to pushing a button;
[0057] FIG. 13 is a view showing program on-air schedule data
S_EIT;
[0058] FIG. 14 is a view showing data for controlling operation
mode stored in a memory 80;
[0059] FIG. 15 is an image of an electronic mail actually
received;
[0060] FIGS. 16A and 16B are images of another electronic mail
actually received;
[0061] FIG. 17 is a table into which data for making a reservation
for recording is filled;
[0062] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing steps performed in a program
for making a reservation for recording;
[0063] FIG. 19 is an overall view of a second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0064] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing steps performed at each
device in the second embodiment;
[0065] FIG. 21 is another overall view of the second embodiment
when the system is applied to handle a ticket for allowing view of
a program;
[0066] FIG. 22 is an overall view of a third embodiment of the
present invention;
[0067] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing steps performed for
generating an electronic mail;
[0068] FIG. 24 is a view showing actual data on an electric
mail;
[0069] FIG. 25 is an image displayed according to the data on the
electric mail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
1. Concept of the Present Invention (When the Present Invention is
Applied to a Broadcasting System)
[0070] FIG. 1 a conceptual diagram of an information communications
system according to an embodiment the present invention.
Simultaneous transmission (broadcasting) is carried out from a
broadcasting device 2 to a plurality of receiving devices 6 via a
broadcasting path. Further, the broadcasting device 2 sends
operation control data to part of the receiving device 6 through a
communication path. The receiving device 6 changes its operation in
accordance with the operation control data when received
broadcasting is decoded. In this way, each of the receiver devices
6 can be controlled individually using the operation control data
while making full use of the advantages of broadcasting.
The First Embodiment
[0071] (1) Overall Structure
[0072] FIG. 2 shows an overall view of an embodiment of the present
invention applied to a satellite broadcasting system. Broadcasting
device 2 broadcasts broadcasting signals to a set-top box
(hereinafter referred to STB) which forms a receiving device via a
communications satellite 4. The STB 6 decodes the received
broadcasting signals and provide the decoded signals to a
television receiver 8. The television receiver 8 outputs the
contents of the broadcasting as images and sounds.
[0073] In the means time, the broadcasting device 2 and STB 6 are
connected to the Internet 12. The broadcasting device 2 transmits
an electronic mail for the STB 6 to a mail-server 10. Operation
control data is stored in he header portion of the electronic mail.
The STB 6 accesses the mail-server 10 to obtain the electronic
mail. Then the STB 6 determines its operation such as reception of
broadcasting, decode of received signals in accordance with the
operation control data is stored in he header portion. In this
embodiment, the functions assigned to each of operation buttons
provided to STB 6 and/or the television receiver 8 are changed in
accordance with the operation control data.
[0074] (2) Structure and Operation of the Broadcasting Device
[0075] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the broadcasting device 2. The
broadcasting device 2 comprises a broadcasting transmission part 14
and a control data transmission part 16.
{circle around (1)} Broadcasting Transmission Part
[0076] Video data and audio data for a plurality of channels
(services) are provided to a multiplexing part 18 of the
broadcasting transmission part 14. The multiplexing part 18
compresses these data and makes these data in packets; Further, the
multiplexing part 18 generates broadcasting control data (for
example, PAT, PMT) in order to identify a plurality of services. A
broadcasting control data generating part 20 generates broadcasting
control data after receipt of network information and the like, for
example, a scheduled on-air time. The multiplexing part 18 outputs
these data to a communications part 22 as transport streams. The
communications part 22 modulates the transport streams thus
generated and sends the modulated streams to a broadcasting
satellite 4.
{circle around (2)} Configuration of Broadcasting Signals
[0077] FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing the data structure of a
transport stream to be broadcasted in a packetized form. In this
drawing, a transport stream, in which a total of four (4) services
SV1, SV2, SV3 and SV4 are multiplexed, is illustrated. In the
drawing, a packet ES(V) shows packetized video data for a service
SV1 and packet ES(A) represents packetized audio data for the
service SV1. Similarly, packets ES (V) 2, ES(A) 2, packets ES (V)
3, ES(A) 3 and packets ES (V) 4, ES(A) 4 represent packetized video
data and packetized audio data for the services SV2, SV3 and SV4
respectively.
[0078] In addition, broadcast control data NIT, PAT, PMT1, PMT2,
PMT3 and PMT4 used for packet multiplexing are also multiplexed.
With the broadcast control data, audio/video data of the services
SV1, SV2, SV3 and SV4 thus multiplexed can be separated from one
another.
[0079] Another broadcasting control data P_EIT1, P_EIT2, P_EIT3 and
P_EIT4 so on each describing information on a program for the
program currently under broadcast and another broadcasting control
data S_EIT1, S_EIT2, S_EIT3 and S_EIT4 so on each describing
information on a program for the program to be broadcasted, are
multiplexed. Further more broadcasting control data not shown in
the drawing are multiplexed. The data shown in FIG. 4 is packetized
in a form of data with packet IDs.
[0080] Just one transport stream is illustrated in FIG. 4, a
plurality of transport streams multiplexed similar to the shown one
are multiplexed for broadcasting.
[0081] Transmission specifications such as its frequency, plane of
polarization and other factors as to all the transport streams and
a list of services multiplexed into the transport streams are
described in broadcasting control data NIT. In this way, it is
possible to identify that a specific service is multiplexed on
which one of transport streams having different frequency.
[0082] Packet IDs of broadcasting control data PMT1, PMT2, PMT3 and
PMT4 each corresponding to the services SV1, SV2, SV3 and SV4
respectively are described in broadcasting control data PAT. In
addition, packet Ids of video data ES (V)1 and audio data ES (A) 1
are described in the broadcasting control data PMT1. Similarly,
packet Ids of video and audio data as to the services SV1, SV2, SV3
and SV4 are described in the broadcasting control data PMT2, PMT3
and. PMT4.
[0083] Consequently, it is possible to separate video and audio
data of a desired service from the transport streams according to
the description of the broadcasting control data NIT, PAT and
PMT.
{circle around (3)} Control Data Transmission Part
[0084] Referring back to FIG. 3, an electronic mail generating part
24 generates an electronic mail generates an electronic mail after
receipt of the body data of the electronic mail and operation
control data. At that time, the operation control data is stored in
the herder part of the electronic mail This electronic mail is
transmitted to a mail server 10 by a line communications part 26 in
order to be stored in a mailbox of a destination of the mail.
Typically, the operation control data is inputted by the user, the
data may also be generated from a program on-air schedule included
in network information.
{circle around (4)} Configuration of Electronic Mail
[0085] FIG. 5 shows an example of an electronic mail generated by
the electronic mail generating part. The electronic mail comprises
a header part 42 describing its destination and related information
and a body 40. In this embodiment, operation control data is stored
in the header part, the control data may also be stored in the
body.
[0086] The technical standard of text messages is defined in
RFC0822 (standard for the format of APRA Internet text messages),
description in this embodiment follows the RFC0822 standard.
[0087] Information on originating party 30, information on a
destination party 32 information on subject 34, operation control
data 38 are stored in the header part 42.
[0088] The originating party information 30 of an electronic mail
is information, which indicates an originating party who transmits
the electronic mail. In an example shown in FIG. 5, it shows that a
party named "gokigenTV" who has an e-mail address of
gokigen@broadcast service.co.jp transmits an electronic mail.
[0089] The destination party information 32 is information which
indicates the destination of the electronic mail. The example shown
in FIG. 5, it shows that the electronic mail is sent to an e-mail
address of 80664649@broadcast service.co.jp.
[0090] The e-mail address of 80664649@broadcast service.co.jp is a
description that indicates a destination of an electronic mail. The
number 80664649 is a registration number uniquely assigned to each
viewer (or each receiver) and from the registration number a
receiver 6 to which an electronic mail is send can be identified.
The information following @ (@broadcast service.co.jp) is an
example of description for identifying broadcast station, and
information of jp, co, and broadcast service respectively indicates
that Japan, company and name of the company (tentative name).
[0091] The portion 80664649 may be registered in a desired name
(practically, only numerals and alphabets are allowed) of a viewer
at when an electronic mail is generated. But a registration number
must be assigned uniquely. The registration number is a number
assigned to each viewer who makes registration when the viewer
purchases a receiver, for example. Unique number is assigned to
every viewer (receiver).
[0092] Subject information 34 of E-mail shows title of the
E-mail.
[0093] The operation control data 38 is data for controlling
operations of the STB 6. In this example, this data is data for
defining assignment of functions to buttons on a remote controller
of the STB 6. According to the description in FIG. 5, a function of
making a reservation for recording a predetermined program is
assigned to a blue-button. Similarly, a function of making a
reservation for viewing a predetermined program is assigned to a
red-button. A series of processes by which functions are assigned
to the buttons on the remote controller in the STB 6 as a result of
interpreting the operation control data will be described
later.
{circle around (5)} Generating an Electronic Mail
[0094] In this embodiment, a computer and a program for generating
an electronic mail realize the electronic mail generating part 24.
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart showing how to create an electronic
mail.
[0095] At step S1 shown in FIG. 6, the mail generating part 24
enters a content 41 of the body. This could be data entered by a
user with a keyboard, for example and data stored in a flexible
disk, for example, may be entered. The content 41 describes that a
feature program will be aired from 9 PM.
[0096] Then, operation control data corresponding to the content is
generated (step S2 of FIG. 6). At that time, the mail-generating
program displays images illustrated in FIG. 7 in order for a user
to input the necessary items. On the images, the necessary items
shows the requirements for which of the functions to be assigned to
which buttons on the remote controller of the receiving device. As
illustrated, a set-up is made that a function of making a
reservation for recording a predetermined program is assigned to
the blue-button. As to assignment of a function to the red-button,
the user chooses one item from a pull-down menu displayed in the
images. Similarly, the mail generating program lineups a list of
programs that can choose from according to the network information
when a selection button 62 is clicked. The user chooses a desired
program from the list. In this example, the feature program
described in the above is chose.
[0097] Upon choosing a program, the mail-generating program
generates operation control data 38 shown in FIG. 5.
[0098] The operation control data thus generated take on the
meaning as follows. In a description "X-Blue-button-press:
record_reserve//0001.0002.0003.0004", the description
X-Blue-button-press shows that the operation performed as the
blue-button is depressed is defined in upcoming information. Also,
the description record_reserve means shows the operation is making
a reservation for recording a predetermined program. The
description is defined in accordance with the selection by which a
reservation for recording a predetermined program is assigned to
the blue-button made by the user on the image shown in FIG. 7.
[0099] Further the description 0001. 0002. 0003. 0004 is a
description for specifying programs to be chosen. The headmost one,
0001 is information for specifying a broadcasting station (original
network id). The second one, 0002 is information for specifying a
transport stream out of plural transport streams (transport stream
id). The third one, 0003 is information for specifying a service
(service id), and the fourth one, 0004 is information for
specifying a program (event id). In this example, a feature
program, which start from 9 PM is specified by the description
0001. 0002. 0003. 0004. In other words, a reservation for recording
the feature program starting from 9 PM is carried out by depressing
the blue-button at the receiving device. The mail generating
program extracts information on the feature program in accordance
with the fact that the user assigns a feature program entitled
"Hanshin Tigers special" to the blue-button on the image shown in
FIG. 7.
[0100] The description "X-Blue-button-title: recording reservation"
in FIG. 5 means that characters "recording reservation" is
displayed on a region showing the function assigned to the
blue-button at the receiving device
[0101] The description "X-Red-button-press: view_reserve:
0001.0002.0003.0004" means that a reservation for viewing the
feature program is carried out by depressing the red-button.
[0102] The description "X-Red-button-title: viewing reservation" in
FIG. 5 means that characters "viewing reservation is displayed on a
region showing the function assigned to the red-button at the
receiving device.
[0103] Further, the mail-generating program generates a description
43 which indicate which function is assigned to which button, and
adds the description to the end of the body.
[0104] The destination of an electronic mail is selected (step S3
of FIG. 6). In this step, a customer to whom an electric mail is
sent is selected according to a customer list. Then e-mail address
of the customer is extracted from the list. For example, if the
operator enters a keyword "watching baseball" for the selection by
using a column of personal interest in the customer list, the mail
generating program selects a customer who has personal interest in
watching baseball and extracts his/her e-mail address. It is
preferable to select an e-mail address of a customer who has an
attribution related with the description in a content 41 of the
body 40.
[0105] Finally, the mail-generating program generates an electronic
mail to the selected customer in accordance with the information
described above.
[0106] Although, the functions of recording reservation and viewing
reservation are assigned to the blue-button and the red-button
respectively in the above description, the user can assign desired
functions (canceling reservation, purchase order, for example) to
any of buttons respectively.
[0107] (3) Structure and Operation of the Receiving Device
{circle around (1)} Block Diagram of the Receiving Device
[0108] FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the receiving device. A
broadcasting receiving part 50 receives broadcasting-signals from
the broadcasting device. A decoding means 56 of a control part 52
decodes the received broadcasting signals to obtain its contents
and outputs the decoded signals. Also, storage means of the control
part 52 stores the decoded broadcasting signals therein.
[0109] A control data receiving means 58 receives electronic mail
addressed itself stored in the mail-server 10. An e-mail output
means 61 outputs the body of the received electronic mail for
display. An operation control data interpreting means 60 interprets
operation control data included in the header region and controls
operation of the control part 52.
{circle around (2)} Hardware Structure of the Receiving Device
[0110] FIG. 9 shows a hardware structure of the receiving device
shown in FIG. 8 realized by using a CPU. The receiving device 6
comprises a tuner 50 forming the broadcasting receiving part, a TS
decoder 73, an AV decoder 74, a hard disk 76, a CPU 78, a memory
80, a line communication part 82, an operation inputting part 84, a
non-volatile memory 86 and a remote controller 88.
[0111] Within the non-volatile memory 86, an electronic mail
processing program for performing processing to an electronic mail
is stored in addition to a broadcasting processing program for
performing processing, for example, reception/recording of
broadcasting signals.
[0112] The remote controller 88 is looks like the one shown in FIG.
10 and is used for the user to provide commands to the receiving
device 6. Signals from the remote controller 88 are received at the
operation-input part and outputted to the CPU 78. Commands from the
user may also be provided to the receiving device with buttons
provided on the operation inputting part 84.
[0113] Each of the tuner 50 and TS decoder 72 can handle two or
more signals/data simultaneously. In this way, the receiving device
can receive a specific program while recording another program.
{circle around (3)} Processing of Received Broadcasting Signals
[0114] Broadcasting signals catched by an antenna are provided to
the tuner 50, which forms the broadcasting receiving part. The
tuner 50 selects a desired transport stream and provides the
selected stream to the TS decoder under the control of the CPU
78.
[0115] The TS decoder 72 selects packets of video and audio data
belong to a desired service out of the selected stream and outputs
the packets as digital data under the control of the CPU 78. At
that time, the CPU 78 controls the TS decoder 72 so that the video
and audio data as to the desired service are separated other data
by using the broadcasting control data shown in FIG. 4.
[0116] The output of the TS decoder 72 is provided to the AV
decoder 74. The AV decoder 74 converts the digital data into
composite signal for television (for example, NTSC signals, PAL
signals) and outputs them. The TV receiver 8 receives the composite
signals and outputs video images and sounds therefrom.
[0117] Detailed description of the above processing is disclosed in
Japanese patent application number Hei 11-363708 (entitled
record/playback device for digital broadcasting and method thereof
incorporated herein by reference by their entirety.
{circle around (4)} Processing of Received Electronic Mail
[0118] Subsequently, processing performed at the receiving device
when the user commands the receipt of an electronic mail will be
described. The CPU 78 performs processing for receiving an
electronic mail after the user depresses a communications service
button 92 on the remote controller.
[0119] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a received electronic mail
processing program. At step S11 shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 78
controls the line communications part 82 so that the communications
part connects to the mail-server 10. Then the CPU 78 determined
whether any of the electronic mails stored in the mail-server 10 is
addressed itself or not. If so, the CPU 78 controls other parts to
receive an electronic mail addressed its-self (step S12 of FIG.
11). The non-volatile memory stores own e-mail address.
[0120] Subsequently, a determination whether operation control data
is included in the received electronic mail or not is made (step
S13 of FIG. 11). In this embodiment, it is defined that the
operation control data starts with characters of X- (see FIG. 5).
If none of the operation control data is included therein, the
electronic mail is treated and displayed as an ordinary electronic
mail (step S17 of FIG. 11).
[0121] When the operation control data is included, the process
proceeds to step S14 shown in FIG. 11. At step S14, function
description data is selected from the operation control data, and
the selected function description data is stored in the memory 80.
The function description data is a description, which defines
operations of the receiving device, when a command is entered with
the button. In FIG. 5, the description
"X-Blue-button-press:record_reserve//0001.0002.0003.0004" and
description "X-Red-button-press:view_reserve:0001. 0002. 0003.
0004" are the function description data.
[0122] Further, the CPU 78 retrieves information on the program
described in the function description data, for example, an opening
time, a period of the program and so on, from the program on-air
schedule data S_EIT (see FIG. 4) for just in case any buttons
depressed. Then the retrieved information is stored into the memory
80 together with the function description data. Detailed process of
this process is disclosed below.
[0123] The CPU 78 obtains information on programs "0001. 0002.
0003. 0004" from the function description data. The program
information provides a broadcasting station (original network id),
transport streams (transport stream id), a service (service id) and
a program (event id). The CPU 78 controls the tuner 50 in
accordance with the broadcasting station ID and receives the
broadcasting signals transmitted by the station. Then, the
transport stream ID "0002" is set for the TS decoder 72. The
content of the transport stream is obtained. Further, program
on-air schedule data S_EIT as to a service is retrieved from the
transport stream in accordance with the service ID "0003".
[0124] As previously described, both the tuner 50 and the TS
decoder 72 can handle two or more signals/data simultaneously, no
influence on reception/display of the broadcasting currently
receiving is observed even when the above operation is
underway.
[0125] FIG. 13 shows program on-air schedule data S_EIT of the
service "0003". Information on a program to be aired within the
service "0003" is described in the program on-air schedule data
S_EIT.
[0126] The CPU 78 obtains data on a desired program from the
program on-air schedule data S_EIT according to the program ID
"0004". In this case, information on the program such as opening
time of it as 9 PM and the duration as 30 minutes can be
obtained.
[0127] As shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 78 stores the opening time and
the duration of the program into the memory 80 together with the
operation control data.
[0128] Subsequently, The CPU 78 extracts a description for display
from the operation control data. The description for display is a
description used for displaying functions assigned to each of the
buttons. The descriptions "X-Blue-button-title: recording
reservation" and description "X-Red-button-title: viewing
reservation" shown in FIG. 5 correspond such description. The CPU
78 output data for displaying the functions assigned to each button
on regions 94 prepared therefor shown in FIG. 5 to the AV decoder
74 in accordance with the description for display. As a
consequence, characters "recording reservation" is displayed on a
region 96 displayed in blue on the display screen, and characters
"viewing reservation" is displayed on a region 98 displayed in red
on the display screen. In this way, the user is able to recognize
the functions assigned to each button easily.
[0129] Subsequently, the CPU 78 controls to display the title/the
body of an electronic mail on the screen (step S17 of FIG. 11).
FIG. 15 shows an exemplary example of the image thereof. In this
embodiment, an image 100 of broadcasting currently received is
displayed together with an image for displaying electronic mail.
Therefore, a list of electronic mails received at the receiving
device is also displayed on the screen.
[0130] The receiving device is designed so that display of
electronic mails, which have already opened turn their color into
black from white at a display region 102 for displaying received
mail list. Also, the user can switch which of the electronic mails
is designated by depressing up-down buttons 106 and 108 shown in
FIG. 10. An electronic mail informing a feature program is selected
in FIG. 15. Steps following the step S13 in FIG. 11 are performed
every time the selection of electronic mails is switched.
[0131] For example, when an electronic mail as to a shipping
channel is selected, a display on the screen also turns from FIG.
16A to FIG. 16B. This automatically changes the description of the
region 94 indicating functions of the buttons according to the
operation control data described in the selected electronic mail.
In the display shown in FIG. 16B, a function of placing an order is
assigned to the blue-button.
[0132] Subsequently, processing performed when any of the buttons
is depressed under the condition shown in FIG. 15 will be
described. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart showing the processing
performed responsive to pushing a button. In this embodiment, the
program responsive to pushing a button is treated as part of the
electronic mail processing program. This program may be independent
from the mail-processing program.
[0133] The CPU 78 determines whether operation control data
corresponding to the depressed button is stored in the memory 80 or
not (step S21 of FIG. 12). The description is continued under an
assumption that the user depresses a blue-button 120 on the remote
controller 88 (see FIG. 10). This means that operation control data
corresponding to the blue-button 120 is stored as shown in FIG. 14.
The CPU 78 reads out the control data and commands to the program,
which perform appropriate processing to the stored function. A
command is given to the program for making a reservation of
recording since the description record_reserve" is stored. The
description indicating the functions and the programs performing
such functions are associated with one another by preparing a table
or similar way.
[0134] The CPU 78 also provides data for specifying a broadcasting
program and data representing opening time of the program and
duration thereof while providing a command for reservation to the
program for making a reservation of recording (step S22 of FIG.
12). As shown in FIG. 17, data for making a reservation of a
program is stored in the non-volatile memory 86 according to the
program for making a reservation of recording. This step finalizes
the processing performed responsive to pushing a button.
[0135] FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of a program for making a
reservation for recording. As described above, the data for making
a reservation of a program is stored in the non-volatile memory 86
according to the command from the program for making a reservation
of recording (step S31 of FIG. 18). Subsequently, the current time
is retrieved through a watch installed in the STB 6 and a judgement
is made that it reaches the predetermined opening time (step S32 of
FIG. 18).
[0136] If it reaches the opening time, the CPU 78 controls the
tuner 50 and TS decoder 72 to retrieve current on-air program data
P_EIT (see FIG. 4) of the service "0003". In the current on-air
program data P_EIT, information on programs currently on-air in the
service is described.
[0137] The CPU 78 determines whether the current on-air program
data P_EIT matches the reserved program or not (step S34 of FIG.
18). There is a case that both are not match if schedule of a
program shift backwards due to extension of the previous program
such as live-baseball game. In that case, the CPU obtains program
on-air schedule data S_EIT as well as a revised schedule of an
opening time of the desired program (step S35 of FIG. 18). In
addition, data for making a reservation of recording stored in the
non-volatile memory is revised to the newly retrieved opening time
(step S31 of FIG. 18), and the CPU waits for the opening time (step
S32 of FIG. 18).
[0138] If the current on-air program data P_EIT matches the
reserved program, the reserved program is received and stored in
the hard disk 76. In this embodiment, such program is stored in the
hard disk, the program may be stored in other data storage medium,
for example magnetic tape, DVD disk. The recording is ended when it
reaches the finish time.
[0139] Description as to make a reservation for recording has been
made, this can be applied to make a reservation for viewing a
program.
[0140] In other words, the reservation can be made by just
depressing a button assigned to make a reservation for recording a
recommended program which is informed by an electronic mail.
{circle around (5)} Other Embodiments
[0141] In the above embodiments, an electronic mail is retrieved by
accessing to the mail server 10 under the control of the user.
Alternatively, the system can also be designed to automatically
access to the mail server 10 at an interval of a certain period of
time.
[0142] Also, connecting the line to the mail server 10 in the above
embodiment checks existence of electronic mails in the in-box.
Alternatively, the connection to the mail server 10 may be made
only when a notice of receiving an electronic mail is received. In
this way, waste of Internet access fees and time for connection,
for example can be avoided.
[0143] Further, the connection to the mail server 10 may be made
only when broadcasting signals makes a notice of sending an
electronic mail via broadcasting signals.
[0144] In the above, embodiment, the mail server 10 is provided
separate from the broadcasting device 2. The mail server 10 may be
a part of the broadcasting device 2.
[0145] The assignment of functions to buttons provided on the
remote controller is performed under the control of operation
control signals in the above embodiments. The assignment of
functions may also be made to buttons provided on the receiving
device 6. This may also be made to icons displayed on the display
screen.
[0146] In the above-described embodiment, the assignment of
functions to buttons provided on the remote controller is performed
under the control of operation control signals. Other operations,
for example display of images, can be done with operation control
signals as will be described below.
[0147] In the assignment described above, a function of making a
reservation for recording one program is assigned to a button.
Alternatively, a function of making a reservation for recording a
plurality of programs may be assigned to a button.
[0148] The reservation can be suspended even if a button for making
a reservation is depressed when an electronic mail previously used
displayed on a display image for electronic mail shown in FIG. 15
is selected. In other words, the system may be designed so that not
to make a reservation if the current time passes a scheduled on-air
time.
The Second Embodiment
[0149] (1) Operation Control Data is a Program
[0150] FIG. 19 is an overall view of the second embodiment of the
present invention. A broadcasting device 6 and a STB 6 are
connected through a public telephone network 13. This embodiment
differs from the first embodiment in that operation control data
are not transmitted in a form of an electronic mail, the data are
transmitted through the public telephone network 13. In this way,
the system according to this embodiment is suitable for the
operation control data need to be used parallel to the broadcasting
at the receiving device.
[0151] For example, the broadcasting device 2 broadcasts a content,
which requires a special software program to view the content in a
specific even (program) of a specific service (step S41 of FIG.
20). The STB 6 determined whether the broadcasting is received or
not. The STB 6 can recognize that a program requiring the special
software program is being received since a notification of
requiring such special program is described in the broadcasting
signals.
[0152] The STB 6 sends a request for sending the special software
program to the broadcasting device 2 when the STB 6 receives the
broadcasting (step S52 of FIG. 20). Upon receiving such request,
the broadcasting device 2 transmits the special software program to
the STB 6 through the telephone network. The STB decodes the
broadcasting signals using the special software program and outputs
the decided signals.
[0153] (2) Operation Control Data is a Ticket for Viewing a
Program
[0154] As shown in FIG. 21, a ticket for viewing a specific service
and/or event (program) may also be transmitted from the
broadcasting device 2 through the telephone network 13. The system
is designed so that the STB 6 can not view the specific service
and/or event (program) without the ticket. In this way, the
broadcasting station can provide broadcasting program to just a
predetermined user(s) appointed themselves.
[0155] Such method may be applied to provide a quiz program. In a
quiz program, an answer to a given question is transmitted through
the telephone network 13. The broadcasting device 2 provides a
ticket for viewing subsequent question to the STB 6 through the
telephone network 13 if the answer to the question is correct one.
In this way, the system can be designed that no further question
can not be viewed if the user provides the wrong answer.
Other Embodiments
[0156] In the above-described embodiments, a software program
and/or a ticket for viewing a specific service and/or event is
transmitted as operation control data. Alternatively, data for
assigning functions to buttons may be transmitted as operation
control data similar to the first embodiment. Further, the data,
which control a format of images may be transmitted as operation
control data as will be described below.
The Third Embodiment
[0157] (1) Control a Format of Images
[0158] In this embodiment, a system using PCs for the transmission
side and the receiving side is exemplified. In other words, this
embodiment is based on the assumption that a personal computer 200
at the transmission side transmits an electronic mail to a personal
computer 202 at receiving side through a mail-server 10.
[0159] The personal computer 202 at receiving side generates an
electronic mail including operation control data according to the
process shown in FIG. 23. In order to generate an electronic mail,
a user of the personal computer 200 at the transmission side enters
the title, the body and the destination of the electronic mail
(step S61 of FIG. 23). Upon entering the information, the personal
computer 200 displays a plurality of display formats of the body of
the electronic mail. The display formats includes "no linefeed
format", "full-screen" for example.
[0160] The user of the personal computer 200 selects a desired
display format from the display formats on the screen. Then the
personal computer 200 generates operation control display based on
the selection (step S62 of FIG. 23). As a result of performing
these processes, an electric mail is generated (step S63 of FIG.
23).
[0161] Operation control data 300 shown in FIG. 24 is described if
a display format "no linefeed format" is selected.
[0162] The personal computer 202, which receives such an electronic
mail interprets the operation control data "X-noreturn" and
displays the electronic mail with no linefeed except for a region
set at the transmitting personal computer regardless of characters
per line for line feed set at the receiving personal computer. In
this way, an electronic mail can be displayed in a form intended by
the transmission side.
Other Embodiments
[0163] In the above embodiments, display format is controlled by
the operation control data. Alternatively, assigning functions to
buttons may be designated by the operation control data similar to
the first embodiment.
[0164] Further, as illustrated a received image shown in FIG. 25,
an icon 310 may be displayed in the electronic mail using the
operation control data. The operations performed after clicking the
icon 310 can also be defined by the operation control data. In this
way, appropriate processing agree with the body of the mail
(intended by the transmission side) can be carried out. As a
consequence, the transmission side can designate whether a printed
paper has trimming or not.
Other Embodiments
[0165] In all the embodiments described in the above, the device
itself which receives operation control data is controlled.
Alternatively, other device(s) may be controlled by the operation
control data. For example, if a broadcasting 2 broadcasts a ghost
story while transmitting operation control data to a receiving
device 6 through a communications line. The receiving device 6 may
be designed so that the device receives the ghost story while
controlling luminance of the lights under the control of the
operation control data received through the communications line.
This can achieve a broadcast with realistic feelings.
[0166] Further, all the embodiments described in the above, the
Internet communications network, a public telephone network are
used as the communications path. A part of the broadcasting path
used under time-sharing or under frequency-division may be used as
the communications path.
[0167] While the embodiments of the present invention, as disclosed
herein, constitute preferred forms, it is to be understood that
each term was used as illustrative and not restrictive, and can be
changed within the scope of the claims without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *