Reception device, transmission device, and program

Abstract

To enable a viewing of a video image that is matched to tastes of a viewer while protecting individual information.SOLUTION: A reception device comprises: receiving means of receiving a plurality of bit streams that can transmit in one channel, and in which a different program video image is decoded to each of the plurality of bit streams; selection means of automatically selecting the bit stream matched to tastes of a viewer from the plurality of bit streams on the basis of program information indicating a program classification of each of the plurality of bit streams as information multiplexed to the plurality of bit streams; and coding means of outputting a decoding video image signal by performing a decoding processing to the bit stream selected by the selection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a receiving device, a transmitting device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, the Internet has had technologies such as cookies that accumulate website browsing and purchasing information about web visitors, and targeted advertising techniques have been introduced that take advantage of the interactive nature of communication to deliver advertisements that match the visitor's preferences based on that accumulated information.

[0003] On the other hand, in video distribution systems such as broadcasting, which is a one-way means of information transmission, it is technically impossible for the sender to obtain individual preferences, so advertisements are distributed based on a representative demographic of viewers assumed based on surveys of viewing trends for time periods and broadcast programs.

[0004] However, personal information regarding program viewing, such as viewing history, is already collected by the receiving device, and some broadcasting technologies, such as hybrid cast and data broadcasting, connect the television receiving device to a communication network so that broadcasters can obtain non-specific viewing history that cannot be easily matched with other information, for example by anonymizing it, and use this information in program production and scheduling.

[0005] In addition, hybrid cast application technology has been proposed, which would allow programs targeted at specific viewers (such as commercials) to be distributed and downloaded to television receiving devices via the Internet during specific time periods, rather than programs broadcast over broadcast waves, and then displayed in place of the broadcast programs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-136480 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In conventional broadcasting technology, a pre-set program is broadcast to all viewers within the service area, and no advertising method is used to target individual viewers. In addition, program previews and the like are presented based on the assumed viewers' preferences, taking into account the time of day, but do not reflect the tastes and preferences of individual viewers.

[0008] In addition, the use of cookies has raised security concerns because personal information stored on the receiving side is sent at the request of the server, and there is a demand for personalized video distribution technology that protects personal information.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a receiving device, a transmitting device, and a program that enable a viewer to view videos that suit his / her preferences while protecting personal information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The receiving device of the first aspect comprises a receiving means for receiving a plurality of bitstreams that can be transmitted within one channel, each of the plurality of bitstreams having a different program video encoded therein, a selecting means for automatically selecting a bitstream that matches a viewer's preferences from the plurality of bitstreams based on program information that is information multiplexed into the plurality of bitstreams and indicates the program classification of each of the plurality of bitstreams, and a decoding means for performing a decoding process on the bitstream selected by the selecting means and outputting a decoded video signal.

[0011] The transmitting device of the second aspect comprises an encoding means for generating a plurality of bitstreams that can be transmitted within a single channel and encoding different program images into each of the plurality of bitstreams, a multiplexing means for multiplexing program information indicating the program classification of each of the plurality of bitstreams into the plurality of bitstreams, and a transmitting means for transmitting an output signal of the multiplexing means to a receiving side, wherein the program information is used for automatic selection at the receiving side of a bitstream that suits a viewer's preferences from among the plurality of bitstreams.

[0012] A program according to the third aspect causes a computer to function as the receiving device according to the first aspect or the transmitting device according to the second aspect. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a receiving device, a transmitting device, and a program that enable a viewer to view a video that matches his / her preferences while protecting personal information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a video distribution system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmission device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a receiving device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of a transmitting device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of the transmitting device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of the receiving device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] A video distribution system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0016] (1) Overview of the embodiment Conventional broadcast video transmission basically uses a mode that can only transmit one video per channel, and because it is not possible to grasp the viewer's preferences, it is difficult to deliver programs that suit the viewer's preferences. Video distribution services that use communication use cookies to obtain personal information, but if the use of cookies is stopped from the perspective of personal information protection, it is still difficult to obtain personal information, and the only thing that can be done is to encourage the download of general information.

[0017] Meanwhile, in broadcast transmission, there is a technology called multi-programming, in which multiple programs (multiple sub-channels) are broadcast simultaneously on one channel. Of these multiple sub-channels, the main sub-channel is also called the main channel. Note that multi-programming is sometimes called multi-channel programming. In the case of current Japanese digital broadcasting, a maximum of three different programs can be programmed simultaneously in standard image quality using multi-programming. However, in this embodiment, the number of programs that can be programmed (broadcast) simultaneously using multi-programming may be more than three.

[0018] In this embodiment, a multi-channeling technique is used to solve the above-mentioned problems. For example, a program video aimed at a wide target demographic can be distributed as a main channel, and a different program video can be distributed as a sub-channel. Here, a plurality of sub-channels may be used to distribute program videos with successively higher priority. That is, in the video distribution system according to this embodiment, a video different from that of the main channel is input as an input to the sub-channel, but it is assumed that the video input has a different content (program) from that of the main channel. The main channel and the sub-channel may be set to the same image quality, or the image quality of the main channel may be set to be higher than that of the sub-channel.

[0019] Specifically, the transmitting device according to this embodiment includes an encoding means for generating a plurality of bitstreams that can be transmitted within one channel (i.e., bitstreams of a plurality of subchannels in a multi-format), and encoding different program images into the plurality of bitstreams, a multiplexing means for multiplexing program information indicating the program classification of each of the plurality of bitstreams into the plurality of bitstreams, and a transmitting means for transmitting an output signal of the multiplexing means to a receiving side. The program information is used for automatic selection on the receiving side to select a bitstream that matches a viewer's preferences from the plurality of bitstreams.

[0020] In addition, the receiving device of this embodiment includes a receiving means for receiving a plurality of bitstreams that can be transmitted within one channel, each of which encodes a different program video; a selection means for automatically selecting a bitstream that suits a viewer's preferences from among the plurality of bitstreams based on program information that is information multiplexed into the plurality of bitstreams and indicates the program classification of each of the plurality of bitstreams; and a decoding means for performing a decoding process on the bitstream selected by the selection means and outputting a decoded video signal.

[0021] According to such a transmitting device and receiving device, a plurality of program images can be distributed on one channel, and a viewer can be given options suited to various needs, thereby enabling the viewer to view images suited to the viewer's personal preferences. In addition, program information indicating the program classification of each bitstream is multiplexed into the plurality of bitstreams (multi-bitstream) to be transmitted. For example, each bitstream is assigned a classification code indicating the classification of the program image (e.g., news, music, culture, animation, etc.). The receiving device selects a bitstream that is thought to be most closely related to the viewer's interest, for example, based on classification information as personal information (e.g., viewing history) stored inside, and outputs decoded video of the selected bitstream. This allows the provision of programs most suited to the viewer's personal preferences to be realized without personal information leaving the receiving device.

[0022] Therefore, the transmitting device and receiving device according to this embodiment can enable a viewer to watch videos that suit their preferences while protecting personal information.

[0023] (2) Video distribution system 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a video distribution system 10 according to this embodiment. The video distribution system 10 according to this embodiment includes a transmitting device 100 and a receiving device 200.

[0024] The transmitting device 100 distributes program video to the receiving device 200 via a transmission path 500. In this embodiment, the transmission path 500 is a broadcast transmission path that performs one-way transmission. Note that the transmission path 500 may be a communication transmission path that allows two-way transmission, and the communication transmission path may include the Internet. However, since this embodiment does not use the two-way nature that is a characteristic of a communication transmission path, a video distribution service using a broadcast transmission path will be described as an example.

[0025] The video distribution system 10 performs broadcast transmission compatible with the multi-format technology. The video encoding method for encoding each program video transmitted in multi-format may be VVC. However, it is not limited to VVC, and any video encoding method such as HEVC or LCEVC may be used.

[0026] In the video distribution system 10, RTP (Realtime Transport Protocol) or MMT (MPEG Media Transport) may be adopted as a transmission method. RTP may be considered to be a method defined in IETF RFC 3550. MMT may be considered to be a method defined in ISO / IEC 23008-1 or ARIB STD-B60. Alternatively, MPEG-DASH or MPEG-TS (Transport Stream) may be adopted as a transmission method.

[0027] (3) Transmitting device 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a transmission device 100 according to this embodiment. The transmission device 100 according to this embodiment includes a multi-bitstream encoding unit 110, a control unit 120, a multiplexing unit 130, and a transmission unit 140.

[0028] The multi-bitstream encoding unit 110 is an example of an encoding means for encoding a plurality of programs (a plurality of program videos) that can be transmitted in one channel by multi-organization to generate a plurality of bitstreams. The multi-bitstream encoding unit 110 has a first encoding unit 111 that encodes the main channel and a second encoding unit 112 that encodes the subchannel. In the illustrated example, the multi-bitstream encoding unit 110 has two second encoding units 112a and 112b, but is not limited to this. The number of second encoding units 112 may be one, or three or more.

[0029] In this embodiment, the multi-bitstream encoding unit 110 encodes program video (also called "main program") for a wide target audience as a main channel. The multi-bitstream encoding unit 110 also distributes different program videos with successively higher priorities as sub-channels.

[0030] In this embodiment, in each sub-channel, a replacement program video that can replace the main program video is coded as a bit stream independent of the main channel. The replacement program may be advertising content. The advertising content may be an advertisement for a product or service (so-called CM), or a notice about another program. In the illustrated example, the first coding unit 111 codes the main program and outputs the first bit stream to the control unit 120, the second coding unit 112a codes the replacement program a and outputs the second bit stream a to the control unit 120, and the second coding unit 112b codes the replacement program b and outputs the second bit stream b to the control unit 120.

[0031] In addition, current digital broadcasting involves multi-channel broadcasting, which is the extension of live broadcast programs such as sports broadcasts. In such multi-channel broadcasting, the same channel is divided into two sub-channels for video distribution, and while the live broadcast program continues on one sub-channel, the other sub-channel simultaneously broadcasts a program as scheduled (for example, a news program).

[0032] In such a case, the multi-bitstream encoding unit 110 may encode the relayed program on the main channel and the program as scheduled on the sub-channel, or may encode the relayed program on the sub-channel and the program as scheduled on the main channel.

[0033] In the receiving device 200, for example, if a viewer is watching a sports broadcast, the receiving device 200 can automatically select the sub-channel for the sports broadcast, or if it is known from the viewer's viewing history that the viewer has a habit of selecting a channel during a multi-channel broadcast or watching the news during that time period, the receiving device 200 can present a program suitable for the user without requiring the user to perform any operation, such as automatically selecting sub-channel 2. Note that with current multi-channel broadcasts, while the initially set sub-channel is automatically switched to, manual operation is required to switch to the other sub-channel, making it difficult to understand how to switch sub-channels, but this solves this problem to some extent.

[0034] The control unit 120 accumulates each bitstream output by the multi-bitstream encoding unit 110, and outputs a plurality of bitstreams (hereinafter also referred to as "multi-bitstreams") to the multiplexing unit 130 at a timing according to the program transmission schedule. In such a configuration, the control unit 120 may constitute a part of an encoding means for generating a plurality of bitstreams (multi-bitstreams).

[0035] However, the control unit 120 does not necessarily have to accumulate the bitstream. For a live broadcast program, the control unit 120 may output the bitstream of the program to the multiplexing unit 130 without accumulating it.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 120 outputs program information indicating the program classification of each bitstream to the multiplexing unit 130. The program classification is given based on the contents of the encoded program, and may be, for example, a classification code such as news, music, culture, or animation. The classification code may be a code that systematizes information roughly classifying program types (categories) (for example, news programs, entertainment programs, information programs, and advertising programs), or may be a code that systematizes more detailed information (for example, incidents, accidents, economy, weather, seasonal topics, stand-up comedy, dramas, movies, animations, talk, entertainment, current events, daily necessities, real estate, and finance).

[0037] The multiplexing unit 130 is an example of a multiplexing means for multiplexing program information indicating the program classification of each of a plurality of bitstreams onto the plurality of bitstreams (multi-bitstream). The multiplexing unit 130 outputs a multiplexed stream in which the program information is multiplexed onto the multi-bitstream to the transmitting unit 140.

[0038] The program information may include a set of a stream ID and a classification code for each bitstream to be transmitted. The program information may be in a list format in which sets of stream IDs and classification codes are arranged, and one program information list may be transmitted for multiple bitstreams. Alternatively, program information may be transmitted individually for each bitstream to be transmitted. In this case, the program information may include only the classification code of the corresponding bitstream, or may include a set of the stream ID and classification code of the corresponding bitstream.

[0039] The multiplexing unit 130 may multiplex the program information as Service Information (SI). The SI is multiplexed in the form of a control message. For example, the multiplexing unit 130 may periodically (repeatedly) include the program information in the multiplexed stream. The multiplexing unit 130 may include the program information in an SI (control message) associated with the program. Such SI may be, for example, information required for viewing a digital broadcast program or a table called an EIT (Event Information Table) that includes program titles, broadcast times, program performers, and the like. In this way, the multiplexing unit 130 outputs a multiplexed stream that includes the program information as part of the SI.

[0040] However, the multiplexing unit 130 may include the program information in a message or a table other than the SI. For example, the multiplexing unit 130 may include the program information in metadata of ISOBMFF (ISO Base Media File Format). Such metadata may be transmitted more frequently than the SI.

[0041] The multiplexing method in the multiplexing unit 130 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 Transport stream (TS), MPEG Media Transport (MMT), or CMAF (Common Media Application Format), etc. When MMT is used, the above-mentioned SI may be MMT-SI.

[0042] The transmitting unit 140 performs line coding and the like on the multiplexed stream output by the multiplexing unit 130, and sends it out as a broadcast signal to a transmission line 500 (a broadcast transmission line in this embodiment).

[0043] (4) Receiving device 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a receiving device 200 according to this embodiment. The receiving device 200 according to this embodiment includes a receiving unit 210, a control unit 220, a viewing history storage unit 230, a selecting unit 240, and a decoding unit 250.

[0044] The receiving unit 210 is an example of a receiving means for receiving a plurality of bit streams (multi-bit streams) that can be transmitted within one channel. Different program images are encoded in each of the plurality of bit streams. In this embodiment, the receiving unit 210 receives a broadcast signal via a transmission path 500, performs demodulation and the like, and outputs a multiplexed stream to the control unit 220. The multiplexed stream includes the multi-bit stream and program information indicating the program classification of each bit stream.

[0045] The control unit 220 detects channel information, program information, and the like of the signal received by the receiving unit 210, and outputs the detected program information to the selection unit 240. In addition, the control unit 220 specifies a viewing bitstream (i.e., a viewed program) based on selection information indicating the program (bitstream) selected by the selection unit 240, and outputs the specified bitstream to the decoding unit 250.

[0046] The viewing history storage unit 230 stores a viewing history of programs viewed by a viewer using the receiving device 200. The viewing history is an example of personal information related to the programs viewed by the viewer. The viewing history includes the program classification (classification code), date, day of the week, and viewing time period of each viewed program.

[0047] The selection section 240 includes an automatic selection section 241 that performs automatic selection of a program to be viewed, and a manual selection section 242 that is used for manual selection of a program to be viewed.

[0048] The automatic selection unit 241 is an example of a selection means that performs automatic selection to select a bitstream that matches a viewer's preference from among a plurality of bitstreams, based on program information that is information multiplexed into the multi-bitstream and indicates the program classification of each bitstream. In this embodiment, the automatic selection unit 241 performs automatic selection based on the program information multiplexed into the multi-bitstream and the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage unit 230.

[0049] The automatic selection unit 241 may specify the program classification of a previously viewed program that corresponds to the current program viewing conditions (e.g., the currently viewed program, the current day of the week, and the current time slot) based on the viewing history, and select a bitstream that matches the specified program classification from among multiple bitstreams based on the program information. This allows automatic selection of a bitstream of a program classification that is estimated to be of the highest interest based on the viewing history.

[0050] For example, if the sponsor of a commercial is a manufacturer of children's toys or household goods, in the past the commercials that were broadcast were fixed depending on the time of day, but in this embodiment, multiple commercials are broadcast simultaneously and the viewer can select from them the commercial that is most suitable for them (for example, if the viewer has a viewing history of the program that the toy is based on, a commercial for the toy, or if the viewer has a lot of viewing history of programs that focus on housework such as cooking shows, a commercial for household goods).

[0051] Alternatively, the automatic selection unit 241 may rank program categories in descending order of frequency of viewing by the viewer based on the viewing history, and select a bitstream matching a program category with a high ranking from among a plurality of bitstreams based on the program information. For example, the automatic selection unit 241 may identify up to n (n≧2) program categories from the top, and select a bitstream with a high ranking that matches the identified program category.

[0052] However, although the bitstream to be selected is initially set to an automatic selection operation, the viewer can also manually switch using the manual selection unit 242 (including a remote control) to select a video output that is different from the viewing history. The manual selection unit 242 outputs selection control by the viewer from a remote control or the like. The selection result by the manual selection unit 242 is stored and accumulated in the viewing history storage unit 230.

[0053] In order to perform automatic selection based on the viewing history, a certain amount of viewing history needs to be accumulated in the viewing history storage unit 230. Therefore, the control unit 220 may control the selection unit 240 to perform a manual selection operation until a certain period (for example, about several days) has passed from the initial state, and when automatic selection becomes possible, the viewer is notified of this and then the automatic selection unit 241 may start the automatic selection operation.

[0054] Furthermore, the viewing history may be stored by identifying an individual by viewing in a state where the viewer is designated (selected) through profile selection by the user. In this case, the viewing history storage unit 230 may store the individual ID (user ID) of the viewer in association with the viewing history of the individual. When the individual currently viewing is designated through profile selection, the automatic selection unit 241 may perform an automatic selection operation based on the viewing history associated with the designated individual.

[0055] When a viewing bitstream (i.e., a viewing program) is specified based on the selection information indicating the program (bitstream) selected by the selection unit 240, the specified bitstream is output from the control unit 220 to the decoding unit 250. In this way, based on the selection made by the selection unit 240, the viewing program is switched by switching the bitstream to be decoded.

[0056] In this way, a program suitable for the viewer can be automatically selected and presented to the viewer when multiple programs are sent based on the viewing history stored in the receiving device 200 (viewing history storage unit 230). If the replacement program is an advertisement such as a commercial, targeted advertising can be realized without providing personal information to the transmitting side.

[0057] The decoding unit 250 performs a decoding process on the bit stream output by the control unit 220, and outputs a decoded video signal to an external display device. However, the display device may be integrated with the receiving device 200.

[0058] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the automatic selection unit 241 automatically selects a viewing bitstream (i.e., a viewed program) using the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage unit 230, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the receiving device 200, personal information indicating a program classification preferred by the viewer may be preset manually (e.g., by a remote control) in advance, and such preset information may be stored in the storage unit. The automatic selection unit 241 may automatically select a viewing bitstream based on the preset information in addition to or instead of the viewing history.

[0059] Here, the preset information may be stored by presetting the viewer in a state where the viewer is designated (selected) by the user's profile selection. In this case, the viewing history storage unit 230 may store the viewer's personal ID (user ID) in association with the preset information of the individual. When the individual currently viewing is designated by the profile selection, the automatic selection unit 241 may perform an automatic selection operation based on the preset information associated with the designated individual.

[0060] Alternatively, personal information indicating the viewer's favorite program classification may be delivered and set from an external server to the receiving device 200, and such setting information may be stored in a storage unit of the receiving device 200. Such an external server may estimate the viewer's favorite program classification from the viewer's history of Internet behavior (e.g., web browsing, video viewing, etc.), and deliver and set the estimated result to the receiving device 200.

[0061] (5) Summary of the embodiment The transmitting device 100 of this embodiment has a multi-bitstream encoding unit 110 that generates multiple bitstreams (multi-bitstreams) that can be transmitted within one channel, with different program images being encoded into each of the multiple bitstreams, a multiplexing unit 130 that multiplexes program information indicating the program classification of each of the multiple bitstreams into the multiple bitstreams, and a transmitting unit 140 that transmits the output signal of the multiplexing unit 130 to the receiving side.

[0062] The receiving device 200 of this embodiment has a receiving unit 210 that receives multiple bitstreams that can be transmitted within one channel, an automatic selection unit 241 that automatically selects a bitstream that suits a viewer's preferences from among the multiple bitstreams based on program information, which is information multiplexed into the multiple bitstreams and indicates the program classification of each bitstream, and a decoding unit 250 that performs a decoding process on the bitstream selected by the automatic selection unit 241 and outputs a decoded video signal.

[0063] According to the transmitting device 100 and the receiving device 200, it is possible to protect personal information, enable a viewer to watch videos that match his / her preferences, and suppress problems associated with video switching.

[0064] (6) First change example In the above embodiment, an example in which the transmission path 500 is a broadcast transmission path has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. There are forms in which broadcasting and communication are used as a means of video distribution, and in recent years, a method in which broadcasting and communication are used in combination (e.g., hybrid cast) has also been put to practical use. Therefore, a configuration is possible in which the main program is transmitted over a broadcast transmission path, and the replacement program is transmitted over a communication transmission path (e.g., via the Internet).

[0065] 4 is a diagram showing a first modification of the transmitting device 100 according to the above embodiment. The transmitting device 100 according to this modification has a transmitting unit 140 that transmits a main channel bitstream (first bitstream) and program information via a broadcast transmission path 500a, and a communication unit 150 that transmits one or more subchannel bitstreams (second bitstreams) via a communication transmission path 500b.

[0066] 5 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the receiving device 200 according to the above embodiment. The receiving device 200 according to this modified example has a receiving unit 210 that receives a bit stream of a main channel and program information via a broadcast transmission path 500a, and a communication unit 260 that receives a bit stream of one or more sub-channels via a communication transmission path 500b.

[0067] (7) Second Change Example In this modification, an example in which the receiving device 200 requests the transmitting device 100 to transmit a bit stream of a subchannel will be described.

[0068] 6 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the transmitting device 100 according to the above embodiment. The transmitting device 100 according to this modified example has a transmitting unit 140 that transmits a bit stream (first bit stream) of a main channel and program information via a broadcast transmission path 500a, and a communication unit 150 that transmits a bit stream (second bit stream) of one or more sub-channels selected by the receiving device 200 via a communication transmission path 500b.

[0069] In this modification, the communication unit 150 receives selection information indicating the bit stream (sub-channel) selected by the receiving device 200 from the receiving device 200 via the communication transmission path 500b, and outputs the received selection information to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 acquires a bit stream of the bit stream (sub-channel) indicated by the selection information, and outputs the acquired second bit stream to the multiplexing unit 130. The control unit 120 may output the acquired second bit stream to the communication unit 150 without passing through the multiplexing unit 130. The communication unit 150 transmits the second bit stream acquired by the control unit 120 to the receiving device 200 via the communication transmission path 500b.

[0070] 7 is a diagram showing a second modification of the receiving device 200 according to the embodiment described above. The receiving device 200 according to this modification includes a receiving unit 210 that receives a bit stream of a main channel and program information via a broadcast transmission path 500a, and a communication unit 260 that receives a bit stream of a sub-channel selected by a selection unit 240 via a communication transmission path 500b.

[0071] In this modification, the control unit 220 controls the communication unit 260 to transmit selection information indicating the bitstream (subchannel) selected by the selection unit 240 to the transmission device 100 via the communication transmission path 500b. Here, the control unit 220 obtains information on the next program provided as program information, and when a switchable program comes next, the control unit 220 controls the communication unit 260 to analyze the classification information in the automatic selection unit 241, and when it is determined that the replacement program should be selected, to obtain the replacement program (second bitstream) in advance from the transmission device 100. This makes it possible to conceal delays that occur when obtaining a bitstream through communication.

[0072] (8) Other embodiments A program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the transmitting device 100 or the receiving device 200. The program may be recorded in a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can be used to install the program in a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. In addition, a circuit that executes each process performed by the transmitting device 100 or the receiving device 200 may be integrated, and at least a part of the transmitting device 100 or the receiving device 200 may be configured as a semiconductor integrated circuit (chip set, SoC).

[0073] The terms "based on" and "depending on / in response to" used in this disclosure do not mean "based only on" or "depending only on", unless otherwise specified. The term "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least in part on". Similarly, the term "depending on" means both "based only on" and "depending at least in part on". The terms "include", "comprise", and variations thereof do not mean including only the recited items, but may include only the recited items or may include additional items in addition to the recited items. Additionally, the term "or" used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive or. Additionally, any reference to elements using designations such as "first", "second", etc., used in this disclosure is not intended to generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed therein or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner. In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as, for example, a, an, and the in English, these articles are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0074] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0075] (9) Additional Notes Additional notes will be given regarding the features of the above-described embodiment.

[0076] (Appendix 1) A receiving means (210) for receiving a plurality of bit streams that can be transmitted within one channel, each of the plurality of bit streams having a different program video encoded therein; a selection means (241) for automatically selecting a bitstream that matches a viewer's preference from among the plurality of bitstreams based on program information that is information multiplexed into the plurality of bitstreams and indicates program classifications of the plurality of bitstreams; a decoding means (250) for performing a decoding process on the bit stream selected by the selection means and outputting a decoded video signal; A receiving device (200).

[0077] (Appendix 2) The system further includes a storage means (230) for storing personal information related to a viewer's viewing program, The selection means performs the automatic selection based on the program information and the personal information. 2. A receiving device as described in claim 1.

[0078] (Appendix 3) The personal information includes a viewing history of the viewer regarding programs that the viewer has previously viewed, The selection means specifies a program classification of the previously viewed programs corresponding to the current program viewing condition based on the viewing history, and selects a bitstream corresponding to the specified program classification from among the plurality of bitstreams based on the program information. 3. A receiving device as described in claim 2.

[0079] (Appendix 4) The plurality of bitstreams include a first bitstream in which a main program video is encoded; and one or more second bitstreams in which replacement program video that can be substituted for the main program video is encoded. 4. A receiving device according to claim 1,

[0080] (Appendix 5) The receiving means includes: receiving the first bitstream and the program information via a broadcast transmission path; The second bit stream selected by the selection means is received via a communication transmission path. 5. A receiving device as described in claim 4.

[0081] (Appendix 6) An encoding means (110) for generating a plurality of bit streams that can be transmitted within one channel and encoding different program images into each of the plurality of bit streams; a multiplexing means (130) for multiplexing program information indicating program classifications of each of the plurality of bitstreams into the plurality of bitstreams; a transmitting means (140) for transmitting the output signal of the multiplexing means to a receiving side, The program information is used for automatic selection on the receiving side to select a bitstream that matches a viewer's preference from among the plurality of bitstreams. A transmitting device (100).

[0082] (Appendix 7) The plurality of bitstreams include a first bitstream in which a main program video is encoded; and one or more second bitstreams in which replacement program video that can be substituted for the main program video is encoded. 7. A transmitting device as described in claim 6.

[0083] (Appendix 8) The transmitting means is Transmitting the first bitstream and the program information via a broadcast transmission path; The second bit stream selected by the receiving side is transmitted via a communication transmission path. 8. The transmitting device according to claim 7.

[0084] (Appendix 9) A computer is caused to function as any one of the receiving devices according to claims 1 to 5, or as any one of the transmitting devices according to claims 6 to 8. program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10: Video distribution system 100: Transmitting device 110: Multi-bitstream encoding unit 111: 1st encoding section 112:Second encoding section 120: Control section 130: Multiplexing section 140: Transmitter 150: Communications Department 200: Receiving device 210: Receiving unit 220: Control section 230: Viewing history memory unit 240: Selection section 241: Automatic selection section 242: Manual selection section 250: Decoding section 260: Communications Department 500: Transmission line 500a: Broadcast transmission line 500b: Communication transmission line

Claims

1. a receiving means for receiving a plurality of bit streams that can be transmitted within one channel, each of the plurality of bit streams having a different program video encoded therein; a selection means for automatically selecting a bitstream that matches a viewer's preference from among the plurality of bitstreams based on program information that is information multiplexed into the plurality of bitstreams and indicates program classifications of the plurality of bitstreams; a decoding means for performing a decoding process on the bit stream selected by the selection means and outputting a decoded video signal. Receiving device.

2. The system further includes a storage means for storing personal information related to a program being viewed by a viewer, The selection means performs the automatic selection based on the program information and the personal information.

2. The receiving device according to claim 1.

3. The personal information includes a viewing history of the viewer regarding programs that the viewer has previously viewed, The selection means specifies a program classification of the previously viewed programs corresponding to the current program viewing condition based on the viewing history, and selects a bitstream corresponding to the specified program classification from among the plurality of bitstreams based on the program information.

3. The receiving device according to claim 2.

4. The plurality of bitstreams include a first bitstream in which a main program video is encoded; and one or more second bitstreams in which replacement program video that can be substituted for the main program video is encoded.

4. A receiving device according to claim 1.

5. The receiving means includes: receiving the first bitstream and the program information via a broadcast transmission path; receiving the second bit stream selected by the selection means via a communication transmission path; 5. The receiving device according to claim 4.

6. An encoding means for generating a plurality of bit streams that can be transmitted within one channel and encoding different program images into the plurality of bit streams; a multiplexing means for multiplexing program information indicating program classifications of each of the plurality of bitstreams onto the plurality of bitstreams; a transmitting means for transmitting the output signal of the multiplexing means to a receiving side, The program information is used for automatic selection on the receiving side to select a bitstream that matches a viewer's preference from among the plurality of bitstreams. Transmitting device.

7. The plurality of bitstreams include a first bitstream in which a main program video is encoded; and one or more second bitstreams in which replacement program video that can be substituted for the main program video is encoded. The transmitting device according to claim 6.

8. The transmitting means is Transmitting the first bitstream and the program information via a broadcast transmission path; The second bit stream selected by the receiving side is transmitted via a communication transmission line. The transmitting device according to claim 7.

9. A computer is caused to function as the receiving device according to claim 1 or the transmitting device according to claim 6. program.

Images