Broadcast wave transmission device, broadcasting system, broadcast wave transmission method, and switching method

Abstract

To perform a transmission of a content using an IP packet and a transmission of a content using a broadcast with a simple construction in parallel.SOLUTION: A broadcast wave transmission device comprises: a reception part that receptions an IP packet into which a first stream of a variable bit rate containing a content is stored; a generation part that acquires the content from the IP packet received by the reception part, and generates a second stream of a fixed bit rate containing the content acquired; and a transmission part that transmits a broadcast wave containing the second stream generated by the generation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a broadcast wave transmitting device, a broadcasting system, a broadcast wave transmitting method, and a switching method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, broadcasting systems that transmit IP packets in which streams including content are stored have been developed based on technical standards established by the IPTV Forum, a general incorporated association. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 2020-10199A) discloses the following IP retransmission device. That is, the IP retransmission device is an IP retransmission device used in an IP retransmission system that retransmits digital broadcast signals of multiple channels received from an antenna to multiple receivers via an IP multicast network, extracts SI information from the digital broadcast signals, stores the SI information in packets with an SI identification value added to part of the header information, and transmits the packets to the IP multicast network together with the broadcast stream or separately from the broadcast stream. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-10199 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, set-top boxes (STBs) capable of acquiring content from IP packets transmitted by a broadcasting system have become popular as content receiving devices installed in users' homes. However, in some regions, conventional STBs that can acquire content from broadcast waves but cannot acquire content from IP packets are still in use. Therefore, a technology that can transmit content using IP packets and content using broadcast waves in parallel with a simple configuration is desired.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a broadcast wave transmitting device, a broadcasting system, a broadcast wave transmitting method, and a switching method that are capable of transmitting content using IP packets and transmitting content using broadcast waves in parallel with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The broadcast wave transmitting device of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives IP packets storing a first variable bit rate stream including content, a generating unit that acquires the content from the IP packets received by the receiving unit and generates a second constant bit rate stream including the acquired content, and a transmitting unit that transmits broadcast waves including the second stream generated by the generating unit.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure may be realized not only as a broadcast wave transmitting device having such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of such characteristic processing. Also, one aspect of the present disclosure may be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes a part or all of the broadcast wave transmitting device, or as a system including the broadcast wave transmitting device.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure can be realized not only as a broadcasting system including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a broadcasting method having such characteristic processing steps. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, content transmission using IP packets and content transmission using broadcast waves can be performed in parallel with a simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast wave transmitting device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a TS packet acquired by a generating unit in the broadcast wave transmitting device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a complementation process in a generation unit in the broadcast wave transmitting device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a stream generation process in a generation unit in the broadcast wave transmitting device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content transmission processing sequence in the broadcasting system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when performing a switching process of an STB in the broadcasting system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcasting system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast wave transmitting device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcasting system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast wave transmitting device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcasting system according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast wave transmitting device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcasting system according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcasting system according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an IP broadcast wave transmitting device according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcasting system according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an IP broadcast wave transmitting device according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcasting system according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an IP broadcast wave transmitting device according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcasting system according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an IP broadcast wave transmitting device according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0012] (1) A broadcast wave transmitting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives IP packets storing a first variable bit rate stream including content, a generating unit that acquires the content from the IP packets received by the receiving unit and generates a second constant bit rate stream including the acquired content, and a transmitting unit that transmits a broadcast wave including the second stream generated by the generating unit.

[0013] In this way, the configuration of acquiring content from IP packets storing a first stream with a variable bit rate, generating a second stream with a constant bit rate including the acquired content, and transmitting a broadcast wave including the second stream makes it possible to generate a broadcast wave including a constant bit rate stream and transmit the content using the broadcast wave without using a conventional IP retransmission device that transmits IP packets for inter-station transmission including a constant bit rate stream. Therefore, in a broadcasting system that does not include such a conventional IP retransmission device, the content can be acquired both in an IP-STB that can acquire content from IP packets and in a conventional RF-STB that can acquire content from broadcast waves including a constant bit rate stream. Therefore, the transmission of content using IP packets and the transmission of content using broadcast waves can be performed in parallel with a simple configuration.

[0014] (2) In the above (1), the receiving unit may receive the IP packet in which the first stream including TS packets and not including NULL packets is stored, and the generating unit may generate the second stream supplemented with NULL packets based on timestamps assigned to the TS packets.

[0015] With this configuration, the first stream with a variable bit rate can be converted into the second stream with a constant bit rate through simple processing.

[0016] (3) In the above (1), the receiving unit may receive the IP packet in which the first stream including TS packets and no NULL packets is stored, and the generating unit may generate a TLV (Type Length Value) packet including one or more of the TS packets, generate a constant bit rate third stream including the generated TLV packets, and generate the second stream based on the third stream including the TS packets into which the TLV packets have been divided.

[0017] With this configuration, in a broadcasting system in which advanced BS digital broadcasting content is transmitted, it is possible to convert a first variable bit rate stream into a second constant bit rate stream through simple processing while enabling rewriting of SI (Service Information) information such as an NIT (Network Information Table).

[0018] (4) In the above (2) or (3), the generating unit may generate the second stream including the TS packets retrieved from a FIFO (First In First Out) at an output timing according to a predetermined clock, and the generating unit may adjust the clock based on the number of the TS packets stored in the FIFO.

[0019] With this configuration, the clock of the broadcast wave transmitting device can be synchronized with the clock of the device that is the transmission source of the first stream, and underflow and overflow of the FIFO in the broadcast wave transmitting device can be prevented.

[0020] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the broadcast wave transmitting device may further include a rewriting unit that rewrites an NIT contained in the content, and the transmitting unit may transmit the broadcast wave including the second stream in which the NIT has been rewritten by the rewriting unit.

[0021] With this configuration, the RF-STB in the user's home can appropriately acquire content from the broadcast waves based on the NIT.

[0022] (6) In any of (1) to (5) above, the broadcast wave transmitting device may further include an EWS acquisition unit that acquires EWS information regarding emergency alert broadcasting from the IP packet, and the transmitting unit may transmit the broadcast wave further including the EWS information acquired by the EWS acquisition unit.

[0023] With this configuration, EWS information transmitted to the IP-STB using IP packets can also be transmitted to the RF-STB using broadcast waves.

[0024] (7) In any one of (1) to (6) above, the receiving unit may receive the IP packet in which the first stream including the content of a terrestrial digital broadcast from a local station is stored.

[0025] With this configuration, it is possible to transmit digital terrestrial broadcast content in some areas using both IP packets and broadcast waves.

[0026] (8) A broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an IP transmitting unit that acquires a first variable bit rate stream including content and transmits IP packets in which the acquired first stream is stored, and a broadcast wave transmitting unit that acquires a second constant bit rate stream including the content and transmits broadcast waves including the acquired second stream.

[0027] In this way, by transmitting IP packets in which a first stream with a variable bit rate is stored and broadcast waves including a second stream with a constant bit rate, it is possible to obtain a constant bit rate stream and transmit content using broadcast waves including the stream without using a conventional IP retransmission device that transmits IP packets for inter-station transmission including a constant bit rate stream. Therefore, in a broadcasting system that does not include such a conventional IP retransmission device, content can be obtained both in an IP-STB that can obtain content from IP packets and in a conventional RF-STB that can obtain content from broadcast waves including a constant bit rate stream. Therefore, content transmission using IP packets and content transmission using broadcast waves can be performed in parallel with a simple configuration.

[0028] (9) A broadcast wave transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a broadcast wave transmission method in a broadcast wave transmitting device, comprising the steps of receiving an IP packet storing a variable bit rate first stream including content, acquiring the content from the received IP packet, generating a constant bit rate second stream including the acquired content, and transmitting a broadcast wave including the generated second stream.

[0029] In this way, by the method of acquiring content from IP packets storing a first stream with a variable bit rate, generating a second stream with a constant bit rate including the acquired content, and transmitting a broadcast wave including the second stream, it is possible to generate a broadcast wave including a constant bit rate stream and transmit the content using the broadcast wave without using a conventional IP retransmission device that transmits IP packets for inter-station transmission including a constant bit rate stream. Therefore, in a broadcasting system that does not include such a conventional IP retransmission device, the content can be acquired both in an IP-STB that can acquire the content from IP packets and in a conventional RF-STB that can acquire the content from a broadcast wave including a constant bit rate stream. Therefore, the transmission of the content using the IP packets and the transmission of the content using the broadcast wave can be performed in parallel with a simple configuration.

[0030] (10) A switching method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a switching method for a content receiving device in a broadcasting system that transmits content via a network, the switching method including the steps of: installing an IP transmitting device that transmits IP packets storing a first variable bit rate stream including the content; installing a broadcast wave transmitting device that acquires the content from the IP packets transmitted by the IP transmitting device and transmits broadcast waves including a second constant bit rate stream including the content; transmitting the IP packets and the broadcast waves to the network using the IP transmitting device and the broadcast wave transmitting device; and replacing a first content receiving device capable of acquiring the content from the broadcast waves with a second content receiving device capable of acquiring the content from the IP packets.

[0031] In this way, by installing an IP transmitting device and a broadcast wave transmitting device, and using the IP transmitting device and the broadcast wave transmitting device to transmit IP packets containing a first stream with a variable bit rate and broadcast waves containing a second stream with a fixed bit rate, it is possible to generate broadcast waves containing a constant bit rate stream and transmit content using the broadcast waves without using a conventional IP retransmission device that transmits IP packets for inter-station transmission containing a constant bit rate stream. Therefore, in a broadcasting system that does not have such a conventional IP retransmission device, it is possible to obtain content both in an IP-STB that can obtain content from IP packets and in a conventional RF-STB that can obtain content from broadcast waves containing a constant bit rate stream. Therefore, it is possible to transmit content using IP packets and content using broadcast waves in parallel with a simple configuration.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, at least some of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0033] <First embodiment> [Configuration and basic operation] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 1, a broadcasting system 401 includes an IP broadcasting device 111, broadcast wave transmitting devices 101A and 101B which are broadcast wave transmitting devices 101, and a multiplexer 171. The IP broadcasting device 111 is an example of an IP transmitting device, and is provided in the building of a shared center station 211. The broadcast wave transmitting devices 101A and 101B are provided in the buildings of local stations 221A and 221B which are local stations 221, respectively. The buildings of the local stations 221A and 221B are provided corresponding to the areas RA and RB, respectively.

[0034] The broadcasting system 401 is a system that transmits content to an RF-STB 301 and an IP-STB 302 installed in a user's home via an IP network 151 and subarea networks 161A, 161B, and 161C. The content includes, for example, audio information, video information, PSI (Program Specific Information) information, SI information, and subtitle information. Hereinafter, each of the subarea networks 161A, 161B, and 161C will also be referred to as a subarea network 161. The IP network 151 and the subarea network 161 are examples of a network.

[0035] An RF-STB301 is provided in a user's home in area RA. An RF-STB301 and an IP-STB302 are provided in a user's home in area RB. An IP-STB302 is provided in a user's home in area RC. The RF-STB301 can acquire content from broadcast waves. The IP-STB302 can acquire content from IP packets. The RF-STB301 is an example of a first content receiving device. The IP-STB302 is an example of a second content receiving device.

[0036] The IP broadcasting device 111 performs multi-channel IP broadcasting. The IP broadcasting device 111 receives content from a content provider (not shown). The IP broadcasting device 111 generates an IP packet Pt1 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa1 including the received content is stored. More specifically, the IP broadcasting device 111 generates a stream Sa1 including TS packets including information that the content is divided into multiple parts, and from which NULL packets have been deleted to reduce the transmission bandwidth. The IP broadcasting device 111 generates an IP packet Pt1 in which the generated stream Sa1 is stored. The payload of the IP packet Pt1 stores RTP (Real Time Transport Protocol) packets conforming to "JLabs SPEC-028" and "JLabs SPEC-035" established by the IPTV Forum, a general incorporated association. The stream Sa1 is an example of a first stream.

[0037] For example, the IP broadcasting device 111 generates multiple streams Sa1 each corresponding to the content of multiple services and a stream Sa1 including SI information for each service, and generates an IP packet Pt1 to which a different multicast address is assigned for each stored stream Sa1.

[0038] The IP broadcasting device 111 transmits the generated IP packet Pt1 to the IP-STB 302 in area RB via the IP network 151, the multiplexer 171, and the subarea network 161B, and transmits it to the IP-STB 302 in area RC via the IP network 151 and the subarea network 161C. The IP broadcasting device 111 also transmits the generated IP packet Pt1 to the broadcast wave transmitting devices 101A and 101B via the IP network 151.

[0039] The broadcast wave transmitting device 101 receives an IP packet Pt1 from the IP broadcasting device 111 via the IP network 151, and acquires content from the received IP packet Pt1. The broadcast wave transmitting device 101 generates a constant bit rate stream Sb1 including the acquired content. The stream Sb1 is an example of a second stream. The broadcast wave transmitting device 101 transmits a broadcast wave Rf1 including the generated stream Sb1. More specifically, the broadcast wave transmitting device 101A transmits the broadcast wave Rf1 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. In addition, the broadcast wave transmitting device 101B transmits the broadcast wave Rf1 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the multiplexer 171 and the subarea network 161B.

[0040] (Broadcast wave transmitting device) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast wave transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 2, the broadcast wave transmission device 101 includes a receiving unit 11, an IP separation unit 12, a plurality of generating units 13, a generating unit 14, an EPG (Electric Program Guide) processing unit 15, an encoder 16, an aggregation unit 17, a modulation unit 18, and a transmission unit 19. For example, the broadcast wave transmission device 101 includes a plurality of generating units 13 corresponding to a plurality of services, respectively. The generating unit 13 includes a complementing unit 13A and a CBR (Constant Bit Rate) unit 13B. The generating unit 14 includes a complementing unit 14A and a CBR unit 14B. For example, the EPG processing unit 15, the encoder 16, the aggregation unit 17, the modulation unit 18, and the transmission unit 19 perform processing in accordance with "JLabs SPEC-003", "JLabs SPEC-017", "JLabs SPEC-018", and "JLabs SPEC-035". Some or all of the receiving unit 11, IP separation unit 12, generating units 13 and 14, EPG processing unit 15, encoder 16, aggregation unit 17, modulation unit 18 and transmitting unit 19 are realized, for example, by a processing circuit including one or more processors.

[0041] The receiving unit 11 receives IP packets Pt1 in which a stream Sa1 is stored. The stream Sa1 includes TS packets and does not include NULL packets. More specifically, the receiving unit 11 receives the IP packets Pt1 from the IP broadcasting device 111 via the IP network 151. The receiving unit 11 outputs the received IP packets Pt1 to the IP separation unit 12.

[0042] The IP separation unit 12 receives IP packets Pt1 from the receiving unit 11, and distributes the received IP packets Pt1 to the generating units 13 and 14. More specifically, the IP separation unit 12 extracts IP packets Pt1 in which a stream Sa1 of video information, audio information, etc. is stored for each service by referring to the multicast address of the IP packets Pt1 received from the receiving unit 11, and outputs the extracted IP packets Pt1 to the corresponding generating unit 13. The IP separation unit 12 also extracts IP packets Pt1 in which a stream Sa1 of SI information is stored by referring to the multicast address of the IP packets Pt1 received from the receiving unit 11, and outputs the extracted IP packets Pt1 to the generating unit 14.

[0043] The generators 13 and 14 acquire content from the IP packet Pt1 received by the receiver 11, and generate a constant bit rate stream Sb1 including the acquired content. The stream Sb1 is an example of a second stream.

[0044] 3 is a diagram showing TS packets acquired by a generating unit in the broadcast wave transmitting device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to Fig. 3, each time the complementing units 13A and 14A in the generating units 13 and 14 receive an IP packet Pt1 from the IP separation unit 12, they acquire seven TS packets with time stamps from the received IP packet Pt1.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a complementation process in a generation unit in a broadcast wave transmission device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 4, the complementation units 13A and 14A complement NULL packets based on timestamps added to acquired TS packets. More specifically, when the difference between the timestamp values ​​of two TS packets that are adjacent in ascending timestamp order is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the complementation units 13A and 14A perform a complementation process to complement a NULL packet, which is a TS packet that does not include content, between the two TS packets.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a stream generation process in a generation unit in the broadcast wave transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to Fig. 5, the generation units 13 and 14 include a FIFO 10. The complementation units 13A and 14A store the TS packets after the complementation process in the corresponding FIFO 10.

[0047] The CBR units 13B and 14B generate a stream Sb1 including TS packets retrieved from the FIFO 10 at an output timing Tout according to a predetermined clock CL. More specifically, the CBR units 13B and 14B retrieve TS packets from the corresponding FIFO 10 for each output timing Tout, and generate a fixed bit rate stream Sb1 in which the retrieved TS packets are arranged.

[0048] For example, the CBR units 13B and 14B adjust the clock CL based on the number of TS packets stored in the FIFO 10. More specifically, when the number of TS packets stored in the corresponding FIFO 10 becomes less than a predetermined value, the CBR units 13B and 14B adjust the frequency of the clock CL to a lower value. On the other hand, when the difference between the maximum number of TS packets that can be stored in the corresponding FIFO 10 and the number of TS packets stored in the FIFO 10 becomes less than a predetermined value, the CBR units 13B and 14B adjust the frequency of the clock CL to a higher value. This makes it possible to make the clock CL of the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 follow the clock of the IP broadcasting device 111 and prevent the FIFO 10 from underflowing or overflowing.

[0049] 2, the CBR unit 13B outputs the generated stream Sb1 to the aggregation unit 17. In addition, the CBR unit 14B outputs the generated stream Sb1 to the EPG processing unit 15.

[0050] The EPG processing unit 15 generates an EPG for each service based on SI information included in the stream Sb1 received from the CBR unit 13B. The SI information includes a service description table (SDT) and an event information table (EIT). The EPG processing unit 15 also generates an EPG for the content of the independent broadcast. The EPG processing unit 15 outputs a stream Sc1, which is the stream Sb1 including the generated EPG, to the aggregation unit 17.

[0051] The encoder 16 generates a constant bit rate stream Sd1 including the content of the independent broadcast, and outputs the generated stream Sd1 to the aggregation unit 17.

[0052] The aggregation unit 17 receives streams Sb1, Sc1, and Sd1 from the CBR unit 13B, the EPG processing unit 15, and the encoder 16, aggregates the received streams Sb1, Sc1, and Sd1, generates a scrambled aggregated stream S1, and outputs the generated aggregated stream S1 to the modulation unit 18.

[0053] The modulation unit 18 generates a broadcast wave Rf1 by modulating the aggregated stream S1 received from the aggregation unit 17 using a predetermined modulation method such as 64QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) and 256QAM, and outputs the generated broadcast wave Rf1 to the transmission unit 19.

[0054] The transmitting unit 19 transmits the broadcast wave Rf1 including the stream Sb1 generated by the generating unit 13. More specifically, the transmitting unit 19 in the broadcast wave transmitting device 101A transmits the broadcast wave Rf1 received from the modulating unit 18 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. Also, the transmitting unit 19 in the broadcast wave transmitting device 101B transmits the broadcast wave Rf1 received from the modulating unit 18 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the multiplexer 171 and the subarea network 161B.

[0055] [Operation flow] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content transmission processing sequence in the broadcasting system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] 6, first, the IP broadcasting device 111 generates an IP packet Pt1 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa1 including a content is stored, and transmits the generated IP packet Pt1 to the IP-STB 302 in the areas RB and RC via the IP network 151 and the subarea network 161. The IP broadcasting device 111 also transmits the generated IP packet Pt1 to the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 via the IP network 151 (step S11).

[0057] Next, the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 receives the IP packet Pt1 from the IP broadcasting device 111 and acquires the content from the received IP packet Pt1. More specifically, every time the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 receives the IP packet Pt1 from the IP broadcasting device 111, it acquires a TS packet from the received IP packet Pt1 (step S12).

[0058] Next, the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 performs a complementation process to complement the NULL packets based on the timestamps added to the TS packets, and stores the TS packets after the complementation process in the FIFO 10 (step S13).

[0059] Next, the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 generates a stream Sb1 including the TS packets retrieved from the FIFO 10 at the output timing Tout according to the clock CL (step S14).

[0060] Next, the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 generates a broadcast wave Rf1 by modulating the aggregated stream S1 including the stream Sb1 (step S15).

[0061] Next, the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 transmits the broadcast wave Rf1 to the RF-STB 301 in the areas RA and RB via the subarea network 161 (step S16).

[0062] FIG. 7 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when performing a switching process of an STB in the broadcasting system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] 7, first, a broadcaster who is an administrator of broadcasting system 401 installs IP broadcasting device 111 in the building of shared center station 211 (step S21).

[0064] Next, the broadcaster starts transmitting the IP packet Pt1 to the IP network 151 and the subarea network 161 using the IP broadcasting device 111. More specifically, the IP broadcasting device 111 transmits the IP packet Pt1 to the IP-STB 302 via the IP network 151 and the subarea network 161 (step S22).

[0065] Next, if there is no target area RT to which the user's home in which the RF-STB 301 is installed belongs (NO in step S23), the broadcaster ends the process.

[0066] On the other hand, if there is a target area RT to which the user's home in which the RF-STB301 is installed belongs, such as areas RA and RB (YES in step S23), the broadcasting company installs the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 in the premises of the local station 221 corresponding to the target area RT (step S24).

[0067] Next, the broadcaster starts transmitting the broadcast wave Rf1 to the IP network 151 and the subarea network 161 using the broadcast wave transmitting device 101. More specifically, the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 transmits the broadcast wave Rf1 to the RF-STB 301 in the target area RT via the IP network 151 and the subarea network 161 (step S25).

[0068] Next, for example, a user in the target area RT replaces the RF-STB 301 with the IP-STB 302. More specifically, the user in the target area RT ends the use of the RF-STB 301, installs the IP-STB 302 in the user's home, and starts using the IP-STB 302 (step S26).

[0069] Next, the broadcasting company waits for all RF-STBs301 in the target area RT to be replaced with IP-STBs302 (NO in step S27), and when all RF-STBs301 in the target area RT have been replaced with IP-STBs302 and the number of RF-STBs301 in the target area RT becomes zero, for example, in area RC (YES in step S27), it stops transmitting the broadcast wave Rf1 using the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 (step S28).

[0070] Next, the broadcaster removes the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 from the station premises of the local station 221 corresponding to the target area RT (step S29).

[0071] In the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the complementing units 13A and 14A in the generating units 13 and 14 are configured to complement NULL packets based on timestamps added to TS packets, but this is not limiting. The complementing units 13A and 14A may be configured to measure the number of TS packets arriving per unit time and complement NULL packets based on the measurement results.

[0072] In addition, in the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the CBR units 13B, 14B in the generating units 13, 14 are configured to adjust the clock CL based on the number of TS packets stored in the FIFO 10, but this is not limited thereto. The CBR units 13B, 14B may be configured not to adjust the clock CL.

[0073] Meanwhile, there is a demand for a technique that allows transmission of content using the IP packet Pt1 and transmission of content using the broadcast wave Rf1 to be performed in parallel with a simple configuration.

[0074] More specifically, the broadcasting system will transition from a conventional system that transmits content using broadcast waves Rf1 to a new system that transmits content using IP packets Pt1 that store a variable bit rate stream Sa1 in accordance with a standard established by the IPTV Forum, a general incorporated association. During the transitional period of the transition of the broadcasting system, in order to enable the RF-STB301 to acquire content, a technology is desired that allows the transmission of content using the IP packets Pt1 and the transmission of content using the broadcast waves Rf1 to be performed in parallel.

[0075] In a conventional broadcasting system that transmits content using a broadcast wave Rf1, an IP retransmission device and a broadcast wave transmission device are provided in the shared center station 211 and the local station 221, respectively. The IP retransmission device transmits IP packets for inter-station transmission, including a constant bit rate stream, to the broadcast wave transmission device. The broadcast wave transmission device transmits broadcast waves Rf1 based on the IP packets received from the IP retransmission device to the RF-STB 301 in the user's home. When the shared center station 211 operates such an IP retransmission device in addition to the IP broadcast device 111, the operating costs increase.

[0076] In contrast, in the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving unit 11 receives an IP packet Pt1 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa1 including content is stored. The generating unit 13 acquires the content from the IP packet Pt1 received by the receiving unit 11, and generates a constant bit rate stream Sb1 including the acquired content. The transmitting unit 19 transmits a broadcast wave Rf1 including the stream Sb1 generated by the generating unit 13.

[0077] In this way, the configuration of acquiring the content from the IP packet Pt1 in which the variable bit rate stream Sa1 is stored, generating the constant bit rate stream Sb1 including the acquired content, and transmitting the broadcast wave Rf1 including the stream Sb1 makes it possible to generate the broadcast wave Rf1 including the stream Sb1 and transmit the content using the broadcast wave Rf1 without using a conventional IP retransmission device that transmits an IP packet for inter-station transmission including a constant bit rate stream. Therefore, in the broadcast system 401 that does not include such a conventional IP retransmission device, the content can be acquired in both the IP-STB 302 and the RF-STB 301. Therefore, the transmission of the content using the IP packet Pt1 and the transmission of the content using the broadcast wave Rf1 can be performed in parallel with a simple configuration.

[0078] In addition, in the broadcasting system 401, the need to operate the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 can be determined for each local station 221 depending on the prevalence of IP-STBs 302 in users' homes. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the broadcast wave transmitting device 101 is installed in the shared center station 211, the broadcasting system can be smoothly transitioned while reducing the transmission bandwidth of the IP network 151.

[0079] Next, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0080] <Second embodiment> This embodiment is different from the broadcasting system 401 according to the first embodiment in that it relates to a broadcasting system 402 in which contents of terrestrial digital broadcasting from wide-area stations are transmitted. The contents other than those described below are the same as those of the broadcasting system 401 according to the first embodiment.

[0081] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to Fig. 8, compared to the broadcasting system 401, the broadcasting system 402 includes an IP broadcasting device 112 instead of the IP broadcasting device 111, and includes broadcast wave transmitting devices 102A and 102B which are the broadcast wave transmitting device 102 instead of the broadcast wave transmitting devices 101A and 101B.

[0082] The IP broadcasting device 112 performs terrestrial digital IP broadcasting of a wide-area station. The IP broadcasting device 112 receives broadcast waves of terrestrial digital broadcasting of a wide-area station via an antenna (not shown) and acquires content from the received broadcast waves. The IP broadcasting device 112 generates an IP packet Pt2 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa2 including the acquired content is stored. More specifically, the IP broadcasting device 112 generates a stream Sa2 including TS packets including information that the content is divided into multiple pieces and from which NULL packets have been deleted to reduce the transmission band. The IP broadcasting device 112 generates an IP packet Pt2 in which the generated stream Sa2 is stored. The payload of the IP packet Pt2 stores an RTP packet conforming to "SDT-0015" established by the IPTV Forum, a general incorporated association. The stream Sa2 is an example of a first stream.

[0083] For example, the IP broadcasting device 112 generates a stream Sa2 corresponding to the content of one broadcasting station and a stream Sa2 dedicated to EWS (Emergency Warning Signal) information, and generates an IP packet Pt2 to which a different multicast address is assigned for each stream Sa2 stored.

[0084] The IP broadcasting device 112 transmits the generated IP packet Pt2 to the IP-STB 302 in area RB via the IP network 151, the multiplexer 171, and the subarea network 161B, and transmits it to the IP-STB 302 in area RC via the IP network 151 and the subarea network 161C. The IP broadcasting device 112 also transmits the generated IP packet Pt2 to the broadcast wave transmitting devices 102A and 102B via the IP network 151.

[0085] The broadcast wave transmitting device 102 receives an IP packet Pt2 from the IP broadcasting device 112 via the IP network 151, and acquires content from the received IP packet Pt2. The broadcast wave transmitting device 102 generates a constant bit rate stream Sb2 including the acquired content. The stream Sb2 is an example of a second stream. The broadcast wave transmitting device 102 transmits a broadcast wave Rf2 including the generated stream Sb2. More specifically, the broadcast wave transmitting device 102A transmits the broadcast wave Rf2 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. Also, the broadcast wave transmitting device 102B transmits the broadcast wave Rf2 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the multiplexer 171 and the subarea network 161B.

[0086] (Broadcast wave transmitting device) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast wave transmitting device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to Fig. 9, the broadcast wave transmitting device 102 includes a receiving unit 21, an IP separation unit 22, a generating unit 23, an EWS acquiring unit 24, a TM (TransModulation) processing unit 25, a TSMF (Transport Stream Multiplexing Frame) processing unit 26, a modulation unit 27, and a transmitting unit 28. The TM processing unit 25 is an example of a rewriting unit. The generating unit 23 includes a complementing unit 23A, a CBR unit 23B, and a FIFO (not shown). For example, the TM processing unit 25, the TSMF processing unit 26, the modulation unit 27, and the transmitting unit 28 perform processing in accordance with "JLabs SPEC-007". Some or all of the receiving unit 21, IP separation unit 22, generating unit 23, EWS acquisition unit 24, TM processing unit 25, TSMF processing unit 26, modulation unit 27 and transmitting unit 28 are realized, for example, by a processing circuit including one or more processors.

[0087] The receiving unit 21 receives IP packets Pt2 in which a stream Sa2 is stored. The stream Sa2 includes TS packets and does not include NULL packets. More specifically, the receiving unit 21 receives the IP packets Pt2 from the IP broadcasting device 112 via the IP network 151. The receiving unit 21 outputs the received IP packets Pt2 to the IP separation unit 22.

[0088] The IP separation unit 22 receives IP packets Pt2 from the receiving unit 21, and distributes the received IP packets Pt2 to the generating unit 23 and the EWS acquiring unit 24. More specifically, the IP separation unit 22 extracts IP packets Pt2 in which a stream Sa2 of video information, audio information, etc. is stored by referring to the multicast address of the IP packets Pt2 received from the receiving unit 21, and outputs the extracted IP packets Pt2 to the generating unit 23. The IP separation unit 22 also extracts IP packets Pt2 in which a stream Sa2 dedicated to EWS information is stored by referring to the multicast address of the IP packets Pt2 received from the receiving unit 21, and outputs the extracted IP packets Pt2 to the EWS acquiring unit 24.

[0089] The generating unit 23 obtains the content from the IP packet Pt2 received by the receiving unit 21, and generates a constant bit rate stream Sb2 including the obtained content. The stream Sb2 is an example of a second stream.

[0090] More specifically, the complementation section 23A in the generation section 23, similar to the above-mentioned complementation section 13A, obtains seven TS packets with timestamps from the received IP packet Pt2 each time it receives an IP packet Pt2 from the IP separation section 22, performs complementation processing, and stores the TS packets after complementation processing in the FIFO.

[0091] The CBR unit 23B generates a stream Sb2 including TS packets extracted from the FIFO at the output timing Tout according to a predetermined clock CL. More specifically, the CBR unit 23B extracts TS packets from the corresponding FIFO at each output timing Tout in the same manner as the above-mentioned CBR unit 13B, and generates a fixed bit rate stream Sb2 in which the extracted TS packets are arranged. For example, the CBR unit 23B adjusts the clock CL based on the number of TS packets stored in the FIFO. The CBR unit 23B outputs the generated stream Sb2 to the TM processing unit 25.

[0092] The TM processing unit 25 rewrites the NIT included in the content. More specifically, the TM processing unit 25 performs a rewriting process to rewrite the NIT included in the stream Sb2 received from the CBR unit 23B based on information such as modulation parameters in the broadcast wave transmitting device 102. The TM processing unit 25 outputs the stream Sb2 after the rewriting process to the TSMF processing unit 26.

[0093] The EWS acquisition unit 24 acquires EWS information related to the emergency alert broadcast from the IP packet Pt2. More specifically, the EWS acquisition unit 24 acquires the EWS information from the IP packet Pt2 received from the IP separation unit 22. The EWS acquisition unit 24 may acquire the EWS information from the payload of the IP packet Pt2, or may acquire the EWS information from the SSRC (Synchronization Source) field in the RTP header of the IP packet Pt2, for example. The EWS acquisition unit 24 outputs the acquired EWS information to the TSMF processing unit 26.

[0094] The TSMF processing unit 26 generates a TSMF multiplexed frame including TS packets included in the stream Sb2 received from the TM processing unit 25 and the EWS information received from the EWS acquisition unit 24. The TSMF processing unit 26 outputs the generated TSMF multiplexed frame to the modulation unit 27.

[0095] The modulation unit 27 generates a broadcast wave Rf2 by modulating the TSMF multiplexed frame received from the TSMF processing unit 26 using a predetermined modulation method such as 64QAM and 256QAM, and outputs the generated broadcast wave Rf2 to the transmission unit 28.

[0096] The transmitting unit 28 transmits the broadcast wave Rf2 including the stream Sb2 generated by the generating unit 23 and the EWS information acquired by the EWS acquiring unit 24. More specifically, the transmitting unit 28 in the broadcast wave transmitting device 102A transmits the broadcast wave Rf2 received from the modulating unit 27 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. Also, the transmitting unit 28 in the broadcast wave transmitting device 102B transmits the broadcast wave Rf2 received from the modulating unit 27 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the multiplexer 171 and the subarea network 161B.

[0097] Next, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0098] <Third embodiment> This embodiment relates to a broadcasting system 403 that transmits BS digital broadcasting content, as compared with the broadcasting system 401 according to the first embodiment. The contents other than those described below are the same as those of the broadcasting system 401 according to the first embodiment.

[0099] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to Fig. 10, compared to the broadcasting system 401, the broadcasting system 403 includes an IP broadcasting device 113 instead of the IP broadcasting device 111, and includes broadcast wave transmitting devices 103A and 103B which are the broadcast wave transmitting device 103 instead of the broadcast wave transmitting devices 101A and 101B.

[0100] The IP broadcasting device 113 performs BS digital IP broadcasting. The IP broadcasting device 113 receives the broadcast waves of the BS digital broadcasting via an antenna (not shown) and acquires the content from the received broadcast waves. The IP broadcasting device 113 generates an IP packet Pt3 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa3 including the acquired content is stored. More specifically, the IP broadcasting device 113 generates a stream Sa3 including TS packets including information that the content is divided into a plurality of pieces and from which NULL packets have been deleted to reduce the transmission band. The IP broadcasting device 113 generates an IP packet Pt3 in which the generated stream Sa3 is stored. The payload of the IP packet Pt3 stores an RTP packet conforming to "SDT-0016" established by the IPTV Forum, a general incorporated association. The stream Sa3 is an example of a first stream.

[0101] For example, the IP broadcasting device 113 generates a plurality of streams Sa3 each corresponding to the content of a plurality of channels, and a stream Sa3 dedicated to EWS information, and generates an IP packet Pt3 to which a different multicast address is assigned for each stream Sa3 stored.

[0102] The IP broadcasting device 113 transmits the generated IP packet Pt3 to the IP-STB 302 in area RB via the IP network 151, the multiplexer 171, and the subarea network 161B, and transmits it to the IP-STB 302 in area RC via the IP network 151 and the subarea network 161C. The IP broadcasting device 113 also transmits the generated IP packet Pt3 to the broadcast wave transmitting devices 103A and 103B via the IP network 151.

[0103] The broadcast wave transmitting device 103 receives an IP packet Pt3 from the IP broadcasting device 113 via the IP network 151, and acquires content from the received IP packet Pt3. The broadcast wave transmitting device 103 generates a constant bit rate stream Sb3 including the acquired content. The stream Sb3 is an example of a second stream. The broadcast wave transmitting device 103 transmits a broadcast wave Rf3 including the generated stream Sb3. More specifically, the broadcast wave transmitting device 103A transmits the broadcast wave Rf3 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. Also, the broadcast wave transmitting device 103B transmits the broadcast wave Rf3 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the multiplexer 171 and the subarea network 161B.

[0104] (Broadcast wave transmitting device) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast wave transmission device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 11, the broadcast wave transmission device 103 includes a receiving unit 31, an IP separation unit 32, a plurality of generating units 33, an EWS acquisition unit 34, a plurality of TM processing units 35, a TSMF processing unit 36, a modulation unit 37, and a transmission unit 38. The TM processing unit 35 is an example of a rewriting unit. For example, the broadcast wave transmission device 103 includes a plurality of generating units 33 corresponding to a plurality of channels, and a plurality of TM processing units 35 corresponding to a plurality of channels. The generating unit 33 includes a complementing unit 33A, a CBR unit 33B, and a FIFO (not shown). For example, the TM processing unit 35, the TSMF processing unit 36, the modulation unit 37, and the transmission unit 38 perform processing in accordance with "JLabs SPEC-001". The receiving unit 31, IP separation unit 32, generation unit 33, EWS acquisition unit 34, TM processing unit 35, TSMF processing unit 36, modulation unit 37 and transmission unit 38 are partly or entirely realized by a processing circuit including, for example, one or more processors.

[0105] The receiving unit 31 receives IP packets Pt3 in which a stream Sa3 is stored. The stream Sa3 includes TS packets and does not include NULL packets. More specifically, the receiving unit 31 receives the IP packets Pt3 from the IP broadcasting device 113 via the IP network 151. The receiving unit 31 outputs the received IP packets Pt3 to the IP separation unit 32.

[0106] The IP separation unit 32 receives IP packets Pt3 from the receiving unit 31, and distributes the received IP packets Pt3 to the generating unit 33 and the EWS acquiring unit 34. More specifically, the IP separation unit 32 extracts IP packets Pt3 in which a stream Sa3 such as video information and audio information is stored for each channel by referring to the multicast address of the IP packets Pt3 received from the receiving unit 31, and outputs the extracted IP packets Pt3 to the corresponding generating unit 33. The IP separation unit 32 also extracts IP packets Pt3 in which a stream Sa3 dedicated to EWS information is stored by referring to the multicast address of the IP packets Pt3 received from the receiving unit 31, and outputs the extracted IP packets Pt3 to the EWS acquiring unit 34.

[0107] The generating unit 33 acquires the content from the IP packet Pt3 received by the receiving unit 31, and generates a constant bit rate stream Sb3 including the acquired content. The stream Sb3 is an example of a second stream.

[0108] More specifically, the complementation section 33A in the generation section 33, like the complementation section 13A described above, obtains seven TS packets with timestamps from the received IP packet Pt3 each time it receives an IP packet Pt3 from the IP separation section 32, performs complementation processing, and stores the TS packets after complementation processing in the corresponding FIFO.

[0109] The CBR unit 33B generates a stream Sb3 including TS packets extracted from the FIFO at the output timing Tout according to a predetermined clock CL. More specifically, the CBR unit 33B extracts TS packets from the corresponding FIFO for each output timing Tout, in the same manner as the above-mentioned CBR unit 13B, and generates a fixed bit rate stream Sb3 in which the extracted TS packets are arranged. For example, the CBR unit 33B adjusts the clock CL based on the number of TS packets stored in the FIFO. The CBR unit 33B outputs the generated stream Sb3 to the TM processing unit 35.

[0110] The TM processing unit 35 rewrites the NIT included in the content. More specifically, the TM processing unit 35 performs a rewriting process to rewrite the NIT included in the stream Sb3 received from the CBR unit 33B based on information such as modulation parameters in the broadcast wave transmitting device 103. The TM processing unit 35 outputs the stream Sb3 after the rewriting process to the TSMF processing unit 36.

[0111] The EWS acquisition unit 34 acquires EWS information from the IP packet Pt3 received from the IP separation unit 32, and outputs the acquired EWS information to the TSMF processing unit 36.

[0112] The TSMF processing unit 36 ​​generates a TSMF multiplexed frame including TS packets included in the stream Sb3 received from the TM processing unit 35 and the EWS information received from the EWS acquisition unit 34. The TSMF processing unit 36 ​​outputs the generated TSMF multiplexed frame to the modulation unit 37.

[0113] The modulation unit 37 generates broadcast waves Rf3 by modulating the TSMF multiplexed frame received from the TSMF processing unit using a predetermined modulation method such as 64QAM and 256QAM, and outputs the generated broadcast waves Rf3 to the transmission unit .

[0114] The transmitting unit 38 transmits the broadcast wave Rf3 including the stream Sb3 generated by the generating unit 33 and the EWS information acquired by the EWS acquiring unit 34. More specifically, the transmitting unit 38 in the broadcast wave transmitting device 103A transmits the broadcast wave Rf3 received from the modulating unit 37 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. Also, the transmitting unit 38 in the broadcast wave transmitting device 103B transmits the broadcast wave Rf3 received from the modulating unit 37 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the multiplexer 171 and the subarea network 161B.

[0115] Next, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0116] <Fourth embodiment> This embodiment is different from the broadcasting system 401 according to the first embodiment in that it relates to a broadcasting system 404 that transmits contents of advanced BS digital broadcasting. The contents other than those described below are the same as those of the broadcasting system 401 according to the first embodiment.

[0117] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Compared to the broadcasting system 401, the broadcasting system 404 includes an IP broadcasting device 114 instead of the IP broadcasting device 111, and includes broadcast wave transmitting devices 104A and 104B which are the broadcast wave transmitting device 104 instead of the broadcast wave transmitting devices 101A and 101B.

[0118] The IP broadcasting device 114 performs advanced BS digital IP broadcasting. The IP broadcasting device 114 receives the broadcasting waves of the advanced BS digital broadcasting via an antenna (not shown) and acquires the content from the received broadcasting waves. The IP broadcasting device 114 generates an IP packet Pt4 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa4 including the acquired content is stored. More specifically, the IP broadcasting device 114 acquires a variable length TLV packet including information that the content is divided into a plurality of pieces, and deletes a TLV-NULL packet, which is a TLV packet that does not include the content, from among the acquired TLV packets. The IP broadcasting device 114 generates a fixed length TS packet in which the TLV packet including the content is divided and stored, and generates a stream Sa4 including the generated TS packet. The IP broadcasting device 114 generates an IP packet Pt4 in which the generated stream Sa4 is stored. An RTP packet conforming to "SDT-0014" established by the General Incorporated Association IPTV Forum is stored in the payload of the IP packet Pt4. The stream Sa4 is an example of a first stream.

[0119] For example, the IP broadcasting device 114 generates a plurality of streams Sa4 corresponding to the contents of a plurality of channels, and a stream Sa4 dedicated to EWS information, and generates an IP packet Pt4 to which a different multicast address is assigned for each stream Sa4 to be stored.

[0120] The IP broadcasting device 114 transmits the generated IP packet Pt4 to the IP-STB 302 in area RB via the IP network 151, the multiplexer 171, and the subarea network 161B, and transmits it to the IP-STB 302 in area RC via the IP network 151 and the subarea network 161C. The IP broadcasting device 114 also transmits the generated IP packet Pt4 to the broadcast wave transmitting devices 104A and 104B via the IP network 151.

[0121] The broadcast wave transmitting device 104 receives an IP packet Pt4 from the IP broadcasting device 114 via the IP network 151, and acquires content from the received IP packet Pt4. The broadcast wave transmitting device 104 generates a constant bit rate stream Sb4 including the acquired content. The stream Sb4 is an example of a second stream. The broadcast wave transmitting device 104 transmits a broadcast wave Rf4 including the generated stream Sb4. More specifically, the broadcast wave transmitting device 104A transmits the broadcast wave Rf4 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. Also, the broadcast wave transmitting device 104B transmits the broadcast wave Rf4 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the multiplexer 171 and the subarea network 161B.

[0122] (Broadcast wave transmitting device) FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast wave transmission device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 13, the broadcast wave transmission device 104 includes a receiving unit 41, an IP separation unit 42, a generating unit 43, an EWS acquisition unit 44, a TM processing unit 45, a TSMF processing unit 46, modulation units 47A and 47B that are a modulation unit 47, transmission units 48A and 48B that are a transmission unit 48, and a multiplexer 49. The broadcast wave transmission device 104 may be configured to include three or more modulation units 47, or may be configured to include three or more transmission units 48. The TM processing unit 45 is an example of a rewriting unit. The generating unit 43 includes a complementing unit 43A, a CBR unit 43B, a TLV conversion unit 43C, a TLV division unit 43D, and a FIFO (not shown). For example, the TM processing unit 45, the TLV division unit 43D, the TSMF processing unit 46, the modulation unit 47, and the transmission unit 48 perform processing in accordance with "JLabs SPEC-033" and "JLabs SPEC-034." Some or all of the reception unit 41, the IP separation unit 42, the generation unit 43, the EWS acquisition unit 44, the TM processing unit 45, the TSMF processing unit 46, the modulation unit 47, and the transmission unit 48 are realized, for example, by a processing circuit including one or more processors.

[0123] The receiving unit 41 receives IP packets Pt4 in which a stream Sa4 is stored. The stream Sa4 includes TS packets and does not include NULL packets. More specifically, the receiving unit 41 receives the IP packets Pt4 from the IP broadcasting device 114 via the IP network 151. The receiving unit 41 outputs the received IP packets Pt4 to the IP separation unit 42.

[0124] The IP separation unit 42 receives IP packets Pt4 from the receiving unit 41, and distributes the received IP packets Pt4 to the generating unit 43 and the EWS acquiring unit 44. More specifically, the IP separation unit 42 extracts IP packets Pt4 in which a stream Sa4 of video information, audio information, etc. is stored by referring to the multicast address of the IP packets Pt4 received from the receiving unit 41, and outputs the extracted IP packets Pt4 to the generating unit 43. The IP separation unit 42 also extracts IP packets Pt4 in which a stream Sa4 dedicated to EWS information is stored by referring to the multicast address of the IP packets Pt4 received from the receiving unit 41, and outputs the extracted IP packets Pt4 to the EWS acquiring unit 44.

[0125] The generating unit 43 obtains the content from the IP packet Pt4 received by the receiving unit 41, and generates a constant bit rate stream Sd4 including the obtained content. The stream Sd4 is an example of a second stream.

[0126] For example, the generating unit 43 generates a TLV packet including one or more TS packets, and generates a constant bit rate stream Sc4 including the generated TLV packets. The generating unit 43 generates a stream Sd4 including TS packets into which the TLV packets are divided, based on the stream Sc4. The stream Sc4 is an example of a third stream.

[0127] More specifically, the complementation section 43A in the generation section 43, like the complementation section 13A described above, obtains seven TS packets with timestamps from the received IP packet Pt4 each time it receives an IP packet Pt4 from the IP separation section 42, performs complementation processing, and stores the TS packets after complementation processing in the FIFO.

[0128] The CBR unit 43B generates a stream Sb4 including TS packets extracted from the FIFO at the output timing Tout according to a predetermined clock CL. More specifically, the CBR unit 43B extracts TS packets from the corresponding FIFO at each output timing Tout in the same manner as the above-mentioned CBR unit 13B, and generates a fixed bit rate stream Sb4 in which the extracted TS packets are arranged. For example, the CBR unit 43B adjusts the clock CL based on the number of TS packets stored in the FIFO. The CBR unit 43B outputs the generated stream Sb4 to the TLV conversion unit 43C.

[0129] The TLV conversion unit 43C deletes NULL packets from the stream Sb4 received from the CBR unit 43B, and generates a TLV packet including one or more TS packets in the stream Sb4 from which the NULL packets have been deleted. More specifically, the payload of some TS packets in the stream Sb4 includes a top TLV indication indicating the position of the top header of the TLV packet. For example, the TLV conversion unit 43C detects the top TLV indication, and generates a stream Sc4 including the TLV packets by synthesizing data included in the payloads of multiple TS packets based on the detected top TLV indication to restore the TLV packets. The TLV conversion unit 43C outputs the generated stream Sc4 to the TM processing unit 45.

[0130] The TM processing unit 45 rewrites the NIT included in the content. More specifically, the TM processing unit 45 performs a rewriting process to rewrite the NIT included in the stream Sc4 received from the TLV conversion unit 43C based on information such as modulation parameters in the broadcast wave transmission device 104. The TM processing unit 45 outputs the stream Sc4 after the rewriting process to the TLV division unit 43D.

[0131] The TLV division unit 43D generates TS packets in which the TLV packets included in the stream Sc4 received from the TM processing unit 45 are divided and stored, and generates a stream Sd4 including the generated TS packets. The TLV division unit 43D outputs the generated stream Sd4 to the TSMF processing unit 46.

[0132] The EWS acquisition unit 44 acquires EWS information from the IP packet Pt4 received from the IP separation unit 42, and outputs the acquired EWS information to the TSMF processing unit 46.

[0133] The TSMF processing unit 46 generates a TSMF multiplexed frame including TS packets included in the stream Sd4 received from the TLV division unit 43D and EWS information received from the EWS acquisition unit 44. For example, the TSMF processing unit 46 distributes the generated TSMF multiplexed frame to modulation units 47A and 47B. More specifically, the TSMF processing unit 46 outputs a portion of the multiple TSMF multiplexed frames to the modulation unit 47A and outputs the remainder to the modulation unit 47B.

[0134] The modulation units 47A and 47B generate broadcast waves Rf4 by modulating the TSMF multiplexed frame received from the TSMF processing unit 46 using a predetermined modulation method such as 64QAM and 256QAM. The modulation unit 47A outputs the generated broadcast waves Rf4 to the transmission unit 48A. The modulation unit 47B outputs the generated broadcast waves Rf4 to the transmission unit 48B.

[0135] The transmitters 48A and 48B each transmit a broadcast wave Rf4 including the stream Sd4 generated by the generator 43 and the EWS information acquired by the EWS acquisition unit 44. More specifically, the transmitters 48A and 48B in the broadcast wave transmitting device 104A each transmit the broadcast wave Rf4 received from the modulators 47A and 47B to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the multiplexer 49 and the subarea network 161A. Also, the transmitters 48A and 48B in the broadcast wave transmitting device 104B each transmit the broadcast wave Rf4 received from the modulators 47A and 47B to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the multiplexers 49 and 171 and the subarea network 161B.

[0136] Next, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0137] <Fifth embodiment> This embodiment is different from the broadcasting system 402 according to the second embodiment in that it relates to a broadcasting system 405 in which content of terrestrial digital broadcasting of a local station is transmitted. Contents other than those described below are the same as those of the broadcasting system 402 according to the second embodiment.

[0138] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 14, compared to the broadcasting system 402, the broadcasting system 405 includes IP broadcasting devices 115A, 115B, and 115C that are IP broadcasting devices 115 instead of the IP broadcasting device 112, and includes broadcasting wave transmitting devices 105A and 105B that are broadcasting wave transmitting devices 105 instead of the broadcasting wave transmitting devices 102A and 102B. The IP broadcasting devices 115A, 115B, and 115C are provided in the buildings of the local stations 221A, 221B, and 221C that are local stations 221, respectively. The buildings of the local stations 221A, 221B, and 221C are provided corresponding to the regions RA, RB, and RC, respectively.

[0139] The IP broadcasting device 115 performs terrestrial digital IP broadcasting of a local station. The IP broadcasting device 115 receives broadcast waves of terrestrial digital broadcasting of a local station via an antenna (not shown) and acquires content from the received broadcast waves. The IP broadcasting device 115 generates an IP packet Pt5 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa5 including the acquired content is stored. More specifically, the IP broadcasting device 115 generates a stream Sa5 including TS packets including information that the content is divided into multiple pieces and from which NULL packets have been deleted to reduce the transmission band. The IP broadcasting device 115 generates an IP packet Pt5 in which the generated stream Sa5 is stored. The payload of the IP packet Pt5 stores an RTP packet conforming to "SDT-0015" established by the IPTV Forum, a general incorporated association. The stream Sa5 is an example of a first stream.

[0140] For example, the IP broadcasting device 115 generates a stream Sa5 corresponding to the content of one broadcasting station and a stream Sa5 dedicated to EWS information, and generates an IP packet Pt5 to which a different multicast address is assigned for each stored stream Sa5.

[0141] The IP broadcasting device 115A transmits the generated IP packet Pt5 to the broadcast wave transmitting device 105A. The IP broadcasting device 115B transmits the generated IP packet Pt5 to the broadcast wave transmitting device 105B, and transmits it to the IP-STB 302 in the area RB via the multiplexer 171 and the subarea network 161B. The IP broadcasting device 115C transmits the generated IP packet Pt5 to the IP-STB 302 in the area RC via the subarea network 161C.

[0142] The broadcast wave transmitting device 105 receives the IP packet Pt5 from the IP broadcasting device 115 and acquires the content from the received IP packet Pt5. The broadcast wave transmitting device 105 generates a constant bit rate stream Sb5 including the acquired content. The stream Sb5 is an example of a second stream. The broadcast wave transmitting device 105 transmits a broadcast wave Rf5 including the generated stream Sb5. More specifically, the broadcast wave transmitting device 105A transmits the broadcast wave Rf5 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. Also, the broadcast wave transmitting device 105B transmits the broadcast wave Rf5 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the multiplexer 171 and the subarea network 161B.

[0143] The broadcast wave transmitting device 105 includes a receiving unit 21, an IP separation unit 22, a generating unit 23, an EWS acquisition unit 24, a TM processing unit 25, a TSMF processing unit 26, a modulation unit 27, and a transmitting unit 28, similar to the broadcast wave transmitting device 102. The receiving unit 21 receives an IP packet Pt5 in which a stream Sa5 is stored. The generating unit 23 acquires content from the IP packet Pt5 received by the receiving unit 21, and generates a constant bit rate stream Sb5 including the acquired content. The EWS acquisition unit 24 acquires EWS information related to an emergency alert broadcast from the IP packet Pt5. The transmitting unit 28 transmits a broadcast wave Rf5 including the stream Sb5 generated by the generating unit 23 and the EWS information acquired by the EWS acquisition unit 24.

[0144] In addition, a part of the broadcasting systems 401, 402, 403, 404, and 405 may be combined. That is, any two or more of the IP broadcasting devices 111, 112, 113, and 114 may be provided in the building of the shared center station 211. In this case, the IP packets Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, Pt4, and Pt5 transmitted by the IP broadcasting devices 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 are transmitted to the IP-STB 302 via a multiplexer provided in the front stage of the subarea network 161. In addition, any two or more of the broadcast wave transmitting devices 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 may be provided in the building of the local station 221. In this case, the broadcast waves Rf1, Rf2, Rf3, Rf4, and Rf5 transmitted by the broadcast wave transmitting devices 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 are each transmitted to the RF-STB 301 via a multiplexer provided in the front stage of the subarea network 161.

[0145] Next, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0146] Sixth embodiment This embodiment relates to a broadcasting system 406 in which IP packets and broadcast waves are generated in one station, as compared with the broadcasting system 401 according to the first embodiment. Contents other than those described below are the same as those of the broadcasting system 401 according to the first embodiment.

[0147] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 15, compared to the broadcasting system 401, the broadcasting system 406 includes IP broadcasting wave transmitting devices 201A, 201B, and 201C, which are IP broadcasting wave transmitting devices 201, instead of the IP broadcasting device 111 and the broadcasting wave transmitting device 101. The IP broadcasting wave transmitting devices 201A, 201B, and 201C are provided in the buildings of the local stations 221A, 221B, and 221C, which are local stations 221, respectively. The buildings of the local stations 221A, 221B, and 221C are provided corresponding to the areas RA, RB, and RC, respectively.

[0148] The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201 can perform multi-channel IP broadcasting, similar to the IP broadcasting device 111. More specifically, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201 receives content from a content provider (not shown) and generates an IP packet Pt6 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa6 including the received content is stored. The payload of the IP packet Pt6 stores an RTP packet conforming to "JLabs SPEC-028" and "JLabs SPEC-035" established by the IPTV Forum, a general incorporated association. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201B transmits the generated IP packet Pt6 to the IP-STB 302 in the area RB via the subarea network 161B. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201C transmits the generated IP packet Pt6 to the IP-STB 302 in the area RC via the subarea network 161C.

[0149] Also, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201 can transmit broadcast waves, similar to the broadcast wave transmitting device 101. More specifically, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201 generates a fixed bit rate stream Sb6 including content. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201A transmits the broadcast wave Rf6 including the generated stream Sb6 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201B transmits the broadcast wave Rf6 including the generated stream Sb6 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the subarea network 161B.

[0150] (Broadcast wave transmitting device) Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of an IP broadcast wave transmitting device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 16, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201 includes a broadcast wave transmitting unit 60A and an IP transmitting unit 60B. The broadcast wave transmitting unit 60A includes a receiving unit 61, an EPG processing unit 62, an encoder 63, an aggregating unit 64, a modulating unit 65, and a transmitting unit 66. The IP transmitting unit 60B includes an IP packet generating unit 67 and a transmitting unit 68.

[0151] The IP transmission unit 60B acquires a variable bit rate stream Sa6 including the content, and transmits an IP packet Pt6 in which the acquired stream Sa6 is stored. The broadcast wave transmission unit 60A acquires a fixed bit rate stream Sb6 including the content, and transmits a broadcast wave Rf6 including the acquired stream Sb6. The stream Sa6 is an example of a first stream. The stream Sb6 is an example of a second stream.

[0152] The receiver 61 receives a plurality of constant bit rate streams Sb6 each including content of a plurality of services. More specifically, the receiver 61 receives a plurality of streams Sb6 including TS packets including information that the content is divided into a plurality of pieces and NULL packets from a content provider's content providing device (not shown). The receiver 61 may receive an ASI (Asynchronous Serial Interface) signal including the stream Sb6, or may receive a frame conforming to GbE (Gigabit Ethernet) including the stream Sb6. The receiver 61 outputs the received plurality of streams Sb6 to the aggregation unit 64.

[0153] The EPG processing unit 62 generates an EPG of the independent broadcast content. The EPG processing unit 62 generates a constant bit rate stream Sc6 including the generated EPG, and outputs the generated stream Sc6 to the aggregation unit 64.

[0154] The encoder 63 generates a constant bit rate stream Sd6 including the independent broadcast content, and outputs the generated stream Sd6 to the aggregation unit 64.

[0155] The aggregation unit 64 receives streams Sb6, Sc6, Sd6 from the receiving unit 61, the EPG processing unit 62 and the encoder 63, aggregates the received streams Sb6, Sc6, Sd6, and generates a scrambled aggregated stream S6, and outputs the generated aggregated stream S6 to the modulation unit 65 and the IP packet generation unit 67.

[0156] The modulation unit 65 generates a broadcast wave Rf6 by modulating the aggregated stream S6 received from the aggregation unit 64 using a predetermined modulation method such as 64QAM and 256QAM, and outputs the generated broadcast wave Rf6 to the transmission unit 66.

[0157] The transmitting unit 66 transmits the broadcast wave Rf6 received from the modulating unit 65. More specifically, the transmitting unit 66 in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201A transmits the broadcast wave Rf6 received from the modulating unit 65 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. Also, the transmitting unit 66 in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201B transmits the broadcast wave Rf6 received from the modulating unit 65 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via a multiplexer (not shown) and the subarea network 161B.

[0158] The IP packet generator 67 generates IP packets Pt6 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa6 including content is stored. More specifically, the IP packet generator 67 assigns timestamps to the TS packets and NULL packets included in the aggregated stream S6 received from the aggregater 64, and generates a stream Sa6 which is the aggregated stream S6 from which the NULL packets with timestamps have been deleted. The IP packet generator 67 generates IP packets Pt6 in which the TS packets in the generated stream Sa6 are stored in the payload in groups of seven in the order of the timestamp values. Every time the IP packet generator 67 generates an IP packet Pt6, it outputs the generated IP packet Pt6 to the transmitter 68.

[0159] The transmitting unit 68 transmits the IP packet Pt6 received from the IP packet generating unit 67. More specifically, the transmitting unit 68 in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201B transmits the IP packet Pt6 received from the IP packet generating unit 67 to the IP-STB 302 in area RB via a multiplexer (not shown) and the subarea network 161B. Also, the transmitting unit 68 in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201C transmits the IP packet Pt6 received from the IP packet generating unit 67 to the IP-STB 302 in area RC via the subarea network 161C.

[0160] Although the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201 has been described as including the broadcast wave transmitting unit 60A and the IP transmitting unit 60B, the present invention is not limited to this. Either the broadcast wave transmitting unit 60A or the IP transmitting unit 60B may be provided outside the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 201.

[0161] Next, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0162] <Seventh embodiment> This embodiment is different from the broadcasting system 402 according to the second embodiment in that the broadcasting system 407 generates IP packets and broadcast waves in one station. The contents other than those described below are the same as those of the broadcasting system 402 according to the second embodiment.

[0163] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 17, compared to the broadcasting system 402, the broadcasting system 407 includes IP broadcasting wave transmitting devices 202A, 202B, and 202C, which are IP broadcasting wave transmitting devices 202, instead of the IP broadcasting device 112 and the broadcasting wave transmitting device 102. The IP broadcasting wave transmitting devices 202A, 202B, and 202C are provided in the buildings of the local stations 221A, 221B, and 221C, which are local stations 221, respectively. The buildings of the local stations 221A, 221B, and 221C are provided corresponding to the areas RA, RB, and RC, respectively.

[0164] The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202 can perform terrestrial digital IP broadcasting, similar to the IP broadcasting device 112. More specifically, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202 receives terrestrial digital broadcasting waves via an antenna (not shown) and acquires content from the received broadcast wave. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202 generates an IP packet Pt7 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa7 including the acquired content is stored. The payload of the IP packet Pt7 stores an RTP packet conforming to "SDT-0015" established by the IPTV Forum, a general incorporated association. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202B transmits the generated IP packet Pt7 to the IP-STB 302 in the area RB via the subarea network 161B. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202C transmits the generated IP packet Pt7 to the IP-STB 302 in the area RC via the subarea network 161C.

[0165] Also, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202 can transmit broadcast waves, similar to the broadcast wave transmitting device 102. More specifically, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202 generates a fixed bit rate stream Sb7 including content. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202A transmits the broadcast wave Rf7 including the generated stream Sb7 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202B transmits the broadcast wave Rf7 including the generated stream Sb7 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the subarea network 161B.

[0166] (Broadcast wave transmitting device) Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of an IP broadcast wave transmitting device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to Fig. 18, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202 includes a broadcast wave transmitting unit 70A and an IP transmitting unit 70B. The broadcast wave transmitting unit 70A includes a receiving unit 71, a TM processing unit 72, a TSMF processing unit 73, a modulating unit 74, and a transmitting unit 75. The IP transmitting unit 70B includes an IP packet generating unit 76 and a transmitting unit 77.

[0167] The IP transmission unit 70B acquires a variable bit rate stream Sa7 including the content, and transmits an IP packet Pt7 in which the acquired stream Sa7 is stored. The broadcast wave transmission unit 70A acquires a fixed bit rate stream Sb7 including the content, and transmits a broadcast wave Rf7 including the acquired stream Sb7. The stream Sa7 is an example of a first stream. The stream Sb7 is an example of a second stream.

[0168] The receiver 71 receives a constant bit rate stream Sb7 including content from one broadcast station. More specifically, the receiver 71 receives broadcast waves via an antenna and a network interface module (NIM), not shown, and receives from the received broadcast waves a stream Sb7 including TS packets including information that the content has been divided into multiple packets and NULL packets. The receiver 71 outputs the acquired stream Sb7 to the TM processor 72.

[0169] In addition, the receiving unit 71 acquires EWS information from the received broadcast wave, and outputs the acquired EWS information to the TSMF processing unit 73 and the IP packet generating unit 76.

[0170] The TM processing unit 72 rewrites the NIT included in the content. More specifically, the TM processing unit 72 performs a rewriting process to rewrite the NIT included in the stream Sb7 received from the receiving unit 71 based on information such as modulation parameters in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202. The TM processing unit 72 outputs the stream Sb7 after the rewriting process to the TSMF processing unit 73 and the IP packet generating unit 76.

[0171] The TSMF processing unit 73 generates a TSMF multiplexed frame including TS packets included in the stream Sb7 received from the TM processing unit 72 and the EWS information received from the receiving unit 71. The TSMF processing unit 73 outputs the generated TSMF multiplexed frame to the modulation unit 74.

[0172] The modulation unit 74 generates a broadcast wave Rf 7 by modulating the TSMF multiplexed frame received from the TSMF processing unit 73 using a predetermined modulation method such as 64QAM and 256QAM, and outputs the generated broadcast wave Rf 7 to the transmission unit 75 .

[0173] The transmitting unit 75 transmits the broadcast wave Rf7 received from the modulating unit 74. More specifically, the transmitting unit 75 in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202A transmits the broadcast wave Rf7 received from the modulating unit 74 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. Also, the transmitting unit 75 in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202B transmits the broadcast wave Rf7 received from the modulating unit 74 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via a multiplexer (not shown) and the subarea network 161B.

[0174] The IP packet generating unit 76 generates an IP packet Pt7 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa7 including content is stored. More specifically, the IP packet generating unit 76 assigns timestamps to the TS packets and NULL packets included in the stream Sb7 received from the TM processing unit 72, and generates a stream Sa7 which is the stream Sb7 from which the NULL packets with timestamps have been deleted. The IP packet generating unit 76 generates an IP packet Pt7 in which the TS packets in the generated stream Sa7 are stored in the payload in groups of seven in the order of the timestamp values, and the EWS information received from the receiving unit 71 is stored in the SSRC in the RTP header. Every time the IP packet generating unit 76 generates an IP packet Pt7, it outputs the generated IP packet Pt7 to the transmitting unit 77.

[0175] The transmitter 77 transmits the IP packet Pt7 received from the IP packet generator 76. More specifically, the transmitter 77 in the IP broadcast wave transmitter 202B transmits the IP packet Pt7 received from the IP packet generator 76 to the IP-STB 302 in area RB via a multiplexer (not shown) and the subarea network 161B. Also, the transmitter 77 in the IP broadcast wave transmitter 202C transmits the IP packet Pt7 received from the IP packet generator 76 to the IP-STB 302 in area RC via the subarea network 161C.

[0176] In addition, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202 is configured to include the broadcast wave transmitting unit 70A and the IP transmitting unit 70B, but is not limited to this. Either the broadcast wave transmitting unit 70A or the IP transmitting unit 70B may be provided outside the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 202.

[0177] Next, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0178] <Eighth embodiment> This embodiment relates to a broadcasting system 408 in which IP packets and broadcast waves are generated in one station, as compared with the broadcasting system 403 according to the third embodiment. Contents other than those described below are the same as those of the broadcasting system 403 according to the third embodiment.

[0179] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 19, compared to the broadcasting system 403, the broadcasting system 408 includes IP broadcasting wave transmitting devices 203A, 203B, and 203C, which are IP broadcasting wave transmitting devices 203, instead of the IP broadcasting device 113 and the broadcasting wave transmitting device 103. The IP broadcasting wave transmitting devices 203A, 203B, and 203C are provided in the buildings of the local stations 221A, 221B, and 221C, which are the local stations 221, respectively. The buildings of the local stations 221A, 221B, and 221C are provided corresponding to the areas RA, RB, and RC, respectively.

[0180] The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203 can perform BS digital IP broadcasting, similar to the IP broadcasting device 113. More specifically, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203 receives BS digital broadcasting waves via an antenna (not shown) and acquires content from the received broadcast wave. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203 generates an IP packet Pt8 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa8 including the acquired content is stored. The payload of the IP packet Pt8 stores an RTP packet conforming to "SDT-0016" established by the IPTV Forum, a general incorporated association. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203B transmits the generated IP packet Pt8 to the IP-STB 302 in the area RB via the subarea network 161B. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203C transmits the generated IP packet Pt8 to the IP-STB 302 in the area RC via the subarea network 161C.

[0181] Also, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203 can transmit broadcast waves, similar to the broadcast wave transmitting device 103. More specifically, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203 generates a fixed bit rate stream Sb8 including content. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203A transmits the broadcast wave Rf8 including the generated stream Sb8 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203B transmits the broadcast wave Rf8 including the generated stream Sb8 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the subarea network 161B.

[0182] (Broadcast wave transmitting device) Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration of an IP broadcast wave transmitting device according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 20, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203 includes a broadcast wave transmitting unit 80A and an IP transmitting unit 80B. The broadcast wave transmitting unit 80A includes a receiving unit 81, a TS separating unit 82, a plurality of TM processing units 83, a TSMF processing unit 84, a modulating unit 85, and a transmitting unit 86. The IP transmitting unit 80B includes an IP packet generating unit 87 and a transmitting unit 88. For example, the broadcast wave transmitting unit 80A includes a plurality of TM processing units 83 corresponding to a plurality of channels, respectively.

[0183] The IP transmission unit 80B acquires a variable bit rate stream Sa8 including the content, and transmits an IP packet Pt8 in which the acquired stream Sa8 is stored. The broadcast wave transmission unit 80A acquires a fixed bit rate stream Sb8 including the content, and transmits a broadcast wave Rf8 including the acquired stream Sb8. The stream Sa8 is an example of a first stream. The stream Sb8 is an example of a second stream.

[0184] The receiver 81 receives a plurality of constant bit rate streams Sb8 each including a plurality of channel contents. More specifically, the receiver 81 receives broadcast waves via an antenna and NIM (not shown), and receives a plurality of streams Sb8 including TS packets including information that the content has been divided into a plurality of pieces, and NULL packets from the received broadcast waves. The receiver 81 outputs the acquired plurality of streams Sb8 to the TS separator 82.

[0185] In addition, the receiving unit 81 acquires EWS information from the received broadcast wave, and outputs the acquired EWS information to the TSMF processing unit 84 and the IP packet generating unit 87.

[0186] The TS separation unit 82 distributes the stream Sb8 received from the receiving unit 81 to the TM processing unit 83. More specifically, the TS separation unit 82 extracts TS packets for each channel by referring to header information of the TS packets included in the stream Sb8, and outputs the extracted TS packets to the corresponding TM processing unit 83.

[0187] The TM processing unit 83 rewrites the NIT included in the content. More specifically, the TM processing unit 83 performs a rewriting process to rewrite the NIT included in the stream Sb8 received from the TS separation unit 82 based on information such as modulation parameters in the IP broadcast wave transmission device 203. The TM processing unit 83 outputs the stream Sb8 after the rewriting process to the TSMF processing unit 84 and the IP packet generation unit 87.

[0188] The TSMF processing unit 84 generates a TSMF multiplexed frame including TS packets included in the stream Sb8 received from each TM processing unit 83 and the EWS information received from the receiving unit 81. The TSMF processing unit 84 outputs the generated TSMF multiplexed frame to the modulation unit 85.

[0189] The modulation unit 85 generates broadcast waves Rf8 by modulating the TSMF multiplexed frame received from the TSMF processing unit 84 using a predetermined modulation method such as 64QAM and 256QAM, and outputs the generated broadcast waves Rf8 to the transmission unit 86.

[0190] The transmitting unit 86 transmits the broadcast wave Rf8 received from the modulating unit 85. More specifically, the transmitting unit 86 in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203A transmits the broadcast wave Rf8 received from the modulating unit 85 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. Also, the transmitting unit 86 in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203B transmits the broadcast wave Rf8 received from the modulating unit 85 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via a multiplexer (not shown) and the subarea network 161B.

[0191] The IP packet generating unit 87 generates an IP packet Pt8 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa8 including a content is stored. More specifically, the IP packet generating unit 87 assigns timestamps to the TS packets and NULL packets included in the stream Sb8 received from each TM processing unit 83, and generates a plurality of streams Sa8 in which the NULL packets with timestamps have been deleted. The IP packet generating unit 87 generates an IP packet Pt8 in which the TS packets in the generated stream Sa8 are stored in the payload in groups of seven in the order of the timestamp values, the EWS information received from the receiving unit 81 is stored in the SSRC in the RTP header, and a different multicast address is set for each stream Sa8. Every time the IP packet generating unit 87 generates an IP packet Pt8, it outputs the generated IP packet Pt8 to the transmitting unit 88.

[0192] The transmitting unit 88 transmits the IP packet Pt8 received from the IP packet generating unit 87. More specifically, the transmitting unit 88 in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203B transmits the IP packet Pt8 received from the IP packet generating unit 87 to the IP-STB 302 in area RB via a multiplexer (not shown) and the subarea network 161B. Also, the transmitting unit 88 in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203C transmits the IP packet Pt8 received from the IP packet generating unit 87 to the IP-STB 302 in area RC via the subarea network 161C.

[0193] In addition, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203 is configured to include the broadcast wave transmitting unit 80A and the IP transmitting unit 80B, but is not limited to this. Either the broadcast wave transmitting unit 80A or the IP transmitting unit 80B may be provided outside the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 203.

[0194] Next, another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0195] <Ninth embodiment> This embodiment relates to a broadcasting system 409 in which IP packets and broadcast waves are generated in one station, as compared with the broadcasting system 404 in the fourth embodiment. Contents other than those described below are the same as those of the broadcasting system 404 in the fourth embodiment.

[0196] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcasting system according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 21, compared to the broadcasting system 404, the broadcasting system 409 includes IP broadcasting wave transmitting devices 204A, 204B, and 204C, which are the IP broadcasting wave transmitting device 204, instead of the IP broadcasting device 114 and the broadcasting wave transmitting device 104. The IP broadcasting wave transmitting devices 204A, 204B, and 204C are provided in the buildings of the local stations 221A, 221B, and 221C, which are the local stations 221, respectively. The buildings of the local stations 221A, 221B, and 221C are provided corresponding to the areas RA, RB, and RC, respectively.

[0197] The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204 can perform advanced BS digital IP broadcasting, similar to the IP broadcasting device 114. More specifically, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204 receives advanced BS digital broadcasting waves via an antenna (not shown) and acquires content from the received broadcast waves. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204 generates an IP packet Pt9 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa9 including the acquired content is stored. The payload of the IP packet Pt9 stores an RTP packet conforming to "SDT-0014" established by the IPTV Forum, a general incorporated association. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204B transmits the generated IP packet Pt9 to the IP-STB 302 in the area RB via the subarea network 161B. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204C transmits the generated IP packet Pt9 to the IP-STB 302 in the area RC via the subarea network 161C.

[0198] Also, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204 can transmit broadcast waves, similar to the broadcast wave transmitting device 104. More specifically, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204 generates a fixed bit rate stream Sb9 including content. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204A transmits the broadcast wave Rf9 including the generated stream Sb9 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. The IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204B transmits the broadcast wave Rf9 including the generated stream Sb9 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via the subarea network 161B.

[0199] (Broadcast wave transmitting device) Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration of an IP broadcast wave transmitting device according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 22, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204 includes a broadcast wave transmitting unit 90A and an IP transmitting unit 90B. The broadcast wave transmitting unit 90A includes a receiving unit 91, a TM processing unit 92, a TLV dividing unit 93, a TSMF processing unit 94, modulation units 95A and 95B which are a modulation unit 95, and transmission units 96A and 96B which are a transmission unit 96. The IP transmitting unit 90B includes an IP packet generating unit 97 and a transmission unit 98.

[0200] The IP transmission unit 90B acquires a variable bit rate stream Sa9 including the content, and transmits an IP packet Pt9 in which the acquired stream Sa9 is stored. The broadcast wave transmission unit 90A acquires a fixed bit rate stream Sb9 including the content, and transmits a broadcast wave Rf9 including the acquired stream Sb9. The stream Sa9 is an example of a first stream. The stream Sb9 is an example of a second stream.

[0201] The receiver 91 receives a plurality of constant bit rate streams Sc9 each including a plurality of channel contents. More specifically, the receiver 91 receives broadcast waves via an antenna and NIM (not shown), and receives a plurality of streams Sc9 including TLV packets including information that the content has been divided into a plurality of pieces, and TLV-NULL packets from the received broadcast waves. The receiver 81 outputs the acquired plurality of streams Sc9 to the TM processor 92.

[0202] In addition, the receiving unit 91 acquires EWS information from the received broadcast waves, and outputs the acquired EWS information to the TSMF processing unit 94 and the IP packet generating unit 97.

[0203] The TM processing unit 92 rewrites the NIT included in the content. More specifically, the TM processing unit 92 performs a rewriting process to rewrite the NIT included in each stream Sc9 received from the receiving unit 91 based on information such as modulation parameters in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204. The TM processing unit 92 outputs each stream Sc9 after the rewriting process to the TLV division unit 93.

[0204] The TLV division unit 93 deletes TLV-NULL packets from the TLV packets of each stream Sc9 received from the TM processing unit 92. The TLV division unit 93 generates TS packets in which the TLV packets in the stream Sc9 from which the TLV-NULL packets have been deleted are divided and stored, and generates a plurality of streams Sb9 including the generated TS packets. The TLV division unit 93 outputs the generated plurality of streams Sb9 to the TSMF processing unit 94 and the IP packet generation unit 97.

[0205] The TSMF processing unit 94 generates a TSMF multiplexed frame including TS packets included in each stream Sb9 received from the TLV division unit 93 and EWS information received from the receiving unit 91. The TSMF processing unit 94 distributes the generated TSMF multiplexed frames to modulation units 47A and 47B. More specifically, the TSMF processing unit 94 outputs a portion of the multiple TSMF multiplexed frames to modulation unit 95A, and outputs the remainder to modulation unit 95B.

[0206] The modulation unit 95 generates broadcast waves Rf9 by modulating the TSMF multiplexed frame received from the TSMF processing unit 94 using a predetermined modulation method such as 64QAM and 256QAM, and outputs the generated broadcast waves Rf9 to the corresponding transmission unit 96.

[0207] The transmitting unit 96 transmits the broadcast wave Rf9 received from the modulating unit 95. More specifically, the transmitting unit 96 in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204A transmits the broadcast wave Rf9 received from the modulating unit 95 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RA via the subarea network 161A. Also, the transmitting unit 96 in the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204B transmits the broadcast wave Rf9 received from the modulating unit 95 to the RF-STB 301 in the area RB via a multiplexer (not shown) and the subarea network 161B.

[0208] The IP packet generating unit 97 generates an IP packet Pt9 in which a variable bit rate stream Sa9 including content is stored. More specifically, the IP packet generating unit 97 assigns a timestamp to the TS packets included in each stream Sb9 received from the TLV dividing unit 93, and generates a plurality of streams Sa9 which are a plurality of streams Sb9 including the TS packets assigned with the timestamp. The IP packet generating unit 97 generates an IP packet Pt9 in which the TS packets in the generated stream Sa9 are stored in the payload in groups of seven in the order of the timestamp value, the EWS information received from the receiving unit 91 is stored in the SSRC in the RTP header, and a different multicast address is set for each stream Sa9. Every time the IP packet generating unit 97 generates an IP packet Pt9, it outputs the generated IP packet Pt9 to the transmitting unit 98.

[0209] The transmitter 98 transmits the IP packet Pt9 received from the IP packet generator 97. More specifically, the transmitter 98 in the IP broadcast wave transmitter 204B transmits the IP packet Pt9 received from the IP packet generator 97 to the IP-STB 302 in area RB via a multiplexer (not shown) and the subarea network 161B. Also, the transmitter 98 in the IP broadcast wave transmitter 204C transmits the IP packet Pt9 received from the IP packet generator 97 to the IP-STB 302 in area RC via the subarea network 161C.

[0210] In addition, the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204 is configured to include the broadcast wave transmitting unit 90A and the IP transmitting unit 90B, but is not limited to this. Either the broadcast wave transmitting unit 90A or the IP transmitting unit 90B may be provided outside the IP broadcast wave transmitting device 204.

[0211] Also, a part of the broadcasting systems 406, 407, 408, and 409 may be combined. That is, any two or more of the IP broadcast wave transmitting devices 201, 202, 203, and 204 may be provided in the building of the local station 221. In this case, the IP packets Pt6, Pt7, Pt8, and Pt9 transmitted by the IP broadcast wave transmitting devices 201, 202, 203, and 204 are transmitted to the IP-STB 302 via a multiplexer provided in the front stage of the subarea network 161. Also, in this case, the broadcast waves Rf6, Rf7, Rf8, and Rf9 transmitted by the IP broadcast wave transmitting devices 201, 202, 203, and 204 are transmitted to the RF-STB 301 via a multiplexer provided in the front stage of the subarea network 161, respectively.

[0212] The above-described embodiments should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0213] Each process (each function) of the above-mentioned embodiment is realized by a processing circuit (circuitry) including one or more processors. The above-mentioned processing circuit may be composed of an integrated circuit or the like in which one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits are combined in addition to the above-mentioned one or more processors. The above-mentioned one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the above-mentioned one or more processors to execute each of the above-mentioned processes. The above-mentioned one or more processors may execute each of the above-mentioned processes according to the programs read from the above-mentioned one or more memories, or may execute each of the above-mentioned processes according to a logic circuit designed in advance to execute each of the above-mentioned processes. The above-mentioned processors may be various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The above-mentioned physically separated processors may execute each of the above-mentioned processes in cooperation with each other. For example, the processors mounted on each of a plurality of physically separated computers may cooperate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, etc. The program may be installed in the memory from an external server device or the like via the network, or may be distributed in a state stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a semiconductor memory, and installed in the memory from the recording medium.

[0214] The above description includes the following additional features. [Appendix 1] A receiver for receiving IP packets in which a first stream of a variable bit rate including the content is stored; a generating unit that obtains the content from the IP packets received by the receiving unit and generates a constant bit rate second stream including the obtained content; a transmission unit that transmits a broadcast wave including the second stream generated by the generation unit, the receiving unit receives the IP packet in which the first stream, which includes TS packets and does not include NULL packets, is stored; the generation unit performs a complementation process for complementing a NULL packet, which is the TS packet that does not include content, based on a timestamp added to the TS packet; The generation unit generates the second stream in which the TS packets after the complementation process are arranged according to a predetermined clock.

[0215] A broadcast wave transmitting device, A processing circuit is provided, The processing circuitry includes: Receiving IP packets containing a variable bit rate first stream of content; obtaining the content from the received IP packets and generating a constant bit rate second stream including the obtained content; A broadcast wave transmitting device that transmits a broadcast wave including the generated second stream. [Explanation of symbols]

[0216] 10. FIFO 11,21,31,41,61,71,81,91 Receiver 12,22,32,42 IP separation section 13,14,23,33,43 Generation part 13A,14A,23A,33A,43A Complement part 13B,14B,23B,33B,43B CBR section 15,62 EPG processing unit 16,63 Encoder 17,64 Consolidation section 18,27,37,47,47A,47B,65,74,85,95,95A,95B Modulation section 19, 28, 38, 48, 48A, 48B, 66, 68, 75, 77, 86, 88, 96, 96A, 96B, 98 Transmitter 24,34,44 EWS acquisition department 25,35,45,72,83,92 TM processing section 26,36,46,73,84,94 TSMF processing section 43C TLV conversion unit 43D,93 TLV division part 49 Multiplexer 60A, 70A, 80A, 90A Broadcast wave transmitter 60B,70B,80B,90B IP transmitter 67,76,87,97 IP packet generator 82 TS separation section 101, 101A, 101B, 102, 102A, 102B, 103, 103A, 103B, 104, 104A, 104B, 105, 105A, 105B Broadcast wave transmitting device 111,112,113,114,115,115A,115B,115C IP broadcast equipment 151 IP network 161, 161A, 161B, 161C Subarea Network 171 Multiplexer 201, 201A, 201B, 201C, 202, 202A, 202B, 202C, 203, 203A, 203B, 203C, 204, 204A, 204B, 204C IP broadcast wave transmitter 211 Common Center Station 221A, 221B, 221C local stations 301 RF-STB 302 IP-STB 401,402,403,404,405,406,407,408,409 Broadcasting Systems RA,RB,RC region Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, Pt4, Pt5, Pt6, Pt7, Pt8, Pt9 IP packets Rf1, Rf2, Rf3, Rf4, Rf5, Pt6, Pt7, Pt8, Pt9 broadcast waves

Claims

1. a receiving unit for receiving IP packets in which a first stream of a variable bit rate including the content is stored; a generating unit that obtains the content from the IP packets received by the receiving unit and generates a second stream having a constant bit rate including the obtained content; a transmitting unit that transmits a broadcast wave including the second stream generated by the generating unit.

2. The receiving unit receives the IP packets in which the first stream including TS packets and not including NULL packets is stored, The broadcast wave transmitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the generating unit generates the second stream supplemented with NULL packets based on a time stamp added to the TS packets.

3. the receiving unit receives the IP packets in which the first stream, which includes TS packets and does not include NULL packets, is stored; The broadcast wave transmitting device of claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates a TLV (Type Length Value) packet including one or more of the TS packets, generates a third stream of a constant bit rate including the generated TLV packets, and generates the second stream including the TS packets into which the TLV packets are divided based on the third stream.

4. the generating unit generates the second stream including the TS packets retrieved from a FIFO (First In First Out) at an output timing according to a predetermined clock; The broadcast wave transmitting device according to claim 2 , wherein the generating section adjusts the clock based on the number of the TS packets stored in the FIFO.

5. The broadcast wave transmitting device further comprises: A rewriting unit that rewrites a network information table (NIT) included in the content, The broadcast wave transmitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting unit transmits the broadcast wave including the second stream in which the NIT has been rewritten by the rewriting unit.

6. The broadcast wave transmitting device further comprises: An EWS acquisition unit that acquires EWS information related to emergency alert broadcasting from the IP packet, The broadcast wave transmitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting unit transmits the broadcast wave further including the EWS information acquired by the EWS acquiring unit.

7. The broadcast wave transmitting device according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving unit receives the IP packet in which the first stream including the content of a terrestrial digital broadcast of a local station is stored.

8. an IP transmission unit that acquires a first stream having a variable bit rate including a content and transmits an IP packet in which the acquired first stream is stored; a broadcast wave transmitting unit that obtains a second stream having a constant bit rate including the content, and transmits a broadcast wave including the obtained second stream.

9. A broadcast wave transmitting method in a broadcast wave transmitting device, comprising: receiving IP packets containing a first variable bit rate stream of content; obtaining the content from the received IP packets and generating a constant bit rate second stream including the obtained content; and transmitting a broadcast wave including the generated second stream.

10. A method for switching a content receiving device in a broadcasting system that transmits content via a network, comprising: providing an IP transmission device for transmitting IP packets in which a first stream of a variable bit rate including the content is stored; a broadcast wave transmitting device that obtains the content from the IP packets transmitted by the IP transmitting device and transmits a broadcast wave including a second stream of a constant bit rate including the content; sending the IP packets and the broadcast waves to the network using the IP transmission device and the broadcast wave transmission device; replacing a first content receiving device capable of acquiring the content from the broadcast wave with a second content receiving device capable of acquiring the content from the IP packet.

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