Television receiver and video distribution system

Abstract

To smoothly complete a switching operation of switching video contents transmitted via broadcast waves to video contents distributed via a network, without causing inconveniences due to differences between the contents transmission and the distribution service of the contents for viewers.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a server system and a television receiver for switching a video content transmitted via broadcast waves to a video content distributed via a network when the video contents transmitted via broadcast waves become impossible to receive. The server system is denoted as a television gateway. Metadata provided by the television gateway provides a locally limited viewing function and measurement of the intensity of electric fields of the broadcast waves automates switching. Automatically transferring the reception contract from broadcasting to network distributions allows completion of a smooth switching operation without causing inconveniences for viewers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for appropriately controlling the presentation of content distributed by broadcasting and communication, which is composed of a server system for distributing video, a repeater for transmitting video by broadcast waves, a receiving terminal for receiving video content of both of them, and a server (hereinafter referred to as a gateway) located between the server system and the receiving terminal. Hereinafter, the video content refers to a moving image composed of video and audio.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to the evolution of the network, many video distribution services have been implemented. In particular, large-sized, large-screen television receivers can not only receive broadcasts as before, but also be connected to the network and play the distributed video, so that users can enjoy higher-quality and more immersive videos. This has become possible due to the high-speedization of the network and the improvement of the processing performance of television receivers. In the future, it is considered that the opportunities to display and operate various video contents provided by the network on television receivers will increase.

[0003] On the other hand, terrestrial digital broadcasting started in 2003 and a long time has passed since then, and the aging of the terrestrial digital broadcasting infrastructure has progressed. Terrestrial digital broadcasting is a broadcasting method using the UHF band, and broadcast content is transmitted to households nationwide by main stations, medium-sized repeaters, and further small-sized repeaters. Among the broadcasting infrastructures, in particular, small-sized repeaters are in a difficult-to-maintain situation, and in some cases, a plan to abolish small-sized repeaters and distribute them by the network is being considered.

[0004] Thus, in order to switch the distribution of video content delivered via terrestrial digital broadcasting to network distribution, it is necessary to simultaneously distribute the video content transmitted via broadcast waves to the network as well, and currently, the implementation of such simultaneous distribution is also under consideration. However, when switching such so-called broadcast content transmitted via broadcast waves to the Internet, various problems arise.

[0005] For example, even if simultaneous distribution is started, at the timing when a small-scale relay station stops functioning and switches to network distribution, viewers who are watching the content of terrestrial digital broadcasting may suddenly find that the video is no longer displayed.

[0006] Also, in broadcasting, there is the concept of a viewing area, and local stations cover a certain range, and different content is transmitted in that area than in other areas. However, in distribution via the network, there is no such restriction as a viewing area, and distribution is possible anywhere in the country.

[0007] Furthermore, when a reception fee has been paid for receiving broadcasts, after the reception via broadcast waves disappears and the reception switches to the Internet, there will also be requirements to limit viewing only to viewers who are still paying the reception fee.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The present invention provides a method for solving these problems that occur when switching from distribution via broadcast waves to distribution via communication.

[0010] The present invention relates to the control of a server system (TV gateway) and a TV receiver that can be smoothly switched without causing inconvenience to viewers in a TV receiver having a function of receiving radio waves transmitted from a radio tower and a communication function of receiving content input from a network when switching video content transmitted by a broadcast wave to video content distributed by a network.

[0011] To explain the problems that occur when switching video content transmitted by a broadcast wave to video content distributed by a network, a conventional configuration example is shown in FIG. 8. Broadcast stations 101, 102, and 103 are transmitting video content toward a repeater 111 by a broadcast wave. The repeater 111 that has received the broadcast wave transmits the broadcast wave to the next repeater 112. In this way, in terrestrial digital broadcasting, video content is transmitted to various regions by a bucket relay method using radio waves. In this example, finally, the repeater 112 is transmitting a broadcast wave toward TVs 141 to 145. Here, it is assumed that the TVs 141 to 145 are installed in different regions.

[0012] On the other hand, the broadcast stations 101, 102, and 103 are transmitting the same video content as the broadcast as a simultaneous distribution to a network distribution server 121. The network distribution server 121 distributes the video content to the TVs 141 to 145 through a communication network such as an optical fiber or wireless.

[0013] Normally, the TVs 141 to 145 receive the broadcast wave from the repeater 112, but when the repeater 112 cannot maintain its ability due to reasons such as aging, the TVs 141 to 145 cannot receive the broadcast. At that time, the TVs 141 to 145 will receive the video content distributed from the network distribution server 121.

[0014] The following problems occur during this switching. 1) To switch from broadcasting to communication, video content identical to the video content being transmitted by the broadcast wave is distributed using the network. Even a small-scale relay station covers a large number of households. When a small-scale relay station stops functioning and switches to network distribution, viewers who were watching terrestrial digital broadcast content may suddenly lose the video display. At that time, it is necessary to inform the viewers of the switching operation in advance. However, it is extremely difficult to notify all households where the switch will occur, and even if it were possible to notify them, it would force unnecessary operations on the viewers.

[0015] 2) In broadcasting, the viewing area is determined in advance. For example, in a prefectural viewing area, local broadcast stations within the prefecture are responsible for broadcasting within that prefecture and are transmitting predetermined video content. Furthermore, the video content broadcast by these local broadcast stations covering a certain range may be different from the content broadcast in other viewing areas. However, in network distribution, there is no such restriction as a viewing area, and it is possible to distribute content anywhere in the country, making it impossible to form the viewing areas determined in broadcasting.

[0016] 3) In public broadcasting, usually, it is possible to receive broadcasts by paying a reception fee. Therefore, even when video content is distributed via the network instead of broadcasting, it is expected that the display of the video content will be limited to viewers who have paid the reception fee. However, currently, in the case of terrestrial digital broadcasting, the reception fee is collected based on the presence of an antenna or a TV that receives the broadcast. In video distribution via the network, since an antenna is not required, it becomes extremely difficult to collect the reception fee. At present, there is no method to inherit the reception contract in broadcasting during network distribution. Although there are institutional issues, technical solutions are required.

[0017] As described above, when switching from broadcast to network distribution by simultaneous distribution, problems occur due to the differences in the nature of broadcasting and the network. In particular, the above three points are significant problems.

[0018] Therefore, in the present invention, a TV gateway is installed between a distribution server that simultaneously distributes video content and a TV receiver, and the functions of the TV gateway are used to absorb the differences in the nature between broadcasting and communication, thereby solving the above three problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0019] The video distribution system includes a TV receiver capable of receiving video and audio content transmitted by broadcast waves or communication, a video distribution system that transmits different metadata for each viewing area, a TV gateway that receives and stores the metadata from the video distribution system, and the TV gateway performs viewing control for each region by converting the metadata corresponding to each viewing area and transmitting it to the TV to present a program selection screen.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (First Embodiment) A first example of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The difference from the conventional configuration example is the location where the TV gateway 131 is arranged. The TV gateway 131 is a server that transmits metadata to the TV, and the TV that receives the metadata displays a program selection screen. The display of the program selection screen is implemented by display software such as a browser installed on the TV.

[0023] Broadcasting stations 101, 102, and 103 transmit broadcast waves toward the repeater 111 and send video content in the same way as in the conventional configuration example. The repeater 111 that receives the broadcast wave transmits the broadcast wave to the next repeater 112. In this way, terrestrial digital broadcasting transmits video content to various regions by radio waves. In this example, the repeater 112 transmits broadcast waves toward TVs 141 to 145.

[0024] On the other hand, broadcasting stations 101, 102, and 103 have a function of simultaneous distribution and transmit the same video content as the broadcast to the network distribution server 121. The network distribution server 121 distributes the video content to TVs 141 to 145 through a communication network such as an optical fiber or wireless.

[0025] Normally, TVs 141 to 145 receive broadcast waves from the repeater 112, but when the function of the repeater 112 cannot be maintained due to reasons such as aging, TVs 141 to 145 will be unable to receive broadcasts. In that case, TVs 141 to 145 will receive the video content distributed from the network distribution server 121.

[0026] In the conventional configuration, TVs 141 to 145 directly receive the video content of the Internet distribution server. However, in the present invention, before receiving the video content, TVs 141 to 145 receive the metadata transmitted from the TV gateway 131. Based on the metadata transmitted from the TV gateway 131, the TV constructs a program selection screen. TVs 141 to 145 present the program selection screen configured by the metadata, and the viewer selects a program and receives the desired video content. At this time, the TV gateway 131 stores in advance the metadata transmitted by the broadcasting stations 101 to 103, selects the metadata corresponding to the regional information where the TVs 141 to 145 are installed, and transmits it to the TVs 141 to 145. By presenting different program selection screens for each region based on this metadata, TVs 141 to 145 receive video content corresponding to the regions where they are installed respectively.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows an example in which TVs 141 to 145 construct a program selection screen based on the metadata transmitted from the TV gateway 131. The metadata 204 transmitted from the broadcasting stations 101 to 103 includes a time table 201, content metadata 202, and banner data 203. Here, the time table 201 indicates the time when the video content is transmitted and is used for the time display of the program schedule. The content metadata 202 describes the output position of the video content of the Internet distribution server 121 that transmits the video stream, for example, the URL. The banner data 203 includes display components such as thumbnails when constructing the program schedule. Here, based on the metadata, a program selection screen 210 is constructed, enabling the viewer to select a desired program. The program selection screen shows the program playback time on the vertical axis and the channel number on the horizontal axis. Each cell shows the program name.

[0028] This metadata is created for each viewing area and placed together in the TV gateway 131, such as metadata 211 for region A, metadata 212 for region B, and metadata 213 for region C. The metadata for each region is composed of a time table, content metadata, and banner data.

[0029] Figure 3 shows the operation of the first embodiment. In this example, it is assumed that TV 141 is installed in region A, TV 142 is installed in region B, and TV 143 is installed in region C. The broadcasting station 101 creates its own metadata 301 for each viewing area and arranges it in the TV gateway 131. In this embodiment, metadata is created for three regions, region A, region B, and region C. Also, the broadcasting station 102 creates its own metadata 302 for each viewing area and arranges it in the TV gateway 131. Similarly, the broadcasting station 103 creates its own metadata 303 for each viewing area and arranges it in the TV gateway 131.

[0030] Here, the viewer of TV 141 sets the region A setting data 321 in TV 141 based on their own address. TV 141 requests the metadata for region A from the TV gateway 131 according to the set region A setting data 321. Here, the TV gateway 131 extracts the metadata for region A from the metadata 301 of the broadcasting station 101, the metadata 302 of the broadcasting station 102, and the metadata 303 of the broadcasting station 103, and transmits it to TV 141. The metadata 351 sent by the TV gateway 131 is the metadata provided by the broadcasting station 101, the metadata 352 is the metadata provided by the broadcasting station 102, and the metadata 353 is the metadata provided by the broadcasting station 103. In this way, the TV gateway 131 selects the metadata of each broadcasting station corresponding to the region, combines them, and transmits them to the TV.

[0031] TV 141 presents programs corresponding to Region A of broadcasting stations 101, 102, and 103 on the program selection screen from the metadata for Region A. By this operation, TV 141 receives only the receivable video content for the viewing area where the viewer exists.

[0032] By setting the Region B setting data 322 in TV 142 in the same manner, TV gateway 131 collects the metadata for Region B and transmits it to TV 142. The metadata 361 transmitted by TV gateway 131 is the metadata provided by broadcasting station 101, the metadata 362 is the metadata provided by broadcasting station 102, and the metadata 363 is the metadata provided by broadcasting station 103.

[0033] Similarly, by setting the Region C setting data 323 in TV 143, TV gateway 131 collects the metadata for Region C and transmits it to TV 143. The metadata 371 transmitted by TV gateway 131 is the metadata provided by broadcasting station 101, the metadata 372 is the metadata provided by broadcasting station 102, and the metadata 373 is the metadata provided by broadcasting station 103.

[0034] The setting of the Region A setting data 321 can be set according to the user interface screen presented to the TV by the viewer using the remote control 331. Similarly, the settings for Region B and Region C can also be set using the remote controls 332 and 333. By the above operations, in broadcasting, it becomes possible to realize the predetermined viewing area in the video distribution over the network.

[0035] Furthermore, FIG. 4 further shows a configuration example of a TV receiver according to the present invention. The television receiver 401 receives broadcast waves from the repeater 112 and also receives video content delivered from the network delivery server 121. The broadcast waves are received by the broadcast receiver tuner 411 and the demodulated video content is output to the switch 421. On the other hand, the delivered video content is received by the communication reception module 412 and the video content is output to the switch 421. Here, the switch 421 is controlled by the electric field strength measuring device 402. The electric field strength measuring device 402 can detect whether broadcast waves are arriving by constantly measuring the power value of the broadcast waves input to the broadcast receiver tuner 411. When the maintenance of the repeater becomes impossible and the broadcast waves cannot be received, the electric field strength measuring device 402 detects that the broadcast waves have not arrived and switches the switch 421, which usually selects the broadcast receiver tuner 411, to the selection of the communication reception module 412. By this operation, the television receiver 401 can automatically switch from receiving broadcast waves to video content delivered by communication without imposing a burden on the viewer. In this embodiment, although the electric field strength is being measured, it is also possible to substitute by measuring the lock state of the PLL of the tuner or the CN (carrier-to-noise) ratio.

[0036] The communication reception module 412 receives metadata from the TV gateway 131 and inputs the metadata to the control circuit 431. The control circuit performs a predetermined operation based on the metadata, and by means of the program guide display 425, displays a program selection screen on the video display panel 423. When program selection is carried out, the video content transmitted from the network delivery server 121 passes through the communication reception module 412 and the switch 421, and the compressed video and audio are restored by the video and audio decoder 422, and a video is played on the video display panel 423 instead of the program selection screen. Also, the restored audio is played as sound by the speaker 424.

[0037] The viewer can operate the television receiver by using the remote control 432 to send commands to the control circuit. Also, the regional setting information is stored in the memory 433 as the input result of the remote control, and is used when acquiring metadata for each region from the TV gateway 131.

[0038] Through the above operations, it becomes possible to simultaneously realize the control of the viewing area and the automatic switching to the content simultaneously distributed from the broadcast, which has been difficult in the past.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a second configuration example of the television receiver according to the present invention. For the configuration example of FIG. 4, a satellite 511, a contract server 522, a satellite broadcast receiver tuner 501, and a contract status determiner 502 are added. This embodiment is an example that limits to viewers who have concluded a reception fee contract for satellite broadcast reception in public broadcasting and enables viewing of Internet-distributed video content. That is, the reception fee contract for viewing Internet-distributed video content is substituted by the function of restricted reception based on the contract information of satellite broadcast.

[0040] In this example, the information of viewers who can receive public satellite broadcasts is stored in the contract server 522. The broadcast wave transmitted from the satellite 511 is received by the satellite broadcast receiver tuner 501, and the contract status determiner 502 determines whether a reception contract has been made. If a reception contract has been made, the output of the satellite broadcast receiver tuner 501 is input to the switch 421, and the satellite broadcast receiver tuner 501 is selected by the switch 421 and viewing becomes possible.

[0041] In this embodiment, for viewers who have a reception contract for satellite broadcast, it is possible to view Internet-distributed video content, and for viewers who do not have a reception contract, it is possible to prompt a new reception contract for viewing Internet content. Usually, in satellite broadcast, a contract information confirmation signal 512 is multiplexed with the video content, and the presence or absence of a contract is determined by its content and the contract status determiner 502.

[0042] In this example, the contract information confirmation signal 512 is input from the TV gateway 131 to the contract status determination device 502 via the communication receiving module 412 of the TV receiver 401. The contract status determination device 502 controls the switch 421 to select the output of the satellite broadcast receiver 501. By this operation, the satellite broadcast subscriber can view the video content distributed on the network.

[0043] If there is no satellite contract, the TV gateway 131 can present a user interface screen prompting the contract. If the user wishes to view the video content distributed on the network, they conclude a reception fee contract and upload the contract information to the TV gateway 131. The TV gateway 131 concludes a reception contract by registering the contract information with the contract server 522. During viewing, the contract information confirmation signal 512 from the contract server 522 passes through the TV gateway 131 and is confirmed by the contract status determination device 502. The contract status determination device 502 obtains the contract information confirmation signal 512 transmitted from the network, controls the switch 421, and selects the communication receiving module 412 to enable viewing of the video content distributed on the network.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a configuration diagram of a video platform according to the present invention. The CPU 602 is connected to the memory 601 and the storage device 603 and executes a control program. The operator controls the operation via the operation unit 605. The communication interface 604 is connected to the network and performs input / output of video content, distribution of video, and input / output of content selection information. The video processing unit 606 encodes the input video content and performs processes such as encryption to generate a stream for video content distribution.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows a configuration diagram of a TV gateway according to the present invention. The CPU 702 is connected to the memory 701 and the storage device 703, and a predetermined processing program operates. The interface 704 performs input / output from / to the video platform and input / output to / from the TV cloud. The operator controls the operation via the operation unit 705. Metadata, contract information confirmation signals, etc. are stored in the storage device 703 and read at a predetermined timing.

[0046] [Appendix] Appendix 1 A video distribution system comprising a TV receiver capable of receiving video and audio content transmitted by broadcast wave or communication, a video distribution system that transmits different metadata for each viewing area, and a TV gateway that receives and stores the metadata from the video distribution system. The TV gateway converts the metadata corresponding to each viewing area and presents a program selection screen by transmitting it to the TV, thereby performing viewing control for each region.

[0047] Appendix 2 A TV receiver capable of receiving video content transmitted by broadcast wave or communication, which automatically switches the video content transmitted by broadcast wave to the video content obtained by communication when the electric field strength of the broadcast wave decreases.

[0048] Appendix 3 The TV receiver according to Appendix 2, wherein the switching presents a signal prompting the viewer to switch.

[0049] Appendix 4 A video distribution system for a TV receiver capable of receiving video content transmitted by communication, which receives a contract information confirmation signal and controls the availability of the transmitted video signal by checking with a pre-installed contract status determination device whether viewing is possible.

[0050] Appendix 5 The video distribution system according to Appendix 4, wherein the contract information is a satellite broadcast reception contract.

[0051] Appendix 6 A video distribution method characterized in that a television receiver capable of receiving video and audio content transmitted by broadcast waves or communication, a video distribution system that transmits different metadata for each viewing area, a television gateway that receives and stores the metadata from the video distribution system, and the television gateway converts the metadata corresponding to each viewing area and transmits it to the television, and presents a program selection screen, thereby performing viewing control for each region.

[0052] Appendix 7 In a television gateway that connects a television receiver and a video distribution system that transmits different metadata for each viewing area, the television gateway receives and stores the metadata from the video distribution system, and converts it into metadata corresponding to each viewing area and transmits it to the television, thereby presenting a program selection screen. A television gateway characterized by this.

[0053] Appendix 8 In a video distribution system that transmits metadata to a television receiver via a television gateway, the video distribution system transmits metadata corresponding to each viewing area to the television gateway, thereby presenting a program selection screen. A video distribution system characterized by this.

Industrial Applicability

[0054] When switching video content transmitted by broadcast waves to video content distributed by a network, it is possible to smoothly complete the switching operation without causing inconvenience to user viewers due to differences in content transmission and distribution services.

Explanation of Signs

[0055] 401... TV receiver, 402... Electric field strength meter, 411... Broadcast reception tuner, 412... Communication reception module, 421... Switch, 422... Video and audio decoder, 423... Video display panel, 424... Speaker, 425... Program guide display

Claims

Claim 1 A television receiver capable of receiving video content transmitted by broadcast waves or communication. When the electric field strength of the broadcast waves decreases, the television receiver automatically switches the video content transmitted by the broadcast waves to the video content acquired by communication. Claim 2 The television receiver according to claim 1, wherein the switching presents a signal prompting the viewer to switch. Claim 3 A television receiver capable of receiving video content transmitted by communication. The video distribution system receives a contract information confirmation signal and checks whether the transmitted video signal can be viewed by a contract status determination device pre-installed to check whether viewing is possible. Claim 4 The video distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the contract information is a satellite broadcast reception contract.

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