Reception device, broadcast system, and reception method

Abstract

To update acquisition information of a communication component by broadcasting.SOLUTION: A reception processing unit acquires a broadcast component from a reception signal obtained by receiving a broadcast wave. A communication processing part acquires a communication component distributed over a communication network. An output processing unit outputs the acquired broadcast component or the communication component. A channel selection management unit determines whether or not the selected channel can receive the reception signal, based on broadcast reception enable / disable information indicating whether or not the reception signal can be received for each channel. When the selected channel can receive the reception signal, the reception processing unit is caused to acquire the broadcast component, and when the selected channel cannot receive the reception signal, the communication processing unit is caused to acquire the communication component using acquisition information related to the selected channel, then, distribution information including at least the acquisition information after a change is received using notification information transmitted in the reception signal and indicating the change of the acquisition information, and the acquisition information is set in a service list.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to a receiving device, a broadcasting system, and a receiving method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, television broadcasts have been provided from broadcast stations to individual receiving devices exclusively using broadcast waves. Before use, a receiving device typically performs a channel scan to detect channels of broadcast stations that can receive broadcast waves while changing frequencies, and registers the detected channels in a service list. The receiving device receives broadcast waves provided on a channel selected by tuning operation from among the channels registered in the service list (see Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] On the other hand, with the advancement of communication technology, distribution of broadcast program content over the Internet has become widespread in recent years. When there are many viewers, providing content through broadcasting is more efficient than providing it through telecommunications. On the other hand, in areas with few viewers, it is difficult to cover the costs of maintaining and managing broadcasting equipment. This is especially true in areas with low populations, such as mountainous regions, where the installation of broadcasting equipment is costly. Therefore, in areas with few viewers, the distribution of broadcast program content over telecommunications networks is being considered. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Terrestrial Digital Television Broadcasting Operational Standards Technical Document, ARIB TR-B14 6.6 Edition (Volume 1), December 5, 2019, Association of Radio Industries and Businesses Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When broadcast program content is distributed via communication, service information related to content acquisition is required. Service information includes addresses such as URLs (Universal Resource Locators). While it is conceivable to set the service information in advance in the storage medium of the receiving device, channels that cannot be reached by broadcast waves may vary from region to region. This is because the propagation state of broadcast waves depends on the topography and the installation status of broadcasting equipment. Furthermore, broadcasters or content providers may change the addresses used for distribution due to equipment operation. Therefore, it is not practical to set a uniform or fixed address in advance in the receiving device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present application has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one aspect of the present application is a receiving device comprising: a reception processing unit that acquires broadcast components from a received signal obtained by receiving broadcast waves; a communication processing unit that acquires communication components distributed over a communication network; an output processing unit that outputs the acquired broadcast components or the communication components; and a channel selection management unit, wherein the channel selection management unit refers to a service list that includes service information indicating broadcast reception availability information indicating whether the received signal can be received for each channel and acquisition information related to the acquisition of the communication components distributed in parallel with the broadcast components, determines whether the selected channel can receive the received signal, and when the selected channel can receive the received signal, causes the reception processing unit to acquire the broadcast components, and when the selected channel cannot receive the received signal, uses the service list to identify the acquisition information related to the selected channel and causes the communication processing unit to acquire the communication components, receives distribution information including at least the changed acquisition information using notification information transmitted in the received signal and indicating a change in the acquisition information, and sets the acquisition information in the service list.

[0007] Another aspect of the present application is a receiving method in a receiving device, wherein the receiving device executes the following steps: referencing a service list including service information indicating broadcast reception availability information indicating whether a reception signal obtained by receiving broadcast waves for each channel can be received, and acquisition information related to the acquisition of communication components distributed over a communication network in parallel with the broadcast component, to determine whether a selected channel can receive the reception signal; when the selected channel can receive the reception signal, acquiring the broadcast component from the reception signal; when the selected channel cannot receive the reception signal, using the service list to identify the acquisition information related to the selected channel and acquire the communication component distributed over the communication network; outputting the acquired broadcast component or the communication component; receiving distribution information including at least the changed acquisition information using notification information transmitted in the reception signal and indicating a change in the acquisition information; and setting the acquisition information in the service list. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present application, service information of a communication component that is distributed in parallel with a broadcast component can be updated through broadcasting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the process of registering and updating a broadcast station according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating network information according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of service information according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a service list according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a service list update process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of an SDTT. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation of table identification extensions. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a DII. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a compatibility descriptor. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of a simultaneous distribution URL information descriptor. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of area identification assignment according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation areas and area identifications for each wide area. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of reorganization of network information. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a service list update process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a reception confirmation process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a service list update process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a download reservation process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of downloading service information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a merge process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a service list registration process according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of a broadcasting system S1 according to this embodiment will be described. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a broadcasting system S1 according to this embodiment. The broadcasting system S1 includes a receiving device 10, a broadcasting device 20, and a distribution device 30. The broadcasting device 20 is mainly installed in the broadcasting station of a broadcasting company. The broadcasting device 20 constitutes broadcasting equipment used to provide broadcasting services. In broadcasting services, broadcast program content is provided using a broadcasting network. Broadcast program content is usually configured as a package containing multiple components as constituent elements. The multiple components may include some or all of the audio data, video data, and data broadcasting content of the broadcast program.

[0011] The distribution device 30 provides a content distribution service using a communication network. In this embodiment, the distribution device 30 distributes content that is common to the content of broadcast programs provided by the broadcast service in parallel with the broadcast network. That is, the distribution device 30 simultaneously distributes components of the broadcast programs via the communication network. In this application, strict simultaneity is not necessarily required for simultaneous distribution. For common content, there may be a slight time difference (e.g., several seconds to several tens of seconds) between the broadcast network and the communication network in the transmission time and reception time.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the distribution device 30 is installed in a broadcasting station of a broadcasting company, but this is not limiting. The distribution device 30 does not necessarily have to be a facility of the broadcasting company. The distribution device 30 may be a facility owned or managed by a party other than the broadcasting company, such as a content provider or content creator. Depending on the channel related to the provision of the broadcasting service, the content distribution service may not be provided using the distribution device 30. The distribution device 30 is configured as, for example, a content server.

[0013] A broadcast network is a transmission path that enables various types of data to be transmitted unidirectionally and simultaneously to unspecified destinations. A broadcast network is also called a broadcast transmission path. In terrestrial television broadcasting, terrestrial waves are mainly used as broadcast networks. Terrestrial waves are broadcast waves transmitted from terrestrial stations. However, some broadcast networks may physically include wireless or wired communication networks and be used to transmit content from broadcast stations to terrestrial stations. In this application, a broadcast network may be simply referred to as a "network." A communication network is a transmission path that allows a destination to be specified and various data to be transmitted bidirectionally. A communication network is also called a communication transmission path.

[0014] The receiving device 10 is capable of receiving content transmitted via both a broadcast network and a communication network. The receiving device 10 is mainly installed in the residence, business office, or other facility of a viewer who is a user. The receiving device 10 may be a television receiving device, or may be realized as another form of electronic device, such as a general-purpose information processing device such as a personal computer.

[0015] The receiving device 10 stores a service list including service information for each channel on which a broadcast service is provided using the broadcast network. The service information includes acquisition information related to the acquisition of components provided by communication in parallel with the broadcast network. The receiving device 10 searches in advance for channels that can receive signals obtained by receiving broadcast waves as broadcast-receivable channels (channel scan). When a broadcast-receivable channel is selected by a viewer's operation, the receiving device 10 acquires components through broadcast. When a broadcast-unreceivable channel that cannot receive signals is selected, the receiving device 10 refers to the service list and identifies acquisition information for components provided through communication. The receiving device 10 acquires the components through communication using the identified acquisition information.

[0016] Thereafter, in a normal operating state, when a broadcast receivable channel is selected, the receiving device 10 acquires components carried in a received signal obtained by receiving broadcast waves, and presents the content of a broadcast program composed of the acquired components. The receiving device 10 detects and acquires the notification information carried in the received signal.

[0017] The receiving device 10 acquires acquisition information for components provided via communication using the acquired notification information. The receiving device 10 updates the acquisition information included in the service list based on the acquired acquisition information. The acquisition information transmitted in the notification information may include acquisition information for the selected channel as well as acquisition information for other channels that provide broadcast services in the area where the receiving device 10 is located. When a channel whose broadcast is not receivable is selected, the receiving device 10 refers to the updated service list to identify acquisition information for components provided via communication. The receiving device 10 acquires the components via communication using the identified acquisition information.

[0018] 1 shows one receiving device 10, one broadcasting device 20, and one distributing device 30, but in general, the number of receiving devices 10 is unspecified and may be multiple. Also, the number of broadcasting devices 20 and the number of distributing devices 30 may also be multiple.

[0019] The broadcasting device 20 includes a data organization unit, a multiplexing unit, and a transmission unit (not shown). The data organization unit acquires packages that constitute the content of a broadcast program and control information related to the transmission of the packages. A package includes multiple components. In this application, components are mainly exemplified as video and audio. A component that includes video data may be referred to as a video component, and a component that includes audio data may be referred to as an audio component. A package may also include components that include different types of material, such as subtitles. A package may also include either video or audio, but not the other.

[0020] The multiplexing unit multiplexes the acquired package and control information using a predetermined data multiplexing method to generate multiplexed data. The transmitting unit encodes the generated multiplexed data and modulates the encoded multiplexed data using a predetermined modulation method. The transmitting unit converts the baseband broadcast signal obtained by modulation into a broadcast signal in a frequency band corresponding to a predetermined channel and transmits the converted broadcast signal to a broadcast network. Examples of multiplexing methods that can be used include the MPEG-2 TS (Transport Stream) method and the MMT-TLV (MPEG Media Transport-Type Length Value) method.

[0021] Each component is also called an elementary stream (ES) or an asset. In this application, the term "component" is mainly used. In addition, in this application, sending data to a broadcast transmission path is sometimes referred to as "transmitting by broadcast," and receiving various data transmitted by a broadcast transmission path is sometimes referred to as "receiving by broadcast."

[0022] The control information may include not only information about the provision of broadcast services but also announcement information indicating download announcements. Downloads via broadcast refer to a receiver information update service. The announcement information describes information such as the download data to be transmitted, the channel used for transmission, and the transmission date and time. In this embodiment, acquisition information for components provided by communication for each broadcast channel is transmitted as download data. Downloading of the acquired information is provided as part of an engineering service. The announcement information is common to all broadcast transmission paths provided in the area. When the MPEG-2 TS method is used as the multiplexing method, the announcement information is written in an SDTT (described below) and transmitted using a transport stream (all-station TS: transport stream) common to all broadcast stations. The SDTT is transmitted at a predetermined transmission cycle (for example, every 180 seconds).

[0023] The distribution device 30 acquires a package (simultaneous distribution package) that is common to the package of the broadcast program acquired by the broadcast device 20. The distribution device 30 sends the acquired package to the communication network at the same time as the transmission time of the package by the broadcast device 20 (simultaneous distribution). The distribution device 30 may broadcast the package simultaneously without specifying the distribution destination. The broadcasting system S1 may further include a service information management device 40 (not shown). The service information management device 40 stores service information of broadcasting services provided for each region. In response to receiving a service information request from the receiving device 10, the service information management device 40 may transmit the service information for the region specified in the service information request to the requesting receiving device 10 via a communication network. In this application, transmitting various data using a communication network may be referred to as "transmitting via communication," and receiving data using a communication network may be referred to as "receiving via communication."

[0024] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the receiving device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The receiving device 10 includes an operation input unit 102, a channel selection management unit 104, a service list storage unit 106, a reception processing unit 110, a communication processing unit 120, and an output processing unit 130. The receiving device 10 may include a computer system. In the computer system, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes a predetermined program, and cooperates with a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and other hardware to realize the functions of the receiving device 10.

[0025] The functions of the channel selection management unit 104, service list storage unit 106, reception processing unit 110, communication processing unit 120 and output processing unit 130 may be realized by a computer system executing a predetermined control program, or may be realized using dedicated hardware. In this application, the execution of processing instructed by commands written in various programs, including browsers, may be referred to as "executing a program" or "running a program."

[0026] The operation input unit 102 acquires an operation signal indicating a channel selected by a user, and outputs the acquired operation signal to the channel selection management unit 104. In the present application, the selected channel may be referred to as a "selected channel." The operation input unit 102 includes a receiver that receives the operation signal from a control device (e.g., a remote controller) via a wired or wireless connection. The control device accepts a user operation and outputs the operation signal (S02: channel selection operation). The operation input unit 102 may include a member (for example, a button, a dial, a lever, etc.) that accepts a user operation, and may output to the channel selection management unit 104 an operation signal generated based on the accepted operation.

[0027] The channel selection management unit 104 refers to the service list stored in the service list storage unit 106 (S04: Reception method inquiry) and determines the reception method (channel selection method) for the selected channel instructed by the operation signal input from the operation input unit 102 (S06: Broadcast station information reception method). A service list is stored in advance in the service list storage unit 106. The service list storage unit 106 includes a nonvolatile storage medium such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0028] The channel selection management unit 104 specifies the reception method as either reception via broadcast (broadcast viewing) or reception via communication (simulcast distribution). The channel selection management unit 104 also references a service list to acquire service information corresponding to the selected channel. The service information may include acquisition information related to acquisition of a component provided via communication. The acquisition information may be, for example, information indicating an application program (sometimes referred to as an "app" in this application) to be executed when acquiring the component, or information indicating the distribution device 30 that is the distribution source or a storage area in which the component is stored, as the location of the component. The acquisition information is represented, for example, using a uniform resource locator (URL). In this application, acquisition information represented by a URL may be referred to as "simulcast URL information." Although this application mainly focuses on cases in which the acquisition information is represented by a URL, the acquisition information may also be represented by an address (e.g., an IP address) or an identifier represented by a system other than a URL.

[0029] Broadcast reception is selected when the selected channel is a broadcast receivable channel that can receive signals obtained by receiving through an antenna. Communication reception is selected when the selected channel is a broadcast unreceivable channel that cannot receive signals. Specific examples of service lists will be described later.

[0030] When the specified reception method indicates reception via communication, the tuning management unit 104 outputs a control signal indicating reception via communication based on simultaneous distribution URL information related to component acquisition to the communication processing unit 120. As a result, the tuning management unit 104 causes the communication processing unit 120 to acquire the component distributed via communication using the instructed simultaneous distribution URL information (S08a: simultaneous distribution). When the specified reception method indicates reception by broadcast, the channel selection management unit 104 outputs a control signal indicating reception by broadcast on the selected channel to the reception processing unit 110. As a result, the channel selection management unit 104 causes the reception processing unit 110 to acquire components transmitted by the broadcast waves of the selected channel (S08b: broadcast viewing).

[0031] The reception processing unit 110 acquires components transmitted by the received broadcast waves. The reception processing unit 110 includes a broadcast receiving unit 112 and a broadcast decoding unit 114. The broadcast receiving unit 112 receives a reception signal obtained by receiving a broadcast wave transmitted on a selected channel instructed by the channel selection management unit 104. The broadcast receiving unit 112 includes, for example, a tuner (not shown). The tuner extracts, as a tuning signal, a signal indicating a frequency component tuned to the frequency of the selected channel from a reception signal input directly or indirectly from an antenna (not shown). The tuner converts the extracted tuning signal into a baseband reception signal and outputs the converted reception signal to the broadcast decoding unit 114. The antenna outputs, as a reception signal, an electrical signal obtained by receiving the broadcast wave arriving at the antenna. The antenna may be included as a part of the receiving device 10 or may be separate from the receiving device 10.

[0032] The broadcast decoding unit 114 demodulates the received signal input from the broadcast receiving unit 112 using a predetermined demodulation method, converting it into coded multiplexed data. The demodulation method corresponds to the modulation method used to modulate the multiplexed data. The broadcast decoding unit 114 decodes the multiplexed data obtained by the conversion using a predetermined decoding method. The decoding method corresponds to the coding method used to code the multiplexed data.

[0033] The broadcast decoding unit 114 separates the control information related to the transmission of the package from the decoded multiplexed data, and extracts individual components from the multiplexed data based on the separated control information (broadcast decoding S10b). When the MPEG-2 TS format is used as the multiplexing format, the broadcast decoding unit 114 extracts a PSI (Program Specific Information) table representing control information from the multiplexed data. The PSI table includes information tables related to the provision of broadcast services, such as PAT, NIT, and PMT (described later).

[0034] The broadcast decoding unit 114 extracts a program association table (PAT) from the PSI table and identifies the packet IDs (PIDs) of packets (TS packets) constituting a transport stream that transmits a program map table (PMT, described later) described in the PAT. The PAT is an information table that specifies the PIDs of TS packets that transmit PMTs related to a broadcast program. The PMT is an information table that specifies either or both the PIDs of TS packets that transmit coded signals constituting a broadcast program and the PIDs of TS packets that transmit common information related to the broadcast program. The broadcast decoding unit 114 extracts the PMT described in the identified PID and identifies, from the extracted PMT, an elementary stream packet identifier (elementary_PID) associated with a stream type identifier (stream_type, e.g., 0x01) indicating video. The broadcast decoding unit 114 extracts, from the multiplexed data, an elementary stream (ES) including packets to which the identified PIDs are added, as a video component. The broadcast decoding unit 114 also identifies a PID associated with a stream format identification (e.g., 0x0F) indicating audio from the PMT. The broadcast decoding unit 114 extracts, from the multiplexed data, an elementary stream including a packet to which the identified PID is added, as an audio component. The broadcast decoding unit 114 outputs the extracted video and audio components to the output processing unit 130.

[0035] The communication processing unit 120 acquires components transmitted via communication. The communication processing unit 120 includes a communication I / F unit 122 and a browsing unit 124. The function of the browsing unit 124 is realized by executing a predetermined browser program on the computer system of the receiving device 10. The communication processing unit 120 acquires components distributed via communication components using simultaneous distribution URL information indicated in a control signal input from the channel selection management unit 104. The communication processing unit 120, for example, executes an application indicated by the simultaneous distribution URL information to start the communication I / F unit 122 and the browsing unit 124. The execution parameters of the application specify the distribution device 30 as the location of the component. The communication processing unit 120 may identify the distribution device 30 as the location of the component indicated by the simultaneous distribution URL information.

[0036] The communication I / F unit 122 connects to other devices via a communication network so that various data can be transmitted and received wirelessly or via a wired connection. The communication network may be any one of a local area network, a virtual private network, a public network, the Internet, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0037] The browsing unit 124 outputs to the communication I / F unit 122 a request to receive the component distributed from the location specified based on the simultaneous distribution URL information. The communication I / F unit 122 identifies the location of the component specified in the reception request from the browsing unit 124, and receives the component distributed from the distribution device 30 that sent the component as a response to the reception request. The component is distributed as part of the content of the broadcast program. The communication I / F unit 122 outputs the received content of the broadcast program to the browsing unit 124. The browsing unit 124 extracts a video component and an audio component as components specified by the control signal from the content input from the communication I / F unit 122. The browsing unit 124 outputs the extracted video component and audio component to the output processing unit 130.

[0038] The output processing unit 130 executes processing for outputting components acquired through broadcasting or communication, and includes a video decoding unit 132 and an audio decoding unit 134. The video decoding unit 132 performs decoding processing on the video data constituting the video component input from the broadcast decoding unit 114 or the browsing unit 124 using a predetermined video decoding method. The video decoding method may be any method compatible with the video encoding method used to encode the video data (e.g., MPEG2 VIDEO, High Efficient Video Coding (HEVC), Versatile Video Coding (VVC), etc.). The output processing unit 130 outputs display screen data including the video data obtained by the video decoding processing to a display (not shown) (video output). The display displays a display screen of a broadcast program including video based on the decoded video data.

[0039] The audio decoding unit 134 performs decoding processing on the audio data constituting the audio component input from the broadcast decoding unit 114 or the browsing unit 124 using a predetermined audio decoding method. The audio decoding method may be a method compatible with the audio encoding method (e.g., MPEG-2 AAC, MPEG-4 Audio, etc.) used to encode the audio data. The output processing unit 130 outputs the audio data obtained by the audio decoding processing to a speaker (not shown) (audio output). The speaker emits audio based on the decoded audio data.

[0040] One or both of the display to which the video data is output and the speaker to which the audio data is output may be provided in the receiving device 10 or may be separate from the receiving device 10. The output destinations of the video data and audio data are not limited to the display and speaker, respectively, and may also be a recording device (for example, a video recorder).

[0041] Next, an example of channel registration and updating in the receiving device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of channel registration and updating according to this embodiment. However, in Fig. 2, the operation input unit 102, reception processing unit 110, communication processing unit 120, and output processing unit 130 are not shown.

[0042] The channel selection management unit 104 registers channels and updates service information. Channel registration is performed, for example, when the receiving device 10 is used for the first time, or immediately after the installation location of the receiving device 10 is changed or the antenna settings are changed. Service information is updated, for example, as part of an engineering service. The engineering service involves downloads notified by notification information. The notification information is transmitted at predetermined intervals using broadcast waves. The notification information may be provided during the broadcast time of a broadcast program using received signals of broadcast waves.

[0043] The service list storage unit 106 pre-stores service information for each channel that provides a broadcast service in the area where the receiving device 10 is located. The service information includes information indicating the channel of the broadcast station that provides the broadcast service in the area where the receiving device 10 is installed. The service information includes simultaneous distribution URL information for obtaining the components related to simultaneous distribution for channels that are provided by communication in parallel with the broadcast of the components provided by broadcast, i.e., for channels for which simultaneous distribution is available. The channel selection management unit 104 may obtain the service information via communication. When obtaining service information via communication, the channel selection management unit 104 obtains the service information by causing the communication processing unit 120 to send a service information request to a service information management device 40 (not shown) connected to the communication network.

[0044] When specifying the service area of ​​the broadcast service provided to the receiving device, the channel selection management unit 104 may specify the service area using an operation signal input from the operation input unit 102, or may specify the latitude and longitude of the receiving device using a positioning signal received from a positioning satellite (e.g., a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)) and specify the service area including the specified latitude and longitude. The channel selection management unit 104 may extract an area code from control information decoded from a signal successfully received by the reception processing unit 110, and specify the service area indicated by the extracted area code as the service area of ​​the receiving device. The area code is also called "area identification." The area where the viewer resides is typically selected as the service area of ​​the receiving device 10. Note that the service list storage unit 106 may store service information relating to broadcast services provided in each region in advance, and the channel selection management unit 104 may identify service information relating to the service region of the own device from the service information stored in advance. In this case, the service information does not need to be acquired from the service information management device 40.

[0045] The channel selection management unit 104 searches for channels that can receive broadcast waves transmitting components (S22 channel scan). The channel selection management unit 104 causes the reception processing unit 110 to acquire received signals for each channel with a different frequency, and if the acquired received signals have a certain level of quality or higher and are successfully decoded, determines that the received signals for that channel can be received. If the quality of the received signals is below a certain level or if decoding is not successful, the channel selection management unit 104 determines that the received signals for that channel cannot be received.

[0046] The channel selection management unit 104 stores the broadcast viewing flag in the service list storage unit 106 as broadcast reception availability information indicating whether broadcast reception is possible or not determined for each selected channel (S24: Registering channels whose broadcast reception is possible). The channel selection management unit 104 determines that channels other than the broadcast receivable channels determined to be capable of receiving a reception signal from among the channels related to the acquired service information are unreceivable (S26: Identify channels for which broadcast reception is unreceivable). The channel selection management unit 104 stores a service list in the service list storage unit 106, including a broadcast viewing flag indicating whether broadcast reception is possible for each channel indicated in the service information. The channel selection management unit 104 executes the processes of steps S22 to S26 in advance until a broadcast service is provided to the user.

[0047] When providing a broadcast service, the channel selection management unit 104 refers to the service list and determines the reception method for the selected channel instructed by an operation signal from the operation input unit 102 (S28: Determine reception method for selected channel). When the broadcast viewing flag for the selected channel indicates that broadcast reception is possible, the channel selection management unit 104 determines the reception method to be broadcast (broadcast viewing). The channel selection management unit 104 instructs the reception processing unit 110 to receive the broadcast on the selected channel. The channel selection management unit 104 causes the reception processing unit 110 to acquire components transmitted by the broadcast waves of the selected channel (S30a: Receive broadcast waves of a selected channel that can be broadcast received).

[0048] The control information carried by the broadcast waves may include announcement information. The announcement information is described in a Software Download Trigger Table (SDTT). The broadcast decoding unit 114 extracts the SDTT from the multiplexed data obtained by demodulating and decoding the received signal, and outputs the extracted SDTT to the channel selection management unit 104. The channel selection management unit 104 extracts the announcement information transmitted in the SDTT input from the broadcast decoding unit 114 (S32: Acquire announcement information of service information).

[0049] The service information announcement information, including simultaneous distribution URL information, includes information indicating simultaneous distribution URL information for components transmitted via communication, download schedule information, and transmission channels. Service information may be configured as part of data common to all receivers. Data common to all receivers is stored in each receiving device and is data commonly used regardless of the manufacturer, model, etc. of the receiving device. Data common to all receivers includes, for example, frequency list and change information (e.g., frequency list of transmitting stations, change date and time, changed frequency, etc.), logo data (i.e., logo marks defined for each operator or service), etc.

[0050] When the broadcast viewing flag for the selected channel indicates that broadcast reception is not possible, the channel selection management unit 104 determines that the reception method is communication. The channel selection management unit 104 refers to the service list and identifies simultaneous distribution URL information for the component transmitted by communication for the selected channel. The channel selection management unit 104 instructs the communication processing unit 120 to receive the component by communication using the identified simultaneous distribution URL information. The channel selection management unit 104 causes the communication processing unit 120 to acquire the instructed component by communication (S30b: Receive by communication for selected channel whose broadcast reception is not possible).

[0051] The channel selection management unit 104 refers to the service list and determines whether the transmission channel indicated in the notification information is a channel capable of receiving broadcasts. If the transmission channel is a channel capable of receiving broadcasts, the channel selection management unit 104 selects the transmission channel during the transmission period indicated by the schedule information included in the notification information, and causes the broadcast receiving unit 112 to receive the reception signal. The channel selection management unit 104 causes the broadcast decoding unit 114 to extract service information including simultaneous distribution URL information from the reception signal (S34: Download service information).

[0052] For channels with a change in the extracted service information, the channel selection management unit 104 updates the original service information shown in the service list to the changed service information (S36: Update to acquired service information). If the transmission channel indicated by the notification information is a channel for which broadcast reception is unavailable, the channel selection management unit 104 may reject the notification information and not receive the service information. The channel selection management unit 104 waits for notification information indicating a transmission channel for which broadcast reception is available.

[0053] The tuning management unit 104 may execute the processes of steps S34 and S36 during a period different from the period during which the broadcast service is provided. If the operation of the receiving device 10 is stopped (powered off), the tuning management unit 104 may start (activate) the operation of the receiving device 10 until the start time of the transmission period indicated in the download schedule information. The tuning management unit 104 may also terminate the operation of the receiving device 10 when the service information ends. The operation of the output processing unit 130, speaker, and display may be kept stopped while the service information is being received. The tuning management unit 104 does not consume AC power supplied from a commercial power source and may include a timer for measuring time, a controller for controlling the operating states of the service list storage unit 106 and the reception processing unit 110, and a battery for supplying power to the timer and the controller.

[0054] The service list storage unit 106 stores network information before providing a broadcast service. The network information indicates the relationship between a broadcast transmission path and a broadcast program, i.e., the correspondence between a network and a service. The network information includes a service ID (service_id) and the original network ID (original network ID) of the transport stream that carries the service ID. The service ID, also known as service identification, is an identifier unique to one service in one transport stream. A service corresponds to a programming channel. A programming channel refers to a series of programs that can be broadcast as part of a schedule organized by a broadcaster. The original network ID, also known as the "original network identification," is an identifier unique to each network. The channel providing the broadcast service is identified using the service ID and the original network ID. The service ID corresponds to a label that identifies the service related to the transmitted content. The original network ID corresponds to a label that specifies the network identification of the original distribution system. The network information may also include the transport stream ID (transport stream_id) of the transport stream. The transport stream ID is a label that distinguishes the transport stream from other multiplexes in the distribution system, i.e., identification information that indicates each transport system within the distribution system. The transport stream ID is also called a "transport stream identification." Individual channels may be identified using the transport stream ID instead of or in addition to the original network ID. However, in the example of FIG. 3, the set value of the original network ID is equal to the set value of the transport stream ID. The network information illustrated in FIG. 3 may be applied as an initial service list.

[0055] For example, the channel selection management unit 104 extracts a network information table (NIT) from a received signal received on a channel determined to be receivable during a channel scan. The NIT is an information table that transmits information associating transmission path information, such as modulation frequency, with broadcast programs. The channel selection management unit 104 extracts network information for each channel from the NIT. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the channel selection management unit 104 may further obtain a service name (display_name) and a remote control key ID (one touch) for each channel determined to be receivable, from the NIT or other control information, and store them in association with each channel. The channel selection management unit 104 adds a broadcast viewing flag (broadcast_receivable) to each channel, indicating whether the channel is receivable by broadcast. Whether the channel is receivable by broadcast is determined for each channel during a channel scan.

[0056] Next, the simultaneous distribution URL information according to this embodiment will be described. The simultaneous distribution URL information includes a URL used to acquire components distributed in parallel via communication for each channel providing broadcast services in the area. The channel selection management unit 104 downloads service information including the simultaneous distribution URL information via broadcast based on the announcement information described in the SDTT previously received via broadcast. The service information includes at least the original network ID or transport stream ID of the channel to be updated, the service ID, and the updated simultaneous distribution URL used to acquire the component.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of service information according to this embodiment. The service information includes a change date and time, pre-change information, and post-change information for each broadcast channel. The broadcast channel is specified using a transport stream ID (broadcast_transport_stream_id) or a network ID (broadcast_network_id) and a service ID (broadcast_service_id) included in the pre-change information. The change date and time (change_streaming_schedule) indicates the scheduled date and time of change from the current pre-change information to the post-change information. The change date and time is described as a date and time that is later than the distribution time of the service information. The change date and time is described, for example, as a 32-bit integer value. The change date and time may also be described as a 64-bit or hexadecimal number. The pre-change information and post-change information, especially information transmitted in download data, may be collectively referred to as "network distribution information" or "distribution information." The pre-change information may have the same content as the post-change information in the immediately preceding download. The post-change information may include information that differs from the pre-change information for all channels, or may include information that differs from the pre-change information for at least one channel. The service information includes post-change information for at least one channel, and may not include post-change information for some channels.

[0058] The pre-change information and post-change information include at least the simultaneous streaming URL (live_stream_url, new_live_stream_url). However, in the example of FIG. 4, the pre-change information and post-change information further include the remote control key ID (one_touch, new_one_touch), service name (service_name, new_service_name), and simultaneous streaming URL (live_stream_url, new_line_stream_url). The service name is the name of the broadcasting service or the name of the broadcasting station providing the service. This allows the service information to be applied to changes to one or more of the remote control key ID, network ID, and service name in addition to the simultaneous streaming URL. For items that do not change, the same information can be set before and after the change. Furthermore, for channels for which no changes occur in the network distribution information, the same information as the pre-change information may be set as the post-change information. If pre-change information is set and post-change information is not set, the setting of that service may be considered invalid. Furthermore, if pre-change information is not set and post-change information is set, the post-change information may be considered as service information for the newly set service. If no post-change information is set at all, a value of 0 may be set in the change date and time field as a value indicating that no changes are planned to the distribution information.

[0059] The number of services minus 1 (count_of_service_minus1), service name length (service_name_length), and simultaneous distribution URL length (live_stream_url_length) included in the pre-change information indicate the amount of information in the service information, service name, and simultaneous distribution URL, respectively, and are used for transmitting and receiving them. The number of services minus 1 is represented, for example, by a 3-bit integer value between 0 and 7. The service name length is represented, for example, by the number of bytes in an 8-bit integer value between 0 and 255. The simultaneous distribution URL length is represented, for example, by the number of bytes in a 16-bit integer value between 0 and 65535. Therefore, the receiving device 10 may erase the number of services, service name length, and simultaneous distribution URL length after completing reception of the service information. Similarly, the new number of services (new_count_of_service_minus1), service name length (new_service_name_length), and simultaneous distribution URL length (new_live_stream_url_length) included in the post-change information also indicate the amount of information in the new service information, service name, and simultaneous distribution URL, respectively. After completing reception of the service information, the receiving device 10 may erase the new number of services, the service name length, and the simultaneous distribution URL length.

[0060] Note that the pre-change information and the post-change information may be version-managed in the broadcasting device 20. In the version management, different version numbers may be assigned to the pre-change information and the post-change information. A common version number may be assigned to distribution information having the same content. For example, the data organization unit of the broadcasting device 20 may assign numbers so that the version number of the pre-change information and the version number of the post-change information having the same content in the immediately preceding download are the same.

[0061] The notification information may indicate a version number (target version) of the service information to be updated that is equal to or lower than the version number of the pre-change information to be downloaded. The notification information may also indicate a version number (new version) of the updated service information that is equal to the version number of the updated information. The tuning management unit 104 can determine the target version described in the notification information as the version of the service information to be updated, and the new version described in the notification information as the version of the updated service information. This allows the tuning management unit 104 to determine whether the service information acquired in its own device is to be updated, and to know in advance the version of the updated service information.

[0062] Next, an example of a service list according to this embodiment will be described. The service list includes, for each channel providing a broadcast service in the region, a simultaneous distribution URL used to acquire components distributed in parallel via communication, the simultaneous distribution URL including a broadcast viewing flag indicating whether the channel can be received via broadcast. The channel selection management unit 104 references the service list stored in the service list storage unit 106 and determines whether the channel can be received via broadcast based on the broadcast viewing flag corresponding to the selected channel. When the broadcast viewing flag corresponding to the selected channel indicates that broadcast reception is possible, the channel selection management unit 104 causes the reception processing unit 110 to acquire components from the reception signal of the broadcast wave received on the selected channel. The channel selection management unit 104 identifies a simultaneous distribution URL corresponding to the selected channel. When the broadcast viewing flag corresponding to the selected channel indicates that broadcast reception is impossible, the channel selection management unit 104 identifies a simultaneous distribution URL corresponding to the channel and causes the component to be acquired via communication using the identified simultaneous distribution URL.

[0063] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a service list according to this embodiment. The service list illustrated in Fig. 5 includes, for each channel, a change date and time, a broadcast viewing flag, pre-change information, and post-change information. Each channel is represented using a transport stream ID (transport_stream_id) or a network ID (network_id) and a service ID (service_id). In the example of Fig. 5, both the pre-change information and the post-change information include a one-touch button, a service name, and a simultaneous distribution URL (live_stream_url).

[0064] The tuning management unit 104 can update the service list by executing the following procedure: Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the service list update process according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the service list in FIG. 3 is updated using the service information in FIG. 4, and the service list in FIG. 5 is obtained as the updated service list. First, the channel selection management unit 104 identifies the channel to be updated based on the pair of network ID (network_id) and service ID (service_id) described in the newly downloaded service information (S42: Channel Identification).The channel selection management unit 104 extracts the change date and time, pre-change information, and post-change information for each identified channel from the service information (S44: Information Extraction).

[0065] The channel selection management unit 104 applies the extracted change date and time, pre-change information, and post-change information for the channel related to the update from among the channels identified by a pair of a network ID (network_id) and a service ID (service_id) in the existing service list (S46: Merge). Here, the channel selection management unit 104 may erase the existing service ID, service name, and one-touch button (upper row), or the change date and time, pre-change information, and post-change information (not shown) written in the service list.

[0066] Note that if content provision via a simultaneous distribution URL for an existing channel is terminated, the post-change information may not be indicated. In that case, instead of the post-change information, a URL indicating the location of service provision termination information indicating the end of content provision via communication may be described in the service information or service list. If content provision via a simultaneous distribution URL for an existing channel is newly provided, the pre-change information may not be indicated. In that case, instead of the pre-change information, a URL indicating the location of service provision advance notice information indicating the start of content provision via communication may be described in the service information or service list.

[0067] When receiving a signal based on a broadcast wave transmitted on a selected channel, the channel selection management unit 104 may determine whether or not broadcast reception is possible based on the quality of the received signal and whether decoding is successful, not limited to channel scanning. If the determination information on whether or not broadcast reception is possible differs from the broadcast reception possible information indicated in the broadcast viewing flag set for that channel, the channel selection management unit 104 may update the determination information determined by monitoring as a new broadcast viewing flag.

[0068] Here, the channel selection management unit 104 may determine whether broadcast reception is possible even if the broadcast viewing flag for the selected channel indicates that the channel is not available for broadcast reception. The channel selection management unit 104 sets a broadcast viewing flag indicating that broadcast reception is possible for the channel for which broadcast reception is determined to be possible. Therefore, for such a channel, the channel selection management unit 104 can cause the output processing unit 130 to present the content of the broadcast program based on the component transmitted by broadcast. The channel selection management unit 104 may determine whether broadcast reception is possible for each channel selection operation, or may perform the determination intermittently or at regular intervals.

[0069] 5 and 6, the one-touch button may differ between the pre-change information and the post-change information. Therefore, the channel selection management unit 104 further references the change date and time to reference a broadcast viewing flag indicating whether broadcast reception corresponding to the selected channel is possible. The channel selection management unit 104 searches for a channel whose current time (current time) precedes the change date and time and whose number on the one-touch button whose pressing was detected is equal to the number on the one-touch button included in the pre-change information as the selected channel. For channels whose current time is after the change date and time, the channel selection management unit 104 searches for a channel whose number on the one-touch button whose pressing was detected is equal to the number on the one-touch button included in the post-change information as the selected channel. The channel selection management unit 104 references the broadcast viewing flag corresponding to the selected channel to determine whether broadcast reception is possible.

[0070] If the selected channel is unavailable and the current time is earlier than the change date and time, the channel selection management unit 104 identifies the simultaneous streaming URL (live_stream_url) included in the pre-change information for the selected channel. If the selected channel is available and the current time is after the change date and time, the channel selection management unit 104 identifies the simultaneous streaming URL (new_live_stream_url) included in the post-change information for the selected channel.

[0071] Next, an example of the data structure of the SDTT will be described. The SDTT is a data table used to notify download notification information. The data editing unit of the broadcasting device 20 acquires notification information related to the download of service information, including simultaneous distribution URL information for each channel, and generates an SDTT indicating the acquired notification information. The data multiplexing unit of the broadcasting device 20 generates multiplexed data that includes the SDTT as part of the control information.

[0072] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of an SDTT. The SDTT includes the following fields: table identification (table_id), table identification extension (table_id_ext), transport stream ID (transport_stream_id), original network ID (original_network_id), service ID (service_id), group (group), target version (target_version), new version (new_version), start time (start_time), duration (duration), and descriptor area (descriptor()).

[0073] In the table identification field, "0xC3" is entered as a value indicating SDTT. The broadcast receiving unit 112 can identify, as SDTT, a data table that has "0xC3" entered as a table identification value among the data tables carried in the received signal. The table identification extension field describes a value indicating the type of download data to be downloaded. Table identification extension (table_id_ext) values ​​are assigned as shown in FIG. 8. "0xFFF1" is assigned to service information that includes simultaneous distribution URL information. The tuning management unit 104 can identify an SDTT in which "0xFFF1" is described as the table identification extension value as an SDTT in which notification information for downloading service information that includes simultaneous distribution URL information is described.

[0074] The transport stream ID or original network ID and service ID indicate the channel related to the transmission of the download data. The channel selection management unit 104 can identify the transmission channel of the service information including the simultaneous distribution URL information based on the transport stream ID or original network ID and service ID described in the SDTT. The target version and new version indicate the minimum version number of the download data to be updated and the version number of the updated download data, respectively. The tuning management unit 104 may determine whether downloading is necessary based on whether the version number of the service information in the last update of the service list is equal to or higher than the target version. The download data includes at least the new version of service information. For example, the version number of the information before the change in the service information to be downloaded, as exemplified in FIGS. 5 and 6, may be assigned as the target version, and the version number of the information after the change may be assigned as the new version information.

[0075] In the group column, the group ID (group_id) of the series of groups that includes the download is entered. The start time indicates the start time of the download data transmission. The duration indicates the length of the download data transmission period. The channel selection management unit 104 can identify the transmission period of the service information from the start time and duration described in the SDTT. The descriptor area contains a download content descriptor (Download_content_descriptor()). The download content descriptor contains the specifications of the download data. The download content descriptor includes a download identification (download_id).

[0076] For example, the DSM-CC (Digital Storage Media Command and Control) data carousel method may be used to transmit download data as a protocol specified in ISO / IEC 13818-6. The DSM-CC data carousel method is a method of repeatedly transmitting data blocks containing the download data to be transmitted. The download data may be divided into multiple data blocks so that the amount of information is below a predetermined upper limit. Each data block is modularized and carried in a DDB (Download Data Block) message. Information about the download data is described in a DII (Download Info Indication) message.

[0077] The multiplexing unit of the broadcasting device 20 generates a transport stream including a DII and one or more DDB messages as multiplexed data related to the download data. The generated transport stream is assigned the transport ID notified in the announcement information. The transmitting unit of the broadcasting device 20 starts sending the constructed transport stream to the broadcast transmission path specified by the notified transmission channel during the transmission period notified in the announcement information at the start time notified in the announcement information (DSM-CC data carousel).

[0078] Next, an example of the data structure of the DII will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the DII. The DII is configured to include columns for a download ID (downloadId), a compatibility descriptor, and a module. The download ID is set to the same value as the download ID notified in the notification information. The tuning management unit 104 can refer to the download ID notified in the notification information to identify the DII related to the transmission of the corresponding download data.

[0079] The module column includes a column for the number of modules (numberOfmodules) and, for each module, columns for module ID (moduleID), module size (ModuleSize), module version (moduleVersion), module information length (moduleInfoLength), and module information (moduleInfoByte). The number of modules is described as the number of modules that include part or all of the download data. In this embodiment, for example, a data module indicating service information is configured by a simultaneous distribution URL information descriptor that describes service information. The module ID is an identification number for each module. The module size is written as the number of bytes indicating the amount of information in each module. As the module version, the version of the download included in each module, for example, the version of the service information, is described.

[0080] The module information length describes the number of bytes that indicates the amount of information in the subsequent module information. As module information, more detailed information than individual modules is described. The channel selection management unit 104 can identify the DDB including the module related to the transmission of the download data by referring to the module ID.

[0081] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a compatibility descriptor. The compatibility descriptor includes fields for descriptor type (descryptorType), model, and version. The value "0x01" indicating the compatibility descriptor is written as the descriptor type. In the model column, the value "0xfff1" is written as the model ID, which indicates service information including simultaneous distribution URL information as transmission data for download. The version field contains the group ID of the group to which the download belongs and the version ID of the new version after the change. This information is written in the SDTT.

[0082] Next, an example of the data structure of the DDB will be described. The DDB contains download IDs, module IDs, and modularized download data (not shown). The download ID field contains a value equal to the download ID transmitted in the DDI and notification information. The tuning management unit 104 can refer to the download ID notified in the notification information and identify the DDB and DII related to the transmission of the corresponding download data. The tuning management unit 104 can also identify received and unreceived DDBs by comparing the module ID transmitted in the DII with the module ID described in the DDB.

[0083] Service information including live streaming URL information is described using a live streaming URL information descriptor (LiveStreamURLInformation()) and constitutes a module of download data. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a live streaming URL information descriptor. The live streaming URL information descriptor includes fields for each channel, such as the transport stream ID, network ID, service ID, change date and time, information before change, and information after change, as shown in Figure 4. Service information for each channel is described in a loop for each network and a service loop for each network. The live streaming URL information descriptor further includes fields for area identification (area_code), module length (module_length), module data version (module_data_version), and number of network loops (num_of_network_loop) as channel information.

[0084] The area identification indicates the service area of ​​the broadcast service. The module length indicates the amount of information described below the module data version. The module length and module data version for each module are written with values ​​equal to the module length and module data version described in the SDTT. The number of network loops corresponds to the number of networks, which are broadcast transmission paths provided within the service area. If only one service is provided per network, the number of networks corresponds to the number of channels.

[0085] Next, an example of setting a region identifier will be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of allocation of region identifiers according to this embodiment. In the example of Fig. 12, the region identifier is expressed as a 6-bit integer value between 0 and 63. In this example, the region identifier does not necessarily require 7 bits as exemplified in Fig. 11. In principle, a different value is assigned to each prefecture as the region identifier value. However, in Hokkaido, region identifiers are defined for each branch office. Regions for values ​​between 0 and 9 and 63 are all undefined. Service information may be configured for each region indicated by the region identifier.

[0086] In addition, the technical document ARIB TR-B14, Terrestrial Digital Television Broadcasting Operational Regulations, defines area identification codes by prefecture and by Hokkaido branch office, as well as wide-area identification codes. Wide-area identification codes are assigned to areas larger than prefectures, such as the Kanto Wide Area, Kinki Wide Area, Chukyo Wide Area, Hokkaido, Okayama, Kagawa, and Tottori and Shimane (collectively referred to as "wide areas" below). Based on this regulation, network information for broadcasting services that provide wide areas (hereinafter referred to as "wide-area services") is defined.

[0087] In this embodiment, for network information of wide-area services, regions by prefecture or by branch office that include the service area are assigned as allocation destinations. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating allocation destination regions and region identifications for each wide area. For example, for the Kanto wide area, the regions included therein are Tokyo, Kanagawa, Gunma, Tochigi, Chiba, Tochigi, and Saitama, which are assigned destinations. Therefore, for network information of wide-area services that cover the Kanto wide area, it is sufficient to reorganize the network information by assigning it to each allocation destination region.

[0088] The network information for a wide-area service serving the Kanto region, as illustrated on the left side of Figure 14, is assigned to Tokyo and Gunma. The network information for a broadcasting service serving Tokyo is assigned to Tokyo, but not to other regions. The network information for a broadcasting service serving Gunma is assigned to Gunma, but not to other regions. The network information reorganized by region is used to organize service information by region.

[0089] The data editing unit of the broadcasting device 20 may reorganize and modularize the service information, including the simultaneous distribution URL information, by region, and acquire a DDB containing a different module ID for each region. The data editing unit may also acquire an SDTT containing a different module ID for each region. This allows updates to the service information to be announced on a region-by-region basis, and the updated service information to be transmitted.

[0090] Next, an example of the service list update process according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the process of updating the service list according to this embodiment. (Step S102) A region identification of the region of use is set in advance in the channel selection management unit 104 of the receiving device 10. For example, when starting to use the receiving device 10, the channel selection management unit 104 identifies the region indicated by an operation signal from the operation input unit 102, and sets the region identification of the identified region in the channel selection management unit 104. The region to be set is, for example, the region where the receiving device 10 is installed. (Step S104) The channel selection management unit 104 selects a channel instructed by an operation signal from the operation input unit 102. The channel selection management unit 104 causes the broadcast receiving unit 112 to receive a signal on the selected channel.

[0091] (Step S106) The broadcast receiving unit 112 determines whether the received signal is tuned to the frequency corresponding to the selected channel (front-end lock). The broadcast receiving unit 112 can determine whether to tune based on whether the component ratio of the frequency components of the set frequency in the received signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. If it is tuned (YES in step S106), the process proceeds to step S108. If it is not tuned (NO in step S106), the channel selection management unit 104 determines that the channel corresponding to that frequency is an unreceivable channel, and proceeds to step S120.

[0092] (Step S108) The tuning management unit 104 measures the C / N as the quality of the received signal, and determines whether the measured C / N is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. If it is determined that the C / N is equal to or greater than the reference value (step S108 YES), the process proceeds to step S110. If it is determined that the C / N is less than the reference value (step S108 NO), the process proceeds to step S120. (Step S110) The tuning management unit 104 executes a reception confirmation process (described later). (Step S112) If the tuning management unit 104 determines in the reception confirmation process that broadcast reception is possible (YES in step S112), it proceeds to the process of step S114. If the tuning management unit 104 determines that broadcast reception is impossible (NO in step S112), it proceeds to the process of step S120.

[0093] (Step S114) The tuning management unit 104 acquires service information including simultaneous distribution URL information using the SDTT extracted from the received signal, and performs a service list update process (acquires simultaneous distribution URL information using the SDTT) based on the acquired service information. (Step S116) The tuning management unit 104 causes the output processing unit 130 to display a display screen showing the updated service list on the display (presentation of service list). The presentation of the service list may be performed in response to an operation, or may be performed each time the service list is updated, regardless of an operation.

[0094] (Step S118) The channel selection management unit 104 refers to the service list and determines whether at least some of the remote control key IDs for each channel are duplicated. If there is a channel whose remote control ID is duplicated with another channel, the channel selection management unit 104 resets the remote control key ID so that it is different for each channel (duplicate key change). The channel selection management unit 104 reflects the reset remote control key ID of the channel corresponding to the service list. Then, the processing of FIG. 15 ends. (Step S120) The channel selection management unit 104 determines that broadcast reception is not possible for the selected channel, and sets and stores a broadcast viewing flag indicating that broadcast reception is not possible for the channel in the service list. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 15 ends.

[0095] Next, an example of the reception confirmation process (step S110) according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the reception confirmation process according to this embodiment. However, it is assumed that a service list is stored in advance in the service list storage unit 106, and that reception quality information is stored in association with service information for each channel. In the example of Fig. 16, a transport stream ID (TS ID) is used to identify each individual channel, but an original network ID may also be used.

[0096] (Step S202) The tuning management unit 104 acquires multiplexed data obtained by demodulating and decoding the received signal from the broadcast decoding unit 114. The tuning management unit 104 detects the presence or absence of bit errors based on the error detection code added to the multiplexed data for each fixed data length, and calculates the BER based on the frequency of the detected bit errors. (Step S204) The channel selection management unit 104 acquires the NIT carried in the multiplexed data. The channel selection management unit 104 extracts network information of the selected channel from the acquired NIT. The channel selection management unit 104 compares the network information with service information included in a pre-stored service list for the selected channel.

[0097] (Step S206) If the transport stream ID included in the extracted network information is equal to an existing transport stream ID stored in the service list (step S206 YES), the tuning management unit 104 proceeds to the process of step S212. If the transport stream ID (TS ID) included in the extracted network information is not equal to an existing transport stream ID stored in the service list (step S206 NO), the tuning management unit 104 proceeds to the process of step S208. (Step S208) The channel selection management unit 104 updates the element information of the existing network information included in the service list for the selected channel with the element information of the extracted network information, and stores the updated information (service list change). (Step S210) The channel selection management unit 104 determines that broadcast reception is possible for the selected channel, and sets and stores a broadcast viewing flag indicating that broadcast reception is possible in the service list. After that, the processing in FIG. 16 ends.

[0098] (Step S212) The channel selection management unit 104 determines whether the BER calculated for the selected channel has improved compared to a pre-stored BER reference value. If it is determined that the BER has improved compared to the reference value (step S212 YES), the process proceeds to step S214. If it is determined that the BER has not improved (step S212 NO), it determines that broadcast reception is impossible, and ends the process of FIG. 16. Note that although the BER is used in this example, other indicators, such as C / N, may also be used.

[0099] (Step S214) The channel selection management unit 104 updates the element information of the existing network information included in the service list for the selected channel with the element information of the extracted network information, and stores the updated information (service list change). (Step S216) The channel selection management unit 104 determines that broadcast reception is possible for the selected channel, sets a broadcast viewing flag indicating that broadcast reception is possible in the service list, and stores the flag. After that, the processing in FIG. 16 ends.

[0100] Next, an example of the service list update process according to this embodiment (Step S114: Obtain simultaneous distribution URL information using SDTT) will be described. Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the service list update process according to this embodiment. (Step S302) The reception processing unit 110 extracts a data table from the received signal acquired on the selected channel selected at that time, and outputs the data table to the channel selection management unit 104. The channel selection management unit 104 detects notification information for downloading service information including simultaneous distribution URL information input from the reception processing unit 110. The channel selection management unit 104 uses the detected notification information to execute a download reservation process for the service information (download reservation with SDTT, described later) and set the download reservation information.

[0101] (Step S304) The channel selection management unit 104 receives download data of the service information including the simultaneous distribution URL information in accordance with the set download reservation information (download of the simultaneous distribution URL information, described later). (Step S306) The channel selection management unit 104 confirms whether the received download data has been received normally (reception confirmation). In the reception confirmation, the channel selection management unit 104 confirms that, for example, all of the following conditions are met: (a) The DII and DDB included in the download data each contain a download ID that is the same as the download ID included in the download reservation information. (b) The module ID included in the DDB is the same as the module ID described in the DII. (c) The model field in the consistency descriptor of the DII contains "0xfff1", which indicates service information that includes simultaneous distribution URL information. (Step S306) The channel selection management unit 104 checks whether the service information including the simultaneous distribution URL information has been received successfully (reception confirmation) based on the consistency between the download instruction information described in the received DII and the identifier described in the DDB.

[0102] (Step S308) The tuning management unit 104 stores the service information that has been received successfully (registers the simultaneous distribution URL information). If the service information cannot be received successfully, the tuning management unit 104 may repeat the processes of steps S304 and S306 within the reserved transmission period. The tuning management unit 104 deletes the service information that could not be received successfully. (Step S310) The tuning management unit 104 executes a process of merging the service list with the stored service information (merging the service list with simultaneous distribution URL information, described later) to update the service list.

[0103] Next, an example of the download reservation process according to this embodiment (step S302: reserve download with SDTT) will be described. Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the download reservation process according to this embodiment. (Step S322) The channel selection management unit 104 causes the reception processing unit 110 to acquire a received signal based on a broadcast wave using the selected channel instructed by the user channel selection, and demodulates and decodes the acquired received signal to convert it into a transport stream. (Step S324) The reception processing unit 110 determines whether the value of the packet identifier (PID) written in the TS packet that constitutes the transport stream is "0x28". If it is determined that the value is "0x28" (step S324 YES), the process proceeds to step S326. In this case, the data table stored in the TS packet is determined to be SDTT. The reception processing unit 110 reads the data table from the payload of the TS packet and outputs it to the tuning management unit 104. If it is determined that the value is not "0x28" (NO in step S324), the process proceeds to step S324 for other unprocessed TS packets.

[0104] (Step S326) The tuning management unit 104 determines whether the value of the table ID described in the data table input from the reception processing unit 110 is "0xC3." If it is determined that the value is "0xC3" (step S326 YES), the processing proceeds to step S328. In this case, it is reconfirmed that the input data table is SDTT. If it is determined that the value is not "0xC3" (NO in step S326), the process proceeds to step S324 for other unprocessed TS packets.

[0105] (Step S328) The tuning management unit 104 determines whether the value of the table ID extension written in the SDTT is "0xFFF1". If it is determined to be "0xFFF1" (step S328 YES), the process proceeds to step S330. If it is determined to be "0xFFF1", the SDTT notifies the download of service information including simultaneous distribution URL information. If it is determined that the value is not "0xFFF1" (NO in step S328), the process proceeds to step S324 for the other unprocessed TS packets.

[0106] (Step S330) The tuning management unit 104 references the target version described in the SDTT and determines whether the version of the service information has been updated. The tuning management unit 104 can determine whether the version has been updated, for example, based on whether the target version described in the SDTT matches the version of the latest service information used to update the service list. If it is determined that the version has been updated (YES in step S330), the process proceeds to step S332. If it is determined that the version has not been updated (NO in step S330), the process proceeds to step S324 for other unprocessed TS packets.

[0107] (Step S332) The channel selection management unit 104 sets a download reservation for service information including simultaneous distribution URL information based on the notification information described in the SDTT. More specifically, the channel selection management unit 104 extracts information such as the download ID, original network ID or transport stream ID, service ID, start time, and duration from the SDTT, and saves the extracted information as download reservation information. The transmission channel is identified by the combination of the original network ID or transport stream ID and the service ID. The transmission period is identified by the start time and duration. Thereafter, the processing of FIG. 18 ends.

[0108] An example of the service information download process according to this embodiment (step S304: download of simultaneous distribution URL information) will be described below. Fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the service information download process according to this embodiment. (Step S342) When the current time is within the transmission period indicated in the download reservation information, the channel selection management unit 104 monitors the occurrence of a trigger that triggers the download process. An instruction to end reception of a broadcast service can be used as the trigger. Examples of triggers include when an operation signal instructing operation stop (power off) is input from the operation input unit 102, when an operation signal indicating download or maintenance is input, or when it is detected that a person has left the vicinity of the receiving device 10. If the operation of the main function of the receiving device 10 is currently stopped, the channel selection management unit 104 may start the receiving device 10.

[0109] (Step S344) The channel selection management unit 104 selects the transmission channel included in the download reservation information and causes the reception processing unit 110 to receive, in the background, the reception signal of the broadcast wave broadcast on that transmission channel (tuning in the background). In this case, the reception processing unit 110 does not acquire components of the broadcast program from the reception signal, and does not cause the output processing unit 130 to present the content of the broadcast program.

[0110] (Step S346) The channel selection management unit 104 acquires DII from the download data transmitted by the engineering service using the selected channel. (Step S348) The tuning management unit 104 determines whether the value of the model ID described in the compatibility descriptor area of ​​the acquired DII is "0xFFF1." If it is determined that the value is "0xFFF1" (step S348 YES), the processing proceeds to step S350. If it is determined that the value is not "0xFFF1" (step S348 NO), the processing returns to step S346, and an attempt is made to acquire a separate DII.

[0111] (Step S350) The tuning management unit 104 identifies the download ID described in the acquired DII. (Step S352) The channel selection management unit 104 acquires the DDB from the download data transmitted by the engineering service using the selected channel. (Step S354) The tuning management unit 104 determines whether the value of the download ID described in the acquired DDB is equal to the value of the download ID described in the DII. If it is determined that they are equal (step S354 YES), the process proceeds to step S356. If it is determined that they are not equal (step S354 NO), the process returns to step S352 and attempts to acquire a separate DDB. (Step S356) The channel selection management unit 104 extracts service information from the simultaneous distribution URL information descriptor stored in the acquired DDB, and then ends the processing in FIG.

[0112] Next, an example of the merge process according to this embodiment (Step S310: merging the service list and simultaneous distribution URL information) will be described. Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the merge process according to this embodiment. (Step S402) The channel selection management unit 104 sets 1 as the initial value of the broadcast network number. The broadcast network number is a number indicating a broadcast transmission path provided in the installation area of ​​the receiving device 10. The broadcast network number is a number used in this process and is different from the network ID. (Step S404) The channel selection management unit 104 identifies the number of broadcast networks in the area where the receiving device 10 is used. The channel selection management unit 104 can count the number of broadcast networks in the area where the receiving device is used, for example, by referring to the service information described in the simultaneous distribution information descriptor transmitted as download data. (Step S406) The tuning management unit 104 sets the minimum value of the network ID described in the acquired service information as the initial value of the network ID.

[0113] (Step S408) The tuning management unit 104 extracts pre-change information corresponding to the current network ID from the received service information, and performs service list registration processing (registration of network distribution information (pre-change) in the service list). (Step S410) The tuning management unit 104 extracts the change date and time corresponding to the network ID at that time from the received service information, and records it in the service list as a change schedule in association with the network ID.

[0114] (Step S412) The tuning management unit 104 refers to the change date and time column corresponding to the network ID at that time in the received service information, and determines whether or not a change is planned for the distribution information based on whether or not a change date and time value greater than 0 is set. If it is determined that a change is planned (step S412 YES), the process proceeds to step S414. If it is determined that no change is planned (NO in step S412), the process proceeds to step S416. (Step S414) The tuning management unit 104 extracts the changed information corresponding to the current network ID from the received service information, and performs service list registration processing (registration of the network distribution information (changed) in the service list).

[0115] (Step S416) The tuning management unit 104 determines whether the broadcast network number has reached the number of broadcast networks. If it is determined that it has reached the number (step S416 YES), the processing in Fig. 20 ends. If it is determined that it has not reached the number (step S416 NO), the processing proceeds to step S418. (Step S418) The tuning management unit 104 adds 1 to the broadcast network number and changes the network ID to be processed to the network ID having the next smallest value in the service information, and then returns to the processing of step S408.

[0116] Next, an example of the service list registration process according to this embodiment (step S408: registering the network distribution information (before change) in the service list, step S414: registering the network distribution information (after change) in the service list) will be described. Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the service list registration process according to this embodiment. (Step S422) The tuning management unit 104 sets 1 as the initial value of the service number. The service number is a number indicating a service provided in the network. The service number is a number used in this process and is different from the service ID. (Step S424) The channel selection management unit 104 identifies the number of services in the network to be processed at that time. The channel selection management unit 104 can identify the number of services in the network to be processed, for example, by referring to the service information described in the simultaneous distribution information descriptor transmitted as download data. (Step S426) The tuning management unit 104 sets the minimum value of the service ID in the network to be processed, which is described in the acquired service information, as the initial value of the service ID.

[0117] (Step S428) The channel selection management unit 104 refers to the broadcast station list and determines whether there is a service that matches the pair of network ID and service ID to be processed. The channel selection management unit 104 has a pre-set broadcast station list that indicates the pair of network ID and service ID for each service (channel) that provides broadcast service in the area. If it is determined that a matching service exists (YES in step S428), the process proceeds to step S430. If it is determined that a matching service does not exist (NO in step S428), the process proceeds to step S432.

[0118] (Step S430) The tuning management unit 104 refers to the service list and the broadcast viewing flag corresponding to the service ID to be processed, and determines whether the service is broadcast viewable or not. If it is determined that the service is broadcast viewable (step S430 YES), the process proceeds to step S444. If it is determined that the service is not broadcast viewable (step S430 NO), the process proceeds to step S442. (Step S432) The channel selection management unit 104 generates a broadcast viewing flag indicating that the broadcast cannot be viewed. (Step S434) The channel selection management unit 104 adds the generated broadcast viewing flag to the service list in association with the pair of the service ID and network ID to be processed.

[0119] (Step S442) The tuning management unit 104 registers in the service list the service name corresponding to the pair of the network ID and service ID to be processed in the distribution information, in association with the pair of the network ID and service ID. (Step S444) The channel selection management unit 104 registers the simultaneous distribution URL corresponding to the pair of the network ID and service ID to be processed in the distribution information in the service list in association with the pair of the network ID and service ID.

[0120] (Step S446) The tuning management unit 104 determines whether the service number has reached the number of services. If it is determined that it has reached the number of services (step S446 YES), the processing in Fig. 21 ends. If it is determined that it has not reached the number of services (step S446 NO), the processing proceeds to step S448. (Step S448) The tuning management unit 104 adds 1 to the service number and changes the service ID to be processed to the service ID having the next smallest value in the distribution information, and then proceeds to the processing of step S428.

[0121] In the above description, the multiplexing method for multiplexed data carried in a broadcast signal is the MPEG-2 TS method, but this is not limiting. Other multiplexing methods, such as the MMT-TLV method, may also be used. The names of the information tables, descriptors, and parameters corresponding to the above information tables, descriptors, and parameters may differ depending on the method. For example, the SDTT described above corresponds to the MH-SDTT in the MMT-TLV method. The NIT described above corresponds to the TLV-NIT in the MMT-TLV method. The PMT described above corresponds to the MMT Package Table (MPT) in the MMT-TLV method. The elementary streams, i.e., components, correspond to assets in the MMT-TLV method. Furthermore, in the above description, the components provided in common for broadcasting and communication are mainly a combination of video and audio, but this is not limiting. For example, the provided components may further include subtitles, or one of video and audio may be provided without the other.

[0122] As described above, the receiving device 10 of this embodiment includes a receiving processing unit 110 that acquires broadcast components (e.g., a combination of video and audio) from a received signal obtained by receiving broadcast waves, a communication processing unit 120 that acquires communication components (e.g., a combination of video and audio common to broadcast components) distributed over a communication network, an output processing unit 130 that outputs the acquired broadcast components or communication components, and a channel selection management unit 104. The channel selection management unit 104 refers to a service list containing service information indicating broadcast reception availability information (e.g., broadcast viewing flag) indicating whether the received signal can be received for each channel and acquisition information (e.g., simultaneous distribution URL information) related to the acquisition of communication components that are distributed in parallel with the broadcast component (e.g., simultaneous distribution), determines whether the selected channel can receive the received signal, and if the selected channel can receive the received signal, causes the reception processing unit 110 to acquire the broadcast component, and if the selected channel cannot receive the received signal, uses the service list to identify the acquisition information related to the selected channel, causes the communication processing unit 120 to acquire the communication component, receives distribution information (e.g., updated information) including at least the changed acquisition information using notification information transmitted in the received signal and indicating a change (e.g., download) in the acquisition information, and sets the received acquisition information in the service list.

[0123] This embodiment may be realized as a broadcasting system S1 including a broadcasting facility (for example, a broadcasting device 20) that transmits broadcast waves that transmit broadcast components, and a receiving device . This embodiment may be realized as a broadcasting system S1 further including a distribution device 30 that transmits a communication component common to the broadcast component to a communication network.

[0124] With this configuration, viewers can select channels that cannot be received by broadcasting in the same way as they select broadcast components distributed by broadcast waves, and can receive broadcast services using communication components that are distributed in parallel with the broadcast components. Furthermore, acquisition information used to acquire communication components for channels that cannot be received by broadcasting is acquired by broadcast using announcement information, and the service list is updated with the acquired acquisition information. Therefore, the updated acquisition information can be provided simultaneously to areas where broadcast services are provided, based on the announcement information provided by broadcasting.

[0125] The notification information indicates a transmission schedule (that is, a download schedule) of the distribution information, and the tuning management unit 104 may receive the distribution information in accordance with the transmission schedule. According to this configuration, the distribution information is received according to the transmission schedule notified in the notification information, and therefore the distribution information is obtained at an opportunity separate from the viewing of the broadcast program without interfering with the viewing.

[0126] The notification information may be provided commonly to all channels, and the distribution information may include the acquired information after the change for each channel. The notification information is provided for all channels, so if there is at least one channel that can receive broadcasts, the change in acquisition information will be notified. The distribution information includes the acquisition channel after the change for each channel, so acquisition information for components provided on channels that cannot receive broadcasts can be obtained.

[0127] The channel selection management unit 104 may identify the area where the device itself is used (for example, the area indicated by the area identification) and acquire distribution information related to channels that provide broadcasting services in that area. As a result, the distribution information to be processed is limited to the distribution information in the area where the device is used, and therefore processing of distribution information relating to other areas is not required.

[0128] The channel selection management unit 104 may determine the transmission schedule of the distribution information based on the table identification extension described in the SDTT transmitted in the received signal. As a result, as part of the notification of the download data, the transmission schedule of the component acquisition information via communication is notified.

[0129] The tuning management unit 104 may acquire the DII and DDB from the received signal based on the notified transmission schedule, determine the transmission of distribution information based on the model identifier described in the acquired DII, and extract the distribution information from the acquired DDB. According to this configuration, the transmission of component acquisition information via communication is detected based on the model identifier described in the DII received via broadcast in accordance with the notified transmission schedule. The distribution information stored in the DDB is acquired. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify the distribution information acquired according to the notified transmission schedule from the received signal transmitted via broadcast.

[0130] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included. The configurations described in the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner. Furthermore, some of the configurations may be omitted or modified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] S1...broadcasting system, 10...receiving device, 20...broadcasting device, 30...distribution device, 102...operation input unit, 104...channel selection management unit, 106...service list storage unit, 110...reception processing unit, 112...broadcast receiving unit, 114...broadcast decoding unit, 120...communication processing unit, 122...communication I / F unit, 124...browsing unit, 130...output processing unit, 132...video decoding unit, 134...audio decoding unit

Claims

1. a reception processing unit that acquires broadcast components from a received signal obtained by receiving a broadcast wave; a communication processing unit that acquires communication components distributed over a communication network; an output processing unit that outputs the acquired broadcast component or the acquired communication component; A channel selection management unit, The channel selection management unit Refer to a service list including service information indicating broadcast reception availability information indicating whether the reception signal can be received for each channel and acquisition information regarding acquisition of the communication component distributed in parallel with the broadcast component; determining whether the selected channel can receive the received signal; When the selected channel can receive the reception signal, the reception processing unit acquires the broadcast component; When the selected channel cannot receive the reception signal, the service list is used to identify the acquisition information related to the selected channel, and the communication processing unit is caused to acquire the communication component; receiving distribution information including at least the changed acquisition information using notification information transmitted in the reception signal and indicating a change in the acquisition information; The acquired information is set in the service list. Receiving device.

2. the notification information indicates a transmission schedule of the distribution information, The channel selection management unit receiving the distribution information according to the transmission schedule 2. The receiving device according to claim 1.

3. The notification information is provided to all channels, The distribution information includes the acquisition information after the change for each channel.

2. The receiving device according to claim 1.

4. The channel selection management unit Identifying the area in which the device is used, Acquire the distribution information relating to channels that provide broadcasting services in the area 4. The receiving device according to claim 3.

5. The channel selection management unit The transmission schedule of the distribution information is determined based on a table identification extension described in a Software Download Trigger Table (SDTT) transmitted in the received signal.

3. The receiving device according to claim 2.

6. The channel selection management unit acquiring a DII (Download Info Indication) and a DDB (Download Data Block) from the received signal based on the transmission schedule; determining whether to transmit the distribution information based on a model identifier described in the DII; Extracting the distribution information from the DDB 6. The receiving device according to claim 5.

7. a broadcasting facility that transmits a broadcast wave that transmits the broadcast component; The receiving device according to claim 1 Broadcasting system.

8. a distribution device that transmits the communication component common to the broadcast component to the communication network; The broadcasting system according to claim 7.

9. A receiving method in a receiving device, The receiving device Refer to a service list including service information indicating broadcast reception availability information indicating whether or not a reception signal obtained by receiving a broadcast wave for each channel can be received, and acquisition information regarding acquisition of a communication component distributed over a communication network in parallel with the broadcast component; determining whether the selected channel can receive the received signal; When the selected channel can receive the received signal, acquiring the broadcast component from the received signal; When the selected channel cannot receive the reception signal, using the service list to identify the acquisition information related to the selected channel and acquire the communication component distributed over the communication network; outputting the acquired broadcast component or the acquired communication component; receiving distribution information including at least the changed acquisition information using notification information transmitted in the reception signal and indicating a change in the acquisition information; setting the acquired information in the service list; Run Receiving method.

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