Transmission device, transmission method, reception device, and reception method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a transmission device, a transmission method, a reception device, and a reception method with which it is possible to reduce the processing load of a reception-side device. Provided is a transmission device comprising: a first generation unit that generates control information including channel selection information; a second generation unit that generates a transmission stream including the control information and data constituting a broadcast service; and a transmission unit that transmits the transmission stream as a broadcast signal. The channel selection information includes time information indicating the time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission standard information indicating the transmission standard of the specific broadcast service, and specific information for specifying the data constituting the specific broadcast service. The transmission unit transmits the transmission stream corresponding to the specific broadcast service as a broadcast signal corresponding to the transmission standard during a period corresponding to the time. The present disclosure can be applied to, e.g., a transmission system corresponding to the next-generation broadcast standard, ISDB-T.

Description

Transmitting device, transmitting method, receiving device, and receiving method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transmitting device, a transmitting method, a receiving device, and a receiving method, and more particularly to a transmitting device, a transmitting method, a receiving device, and a receiving method that can reduce the processing load on a receiving device.

[0002] In Japan, advancements to the next generation of terrestrial digital television broadcasting are being studied, and various technical methods are being considered. For example, an operation that dynamically changes the organization of broadcast services is being considered. Patent Literature 1 discloses that information such as channel frequencies after the change date and time when the broadcast network is reconfigured is recorded in an NIT (Network Information Table).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-101352

[0004] When performing operations that dynamically change the organization of broadcast services, it is necessary to reduce the processing load on the receiving device that receives the broadcast services.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and aims to reduce the processing load on a receiving device when dynamically organizing broadcast services.

[0006] A transmitting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first generating unit that generates control information including channel selection information, a second generating unit that generates a transmission stream including data constituting a broadcast service and the control information, and a transmitting unit that transmits the transmission stream as a broadcast signal, wherein the channel selection information includes time information indicating the time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating the transmission method of the specific broadcast service, and specific information that identifies the data constituting the specific broadcast service, and the transmitting unit transmits the transmission stream corresponding to the specific broadcast service as the broadcast signal corresponding to the transmission method during a period corresponding to the time.

[0007] A transmission method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a transmitting device generating control information including channel selection information, generating a transmission stream including data constituting a broadcast service and the control information, and transmitting the transmission stream as a broadcast signal, wherein the channel selection information includes time information indicating a time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating a transmission method for the specific broadcast service, and specific information identifying the data constituting the specific broadcast service, and the transmission method further includes transmitting the transmission stream corresponding to the specific broadcast service as the broadcast signal corresponding to the transmission method during a period corresponding to the time.

[0008] In a transmitting device and a transmitting method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, control information including channel selection information is generated, a transmission stream including data constituting a broadcast service and the control information is generated, and the transmission stream is transmitted as a broadcast signal. The channel selection information includes time information indicating a time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating a transmission method for the specific broadcast service, and specification information specifying the data constituting the specific broadcast service, and the transmission stream corresponding to the specific broadcast service is transmitted as the broadcast signal corresponding to the transmission method during a period corresponding to the time.

[0009] A receiving device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal, an acquisition unit that acquires control information contained in a transmission stream obtained from the broadcast signal, and a control unit that controls the operation of each unit to output data constituting a broadcast service contained in the transmission stream based on the control information, wherein the control information includes tuning information that includes time information indicating the time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating the transmission method of the specific broadcast service, and specific information that identifies the data constituting the specific broadcast service, and the control unit controls the receiving device to output the data constituting the specific broadcast service obtained from the broadcast signal according to the transmission method during a period corresponding to the time based on the tuning information.

[0010] A receiving method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving device receiving a broadcast signal, acquiring control information contained in a transmission stream obtained from the broadcast signal, and controlling the operation of each unit based on the control information to output data constituting a broadcast service contained in the transmission stream, wherein the control information includes tuning information including time information indicating the time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating the transmission method for the specific broadcast service, and specific information identifying the data constituting the specific broadcast service, and further including controlling the receiving device to output the data constituting the specific broadcast service obtained from the broadcast signal according to the transmission method during a period corresponding to the time based on the tuning information.

[0011] In a receiving device and a receiving method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a broadcast signal is received, control information included in a transmission stream obtained from the broadcast signal is acquired, and operation of each unit is controlled based on the control information so that data constituting a broadcast service included in the transmission stream is output. The control information also includes tuning information including time information indicating a time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating a transmission method for the specific broadcast service, and specification information specifying data constituting the specific broadcast service. Based on the tuning information, control is performed so that the data constituting the specific broadcast service obtained from the broadcast signal according to the transmission method is output during a period corresponding to the time.

[0012] The transmitting device and receiving device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be independent devices or may be internal blocks constituting a single device.

[0013] 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an embodiment of a transmission system to which the present disclosure is applied. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an embodiment of the transmitting device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the dividing unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an embodiment of the receiving device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the combining unit of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a TLV-NIT. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of dynamic organization of broadcast services. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example use case. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of dynamic organization of broadcast services. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a third example of dynamic organization of broadcast services. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of a broadcast service configuration information descriptor. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a wireless transmission system. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second example of a broadcast service configuration information descriptor. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of transmitting-side processing. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of receiving-side processing. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of computer hardware.

[0014] <System Configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an embodiment of a transmission system to which the present disclosure is applied. In Fig. 1, the transmission system is composed of a transmitting device 10 and a receiving device 20. In the transmission system of Fig. 1, a terrestrial digital television broadcasting system can be adopted as a transmission system.

[0015] The transmitting device 10 transmits broadcast content such as broadcast programs produced by broadcasters as broadcast signals. The transmitting device 10 performs necessary processing on control information and broadcast content data, and transmits the resulting broadcast signal from a transmitting antenna installed at a transmitting station.

[0016] The receiving device 20 is a device capable of receiving broadcast signals, such as a fixed receiver such as a television set or a mobile receiver such as a mobile phone. The receiving device 20 receives the broadcast signals transmitted from the transmitting device 10 via an antenna. The receiving device 20 performs necessary processing on the control information and data obtained from the received broadcast signals, thereby outputting video and audio of broadcast content such as a broadcast program.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of the transmitting device 10 of Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the transmitting device 10 includes a processing unit 101, a transmitting unit 102, and a control unit 103.

[0018] The processing unit 101 has an encoding unit 111, a control information generating unit 112, and a multiplexing unit 113. Broadcast content data such as broadcast programs provided as a broadcast service is input to the processing unit 101 from an external server connected via a network, storage built into the transmitting device 10, etc. The encoding unit 111 encodes the video data and audio data input as data constituting the broadcast content according to a predetermined encoding method, and outputs the encoded video data and audio data to the multiplexing unit 113.

[0019] The control information generator 112 generates control information and outputs it to the multiplexer 113. The control information generated here is control information related to the transmission of broadcast content, and is upper-layer control information (e.g., TLV-SI) used when processing data constituting the broadcast content in an upper layer (e.g., transport layer) that is a layer higher than the physical layer in the protocol stack. The multiplexer 113 multiplexes the video data and audio data supplied from the encoder 111 and the control information supplied from the control information generator 112, and outputs the resulting transmission stream (e.g., TLV stream) to the transmitter 102.

[0020] The transmitting unit 102 has a dividing unit 121, a modulating unit 122-1, and a modulating unit 122-2. The transmission stream from the processing unit 101 is input to the transmitting unit 102 as a data signal constituting a physical layer frame (for example, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) frame). The dividing unit 121 outputs the input data signal as is to the modulating unit 122-1. The dividing unit 121 also divides the input data signal and outputs the divided data signals (hereinafter also referred to as divided data signals) to the modulating units 122-1 and 122-2. Hereinafter, when a data signal is divided into two series, one of the divided data signals will be referred to as a first divided data signal, and the other divided data signal will be referred to as a second divided data signal.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the division unit 121 in Fig. 2. In Fig. 3, the division unit 121 has a switching unit 131, a terminal 132 connected to the multiplexing unit 113, a terminal 133 connected to the modulation unit 122-1, and a terminal 134 connected to the modulation unit 122-2. The switching unit 131 switches the connection destination of the terminal 132 between the terminal 133 and the terminal 134 in response to a switching signal from the control unit 103.

[0022] For example, when transmitting using SISO (Single Input Single Output), the switching unit 131 fixes the connection destination of the terminal 132 to the terminal 133 and outputs the data signal to the modulation unit 122-1. The modulation unit 122-1 performs modulation processing on the data signal input from the division unit 121 according to a predetermined modulation method. In the modulation processing, a physical layer frame (e.g., an OFDM frame) is constructed from the data signal and a transmission control signal (e.g., TMCC (Transmission and Multiplexing Configuration Control)), and necessary processing such as an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) and the addition of a Guard Interval (GI) is performed, thereby modulating the physical layer frame to generate a broadcast signal. The broadcast signal is transmitted from a transmitting antenna installed in the transmitting station.

[0023] Furthermore, when transmission is performed using channel bonding (CB), switching unit 131 switches the connection destination of terminal 132 to terminal 133 and outputs the first divided data signal to modulation unit 122-1, and also switches the connection destination of terminal 132 to terminal 134 and outputs the second divided data signal to modulation unit 122-2. Modulation unit 122-1 performs modulation processing in accordance with a predetermined modulation method on the first divided data signal input from division unit 121, and sends out the resulting broadcast signal. Modulation unit 122-2 performs modulation processing in accordance with a predetermined modulation method on the second divided data signal input from division unit 121, and sends out the resulting broadcast signal. In the transmitting unit 102, the broadcast signal from the modulation unit 122-1 is transmitted using a first channel (RF1), and the broadcast signal from the modulation unit 122-2 is transmitted using a second channel (RF2), thereby transmitting the broadcast signal by CB transmission using two channels (RF1, RF2).

[0024] The control unit 103 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor may of course be configured with one processor, but may also be configured with multiple processors. The control unit 103 controls the operation of each unit of the transmission device 10.

[0025] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of the receiving device 20 of Fig. 1. In Fig. 4, the receiving device 20 includes a receiving unit 201, a processing unit 202, a control unit 203, and a memory 204.

[0026] 2 is received via an antenna by a receiving unit 201. The receiving unit 201 is made up of a tuner, a demodulator, etc. The receiving unit 201 has a demodulation unit 211-1, a demodulation unit 211-2, and a synthesis unit 212.

[0027] The demodulation unit 211-1 performs demodulation processing on the broadcast signal received using the first channel (RF1) according to a predetermined demodulation method. In the demodulation processing, the physical layer frame is demodulated by performing necessary processing such as GI removal and FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), and the resulting data signal or first divided data signal is output to the combiner 212. The demodulation unit 211-2 performs demodulation processing on the broadcast signal received using the second channel (RF2) according to a predetermined demodulation method, and the resulting second divided data signal is output to the combiner 212. The combiner 212 outputs the data signal input from the demodulation unit 211-1 to the processing unit 202 as is. In addition, the combiner 212 combines (combines) the first divided data signal input from the demodulation unit 211-1 and the second divided data signal input from the demodulation unit 211-2, and outputs the resulting data signal to the processing unit 202.

[0028] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of combining unit 212 in Fig. 4. In Fig. 5, combining unit 212 has a switching unit 231, a terminal 232 connected to demodulation unit 211-1, a terminal 233 connected to demodulation unit 211-2, and a terminal 234 connected to processing unit 202. Switching unit 231 switches the connection destination of terminal 234 to terminal 232 or terminal 233 in response to a switching signal from control unit 203.

[0029] For example, when SISO transmission is performed, switching unit 231 fixes the connection destination of terminal 234 to terminal 232 and outputs the data signal from demodulation unit 211-1 to processing unit 202. When CB transmission using two channels (RF1, RF2) is performed, switching unit 231 switches the connection destination of terminal 234 to terminal 232 and inputs the first divided data signal from demodulation unit 211-1, and switches the connection destination of terminal 234 to terminal 233 and inputs the second divided data signal from demodulation unit 211-2. As a result, switching unit 231 alternately inputs and combines the first divided data signal and the second divided data signal at a predetermined timing and outputs the resulting data signal to processing unit 202.

[0030] The processing unit 202 has a demultiplexing unit 221, a decoding unit 222, and a control information acquiring unit 223. The processing unit 202 receives a data signal from the receiving unit 201 as a transmission stream (e.g., a TLV stream). The demultiplexing unit 221 separates the video data, audio data, and upper layer control information contained in the input transmission stream. The demultiplexing unit 221 outputs the video data and audio data to the decoding unit 222. The control information acquiring unit 223 acquires the upper layer control information (e.g., TLV-SI) separated by the demultiplexing unit 221 and supplies it to the control unit 203.

[0031] The control unit 203 is composed of a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 203 controls the operation of each unit of the receiving device 20. For example, the control unit 203 controls the channel selection process by the receiving unit 201 and the demultiplexing process by the demultiplexing unit 221 based on upper layer control information supplied from the control information acquisition unit 223. The memory 204 is a non-volatile memory such as an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM). The memory 204 records various data under the control of the control unit 203.

[0032] The video data and audio data are supplied to the decoding unit 222 from the demultiplexing unit 221. The decoding unit 222 decodes the encoded video data and audio data according to a predetermined decoding method and outputs the decoded video data and audio data to downstream circuits. As a result, in the receiving device 20, images corresponding to the video data are displayed on the display and sounds corresponding to the audio data are output from the speaker, allowing the user to view broadcast content such as a broadcast program.

[0033] While the configuration of FIG. 1 illustrates a single receiving device 20, in practice, multiple receiving devices 20 may be provided, each receiving and processing a broadcast signal transmitted from the transmitting device 10. In addition, the configuration of FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration in which the transmitting device 10 includes a processing unit 101 having an encoding unit 111, a control information generating unit 112, and a multiplexing unit 113, a transmitting unit 102 having a dividing unit 121 and modulation units 122-1 and 122-2, and a control unit 103. However, these components (blocks) do not need to be provided within a single housing. For example, the transmitting device 10 may be configured as a transmission system (broadcast transmission system) in which at least one of the components illustrated in FIG. 2 is provided in a separate device (broadcast server). A system refers to a logical collection of multiple devices.

[0034] <Broadcasting method> In Japan, the Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting - Terrestrial (ISDB-T) method is used as the broadcasting method for terrestrial digital television broadcasting, but studies are being conducted to upgrade it to the next generation, and various technical methods are being considered. Hereinafter, the next generation method of ISDB-T will also be referred to as the advanced terrestrial broadcasting method. In the transmission system shown in Figure 1, the advanced terrestrial broadcasting method can be used as the broadcasting method for terrestrial digital television broadcasting.

[0035] For the advanced terrestrial broadcasting system, the use of dynamically changing broadcasting service configurations is being considered. Furthermore, for the advanced terrestrial broadcasting system, the use of channel bonding (CB) transmission, which uses multiple channels (frequency bands) as a single transmission path, is being considered. The use of CB transmission is also being considered for the use of dynamically changing broadcasting service configurations.

[0036] The adoption of the TLV (Type Length Value) multiplexing method and MMT (MPEG Media Transport) method is being considered for the advanced terrestrial broadcasting system, and MMT-SI (Signaling Information) and TLV-SI are planned to be used as control information for transmission. MMT-SI is control information related to the configuration of broadcast content, etc. MMT-SI is transmitted in MMTP (MMT Protocol) packets. Broadcast content data (video data, audio data) is packetized into MMTP packets and transmitted in IP packets. IP packets are transmitted in the form of TLV packets over broadcast transmission paths. TLV-SI is control information related to the multiplexing of IP packets. TLV-SI is transmitted in TLV packets.

[0037] TLV-SI includes control information such as TLV-NIT (Network Information Table) and AMT (Address Map Table). TLV-NIT is a table that transmits information that associates transmission path information such as modulation frequency with broadcast programs when transmitting using TLV packets. AMT is a table that transmits information that associates a service identifier that identifies a broadcast program number with an IP packet.

[0038] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a TLV-NIT. As shown in Fig. 6, in addition to descriptors such as a service list descriptor, a broadcast service configuration information descriptor is arranged in the TLV-NIT. The service list descriptor provides a list of broadcast services and service format types in each TLV stream. The broadcast service configuration information descriptor includes channel selection information related to channel selection on the receiving device when performing operations that dynamically change the organization of broadcast services. The channel selection information includes information such as time information indicating the time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating the transmission method of the specific broadcast service, and specific information identifying the data that constitutes the specific broadcast service.

[0039] For example, the specific broadcast service is a specific service such as a premium service that is different from a normal broadcast service. The time information includes information indicating the start date and time and the end date and time of the provision of the specific broadcast service, and information indicating the change date and time when the normal broadcast service is changed to the specific broadcast service. The transmission method information includes wireless transmission methods such as SISO transmission, CB transmission, and transmission using MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). The identification information is information for identifying a transmission stream (e.g., a TLV stream) that includes data that constitutes the specific broadcast service, and includes identifiers such as a network ID that identifies the network (broadcaster) and a TLV stream ID that identifies the TLV stream.

[0040] By placing the broadcast service configuration information descriptor in the TLV-NIT, it is possible to reduce the processing load on the receiving device 20 when performing operations that dynamically change the organization of broadcast services. Below, an example of dynamic organization of broadcast services using the broadcast service configuration information descriptor will be described.

[0041] <Dynamic Organization> Figure 7 shows a first example of dynamic organization of broadcast services. In Figure 7, the upper section shows a frequency axis and the lower section shows a time axis. The frequencies (f1, f2) shown on the time axis correspond to the frequencies (f1, f2) shown on the frequency axis. In other words, frequencies f1 and f2 are different frequency bands, and different frequency bands are used depending on the time of day. For example, from time t1 to t2, a broadcast service is provided by SISO transmission using frequency f1. From time t2 to t3, a specific broadcast service is provided by CB transmission using frequencies f1 and f2 (corresponding to the two channels (RF1, RF2) shown in Figures 2 and 4). From time t3 onwards, a broadcast service is provided by SISO transmission using frequency f1.

[0042] Here, by including tuning information in the broadcast service configuration information descriptor, the receiving device 20 can identify a TLV stream obtained from a broadcast signal transmitted by CB transmission from time t2 to t3 based on the tuning information, and can view a specific broadcast service. At time t2 to t3, CB transmission using frequencies f1 and f2 makes it possible to achieve a larger transmission capacity (for example, double the transmission capacity of CB using the same frequency band), and various broadcast services can be provided.

[0043] Figure 8 shows programs provided between 19:00 and 24:00 as an example use case of dynamic scheduling of broadcast services. As shown in Figure 8, channel Ch1 provides news from 19:00 to 20:00, sports programs from 20:00 to 23:00, and dramas from 23:00 to 24:00. In this case, news is provided by SISO transmission using frequency f1 corresponding to channel Ch1, and sports programs are provided by CB transmission using frequencies f1 and f2 corresponding to channels Ch1 and Ch2. Dramas are provided by SISO transmission using frequency f1 corresponding to channel Ch1.

[0044] In this way, when providing sports programs as a premium service (specific broadcasting service), providing (distributing) them via CB transmission makes it possible to provide content with higher image quality and sound quality than regular broadcasting services such as news, dramas, etc. In other words, frequency f2 of channel Ch2, which is used for a different purpose from 19:00 to 20:00 and 23:00 to 24:00, is leased to the premium service (sports programs) provided on channel Ch1 from 20:00 to 23:00, making it possible to carry out CB transmission using frequencies f1 and f2.

[0045] FIG. 9 shows a second example of dynamic organization of broadcast services. In FIG. 9, frequencies f1 and f2 shown on the time axis are different frequency bands, and the frequency bands used are combined depending on the time period. From time t1 to t2, different broadcast services are provided by SISO transmission using frequencies f1 and f2. In this case, the broadcast services provided at frequencies f1 and f2 each have a different network ID. For example, network_id = x corresponding to broadcaster A is set for the transmission stream transmitted at frequency f1, and network_id = y corresponding to broadcaster B is set for the transmission stream transmitted at frequency f2.

[0046] From time t2 to t3, a specific broadcasting service (e.g., premium service) is provided by CB transmission using frequencies f1 and f2. At this time, the specific broadcasting service provided at frequencies f1 and f2 has the same network ID at frequencies f1 and f2. For example, network_id = x corresponding to broadcaster A is set for the transmission stream transmitted at frequencies f1 and f2. From time t3 onwards, a different broadcasting service is provided by SISO transmission using frequencies f1 and f2, and a different network ID is set for the transmission stream transmitted at frequencies f1 and f2, just as before time t2.

[0047] In this way, from time t2 to t3, the wireless transmission method is switched from SISO transmission to CB transmission, and transmission capacity is expanded, thereby making it possible to provide specific broadcasting services such as premium services. In this example, since the specific broadcasting service is provided by broadcaster A, network_id = x is set as the network ID for the transport streams transmitted at frequencies f1 and f2 from time t2 to t3. Note that in the example of Fig. 9, since the transport streams transmitted at frequencies f1 and f2 can be identified by the network ID, a transport stream ID (e.g., TLV stream ID) for identifying the transport stream (e.g., TLV stream) is not shown, but a transport stream ID (e.g., TLV stream ID) can be set.

[0048] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a third example of dynamic organization of broadcast services. Figure 10 shows an example of dividing a transmission stream (e.g., a TLV stream) used according to time periods when providing a broadcast service by SISO transmission using frequency f1 shown on the time axis. Before time t1, one broadcast service is provided by SISO transmission using frequency f1. At this time, the broadcast service provided at frequency f1 is provided by broadcaster A, and therefore, the TLV stream transmitted at frequency f1 is set to network_id = x and TLV_stream_id = a corresponding to broadcaster A.

[0049] From time t1 to t2, multiple broadcast services are provided by SISO transmission using frequency f1. In this example, three broadcast services are provided, and a transmission stream (e.g., a TLV stream) corresponding to each broadcast service is transmitted. In this example, the first broadcast service is provided by broadcaster A, and the TLV stream is set to network_id = x and TLV_stream_id = a. The second broadcast service is provided by broadcaster B, and the TLV stream is set to network_id = x and TLV_stream_id = b. The third broadcast service is provided by broadcaster C, and the TLV stream is set to network_id = x and TLV_stream_id = c. From time t2 onwards, one broadcast service is provided by SISO transmission using frequency f1, and the TLV stream transmitted at frequency f1 is set to network_id = x and TLV_stream_id = a, just as before time t1.

[0050] In this way, from time t1 to t2, three broadcast services can be provided by transmitting three TLV streams using SISO transmission using frequency f1. In this example, the same network ID (network_id = x) and different TLV stream IDs (TLV_stream_id = a, b, c) are set for the three TLV streams transmitted at frequency f1. Note that, although the example in Figure 10 shows an operation in which multiple transmission streams transmitted in the same frequency band are used by different broadcasters, multiple transmission streams may also be used by the same broadcaster. The values ​​set as the network ID and TLV stream ID are not limited to the above values ​​as long as they can identify the transmission stream (or the data contained in it), and other values ​​may be set.

[0051] <Descriptor Structure> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a broadcast service structure information descriptor (Broadcast_Service_Structure_Descriptor).

[0052] The 8-bit descriptor_tag is a field for identifying the descriptor, and the value of this descriptor tag indicates the broadcast service configuration information descriptor. The 8-bit descriptor_length is a field that describes the number of data bytes that follow this field, i.e., the descriptor length. The 8-bit version is a field that describes the version of this descriptor, and its value is updated whenever the broadcast service configuration information descriptor is updated.

[0053] The 8-bit number_of_service field describes the number of a specific broadcast service. The loop corresponding to the number_of_service contains an 8-bit system, a 16-bit network_id, a 16-bit frequency, a 16-bit TLV_stream_id, a 32-bit ip_address, a 16-bit port, a 16-bit start_date, a 24-bit start_time, a 16-bit end_date, and a 24-bit end_time.

[0054] "system" is a field that describes a value that identifies the wireless transmission system. As shown in Fig. 12, if the wireless transmission system is SISO, a value of 0x00 is described, if it is MIMO, a value of 0x01 is described, and if it is CB, a value of 0x02 is described. Note that 0x03 to 0xff are reserved.

[0055] "network_id" is a field for describing the network ID. "frequency" is a field for describing the center frequency of other stations within the broadcast area. The center frequency is the center frequency of the physical channel corresponding to the broadcast service (the frequency at the center of the frequency band). By describing the center frequency of other stations here, for example, a broadcast service configuration information descriptor transmitted in a TLV stream containing data constituting the broadcast service provided by broadcaster A may include frequency information of other broadcasters (such as broadcaster B and broadcaster C) other than broadcaster A.

[0056] TLV_stream_id is a field that describes the TLV stream ID. ip_address is a field that describes the IP address. port is a field that describes the port number. A TLV stream is a series of TLV packets identified by a TLV stream ID, and includes IP packets that store data such as video data and audio data, and TLV-SI such as TLV-NIT and AMT as TLV packets. Multiple IP data flows are multiplexed in a TLV stream. An IP data flow is a collection of IP packets that all have the same values ​​in fields such as the IP address and port number in the IP header and UDP header. The IP address and port number of the IP data flow can be described in ip_address and port.

[0057] start_date and start_time are fields that describe the service start date and service start time of a specific broadcasting service. end_date and end_time are fields that describe the service end date and service end time of a specific broadcasting service. start_date and end_date can use the lower 16 bits of MJD (Modified Julian Date) notation coded into 16 bits. For example, in MJD notation, 10 / 13 / 93 is represented as 0xC079. start_time and end_time can use BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) notation. For example, in BCD notation, 01:45:30 is represented as 0x014530.

[0058] The broadcast service configuration information descriptor in Fig. 11 includes channel selection information for selecting a specific broadcast service. The channel selection information includes information such as time information indicating the time when the specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating the transmission method of the specific broadcast service, and specific information for identifying the data that constitutes the specific broadcast service.

[0059] For example, the time information includes information indicating the start date and time and the end date and time of a specific broadcasting service, which are written in start_date, start_time, end_date, and end_time. The transmission method information includes a value identifying the wireless transmission system, which is written in system. The specific information includes a network ID and a TLV stream ID, which are written in network_id and TLV_stream_id. The specific information may also include frequency information (center frequency), an IP address, and a port number, which are written in frequency, ip_address, and port.

[0060] More specifically, as shown in the example of Figure 9 above, when a specific broadcast service is provided from time t2 to t3, in the broadcast service configuration information descriptor transmitted before time t2, "t2" can be entered in start_date and start_time, "t3" can be entered in end_date and end_time, "CB" can be entered in system, "x" can be entered in network_id, and "a" can be entered in TLV_stream_id.

[0061] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the broadcast service configuration information descriptor. In Fig. 13, descriptor_tag, descriptor_length, and version are fields in which the descriptor tag, descriptor length, and version are written, similarly to Fig. 11.

[0062] The 16-bit date field describes the date of service change for broadcasting services, including specific broadcasting services. The date can be the lowest 16 bits of the MJD notation coded into 16 bits. The 24-bit time field describes the time of service change for broadcasting services, including specific broadcasting services. The time can be written in BCD notation.

[0063] The 8-bit number_of_service field contains the number of broadcast services, including a specific broadcast service. The field corresponding to number_of_service contains the following fields: system, which contains a value identifying the wireless transmission system; network_id, which contains the network ID; frequency, which contains the center frequency of other stations in the broadcast area; TLV_stream_id, which contains the TLV stream ID; ip_address, which contains the IP address; and port, which contains the port number.

[0064] The broadcast service configuration information descriptor in Figure 13 includes channel selection information that includes information such as time information indicating the time when a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating the transmission method of the specific broadcast service, and specific information that identifies the data that constitutes the specific broadcast service.

[0065] For example, the time information includes information indicating the date and time when a broadcast service (including a specific broadcast service) is changed, which is written in "date" and "time." The transmission method information includes a value identifying the wireless transmission system, which is written in "system." The specific information includes a network ID and a TLV stream ID, which are written in "network_id" and "TLV_stream_id." The specific information may also include frequency information (center frequency), an IP address, and a port number, which are written in "frequency," "ip_address," and "port."

[0066] 9, when a specific broadcast service is provided between times t2 and t3, a broadcast service configuration information descriptor transmitted before time t2 may have "t2" in the date and time fields, "CB" in the system field, "x" in the network_id field, and "a" in the TLV_stream_id field. Also, a broadcast service configuration information descriptor transmitted before time t3 may have "t3" in the date and time fields, "SISO" in the system field, "x" in the network_id field, and "a" in the TLV_stream_id field.

[0067] <Processing Flow> FIGS. 14 and 15 are flowcharts illustrating the flow of transmission-side processing by the transmitting device 10. FIG.

[0068] In step S11, the encoding unit 111 performs encoding processing according to a predetermined encoding method to encode data constituting the broadcast service (broadcast content data). In step S12, the control information generation unit 112 generates control information such as TLV-SI. The TLV-SI includes a TLV-NIT and an AMT. The TLV-NIT includes the broadcast service configuration information descriptor shown in FIG. 11.

[0069] In step S13, the multiplexing unit 113 multiplexes the encoded data and control information to generate a transmission stream. In step S14, the modulation unit 122 modulates a physical layer frame including a data signal corresponding to the transmission stream according to a predetermined modulation method, and transmits the resulting broadcast signal.

[0070] At this time, the transmitting unit 102 performs the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 15 under control of the control unit 103. In step S21, the control unit 103 determines whether or not it is a period during which a specific broadcasting service (specific service) is provided. If it is determined in step S21 that it is not a period during which a specific broadcasting service is provided, the processing ends. In this case, in the transmitting unit 102, the data signal input from the processing unit 101 is input directly to the modulation unit 121-1, where it is modulated, and the broadcast signal is transmitted by SISO transmission.

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the current period is a period during which a specific broadcast service is provided, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the control unit 103 determines whether the transmission method of the specific broadcast service is CB transmission. If it is determined in step S22 that the transmission method is CB transmission, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the division unit 121 divides the data signal input from the processing unit 101, and outputs the first divided data signal to the modulation unit 122-1 and the second divided data signal to the modulation unit 122-2. In this case, the transmission unit 102 transmits the broadcast signal from the modulation unit 122-1 and the broadcast signal from the modulation unit 122-2 by CB transmission using two channels (RF1, RF2).

[0072] If it is determined in step S22 that the transmission is not CB transmission, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the transmitter 102 performs processing according to the identification of the wireless transmission system. Here, for example, if the wireless transmission system is MIMO, processing for performing MIMO transmission is performed. When step S23 or S24 is completed, the series of processes ends.

[0073] 16 and 17 are flowcharts illustrating the flow of reception-side processing by the receiving device 20.

[0074] In step S31, the demodulator 211 performs demodulation processing according to a predetermined demodulation method and outputs a data signal. In step S32, the demultiplexer 221 performs demultiplexing processing to separate a transmission stream corresponding to the data signal, and separates the video data, audio data, and control information contained in the transmission stream.

[0075] In step S33, the control information acquisition unit 223 acquires the control information separated by the demultiplexing unit 221. The control unit 203 records the control information (such as the broadcast service configuration information descriptor included in the TLV-NIT) from the control information acquisition unit 223 in the memory 204. In step S34, the decoding unit 222 performs decoding processing according to a predetermined decoding method under the control of the control unit 203, and decodes the encoded video data and audio data.

[0076] At this time, the receiving unit 201 performs the processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 17 under control of the control unit 203. The control unit 203 controls the receiving unit 201 and the processing unit 202 based on the channel selection information included in the broadcast service configuration information descriptor recorded in the memory 204. In step S41, the control unit 203 determines whether or not it is a period during which a specific broadcast service is provided, based on the time information. If it is determined in step S41 that it is not a period during which a specific broadcast service is provided, the processing ends. In this case, the broadcast signal is transmitted by SISO transmission, so in the receiving unit 201, the demodulation unit 211-1 performs demodulation processing on the received broadcast signal, and a data signal is output.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S41 that the current period is a period during which a specific broadcast service is provided, the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the control unit 203 determines whether the transmission method of the specific broadcast service is CB transmission based on the transmission method information. If it is determined in step S42 that the transmission method is CB transmission, the process proceeds to step S43. In step S43, the combining unit 212 combines the first divided data signal from the demodulation unit 211-1 and the second divided data signal from the demodulation unit 211-2, and outputs the resulting data signal. This outputs a data signal obtained from the broadcast signal transmitted by CB transmission using two channels (RF1, RF2). Then, the control unit 203 controls the processing unit 202 based on the identification information, thereby decrypting the data constituting the specific broadcast service, and the specific broadcast service (e.g., premium service) becomes viewable.

[0078] If it is determined in step S42 that the transmission is not CB transmission, the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, the receiving unit 201 performs processing according to the identification of the wireless transmission system. Here, for example, if the wireless transmission system is MIMO, processing according to MIMO transmission is performed. When step S43 or S44 is completed, the series of processes ends.

[0079] As described above, in the present disclosure, the transmitting device 10 transmits a broadcast service configuration information descriptor including channel selection information (including time information, transmission method information, and specific information), and the receiving device 20 can perform control based on the channel selection information included in the broadcast service configuration information descriptor to output data included in a transmission stream corresponding to a specific broadcast service indicated by the specific information, which is obtained from a broadcast signal corresponding to the transmission method indicated by the transmission method information, during a period corresponding to the time indicated by the time information.

[0080] As a result, when a specific broadcast service is provided and the broadcast service organization is dynamically changed, the receiving device 20 can select the specific broadcast service based on the channel selection information included in the pre-recorded broadcast service configuration information descriptor, thereby reducing the processing load. For example, when dynamically organizing broadcast services, the receiving device 20 does not need to perform a channel scan process (a process for acquiring a list of broadcast services that the receiving device 20 can receive), thereby reducing the processing load. Furthermore, even when broadcast services are organized (dynamically organized), the receiving device 20 can continue receiving the broadcast service without performing a channel scan process.

[0081] In conventional terrestrial digital television broadcasting, the lineup of broadcast services does not change dynamically (except for exceptions such as frequency repacking), and a receiving device 20 such as a television set can obtain the information necessary for channel selection by performing a channel scan process (so-called initial scan) upon installation. Furthermore, when operating in a manner that dynamically changes the lineup of broadcast services, it is not realistic from the perspective of processing load, etc., for the receiving device 20 to perform a channel scan process each time a broadcast service is organized (dynamically organized). In contrast, in the present disclosure, by including channel selection information including time information, transmission method information, and identification information in the broadcast service configuration information descriptor placed in the TLV-NIT, the receiving device 20 can recognize the specific broadcast service to be received in advance, and can automatically select and receive the specific broadcast service when the time arrives for the specific broadcast service to be provided (distributed).

[0082] <Modification> In the above description, a method of dividing a data signal at the physical layer has been described as a CB method. However, a method of dividing a data signal at the transport layer may also be employed. When dividing at the transport layer, in the transmitting device 10 of FIG. 2 , the dividing unit 121 is provided on the processing unit 101 side, not on the transmitting unit 102 side. In the processing unit 101, the dividing unit 121 divides data (data constituting a specific broadcast service) before the encoding unit 111 and performs encoding processing on each of the divided data (divided data). On the other hand, in the receiving device 20 of FIG. 4 , the combining unit 212 is provided on the processing unit 202 side, not on the receiving unit 201 side. In the processing unit 202, the combining unit 212 combines the divided data decoded after the decoding unit 222, and outputs the resulting data (data constituting a specific broadcast service). Note that, in the above description, a case has been described in which a data signal is divided into two streams (bi-split) in CB transmission. However, the data signal may also be divided into three or more streams (three or more splits). In other words, CB transmission may be performed using three or more channels.

[0083] In the above description, the next-generation ISDB-T standard (Advanced Terrestrial Broadcasting Standard) has been described as a broadcasting standard for terrestrial digital television broadcasting. However, the present disclosure may be applied to other broadcasting standards. Furthermore, in the above description, the receiving device 20 is a television receiver. However, the fixed receiver may be, for example, an electronic device such as a set-top box (STB), a recorder, a game console, or a personal computer (PC). Furthermore, the receiving device 20 is not limited to a fixed receiver, and may be, for example, a mobile receiver such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet computer. Furthermore, the receiving device 20 may be, for example, an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, such as an in-vehicle television, or a wearable computer, such as a head-mounted display (HMD).

[0084] <Computer Configuration> The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed in a computer. Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the above-described series of processes by a program.

[0085] In the computer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303 are interconnected by a bus 304. An input / output interface 305 is also connected to the bus 304. An input unit 306, an output unit 307, a storage unit 308, a communication unit 309, and a drive 310 are connected to the input / output interface 305.

[0086] The input unit 306 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc. The output unit 307 includes a display, a speaker, etc. The storage unit 308 includes a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, etc. The communication unit 309 includes a network interface, etc. The drive 310 drives a removable recording medium 311 such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk.

[0087] In a computer configured as described above, the CPU 301 loads a program recorded in the ROM 302 or the memory unit 308 into the RAM 303 via the input / output interface 305 and the bus 304 and executes the program, thereby performing the above-described series of processes.

[0088] The program executed by the computer (CPU 301) can be provided by being recorded on a removable recording medium 311 such as a package medium, for example. The program can also be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

[0089] In a computer, the program can be installed in the storage unit 308 via the input / output interface 305 by inserting the removable recording medium 311 into the drive 310. The program can also be received by the communication unit 309 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the storage unit 308. Alternatively, the program can be installed in advance in the ROM 302 or the storage unit 308.

[0090] The processing performed by a computer according to a program includes processing that is executed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processing or object-based processing). Furthermore, the program may be processed by a single computer (processor) or may be distributed among multiple computers.

[0091] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0092] The present disclosure can also be configured as follows.

[0093] (1) A transmitting device comprising: a first generating unit that generates control information including channel selection information; a second generating unit that generates a transmission stream including data constituting a broadcast service and the control information; and a transmitting unit that transmits the transmission stream as a broadcast signal, wherein the channel selection information includes time information indicating a time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating a transmission method for the specific broadcast service, and identification information that identifies the data constituting the specific broadcast service, and the transmitting unit transmits the transmission stream corresponding to the specific broadcast service as the broadcast signal corresponding to the transmission method during a period corresponding to the time. (2) The transmission method includes at least SISO (Single Input Single Output) and CB (Channel Bonding), and the transmitting device according to (1) further comprises a dividing unit that divides a data signal corresponding to the transmission stream into a first divided data signal and a second divided data signal when the transmission method is CB, and the transmitting unit transmits the first divided data signal and the second divided data signal as the broadcast signal via CB transmission. (3) The transmitting device according to (1) or (2), wherein the time information includes information indicating a start date and time and an end date and time of provision of the specific broadcast service. (4) The transmitting device according to (1) or (2), wherein the time information includes information indicating a change date and time for changing the broadcast services including the specific broadcast service. (5) The transmitting device according to any of (1) to (4), wherein the specification information includes a first identifier for identifying a broadcaster and a second identifier for identifying the transport stream. (6) The transmitting device according to any of (1) to (5), wherein the transport stream is a TLV (Type Length Value) stream, and wherein the channel selection information is included in a descriptor arranged in a TLV-NIT (Network Information Table).(7) A transmission method including: a transmitting device generating control information including channel selection information; generating a transmission stream including data constituting a broadcast service and the control information; and transmitting the transmission stream as a broadcast signal, wherein the channel selection information includes time information indicating a time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating a transmission method for the specific broadcast service, and specific information identifying the data constituting the specific broadcast service; and further including transmitting the transmission stream corresponding to the specific broadcast service as the broadcast signal corresponding to the transmission method during a period corresponding to the time. (8) A receiving device comprising: a receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal; an acquiring unit that acquires control information contained in a transmission stream obtained from the broadcast signal; and a control unit that controls the operation of each unit to output data constituting a broadcast service contained in the transmission stream based on the control information, wherein the control information includes tuning information including time information indicating the time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating the transmission method of the specific broadcast service, and specific information identifying the data constituting the specific broadcast service, and the control unit controls to output the data constituting the specific broadcast service obtained from the broadcast signal according to the transmission method during a period according to the time based on the tuning information. (9) The receiving device according to (8), wherein the transmission method includes at least SISO (Single Input Single Output) and CB (Channel Bonding), and further includes a combining unit that combines a first divided data signal and a second divided data signal obtained by dividing a data signal corresponding to the transmission stream when the transmission method is CB, and the control unit controls to combine the first divided data signal and the second divided data signal obtained from the broadcast signal transmitted by CB transmission based on the channel selection information, and output data constituting the specific broadcast service. (10) The receiving device according to (8) or (9), wherein the time information includes information indicating a start date and time and a stop date and time of provision of the specific broadcast service.(11) The receiving device according to (8) or (9), wherein the time information includes information indicating a change date and time when the broadcast service including the specific broadcast service is changed. (12) The receiving device according to any one of (8) to (11), wherein the specification information includes a first identifier that identifies a broadcaster and a second identifier that identifies the transport stream. (13) The receiving device according to any one of (8) to (11), wherein the transport stream is a TLV (Type Length Value) stream, and the tuning information is included in a descriptor arranged in a TLV-NIT (Network Information Table). (14) A receiving method including a receiving device receiving a broadcast signal, acquiring control information included in a transmission stream obtained from the broadcast signal, and controlling the operation of each unit based on the control information to output data constituting a broadcast service included in the transmission stream, wherein the control information includes tuning information including time information indicating a time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating a transmission method for the specific broadcast service, and specific information for identifying data constituting the specific broadcast service, and further including controlling, based on the tuning information, to output data constituting the specific broadcast service obtained from the broadcast signal according to the transmission method during a period according to the time.

[0094] 10 transmitting device, 20 receiving device, 101 processing unit, 102 transmitting unit, 103 control unit, 111 encoding unit, 112 control information generating unit, 113 multiplexing unit, 121 division unit, 122-1, 122-2 modulation unit, 131 switching unit, 132 to 134 terminal, 201 receiving unit, 202 processing unit, 203 control unit, 204 memory, 211-1, 211-2 demodulation unit, 212 combining unit, 221 demultiplexing unit, 222 decoding unit, 223 control information acquiring unit, 231 switching unit, 232 to 234 terminal

Claims

1. A transmitting device comprising: a first generating unit that generates control information including channel selection information; a second generating unit that generates a transmission stream including data constituting a broadcast service and the control information; and a transmitting unit that transmits the transmission stream as a broadcast signal, wherein the channel selection information includes time information indicating the time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating the transmission method of the specific broadcast service, and specific information that identifies the data constituting the specific broadcast service, and the transmitting unit transmits the transmission stream corresponding to the specific broadcast service as the broadcast signal corresponding to the transmission method during a period corresponding to the time.

2. The transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission method includes at least SISO (Single Input Single Output) and CB (Channel Bonding), and when the transmission method is CB, the transmitting device further comprises a dividing unit that divides a data signal corresponding to the transmission stream into a first divided data signal and a second divided data signal, and the transmitting unit transmits the first divided data signal and the second divided data signal as the broadcast signal by CB transmission.

3. A transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the time information includes information indicating the start date and time and end date and time of provision of the specific broadcasting service.

4. A transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the time information includes information indicating a change date and time when the broadcasting service including the specific broadcasting service is changed.

5. The transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the specific information includes a first identifier for identifying a broadcaster and a second identifier for identifying the transmission stream.

6. The transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission stream is a TLV (Type Length Value) stream, and the channel selection information is included in a descriptor arranged in a TLV-NIT (Network Information Table).

7. A transmission method comprising: a transmitting device generating control information including channel selection information; generating a transmission stream including data constituting a broadcast service and the control information; and transmitting the transmission stream as a broadcast signal, wherein the channel selection information includes time information indicating the time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating the transmission method of the specific broadcast service, and specific information identifying the data constituting the specific broadcast service; and further comprising transmitting the transmission stream corresponding to the specific broadcast service as the broadcast signal corresponding to the transmission method during a period corresponding to the time.

8. A receiving device comprising: a receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal; an acquiring unit that acquires control information contained in a transmission stream obtained from the broadcast signal; and a control unit that controls the operation of each unit to output data constituting a broadcast service contained in the transmission stream based on the control information, wherein the control information includes channel selection information including time information indicating the time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating the transmission method for the specific broadcast service, and specific information identifying the data constituting the specific broadcast service, and the control unit controls the output of data constituting the specific broadcast service obtained from the broadcast signal according to the transmission method during a period according to the time based on the channel selection information.

9. The receiving device according to claim 8, wherein the transmission method includes at least SISO (Single Input Single Output) and CB (Channel Bonding), and further comprises a combining unit that combines a first divided data signal and a second divided data signal obtained by dividing a data signal corresponding to the transmission stream when the transmission method is CB, and the control unit controls to combine the first divided data signal and the second divided data signal obtained from the broadcast signal transmitted by CB transmission based on the channel selection information, and output data constituting the specific broadcast service.

10. A receiving device according to claim 8, wherein the time information includes information indicating the start date and time and end date and time of the provision of the specific broadcasting service.

11. The receiving device according to claim 8, wherein the time information includes information indicating a change date and time when the broadcasting service including the specific broadcasting service is changed.

12. The receiving device according to claim 8, wherein the specific information includes a first identifier for identifying a broadcaster and a second identifier for identifying the transmission stream.

13. The receiving device according to claim 8, wherein the transmission stream is a TLV (Type Length Value) stream, and the channel selection information is included in a descriptor arranged in a TLV-NIT (Network Information Table).

14. A receiving method comprising: a receiving device receiving a broadcast signal; acquiring control information contained in a transmission stream obtained from the broadcast signal; and controlling the operation of each unit based on the control information to output data constituting a broadcast service contained in the transmission stream, wherein the control information includes channel selection information including time information indicating the time at which a specific broadcast service is provided, transmission method information indicating the transmission method for the specific broadcast service, and specific information identifying the data constituting the specific broadcast service; and further comprising controlling, based on the channel selection information, to output the data constituting the specific broadcast service obtained from the broadcast signal according to the transmission method during a period corresponding to the time.

Images