Search system, receiving apparatus and search apparatus for use thereof, and search method thereof

A search apparatus, for receiving transmissions from a plural number of transmitting apparatuses, each having a transmitting means for transmitting a unique information through a channel for exclusive use thereof, and for accepting a search request from a receiving apparatus having a receiving means for receiving the unique information which is transmitted through a predetermined channel and a search request means for making a search request for the unique information which are transmitted through channels other than the predetermined one, comprising:

• a receiving means for receiving the unique information which are transmitted through channels for exclusive use thereof;
• a storage means for storing the unique information which are received by said receiving means;
• a search means for searching the unique information which are stored in said storage means upon a search request from the search request means of said receiving apparatus;
• and
• a transmitting means for transmitting a content which is searched by said search means to said receiving apparatus.

A search method, comprising the following steps:

• an accepting/starting step for starting a service to a specific user, upon receipt of information relating to the specific user;
• a searching step for searching information which are transmitted from a broadcasting station, upon the search request from said specific user;
• and
• a transmitting step for transmitting a content which is searched in said searching step to said specific user.