Terminal device and program

Abstract

To easily switch between a service provided via the Internet and broadcasting.SOLUTION: A terminal device that controls a receiver capable of receiving broadcasting and communication collaboration services includes a receiver control unit that starts or ends an application implemented in a receiver by transmitting identification information of a pre-registered application and a control command to the receiver, and a service content processing unit that selects the broadcast channel by transmitting information on the broadcast channel and a control command to the receiver.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, smart TVs that can use various Internet services by connecting to the Internet in addition to conventional broadcasting have become widespread. Smart TV manufacturers provide individual applications that run on their own platforms. Users generally use such applications to use Internet services. In addition, a broadcasting / communication linking function using hybrid cast as shown in Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2 makes it possible to link broadcasting and Internet services.

[0003] According to the application model described in Non-Patent Document 1, Internet services realized by broadcast managed applications or broadcast independent managed applications can transition to and from broadcast services. In addition, the protocol "DIAL" described in Non-Patent Document 3 is a standard for discovering applications on devices such as smart TVs from terminals such as smartphones, and for starting and ending specified applications. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] IPTV Regulations Broadcasting and Communications Integration System Specifications, IPTVFJ STD-0010 Version 2.4, Revised January 21, 2022, IPTV Forum, General Incorporated Association. [Non-Patent Document 2] IPTV Regulations Hybridcast Operational Regulations, IPTVFJ STD-0013 Version 2.10, Revised January 21, 2022, IPTV Forum General Incorporated Association. [Non-Patent Document 3] DIAL DIscovery and Launch protocol specification, Version 2.2.1, Revised June 11, 2021, Netflix, Inc. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Even if the above-mentioned conventional technology is used, applications other than the broadcast managed application and the broadcast independent managed application realized by hybrid cast (i.e., general applications in Non-Patent Document 1, etc.) cannot be mutually transitioned to and from broadcast on a smart TV. Therefore, for example, when watching an application that runs on a platform of each smart TV manufacturer, if the user wants to switch to broadcast, or vice versa, the user must temporarily close the application or service being used and start the next application or service to be used. Therefore, there is a problem that the number of steps that the user must perform is increased, which impairs convenience.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS The present invention provides a terminal device and a program that enable easy switching between services provided via the Internet and broadcasting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a terminal device that controls a receiver capable of receiving a broadcasting and communication cooperation service, the terminal device including: a receiver control unit that starts or ends an application implemented in the receiver by transmitting identification information of a pre-registered application and a control command to the receiver; and a service content processing unit that tunes into the broadcast channel by transmitting information about the broadcast channel and a control command to the receiver.

[0008] [2] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a terminal device as described in [1] above, further comprising a terminal presentation unit capable of simultaneously presenting an application implemented in the receiver or an application that can be launched, and a channel that can be selected by the receiver.

[0009] [3] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device described in [2] above, the terminal presenting unit further presents information identifying the controllable receiver.

[0010] [4] Moreover, in one aspect of the present invention, in a terminal device described in any one of [1] to [3] above, the receiver control unit performs pre-configuration processing by transmitting information for searching for receivers that are within a range connectable to the receiver control unit via a predetermined communication network, and obtaining information about the receiver and information about applications implemented in the receiver in response to the transmission.

[0011] [5] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device described in [4] above, the receiver control unit performs pre-configuration processing by obtaining, as the response, information regarding the presence and status of applications implemented in the receiver, and information identifying the programming channels that can be selected by the receiver.

[0012] [6] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a terminal device according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the receiver control unit uses a DIAL protocol to send identification information of a pre-registered application and a control command to the receiver, thereby starting or terminating an application implemented in the receiver.

[0013] [7] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the terminal device described in any of [1] to [6] above, the service content processing unit tunes the receiver to a specified channel by transmitting information about a broadcast channel and a control command to the receiver using an external invocation of a hybridcast linked terminal communication protocol.

[0014] [8] Another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer that controls a receiver capable of receiving a broadcasting and communication integrated service to execute a receiver control step of starting or terminating an application implemented in the receiver by transmitting identification information of a pre-registered application and a control command to the receiver, and a service content processing step of selecting the broadcast channel by transmitting information about the broadcast channel and a control command to the receiver. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily switch between a service provided via the Internet and a broadcast. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system including a terminal device and a receiver according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stack model of a receiver according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a receiver according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a first sequence diagram showing an operation sequence between a terminal device and a receiver according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a second sequence diagram showing an operation sequence between the terminal device and the receiver according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a first diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed on a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed on a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed on a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed on a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 5 is a fifth diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed on a terminal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a receiver and a terminal device according to the present embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] [Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the terms used in this embodiment will be described. "App" means an application program. An application program may also be simply called an "application" or a "program." "Hybridcast" is the name of a method or system that links broadcasting and communication. "AIT" means an Application Information Table used in Hybridcast. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. "LAN" is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. "URL" is an abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator. "HTTP" is an abbreviation for Hyper-text Transfer Protocol.

[0018] [Function configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system including a terminal device and a receiver according to an embodiment. As shown in the figure, the system 1 includes a broadcast transmission device 10, a receiver 20, a service server device 30, and a terminal device 40. Of these devices, the broadcast transmission device 10 and the service server device 30 are devices operated by a broadcasting company or the like. The receiver 20 and the terminal device 40 are devices owned and used by general users (broadcast viewers, etc.). In the following description, general users who use the receiver 20 and the terminal device 40 may be simply referred to as "users". Note that the system 1 may include a plurality of each of the broadcast transmission device 10, the receiver 20, the service server device 30, and the terminal device 40.

[0019] In the system 1, the terminal device 40 and the receiver 20 are connected to a network of the same segment. The terminal device 40 and the receiver 20 can communicate with each other by short-range communication means such as wireless LAN. In the system 1, the terminal device 40, the receiver 20, and the service server device 30 are each connected to a communication network such as the Internet 50 and can communicate with each other. The Internet 50 is an open network, and devices connected to the Internet 50 can communicate with each other using a predetermined protocol.

[0020] The terminal device 40 communicates with the receiver 20 via a communication means such as a wireless LAN. The terminal device 40 can operate in cooperation with the receiver 20 by being connected to the receiver 20. The terminal device 40 has an operating environment for running an app. The terminal device 40 can request the receiver 20 to start a hybridcast app running on the receiver 20, for example, by a function of the app. The terminal device 40 can receive app code, data (contents, etc.) used by the app, etc. from the service server device 30 via the Internet 50 as necessary. The terminal device 40 is specifically realized by using a smartphone, a tablet terminal device, a wearable terminal device, a PC, etc.

[0021] The receiver 20 is a device that receives television broadcasts. The receiver 20 receives, demodulates, and decodes the broadcast signal sent from the broadcast sending device 10. That is, the receiver 20 extracts content such as video and audio from the broadcast signal sent from the broadcast sending device 10 and presents it to a user. In addition to conventional broadcasting using the broadcast signal from the broadcast sending device 10, the receiver 20 can use various Internet services by connecting to the Internet 50. That is, the receiver 20 can be said to be a smart TV that can receive broadcast communication cooperation services. The receiver 20 has a function corresponding to hybrid cast. That is, the receiver 20 has an application operating environment for operating a hybrid cast application. In addition, the receiver 20 communicates with the service server device 30 via the Internet 50. In addition, the receiver 20 can communicate with the terminal device 40 via a communication means such as a wireless LAN and operate in cooperation with the terminal device 40.

[0022] The broadcast transmission device 10 is a device that transmits a broadcast signal. The broadcast signal can be transmitted by a transmission medium such as the air (space), a metal cable, or an optical cable. The broadcast signal generated by the broadcast transmission device 10 is received by the receiver 20.

[0023] The service server device 30 distributes data such as the AIT of Hybridcast, the application itself (execution code of the application, etc.), and content used by the application to the terminal device 40 and the receiver 20 via the Internet 50.

[0024] The Internet 50 is a communication network. For example, communication using the Internet Protocol is performed on the Internet 50. Communication can be performed between the terminal device 40 and the service server device 30 via the Internet 50. In addition, communication can be performed between the receiver 20 and the service server device 30 via the Internet 50.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a stack model of a receiver according to the present embodiment. The receiver 20 has at least three layers: an OS (Operation System), middleware, and an application execution environment, and a plurality of applications run on the application execution environment. The application execution environment is, for example, an HTML5 browser or Android, and executes applications that run on the platform of each smart TV manufacturer. This does not include apps related to hybrid casting, such as broadcast managed apps and broadcast independent managed apps. In addition, functions specialized for broadcasting, such as a broadcast communication cooperation function and a broadcast reception function, are executed on the middleware or application execution environment. Note that functions related to hybrid casting (including the application execution environment) are included in the broadcast communication cooperation function.

[0026] The figure shows two different stack models. In the model shown in FIG. 2(A), broadcast-specific functions such as a broadcast-communication cooperation function and a broadcast reception function are separated from an application execution environment. That is, in this model, broadcast-specific functions such as a broadcast-communication cooperation function and a broadcast reception function are executed on middleware. On the other hand, in the model shown in FIG. 2(B), broadcast-specific functions such as a broadcast-communication cooperation function and a broadcast reception function and an application can be executed on a single application execution environment. Note that the receiver 20 according to this embodiment may adopt either the configuration of FIG. 2(A) or FIG. 2(B).

[0027] FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the receiver according to the present embodiment. With reference to the figure, an example of the functional configuration of the receiver 20 will be described. The figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the receiver 20 having the stack model shown in FIG. 2(A). The receiver 20 has a broadcast receiving function 21, a broadcast communication cooperation function 22, an application execution environment 23, and an OS / middleware 24. Each of these functional units is realized, for example, by using an electronic circuit. Each functional unit may have a storage means such as a semiconductor memory or a magnetic hard disk device inside as necessary. Each function may be realized by a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and software. All or a part of each functional unit may be realized by using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). All or a part of each functional unit may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0028] Furthermore, the receiver 20 may be configured with multiple devices (computers) and each functional block may be distributed among multiple devices. Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the receiver 20 may be realized using an external device such as a CPU or hardware provided in an external device such as a cloud server.

[0029] Specifically, the broadcast receiving function 21 has a receiving unit 211, a demodulating unit 212, a decoding unit 213, and a tuning unit 214. The receiving unit 211 is a functional unit that receives broadcast radio waves transmitted from the broadcast transmitting device 10. The demodulating unit 212 is a functional unit that demodulates the broadcast radio waves received by the receiving unit 211. The decoding unit 213 is a functional unit that decodes the signal demodulated by the demodulating unit 212. The signal decoded by the demodulating unit 212 is output to the OS middleware 24 and presented to the user by the presentation unit 241. The tuning unit 214 is a function that specifies an organized channel and selects a signal to be demodulated. As shown in the figure, the designated organized channel is performed by the broadcast communication cooperation function 22.

[0030] Specifically, the broadcasting and communication cooperation function 22 includes a broadcasting and communication cooperation application execution environment 221 and an external start execution unit 222. The broadcasting and communication cooperation application execution environment 221 is an execution environment for executing a broadcasting and communication cooperation application. Here, a broadcasting and communication cooperation function by hybrid cast is assumed. This execution environment may be, for example, a Web browser compatible with the standard of Non-Patent Document 2. The external start execution unit 222 executes various processes for a request received from the terminal device 40. The request received from the terminal device 40 is transmitted to the external start execution unit 222 via the DIAL server unit 243. Note that the request from the terminal device 40 may be, for example, an HTTP response of a RESTful API and a request to start a hybrid cast application, as described in 7.2.3.2.3 of Non-Patent Document 2. The external start execution unit 222 issues a channel selection instruction to the channel selection unit 214 in response to the received request. In addition, the external start execution unit 222 issues an instruction to start a Web application to the broadcasting and communication cooperation application execution environment 221. The broadcast / communication cooperative application execution environment 221 transmits information about the executed Web application to the presentation unit 241, thereby presenting the application execution screen to the user.

[0031] In detail, the application execution environment 23 has at least an application execution environment 231. The application execution environment 231 executes Android applications, Web applications, and the like. Here, applications that run on the platform of the receiver 20 manufacturer are assumed. Applications that are targets of execution by the application execution environment 231 may be pre-installed on the receiver 20 (at the time of shipping from the factory), or may be downloaded from the service server device 30 via the Internet 50. Note that in this embodiment, the application execution environment 231 is assumed to be incapable of linking with broadcasts or accessing broadcast resources.

[0032] The OS middleware 24 has a presentation unit 241, an application start control unit 242, and a DIAL server unit 243. The presentation unit 241 synthesizes video and audio based on the signal decoded by the decoding unit 213. The presentation unit 241 also has a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, and an audio output unit such as a speaker, and outputs the synthesized video and audio. The application start control unit 242 has a function of specifying an application to be executed in the application execution environment 231, controlling the start and end, and monitoring the status. The application start control unit 242 may control and monitor the application based on the user's operation using a remote control or the like. The application start control unit 242 also responds to a control instruction from the DIAL server unit 243.

[0033] The DIAL server unit 243 is a server that complies with the standard shown in Non-Patent Document 3. The DIAL server unit 243 is a functional unit that corresponds to the "DIAL REST Service" in Non-Patent Document 3. The IDs and names of applications that run on the application execution environment 231 are registered in advance in the DIAL server unit 243. The DIAL server unit 243 generates information required for connection to the terminal device 40 based on the information registered in advance and a value such as an IP address that identifies the receiver 20, and returns information based on a request from the terminal device 40. The information required for connection to the terminal device 40 generated by the DIAL server unit 243 may be, for example, information such as Device Description and additional Data. That is, according to this embodiment, by providing the DIAL server unit 243, in addition to conventional remote control operations, etc., the application is started, controlled, and terminated, and broadcast channels are selected based on the user's operation of the terminal device 40.

[0034] For broadcast channel selection, external invocation of the hybrid cast linkage terminal protocol described in Non-Patent Document 2 is used. At this time, the values ​​required for Device Description and additional Data are registered in advance with the information specified in 7.2.1.1.1 and 7.2.1.1.2 of Non-Patent Document 2.

[0035] In another embodiment, the DIAL server unit 243 may be implemented as a single application that runs on the application execution environment 231.

[0036] The receiver 20 may also include a terminal linking unit (not shown). The terminal linking unit has a function of linking with a terminal device 40 such as a smartphone by a predetermined communication method. The terminal linking unit establishes a connection with the terminal device 40, for example, via wireless LAN.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device according to this embodiment. With reference to the same figure, an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 40 will be described. The terminal device 40 has an OS 41 and an application 42. Each of these functional units is realized, for example, by using an electronic circuit. Each functional unit may have a storage means such as a semiconductor memory or a magnetic hard disk device inside as necessary. Each function may be realized by a computer having a CPU and software. All or a part of each functional unit may be realized by using hardware such as an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA. All or a part of each functional unit may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0038] The OS 41 performs task management, memory management, file management, etc., to control the overall processing of the terminal device 40. The OS 41 also provides an interface between an application 42 and hardware (not shown).

[0039] The application 42 includes, for example, a receiver control unit 421, a service content processing unit 422, and a terminal presentation unit 423. The application 42 may also include any other application installed by the user.

[0040] The receiver control unit 421 is an interface with each functional unit of the receiver 20. Specifically, the receiver control unit 421 transmits HTTP requests and receives responses corresponding to the DIAL protocol defined in Non-Patent Document 3 and the linked terminal communication protocol defined in Non-Patent Document 2. The receiver control unit 421 also performs various processes required for terminal authentication of the linked terminal communication protocol.

[0041] The service content processing unit 422 has a function of acquiring and executing services and contents provided by the service server device 30. This function corresponds to a Web browser or the like. The service content processing unit 422 presents components such as buttons to the user via the terminal presentation unit 423, and accepts user operations in response to the operation of the components. User operations include, for example, presettings for connecting the terminal device 40 and the receiver 20, starting, controlling, and terminating applications, and selecting broadcast channels. When the service content processing unit 422 accepts a user operation, it notifies the receiver control unit 421.

[0042] The terminal presentation unit 423 has a function of presenting information to a user based on instructions from the receiver control unit 421 and the service / content processing unit 422. The information presented by the terminal presentation unit 423 may be generated by the service / content processing unit 422 or other applications.

[0043] [Operation sequence] Next, an example of an operation sequence between the terminal device 40 and the receiver 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. These operations are based on the DIAL protocol defined in Non-Patent Document 3 and the linked terminal communication protocol defined in Non-Patent Document 2.

[0044] 5 is a first sequence diagram showing an operation sequence between a terminal device and a receiver according to this embodiment. First, with reference to the same figure, an operation sequence related to presetting performed between the terminal device 40 and the receiver 20 will be described. The operation sequence related to presetting specifically includes a first sequence to a third sequence. Each flow will be specifically described below.

[0045] [First sequence] First, the terminal device 40 registers the controllable receivers 20 in accordance with the user's operation.

[0046] (Step S11) The service content processing unit 422 multicasts an M-search message on the same network via the receiver control unit 421. The receiver control unit 421 can also transmit information for searching for receivers 20 that exist within a range connectable to itself via a predetermined communication network (e.g., LAN). Specifically, the service content processing unit 422 executes a search for receivers 20 that are compatible with the DIAL protocol by multicasting the M-search message via the receiver control unit 421. At this time, "urn:dialmultiscreen-org:service:dial:1" is described in the message.

[0047] (Step S12) If a receiver 20 compatible with the DIAL protocol exists on the same network, the receiver 20 returns an HTTP response to the receiver control unit 421. The function of the receiver 20 is performed by the DIAL server unit 243. The URL of the Device Description is written in the Location header of the response.

[0048] (Step S13) Next, the receiver control unit 421 of the terminal device 40 that has received the response uses the acquired URL to execute a request to the DIAL server unit of the receiver 20 by the HTTP GET method.

[0049] (Step S15) The DIAL server unit 243 of the receiver 20 returns an HTTP response to the receiver control unit 421. The receiver control unit 421 of the terminal device 40 acquires, as the HTTP response, the Device Description and the URL of the application installed in the receiver 20. That is, the receiver control unit 421 of the terminal device 40 acquires, as the response, information on the receiver 20 and information on the application installed in the receiver 20, thereby performing pre-setting processing. The receiver control unit 421 outputs device information such as the device name from the acquired Device Description and information such as the registered name of the application to the service content processing unit 422. In the linked terminal communication protocol for selecting a broadcast channel, the application name is registered as "Hybridcast", so the receiver control unit 421 may output the application name to the service content processing unit 422.

[0050] Next, the terminal device 40 has the user select and decide the receiver 20 to be controlled. In detail, the service content processing unit 422 displays the device names of the receivers 20 that have been pre-configured and can be connected on the terminal presentation unit 423. The user refers to one or more of the displayed device names to select the receiver 20 to be connected to the terminal device 40. When the receiver 20 is selected by the user's operation, the terminal presentation unit 423 displays a list of applications installed on the receiver 20. The user can select which application to use by referring to the displayed list. The broadcast channel selection function is also displayed so that the user can select whether or not to use it, similar to the use of applications. It is assumed that the user uses a certain receiver 20 on a daily basis, and the selected receiver 20 and various information associated with it are stored in the service content processing unit 422 or the receiver control unit 421, making it unnecessary to execute the above-mentioned procedure every time a connection is made.

[0051] [Second Sequence] When the use of the broadcast channel selection function is selected, terminal authentication as specified in 7.2.2 of non-patent document 2 as the operation of the linked terminal communication protocol is performed between the receiver control unit 421 of the terminal device 40 and the external start-up execution unit 222 of the receiver 20. (Step S21) First, the receiver control unit 421 of the terminal device 40 transmits a terminal authentication request to the external start-up execution unit 222 of the receiver 20.

[0052] (Step S22) The external activation execution unit 222 outputs the authentication result to the receiver control unit 421 of the terminal device 40. Note that the operation required for authentication and the authentication result may be displayed by the service content processing unit 422 of the terminal device 40.

[0053] [Third Sequence] Next, when an application is selected by a user operation from the list of applications installed in receiver 20 displayed on terminal presentation unit 423, an application existence confirmation sequence is performed. Note that this application existence confirmation sequence is not an essential operation in this embodiment. Note that it is also assumed that the application to be used is registered in service content processing unit 422 in advance, and only that application is displayed on terminal presentation unit 423.

[0054] (Step S31) The service content processing unit 422 checks, by the HTTP GET method, whether or not the selected application exists in the receiver 20. At this time, the end point is determined by the application URL and the application name.

[0055] (Step S32) DIAL server section 243 of receiver 20 checks with application start control section 242, and if the target application exists, transmits a response of “200 OK” to receiver control section 421 of terminal device 40.

[0056] 6 is a second sequence diagram showing an operation sequence between a terminal device and a receiver according to the present embodiment. With reference to the diagram, an operation sequence relating to starting an application (fourth sequence), terminating an application (fifth sequence), and selecting a broadcast channel (sixth sequence) will be described.

[0057] [Fourth Sequence] In this sequence, an application is started in the receiver 20. In the application start sequence, the receiver control unit 421 starts the application installed in the receiver 20 by transmitting identification information of the application registered in advance and a control command to the receiver 20. In this embodiment, the application start sequence is performed using the DIAL protocol described in Non-Patent Document 3. Note that the operation of this sequence requires that the receiver 20 to be connected based on the user's operation in the first sequence is determined. If the existence of the application is confirmed by the third sequence, this sequence is surely performed, but this sequence may be performed without performing the third sequence. Note that if the receiver 20 is not in a state where the target application can be executed, it returns an error code to the terminal device 40 as a failure to start the application.

[0058] (Step S41) First, the service content processing unit 422 acquires information regarding the start of the application selected in the third sequence. The service content processing unit 422 outputs a start instruction to the DIAL server unit 243 of the receiver 20 via the receiver control unit 421. The start instruction is specifically executed by the HTTP POST method. At this time, the endpoint determined in the above-mentioned presetting is used.

[0059] (Step S42) DIAL server unit 243 sends a command to launch the specified application (Launch app) to application launch control unit 242. Application launch control unit 242 instructs application execution environment 231 to launch the specified application.

[0060] (Step S43) If the activation is successful, the DIAL server unit 243 returns a response of “200 OK” to the receiver control unit 421 of the terminal device 40.

[0061] [Fifth Sequence] In this sequence, the application is terminated. In the application termination sequence, the receiver control unit 421 transmits identification information of the preregistered application and a control command to the receiver 20, thereby terminating the application installed in the receiver 20. In this embodiment, the application termination sequence is performed using the DIAL protocol described in Non-Patent Document 3.

[0062] (Step S51) First, the terminal presentation unit 423 presents an application to the user. If the user wishes to terminate the presented application, the user performs an operation on the terminal device 40. The service content processing unit 422 acquires information regarding the termination of the application in response to the user's operation. The service content processing unit 422 outputs a termination instruction to the DIAL server unit 243 of the receiver 20 via the receiver control unit 421. Unlike the start instruction, the termination instruction is executed by DELETE, not the HTTP POST method. At this time, the endpoint determined in the above-mentioned pre-setting is used.

[0063] (Step S52) DIAL server unit 243 sends a command to stop the specified application (Stopping app) to application start control unit 242. Application start control unit 242 instructs application execution environment 231 to stop the specified application.

[0064] (Step S53) If the termination is successful, the DIAL server unit 243 returns a response of “200 OK” to the receiver control unit 421 of the terminal device 40.

[0065] [Sixth Sequence] In this sequence, a broadcast channel is selected. This sequence is executed when the use of the broadcast channel selection function is selected by the user's operation in the second sequence and the terminal authentication result is received (step S22). In the broadcast channel selection sequence, the service content processing unit 422 selects the broadcast channel by transmitting information about the broadcast channel and a control command to the receiver 20. In this embodiment, the broadcast channel selection sequence is executed using external activation of the hybridcast linked terminal communication protocol.

[0066] (Step S61) First, the service content processing unit 422 acquires information on broadcast channel selection in response to a user's operation. The service content processing unit 422 outputs a broadcast channel selection instruction request to the external start execution unit 222 of the receiver 20 via the receiver control unit 421. The broadcast channel selection instruction request is specifically executed by the HTTP POST method. At this time, the endpoint determined in the above-mentioned presetting is used. Specifically, the start request API specified in 7.2.3.2.3.3.1 of Non-Patent Document 2 is executed. "mode=tune" is specified as a query, and at least information on the organization channel to be selected is specified in the body of the request. Specifically, the information on the organization channel to be selected may be a set of original_network_id, transport_stream_id (or tlv_stream_id), and service_id. The organization channel information is determined by the service content processing unit 422 of the terminal device 40. Also, "mode=app" may be specified as a query to start a designated broadcast managed application in addition to the channel selection. Furthermore, if the application executed by the service content processing unit is a Web application, the startAITControlledAppToHostDevice function may be used as defined in 7.1.7.2.1 of Non-Patent Document 2. The external start execution unit 222 of the receiver 20 issues an instruction to the channel selection unit 214 to select a channel.

[0067] (Step S61) If the channel selection is successful, the external start execution unit 222 returns a response of “200 OK” to the receiver control unit 421 of the terminal device 40.

[0068] In the above example, an example of channel selection was described, but it is also possible to specify "app" as the query and information regarding the hybridcast application required for launch in the body of the request, and launch the hybridcast application along with the channel selection.

[0069] [Screen Configuration] Next, an example of the screen configuration of a display screen displayed on the terminal device 40 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 11. The description with reference to these figures will show a series of procedures from the initial state to a state in which a connection with the receiver 20 is established and an application can be started and a broadcast channel can be selected. Fig. 7 to Fig. 11 show an example of a display screen presented by the terminal presentation unit 423 of the terminal device 40.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a first example of a screen configuration displayed on a terminal device according to this embodiment. A display screen D10 shown in FIG. 7(A) is an example of an initial screen presented by the terminal presentation unit 423 of the terminal device 40. In the following description, the display screen D10 may be referred to as a home screen. As shown in the figure, the display screen D10 has symbols D11 and D12 as a screen configuration. Symbol D11 is a home button for returning to the home screen. Symbol D12 is a setting button for proceeding to a setting screen.

[0071] 7(B) is an example of a setting screen presented by the terminal presentation unit 423 of the terminal device 40. On this screen, the user can perform settings such as connection to the receiver 20, confirmation of apps that can be started, and procedures required for selecting a broadcast channel. The display screen D20 has a screen configuration including symbols D21, D22, and D23.

[0072] Reference symbol D21 denotes a connection setting screen with the receiver 20. On the connection setting screen with the receiver 20, information for identifying the receiver 20 to be connected is displayed. Note that the illustrated example shows a non-connected state in which no connection with the receiver 20 has been made, and therefore no information for identifying the receiver 20 to be connected is displayed. On the connection setting screen with the receiver 20, a setting button is provided as reference symbol D211. When the user operates the setting button of reference symbol D211, the screen transitions to a display screen D31 shown in FIG. 8.

[0073] Reference symbol D22 denotes a launchable application confirmation screen. The launchable application confirmation screen displays information for identifying launchable applications. Note that the illustrated example shows a non-connected state in which no connection is made to the receiver 20, and therefore launchable applications are not identified and no information for identifying launchable applications is displayed. The launchable application confirmation screen includes a setting button, reference symbol D221. When the user operates the setting button, reference symbol D221, the screen transitions to a display screen D41 shown in FIG. 9.

[0074] Reference symbol D23 denotes a broadcast channel selection screen. The broadcast channel selection screen displays the result of terminal authentication performed between the receiver 20 and the terminal device 40. Note that the illustrated example shows a state in which connection with the receiver 20 has not yet been started, terminal authentication has not yet been performed, and the result is not displayed. The activatable application confirmation screen includes a setting button, reference symbol D231. When the user operates the setting button, reference symbol D231, the screen transitions to a display screen D51 shown in FIG. 10.

[0075] When the user operates the home button D11, the display screen transitions to a display screen D10 shown in Fig. 7(A). When the user operates the setting button D12 while the display screen D10 shown in Fig. 7(A) is being displayed, the display screen transitions to a display screen D20 shown in Fig. 7(B).

[0076] The display screen displayed by the terminal presentation unit 423 according to this embodiment can simultaneously present the applications that the receiver can start and the channels that the receiver can select. The terminal presentation unit 423 simultaneously presents the applications that the receiver can start and the channels that the receiver can select, allowing the user to easily switch between the services provided via the Internet and broadcasting by operating the terminal device 40.

[0077] Fig. 8 is a second example of a screen configuration displayed on a terminal device according to this embodiment. A display screen D31 shown in Fig. 8(A) is an example of a screen displayed when a setting button D211 is operated on a display screen D20, which is a setting screen. As shown in the figure, the display screen D31 has a screen configuration of D311. D311 is a search button for searching for connectable receivers 20. When the user operates the search button D311, the first sequence described with reference to Fig. 5 is executed.

[0078] The display screen D32 shown in FIG. 8B is an example of a setting screen presented by the user operating the reference symbol D311. The display screen D32 further includes the reference symbol D321 as a screen configuration. The reference symbol D321 displays a list of device names described in the Device Description. The list described in the reference symbol D321 is, in other words, a list of information for identifying the receiver 20 to which the terminal device 40 can be connected. The information for identifying the receiver 20 may be, for example, the manufacturer and product number of the receiver 20. In the illustrated example, "Company A_ZZ123", "Company B_TV333", and "Company C_AAA25" are displayed as a list of receivers 20 to which the terminal device 40 can be connected. The user selects a desired device from these lists to determine the connection target. The terminal device 40 stores information about the selected device.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a third example of a screen configuration displayed on the terminal device according to the present embodiment. A display screen D41 shown in FIG. 9(A) is an example of a screen displayed by operating a setting button D221 on a display screen D20, which is a setting screen. As shown in the figure, the display screen D41 has D411 and D412 as a screen configuration. An application to be used is displayed in advance on D412. In the example shown in the figure, "application X" and "application Y" are displayed as applications to be used. D411 is a confirmation button for a user to confirm applications that can be started. When the user operates the confirmation button D411, the third sequence described with reference to FIG. 5 is executed.

[0080] A display screen D42 shown in Fig. 9(B) is an example of a setting screen presented when the user operates reference symbol D411. The display screen D42 further includes reference symbol D421 as a screen configuration. Reference symbol D421 displays only applications for which 200 OK has been returned as a result of execution of the third sequence. The applications described in reference symbol D421 are applications that can be started by the terminal device 40. In the illustrated example, it is shown that only "application X" is available.

[0081] Fig. 10 is a fourth example of a screen configuration displayed on a terminal device according to this embodiment. A display screen D51 shown in Fig. 10(A) is an example of a screen displayed when a setting button D231 is operated on a display screen D20, which is a setting screen. As shown in the figure, the display screen D51 has a screen configuration of D511. D511 is an authentication button for performing terminal authentication. When the user operates the authentication button D511, the second sequence described with reference to Fig. 5 is executed.

[0082] Display screen D52 shown in FIG. 10(B) is an example of an authentication result display screen presented when the user operates the authentication button denoted by reference symbol D511. Display screen D52 further includes reference symbol D431 as a screen configuration. Reference symbol D431 displays the result of execution of the second sequence. In the illustrated example, "Authentication OK" is displayed. This indicates that the terminal device 40 has been authenticated by the receiver 20 as a result of the terminal authentication. Note that if the terminal device 40 has not been authenticated by the receiver 20 as a result of the terminal authentication, reference symbol D431 may display "Authentication NG."

[0083] FIG. 11 is a fifth example of a screen configuration displayed on the terminal device according to this embodiment. After the settings described with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 are performed, when the user operates the home button D11, the screen becomes as shown in FIG. 11(A). In the illustrated example, the connection setting screen D21 has “Company A_ZZ123” written as D61, indicating that the receiver 20 identified by “Company A_ZZ123” is connected. Furthermore, the startable application confirmation screen D22 has “Application X” written as D62, indicating that the application identified by “Application X” can be started. Furthermore, the broadcast channel selection screen D23 has “OK” written as D63, indicating that the broadcast channel can be selected.

[0084] 11B is a display screen for executing control of the receiver 20 by a user operation after the above-described presetting has been performed. The display screen D70 includes a screen configuration including reference numerals D71 and D72.

[0085] A list of selectable broadcast stations (organized channels) is displayed in D71. Here, a function for acquiring organized channel information as defined in 7.2.3.2.3.2.2 of Non-Patent Document 2 is executed, and a list of organized service names (broadcast_channel_name) described in the response is displayed. In the illustrated example, “XXX TV” is displayed as D711, “TV □□” as D712, “○○ Broadcast” as D713, and “△△TV” as D714. That is, the names of the broadcast stations are displayed in D711 to D714. D711 to D714 are button components that can be operated by the user. When any of D711 to D714 is operated by the user, the sixth sequence described with reference to FIG. 6 is executed. Specifically, information on the organization channel specified in the body of the request (original_network_id, transport_stream_id (or tlv_stream_id), service_id) is assigned to code D711 to code D714.

[0086] In the illustrated example, the application that can be started is displayed in the reference symbol D72. In addition, the reference symbol D72 is provided with a reference symbol D721 which is a button for starting the application, and a reference symbol D722 which is a button for ending the application. When the user operates the reference symbol D721 which is the start button, the fourth sequence described with reference to FIG. 6 is executed, and the application is started. When the user operates the reference symbol D722 which is the end button, the fifth sequence described with reference to FIG. 6 is executed, and the application is ended.

[0087] [Internal configuration] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the receiver and the terminal device according to the present embodiment. At least some of the functions of the receiver 20 and the terminal device 40 can be realized using a computer. As shown in the figure, the computer includes a central processing unit 901, a RAM 902, an input / output port 903, input / output devices 904 and 905, and a bus 906. The computer itself can be realized using existing technology. The central processing unit 901 executes instructions included in a program read from the RAM 902 or the like. The central processing unit 901 writes data to the RAM 902, reads data from the RAM 902, and performs arithmetic and logical operations according to each instruction. The RAM 902 stores data and programs. Each element included in the RAM 902 has an address and can be accessed using the address. Note that RAM is an abbreviation for "random access memory." The input / output port 903 is a port through which the central processing unit 901 exchanges data with an external input / output device or the like. The input / output devices 904 and 905 are input / output devices. The input / output devices 904 and 905 exchange data with the central processing unit 901 via the input / output port 903. The bus 906 is a common communication path used inside the computer. For example, the central processing unit 901 reads and writes data from the RAM 902 via the bus 906. Also, for example, the central processing unit 901 accesses the input / output port via the bus 906. Also, all or part of each functional unit provided in the receiver 20 and the terminal device 40 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA. Also, all or part of each functional unit may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0088] [Summary of the embodiment] According to the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 40 includes the receiver control unit 421, and transmits identification information of a preregistered application and a control command to the receiver 20 to start or end the application implemented in the receiver 20. Also, the terminal device 40 includes the service content processing unit 422, and transmits information about a broadcast channel and a control command to the receiver 20 to select the broadcast channel. That is, according to the present embodiment, by using a single terminal device 40 such as a smartphone or tablet, or a single application operating in the terminal device 40, two types of operations can be performed: starting and ending an application on the receiver 20 such as a smart TV, and selecting a broadcast channel.

[0089] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as long as the receiver is compatible with standards such as Hybridcast and DIAL, two types of operations can be performed, namely, starting and ending an application on the receiver 20 and selecting a broadcast channel, regardless of the manufacturer or model. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to switch between an application and a broadcast by direct operation on an existing commercially available receiver 20. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

[0090] In addition, all or part of the functions of each unit of the receiver 20 and the terminal device 40 in the above-mentioned embodiment may be realized by recording a program for realizing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, reading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Note that the "computer system" referred to here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0091] In addition, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage units such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include those that dynamically hold a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or client in such cases. Furthermore, the above program may be one that realizes part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be one that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0092] The effects described in this specification are merely explanatory or exemplary and are not limiting. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure may have other effects that are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the description of this specification, in addition to or in place of the above effects. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 System 10 Broadcast transmission equipment 20 Receiver 30 Service server device 40 Terminal Equipment 50 Internet 21 Broadcast reception function 22 Broadcasting and communications integration function 23 Application Execution Environment 24 OS / Middleware 211 Receiving unit 212 Demodulation section 213 Decoding section 214 Channel selection department 221 Broadcasting and Communication Integration Application Execution Environment 222 External startup execution unit 231 Application Execution Environment 241 Presentation section 242 Application startup control unit 243 DIAL Server Department 41 OS 42 Applications 421 Receiver control section 422 Service and content processing section 423 Terminal Presentation Unit

Claims

1. A terminal device that controls a receiver capable of receiving a broadcasting and communication cooperation service, a receiver control unit that transmits identification information of a preregistered application and a control command to the receiver, thereby starting or terminating the application installed in the receiver; a service content processing unit that selects the broadcast channel by transmitting information about the broadcast channel and a control command to the receiver; A terminal device comprising:

2. The terminal display unit may further include a terminal display unit capable of simultaneously displaying an application installed in the receiver or an application that can be activated, and a channel that can be selected by the receiver. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

3. The terminal presentation unit further presents information identifying the controllable receiver. The terminal device according to claim 2.

4. The receiver control unit transmits information for searching for receivers that are within a range connectable to the receiver control unit via a predetermined communication network, and, as a response to the transmission, receives information about the receiver and information about applications installed in the receiver, thereby performing pre-setting processing. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The receiver control unit performs a pre-setting process by receiving, as the response, information regarding the presence and status of applications installed in the receiver and information specifying a channel that can be selected by the receiver. The terminal device according to claim 4.

6. The receiver control unit uses a DIAL protocol to transmit identification information of a preregistered application and a control command to the receiver, thereby starting or terminating the application installed in the receiver. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The service content processing unit transmits information about a broadcast channel and a control command to the receiver using an external activation of a hybridcast linked terminal communication protocol, thereby selecting the receiver to a specified broadcast channel. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A computer that controls a receiver capable of receiving a broadcasting and communication collaboration service, a receiver control step of starting or terminating an application installed in the receiver by transmitting identification information of a preregistered application and a control command to the receiver; a service content processing step of selecting the broadcast channel by transmitting information about the broadcast channel and a control command to the receiver; A program that executes the following.

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