Transmission device, transmission method, reception device, and reception method

The described system enhances flexibility in next-generation terrestrial digital television broadcasting by generating and processing additional information within a physical layer frame using ISDB-T standards, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of critical broadcast data.

JP2026010094AActive Publication Date: 2026-01-21SONY GROUP CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025173435
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-04-19
Filing Date
2025-10-15
Publication Date
2026-01-21
Estimated Expiration
2042-01-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing broadcasting systems lack flexibility in operation, particularly in next-generation terrestrial digital television broadcasting, which requires more advanced and adaptable methods for transmitting and receiving broadcast signals.

Method used

A transmitting device and method that generate and transmit additional information, including various types of control information and data, within a physical layer frame using the next-generation ISDB-T standard, utilizing bandwidth efficiently through transmission multiplexing control information, and a receiving device and method that process this information to enable flexible broadcast services.

Benefits of technology

Enables flexible and efficient operation of broadcast services by allowing separate or combined use of different bandwidth segments for control information and data transmission, enhancing synchronization and reducing latency, particularly for critical information like earthquake warnings and time updates.

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Abstract

To more flexibly operate a broadcast service.SOLUTION: There is provided a transmission device including a generation unit configured to generate additional information including at least one of a plurality of types of control information or data, and a transmission unit configured to transmit a physical layer frame including the additional information and transport multiplexing control information as a broadcast signal, in which the additional information is included in a signal to be transmitted on a predetermined channel defined in a next-generation system of ISDB-T and is transmitted on the basis of a band use system defined in the transport multiplexing control information. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a transmission system corresponding to a broadcasting scheme of terrestrial digital television broadcasting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transmitting device, a transmitting method, a receiving device, and a receiving method, and more particularly to a transmitting device, a transmitting method, a receiving device, and a receiving method that enable broadcast services to be operated more flexibly. [Background technology]

[0002] Studies are underway to enhance the next generation of terrestrial digital television broadcasting (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-36933 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When formulating the next-generation broadcasting system, proposals were requested to enable more flexible operation of broadcasting services.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in light of these circumstances, and aims to enable broadcast services to be operated more flexibly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A transmitting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a generating unit that generates additional information including at least one of a plurality of types of control information or data, and a transmitting unit that transmits a physical layer frame including the additional information and transmission multiplexing control information as a broadcast signal, wherein the additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel specified in the next generation ISDB-T standard, and is transmitted based on a bandwidth usage method specified in the transmission multiplexing control information.

[0007] A transmission method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a transmitting device generating additional information including at least one of a plurality of types of control information or data, and transmitting a physical layer frame including the additional information and transmission multiplexing control information as a broadcast signal, wherein the additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel specified in the next generation ISDB-T standard, and is transmitted based on a bandwidth usage method specified in the transmission multiplexing control information.

[0008] In a transmitting device and a transmitting method according to an aspect of the present disclosure, additional information including at least one of a plurality of types of control information or data is generated, and a physical layer frame including the additional information and transmission multiplexing control information is transmitted as a broadcast signal. The additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel specified in the next generation standard of ISDB-T, and is transmitted based on a band usage method specified in the transmission multiplexing control information.

[0009] A receiving device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives a physical layer frame transmitted as a broadcast signal, and a processing unit that performs predetermined processing based on additional information including at least one of multiple types of control information or data contained in the physical layer frame, wherein the additional information is contained in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel specified in the next generation ISDB-T standard and is transmitted based on a bandwidth usage method specified in the transmission multiplexing control information contained in the physical layer frame.

[0010] A receiving method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving device receiving a physical layer frame transmitted as a broadcast signal, and performing predetermined processing based on additional information including at least one of multiple types of control information or data contained in the physical layer frame, wherein the additional information is contained in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel specified in the next generation ISDB-T standard and is transmitted based on a bandwidth usage method specified in the transmission multiplexing control information contained in the physical layer frame.

[0011] In a receiving device and a receiving method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a physical layer frame transmitted as a broadcast signal is received, and predetermined processing is performed based on additional information including at least one of a plurality of types of control information or data included in the physical layer frame. The additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel specified in the next-generation ISDB-T standard, and is transmitted based on a bandwidth usage method specified in the transmission multiplexing control information included in the physical layer frame.

[0012] The transmitting device and receiving device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be independent devices or may be internal blocks constituting a single device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a transmission system to which the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the data processing device and the transmitting device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the receiving device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a physical layer frame of the current system. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a physical layer frame of a next-generation system. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical configuration of a next-generation system. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of LLch syntax. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the semantics of LLch in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a descriptor_tag. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of LLch syntax when placing a single piece of data. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between frames and packets when a single piece of data is arranged. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of LLch syntax when multiple pieces of data are arranged. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the semantics of LLch in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between frames and packets when multiple pieces of data are arranged. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of LLch syntax when a single piece of control information is arranged. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of LLch syntax when multiple pieces of control information are arranged. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the semantics of LLch in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a transmission system including a relay device. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of LLch syntax when repeater control information is arranged. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the semantics of LLch in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing on the transmitting side and the receiving side. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 1. Embodiments of the Present Disclosure

[0015] (System configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of a transmission system to which the present disclosure is applied.

[0016] In FIG. 1, the transmission system is composed of data processing devices 10-1 to 10-N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1) installed in facilities related to each broadcasting station, a transmitting device 20 installed at a transmitting station, and receiving devices 30-1 to 30-M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1) owned by end users.

[0017] The data processing devices 10-1 to 10-N are connected to the transmitting device 20 via communication lines 12-1 to 12-N. The communication lines 12-1 to 12-N are, for example, dedicated lines.

[0018] The data processing device 10-1 performs necessary processing on data of content such as a broadcast program produced by the broadcast station A, and transmits the resulting transmission data to the transmitting device 20 via the communication line 12-1.

[0019] In the data processing devices 10-2 to 10-N, similarly to the data processing device 10-1, data of content such as broadcast programs produced by each broadcasting station such as broadcasting station B or broadcasting station Z is processed, and the resulting transmission data is transmitted to the transmitting device 20 via the communication lines 12-2 to 12-N. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the data processing devices 10-1 to 10-N, they will be referred to as data processing devices 10.

[0020] The transmitting device 20 receives transmission data transmitted from the data processing devices 10-1 to 10-N via the communication lines 12-1 to 12-N. The transmitting device 20 performs necessary processing on the transmission data from the data processing devices 10-1 to 10-N, and transmits the resulting broadcast signal from a transmitting antenna installed at the transmitting station.

[0021] As a result, the broadcast signal from the transmitting device 20 is transmitted to the receiving devices 30-1 to 30-M.

[0022] The receiving devices 30-1 to 30-M are fixed receivers such as television sets, set-top boxes (STBs), recorders, game consoles, network storage, etc., or mobile receivers such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablet computers, etc. Furthermore, the receiving devices 30-1 to 30-M may be, for example, in-vehicle devices mounted on vehicles, such as in-vehicle televisions, or wearable computers, such as head-mounted displays (HMDs).

[0023] The receiving device 30-1 receives the broadcast signal transmitted from the transmitting device 20 and performs necessary processing to reproduce content such as a broadcast program in accordance with a channel selection operation by an end user.

[0024] In the receiving devices 30-2 to 30-M, similarly to the receiving device 30-1, the broadcast signal from the transmitting device 20 is processed and content corresponding to the channel selection operation by the end user is reproduced.

[0025] In addition, in a transmission system, the broadcast transmission path for transmitting a broadcast signal may be, in addition to terrestrial waves (terrestrial broadcasting), for example, satellite broadcasting using a broadcasting satellite (BS) or a communications satellite (CS), or cable broadcasting using a cable (CATV: Common Antenna Television).

[0026] (Example of sending device configuration) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the data processing device 10 and the transmitting device 20 in FIG.

[0027] 2, the data processing device 10 includes an information generating unit 111, a data processing unit 112, and a communication unit 113.

[0028] Based on the information input thereto, the information generation unit 111 generates control information used when performing processes such as demodulation and decoding on the receiving side, and supplies the control information to the data processing unit 112 .

[0029] Hereinafter, control information used in processing in the physical layer will be referred to as physical layer control information, and control information used in processing in a layer above the physical layer will be referred to as upper layer control information. The physical layer control information includes transmission multiplexing control information such as TMCC, which will be described later.

[0030] Furthermore, the information generating unit 111 generates additional information related to the broadcast based on the information input thereto, and supplies the additional information to the data processing unit 112. The additional information is information included in the LLch, which will be described later.

[0031] The data processing unit 112 is supplied with component data constituting content such as a broadcast program, as well as control information and additional information from the information generation unit 111. The component data is data such as video, audio, and subtitles.

[0032] The data processing unit 112 generates a multiplexed stream by encoding the component data and multiplexing it with upper layer control information. The data processing unit 112 generates packets in a predetermined format from the multiplexed stream.

[0033] The data processing unit 112 supplies the communication unit 113 with transmission data including the generated packet, physical layer control information, and additional information.

[0034] The communication unit 113 transmits the transmission data supplied from the data processing unit 112 to the transmitting device 20 via the communication line 12 in accordance with a predetermined communication method.

[0035] In FIG. 2, the transmitting device 20 includes a communication unit 211, a data processing unit 212, and a transmitting unit 213.

[0036] The communication unit 211 receives transmission data sent from the data processing device 10 via the communication line 12 in accordance with a predetermined communication method, and supplies the data to the data processing unit 212 .

[0037] The data processing unit 212 performs the necessary processing on the packets, physical layer control information, and additional information contained in the transmission data supplied from the communication unit 211, to generate a physical layer frame that conforms to a specified broadcasting method, and supplies it to the transmitting unit 213.

[0038] The transmitter 213 performs necessary processing such as modulation on the physical layer frame supplied from the data processor 212, and transmits the resulting broadcast signal from a transmitting antenna installed at the transmitting station.

[0039] In Figure 2, the transmitting device is shown to be composed of a data processing device 10 and a transmitting device 20, but in reality it is composed of multiple devices that have the functions of the blocks shown in Figure 2, and the system composed of these devices can be considered to be the transmitting device.

[0040] (Example of receiving device configuration) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the receiving device 30 of FIG.

[0041] In FIG. 3, the receiving device 30 includes a receiving unit 311 and a data processing unit 312 .

[0042] The receiving unit 311 is configured with, for example, a tuner, a demodulation LSI (Large Scale Integration), etc. The receiving unit 311 performs necessary processing such as demodulation on the broadcast signal received via the antenna 321, and supplies the resulting packets to the data processing unit 312. For example, in the demodulation processing, necessary processing is performed on the physical layer frame based on the physical layer control information or additional information, thereby obtaining packets in a predetermined format.

[0043] The data processing unit 312 is configured by, for example, a main SoC (System On Chip) etc. The data processing unit 312 performs necessary processing such as decoding processing and playback processing on packets supplied from the receiving unit 311. For example, in the decoding processing and playback processing, the decoding processing and playback processing of component data are performed based on upper layer control information included in the packet.

[0044] The video, audio, subtitle, and other data obtained through the decoding and playback processes is output to subsequent circuits, allowing the receiving device 30 to play back content such as broadcast programs and output the video and audio.

[0045] (Broadcasting system overview) The transmission system shown in Figure 1 can employ broadcasting standards such as ISDB-T (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting - Terrestrial). For example, in Japan, ISDB-T is used as the broadcasting standard for terrestrial digital television broadcasting, but next-generation standards for terrestrial digital television broadcasting are under consideration. Hereinafter, the current ISDB-T will be referred to as the "current standard" to distinguish it from the next-generation standard.

[0046] The current system uses frequency division multiplexing (FDM) as the broadcast signal multiplexing method, but the next-generation system is also scheduled to use frequency division multiplexing.

[0047] When frequency division multiplexing is used, a given frequency band (e.g., 6 MHz) is divided into multiple segments, and hierarchical transmission is performed using the band of one or more segments. For example, data for different services can be transmitted at each hierarchical level, which consists of one or more segments.

[0048] That is, each layer is a unit that combines one or more segments. In the current system, OFDM segments are used. In OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing), a large number of orthogonal subcarriers are provided within the transmission band, and digital modulation is performed.

[0049] The current system stipulates two types of broadcasting: high-definition broadcasting, which is primarily for fixed receivers and uses 12 segments, and "one-segment partial reception service for mobile phones and mobile terminals" (One-Seg broadcasting), which is primarily for mobile receivers and uses one segment.

[0050] In the current system, TMCC (Transmission Multiplexing Configuration Control) is specified as transmission multiplexing control information, which is physical layer control information, but the adoption of TMCC is also planned for the next-generation system. TMCC is specified, for example, in the following document 1.

[0051] Reference 1: ARIB STD-B31 Version 2.2, Association of Radio Industries and Businesses

[0052] The current system uses the MPEG2-TS (Transport Stream) method as its transmission method, but the next-generation system is scheduled to use the IP method. The IP method applies IP (Internet Protocol) packets, which are used in the field of communications, to digital television broadcasting, with the aim of linking broadcasting and communications. The introduction of the IP method is expected to provide more advanced services.

[0053] When the IP method is adopted, a TLV (Type Length Value) packet can be used to transmit IP packets over a broadcast transmission path. A TLV packet is a variable-length packet, for example, with a size of 4 to 65536 bytes. The TLV packet stores an IP packet.

[0054] Furthermore, when the IP system is adopted, MMT (MPEG Media Transport) can be used as a media transport system for transmitting multimedia content using a variety of networks such as broadcasting and communication networks.

[0055] That is, using MMT, data such as video, audio, subtitles, control information, applications, and content are stored in IP packets, and the IP packets are further encapsulated in TLV packets, and the resulting TLV stream is transmitted as broadcast waves. The media transport method using MMT is specified, for example, in the following document 2.

[0056] Reference 2: ARIB STD-B60 Version 1.6, Association of Radio Industries and Businesses

[0057] As described above, the extension and sophistication of the current system is being considered as a next-generation system, and with this extension, proposals for more flexible operation of digital television broadcasting are being demanded. In order to meet such demands, the present disclosure proposes more flexible operation of digital television broadcasting. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0058] (Physical layer frame structure) For comparison, the structure of the physical layer frame of the current system will be explained first, followed by the structure of the physical layer frame of the next-generation system. Figure 4 shows the structure of the physical layer frame of the current system.

[0059] Figure 4 shows the configuration of an OFDM segment when the horizontal direction represents carrier numbers according to the frequency direction and the vertical direction represents symbol numbers according to the time direction. In the current system, the vertical symbol numbers are OFDM symbol numbers. Transmission parameters differ for each mode, but for example, the number of symbols per frame is 204 and the carrier numbers range from 0 to 107.

[0060] In Figure 4, an OFDM segment contains TMCC and AC. TMCC is transmission multiplex control information. AC (Auxiliary Channel) is additional information related to broadcasting. The same number of ACs exist in all segments. For example, ACs are used for specific purposes such as emergency earthquake alerts.

[0061] Although not shown in the figure, in the OFDM segment, carrier symbols and pilot signals such as SP (Scattered Pilot) are arranged in the parts other than the TMCC and AC. Note that the structure of the physical layer frame of the current system is specified in "3.12 Frame Structure" in the above-mentioned document 1, and therefore a detailed explanation of the content will be omitted here. Hereinafter, a physical layer frame composed of OFDM segments will also be referred to as an OFDM frame.

[0062] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a physical layer frame of the next-generation system. Similar to Figure 4, Figure 5 shows the configuration of an OFDM segment when the horizontal direction represents carrier numbers according to the frequency direction and the vertical direction represents OFDM symbol numbers according to the time direction. Transmission parameters differ for each mode, but for example, the number of symbols per frame is 204, and carrier numbers range from 0 to 431.

[0063] In Figure 5, the physical layer frame of the next-generation system includes TMCC and LLch. Hereinafter, the next-generation system TMCC will also be referred to as next-generation TMCC to distinguish it from the current system TMCC. The next-generation system AC is called LLch (Low Latency Channel).

[0064] The next-generation TMCC includes information related to transmission multiplexing control for performing processes such as demodulation and decoding on the receiving side in hierarchical transmission that involves a mixture of multiple transmission parameters (modulation parameters). The next-generation TMCC is variable-length information. For example, by specifying fixed-length TMCC length information and including information about the length of the next-generation TMCC, which is variable, the receiving device 30 can acquire the next-generation TMCC. Parity can be added to the next-generation TMCC and TMCC length information as appropriate.

[0065] The LLch includes additional information related to the broadcast. The LLch is variable-length information. For example, by specifying fixed-length LLch length information and including information about the length of the LLch, which is variable, the receiving device 30 can acquire the LLch. Parity can be added to the LLch and LLch length information as appropriate.

[0066] In addition, in the physical layer frame, when matching the lengths of data including the next generation TMCC and TMCC length information, or LLch and LLch length information, padding can be performed or other data can be inserted.

[0067] (Hierarchical structure) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a hierarchical configuration of the next-generation method.

[0068] In Figure 6, when frequency division multiplexing is used as the multiplexing method for broadcast signals, the horizontal direction is frequency f (MHz), and the layers are formed by segments represented by squares in the figure.

[0069] When a frequency division multiplexing system is adopted, a predetermined frequency band (for example, 6 MHz) is divided into multiple segments, and in Figure 6, it is divided into 35 segments. In other words, while the current system divides it into 13 segments, the next-generation system divides it into 35 segments.

[0070] Here, of the 35 segments, the central segment in the figure is designated segment #0, the segments to the left and right of it are designated segments #1 and #2, and the segments to the left and right of those are designated segments #3 and #4. If this is repeated, the leftmost segment in the figure will be segment #33, and the rightmost segment in the figure will be segment #34.

[0071] Furthermore, a tier is formed by combining one or more segments. In Fig. 6, tier 1 is formed by three segments, segments #0 to #2. Furthermore, tier 2 is formed by six segments, segments #3, #5, #7 and segments #4, #6, #8. Although segments #11 to #28 are omitted from Fig. 6, tier 3 is formed by 26 segments, segments #9, #11, ..., #31, #33 and segments #10, #12, ..., #32, #34.

[0072] In this way, 35 segments are divided into three layers, with 9 segments in layers 1 and 2 being partial reception bands and 26 segments in layer 3 being non-partial reception bands. In other words, receiving device 30 is able to perform partial reception, receiving only the 9 segments in layers 1 and 2.

[0073] When the LLch of the partial reception band is called L0 and the LLch of the non-partial reception band is called L1, it is possible to select whether to use the entire band of LLch of L0 and L1 together, or to use each band of L0 and L1 independently. In other words, each OFDM segment includes a next-generation TMCC and LLch, but the 9-segment LLch (L0) of the partial reception band and the 26-segment LLch (L1) of the non-partial reception band can be used either non-separately or separately.

[0074] In this case, by including information indicating that L0 and L1 are used non-separately or separately in the next-generation TMCC as information indicating the transmission method of the additional information, the receiving device 30 can recognize that L0 and L1 are used non-separately or separately and perform processing using the additional information included in LLch.

[0075] For example, in a next-generation TMCC, a reserved bit can be used to define information (a new flag) indicating whether L0 and L1 are used non-separately or separately. Specifically, when "1" is set in the new flag defined in the reserved bit, it indicates that L0 and L1 are not separated, and when "0" is set, it indicates that L0 and L1 are separated.

[0076] Furthermore, in the next-generation TMCC, if a flag indicating whether data transmission is being performed in the partial reception band is defined, the flag may be used to determine whether L0 and L1 are being used separately.

[0077] In this way, since L0 and L1 can be used either separately or in isolation, more flexible and efficient broadcast services can be realized. For example, when partial reception is performed by the receiving device 30, more flexible and efficient broadcast services can be realized by allocating important additional information (such as important control information) to LLch (L0) of the partial reception band and allocating other additional information (such as less important control information and data) to LLch (L1) of the non-partial reception band.

[0078] (LLch configuration) Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the syntax of LLch. Semantics will be explained with reference to Fig. 8 as needed.

[0079] The 4-bit descriptor_tag indicates a tag that identifies the type of LLch data. Figure 9 shows an example of the descriptor_tag.

[0080] The 12-bit descriptor_length indicates the length of the following LLch data.

[0081] The 8-bit LLch_data indicates LLch data, which includes additional information such as earthquake warning information, time information, data, control information, and private areas.

[0082] Earthquake motion warning information is information related to earthquake motion warnings, and is generally referred to as an emergency earthquake report. Earthquake motion warning information is specified in "3.16.6 Earthquake Motion Warning Information" in the above-mentioned document 1. As shown in Figure 9, when earthquake motion warning information is placed as LLch data, the value of the descriptor_tag is "0".

[0083] The time information is information about time specified in a predetermined format. For example, the time information may be in the NTP (Network Time Protocol) format.

[0084] Specifically, it is possible to place a total of 72 bits of information consisting of a 2-bit leap_indicator (leap second indicator), a 3-bit version (version number), a 3-bit mode (operation mode), and a 64-bit transmit_timestamp (transmission timestamp), as specified in "3.1 NTP Format Configuration" in the above-mentioned document 2. As shown in Figure 9, when time information is placed as LLch data, the value of descriptor_tag is "1".

[0085] The data is in a predetermined format. For example, the data is data configured as a TLV packet. As shown in Figure 9, when the data is placed as LLch data, the value of the descriptor_tag is "2".

[0086] The control information is various types of control information used in the processing of the receiving device 30 that receives broadcast signals. Different types of control information can be placed for each descriptor_tag. In the example of FIG. 9, if two types of control information, control information A and control information B, exist as LLch data, the value of the descriptor_tag for control information A will be "3", and the value of the descriptor_tag for control information B will be "4". Note that the number of types of control information is not limited to two, and may be three or more, in which case a reserved value between "5" and "14" can be used as the descriptor_tag.

[0087] The private area is an area used by broadcasters, and they can specify their own information. For example, information used by broadcasters to control repeaters (repeater control information) can be placed in the private area. As shown in Figure 9, when repeater control information, etc. is placed in the private area as LLch data, the value of the descriptor_tag is "15".

[0088] In this way, the present disclosure makes it possible to transmit at least one of multiple types of control information or additional information such as data by using a section structure to arrange LLch data for LLch, whose data structure is undefined in the next-generation system. This makes it possible to appropriately transmit various types of control information, data, and other additional information using LLch, which has low latency characteristics, and enables flexible operation of broadcasting services.

[0089] For example, by transmitting time information using LLch (L0) in the partial reception band, the receiving device 30 can acquire the time information as quickly as possible, thereby shortening the tuning time and improving synchronization accuracy, while also being able to transmit earthquake motion warning information with low latency even when it is necessary to do so.In addition, since LLch data can be arranged using a section structure, it is highly extensible and it is easy to add new LLch data.

[0090] In FIG. 7, uimsbf (unsigned integer most significant bit first) is specified as the mnemonic, which means that it is treated as an integer after bitwise operation.

[0091] Next, specific examples of syntax according to the type of LLch data will be described.

[0092] (First example) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of LLch syntax when a single piece of data is arranged in each physical layer frame.

[0093] In the syntax of FIG. 10, descriptor_tag, descriptor_length, and data are arranged, but a description of the parts that overlap with the syntax of FIG. 7 will be omitted.

[0094] The 8-bit data indicates that data is placed as LLch data. This data is configured as a TLV packet.

[0095] FIG. 11 shows the relationship between frames and data when a single piece of data is placed in each physical layer frame.

[0096] 11, OFDM frame #1 and OFDM frame #2 are consecutive in time, OFDM frame #1 includes TLV packet #0, and OFDM frame #2 includes TLV packet #1. That is, TLV packet #1 is the TLV packet following TLV packet #0, and OFDM frame #1 and OFDM frame #2 each include one TLV packet as LLch data.

[0097] In this way, a single piece of data such as a TLV packet can be placed in each physical layer frame such as an OFDM frame using the LLch.

[0098] (Second example) 12 is a diagram showing an example of LLch syntax when multiple pieces of data are arranged in each physical layer frame. Semantics will be explained with reference to FIG. 13 as needed.

[0099] In the syntax of FIG. 12, descriptor_tag, descriptor_length, pointer, and data are arranged, but a description of the parts that overlap with the syntax of FIG. 7 will be omitted.

[0100] The 8-bit pointer indicates the start position of the packet. This start position indicates the position of the first packet (TLV packet, etc.) in the physical layer frame including the LLch in which it is placed. The 8-bit data indicates that data such as a TLV packet is placed as LLch data.

[0101] For example, when multiple TLV packets are placed per OFDM frame using LLch, there is a possibility that variable length TLV packets are placed across multiple OFDM frames. In order to process the data included in the OFDM frame on a TLV packet basis, the receiving device 30 needs to identify the boundaries (breaks) of the TLV packets within the OFDM frame, so the pointer indicates the start position of the TLV packet that spans multiple OFDM frames.

[0102] Figure 14 shows the relationship between frames and packets when multiple pieces of data are placed in each physical layer frame. In Figure 14, OFDM frame #1 contains TLV packet #0, TLV packet #1, and part of TLV packet #2, while OFDM frame #2 contains the remaining part of TLV packet #2, TLV packet #3, and TLV packet #4. In other words, TLV packet #2 is placed across OFDM frame #1 and OFDM frame #2.

[0103] In OFDM frame #2, a pointer indicates the beginning position of TLV packet #3, so even when receiving from OFDM frame #2, receiving device 30 can identify the position of the boundary between TLV packet #2 and TLV packet #3, and format the data contained in the OFDM frame into TLV packet units and output it.

[0104] In this way, a plurality of data such as a plurality of TLV packets can be arranged in each physical layer frame such as an OFDM frame by using the LLch.

[0105] (Third example) FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the syntax of the LLch when a single piece of control information is arranged.

[0106] In the syntax of FIG. 15, descriptor_tag, descriptor_length, and control_info are arranged, but a description of the parts that overlap with the syntax of FIG. 7 will be omitted.

[0107] The 8-bit control_info indicates that control information is allocated as LLch data. This control information can be various control information used in processing by the receiving device 30.

[0108] In this way, a single piece of control information can be arranged in each physical layer frame such as an OFDM frame by using the LLch.

[0109] (Example 4) 16 is a diagram showing an example of LLch syntax when multiple pieces of control information are arranged. Semantics will be explained with reference to FIG. 17 as needed.

[0110] In the syntax of FIG. 16, descriptor_tag, descriptor_length, num_of_control_info, control_info_tag, control_info_length, and control_info are arranged, but a description of the parts that overlap with the syntax of FIG. 7 will be omitted.

[0111] The 8-bit num_of_control_info indicates the number of pieces of control information to be placed. The 8-bit control_info_tag indicates a tag that identifies the type of control data. The 8-bit control_info_length indicates the length of the control information.

[0112] The 8-bit control_info indicates that control information is to be allocated as LLch data. This control information can be various control information used in processing by the receiving device 30, and the number of pieces of control information indicated by num_of_control_info can be allocated.

[0113] In this way, by using LLch, it is possible to arrange multiple pieces of control information for each physical layer frame such as an OFDM frame. That is, by using LLch, it is not only possible to arrange multiple types of control information according to the value of descriptor_tag (such as values ​​of "3" or "4") as shown in Fig. 9, but also possible to arrange multiple types of control information according to the value of control_info_tag when arranging control information as shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17.

[0114] (Fifth Example) FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transmission system including a relay device.

[0115] In Fig. 18, a relay device 40 installed in a relay station is added to the configuration in Fig. 1. Relay device 40 receives a broadcast signal transmitted from transmitting device 20 installed in a transmitting station (master station), performs predetermined processing, and transmits the resulting broadcast signal from a transmitting antenna installed in the relay station.

[0116] As a result, the broadcast signal from relay device 40 of the relay station is transmitted to receiving devices 30-1 to 30-M.

[0117] 19 is a diagram showing an example of LLch syntax when repeater control information is placed as LLch data. Semantics will be explained with reference to FIG. 20 as needed.

[0118] In the syntax of Figure 19, descriptor_tag, descriptor_length, transmit_frequency, transmit_power, transmission_mode, guard_interval, modulation, code_rate, and time_interleaving are arranged, but explanation of parts that overlap with the syntax of Figure 7 will be omitted.

[0119] The 16-bit transmit_frequency indicates the output frequency. The 12-bit transmit_power indicates the output power. The 3-bit transmission_mode indicates the transmission mode. For example, the FFT size is specified as the transmission mode.

[0120] The 3-bit guard_interval indicates the guard interval length. The 3-bit modulation indicates the carrier modulation method. The 3-bit code_rate indicates the coding rate. The 3-bit time_interleaving indicates the time interleaving length.

[0121] In this way, by transmitting the repeater control information using the LLch, the repeater device 40 transmits a broadcast signal from the transmitting antenna based on the parameters included in the repeater control information. This makes it possible for the transmitting station (master station) to remotely control the repeater device 40 installed at the repeater station. Here, the repeater device 40 can be considered as a receiving device that receives a broadcast signal from the transmitting device 20. Note that the repeater device 40 may change the parameters (e.g., output power) included in the repeater control information as needed.

[0122] (Processing flow on the sending and receiving sides) Next, the processing flow on the transmitting side and receiving side will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 21. The transmitting side device and receiving side device are devices compatible with the next-generation system, and perform processing compatible with the next-generation system.

[0123] First, the processing of steps S11 to S13 performed by the transmitting device will be described.

[0124] In step S11, the information generator 111 generates additional information, such as control information, data such as TLV packets, earthquake alarm information, time information, and repeater control information.

[0125] In step S12, the data processing unit 212 generates a physical layer frame including the additional information and the next-generation TMCC. In the physical layer frame, the additional information is included in the LLch.

[0126] In step S13, the transmitter 213 transmits the physical layer frame as a broadcast signal. Note that the broadcast signal from the transmitter 20 may be transmitted via the relay device 40.

[0127] Next, the processing of steps S31 to S33 performed by the receiving device will be described.

[0128] In step S31, the receiving unit 311 receives a broadcast signal transmitted from the transmitting device 20 or the relay device 40.

[0129] In step S32, the receiving unit 311 processes the physical layer frame obtained from the broadcast signal. Here, by processing the physical layer frame, additional information included in the LLch and the next-generation TMCC are obtained.

[0130] In step S33, the data processing unit 312 performs a predetermined process based on the additional information. For example, since the additional information includes control information, data such as TLV packets, earthquake alarm information, and time information, the data processing unit 312 performs necessary processes using the additional information.

[0131] As described above, in the processing on the transmitting and receiving sides, for LLch, whose data structure is undefined in the next-generation system, LLch data is arranged using a section structure to transmit additional information such as multiple types of control information and data. This makes it possible to appropriately transmit various types of additional information such as control information and data using LLch, which has low latency characteristics, and enables flexible operation of broadcasting services.

[0132] <2. Modifications>

[0133] (Other broadcasting systems) In the above explanation, the next generation of ISDB-T, which is a digital television broadcasting system adopted in Japan etc., has been described as a digital television broadcasting system, but the present disclosure may be applied to other broadcasting systems. Also, in the above explanation, the terrestrial digital television broadcasting system has been described as a digital television broadcasting system, but the present disclosure may be applied to other broadcasting systems such as satellite broadcasting using a broadcasting satellite (BS) or a communications satellite (CS), or wired broadcasting such as cable television (CATV).

[0134] (Packet and frame names) Furthermore, the names of the packets, frames, control information, etc. described above are merely examples, and other names may be used. However, the differences in these names are merely formal differences, and do not represent any substantial differences in the contents of the packets, frames, control information, etc. For example, a TLV packet may be called an ALP (ATSC Link-layer Protocol) packet or a generic packet. Furthermore, the terms frame and packet may be used interchangeably. In this specification, a system refers to a logical collection of multiple devices.

[0135] (Other time information) In the above explanation, we have described a case where time information specified by NTP is used as time information, but this is not limited to this. Any time information can be used, such as time information specified by PTP (Precision Time Protocol) or 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project), time information included in GPS (Global Positioning System) information, or time information in other independently determined formats.

[0136] (Other configurations of the receiving device) In the above description, the receiving device 30 is exemplified by a device capable of receiving a broadcast signal via an antenna, such as a television receiver or a set-top box, but the receiving device 30 may also have a communication function for performing communication via a communication line (communication network) such as the Internet or a telephone network. In this case, the receiving device 30 performs two-way communication with a server via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0137] (Computer Configuration) The above-described series of processes on the transmitting and receiving sides can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed in a computer. Figure 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the above-described series of processes by a program.

[0138] In the computer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003 are interconnected by a bus 1004. An input / output interface 1005 is further connected to the bus 1004. An input unit 1006, an output unit 1007, a storage unit 1008, a communication unit 1009, and a drive 1010 are connected to the input / output interface 1005.

[0139] The input unit 1006 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc. The output unit 1007 includes a display, a speaker, etc. The storage unit 1008 includes a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, etc. The communication unit 1009 includes a network interface, etc. The drive 1010 drives a removable recording medium 1011 such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk.

[0140] In a computer configured as described above, the CPU 1001 loads a program recorded in the ROM 1002 or memory unit 1008 into the RAM 1003 via the input / output interface 1005 and the bus 1004 and executes it, thereby performing the above-mentioned series of processes.

[0141] The program executed by the computer (CPU 1001) can be provided by being recorded on a removable recording medium 1011 such as a package medium, for example. The program can also be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

[0142] In a computer, the program can be installed in the storage unit 1008 via the input / output interface 1005 by inserting the removable recording medium 1011 into the drive 1010. The program can also be received by the communication unit 1009 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the storage unit 1008. Alternatively, the program can be installed in the ROM 1002 or the storage unit 1008 in advance.

[0143] Here, in this specification, the processing performed by a computer according to a program does not necessarily have to be performed chronologically in the order described in the flowchart. In other words, the processing performed by a computer according to a program also includes processing executed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processing or object-based processing). Furthermore, the program may be processed by one computer (processor), or may be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers.

[0144] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0145] The present disclosure can also be configured as follows.

[0146] (1) a generating unit that generates additional information including at least one of a plurality of types of control information or data; a transmitting unit that transmits the physical layer frame including the additional information as a broadcast signal; A transmitting device comprising: (2) The additional information includes one or more pieces of control information. The transmitting device according to (1) above. (3) The additional information includes one or more pieces of data. The transmitting device according to (1) or (2). (4) the data is in packets of variable length; When the additional information includes a plurality of packets, the additional information includes a pointer indicating the start position of the packet. The transmitting device according to (3) above. (5) The additional information includes earthquake alarm information, time information, or information related to control of the relay device. The transmitting device according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) The broadcast signal is transmitted by a frequency division multiplexing method, The additional information is transmitted using the entire band of the partial reception band and the non-partial reception band together, or is transmitted using each of the partial reception band and the non-partial reception band independently. The transmitting device according to any one of (1) to (5). (7) The transmission method of the additional information is defined in the transmission multiplexing control information included in the physical layer frame. The transmitting device according to (6) above. (8) the additional information is variable-length information, The physical layer frame includes information indicating the length of the additional information. The transmitting device according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) The additional information is information included in the LL channel defined in the next generation ISDB-T system. The transmitting device according to any one of (1) to (8). (10) The transmitting device generating additional information including at least one of a plurality of types of control information or data; The physical layer frame including the additional information is transmitted as a broadcast signal. Sending method. (11) a receiving unit that receives a physical layer frame transmitted as a broadcast signal; a processing unit that performs predetermined processing based on at least one of a plurality of types of control information included in the physical layer frame, or additional information including data; A receiving device comprising: (12) The additional information includes one or more pieces of control information. The receiving device according to (11) above. (13) The additional information includes one or more pieces of data. The receiving device according to (11) or (12). (14) the data is in packets of variable length; When the additional information includes a plurality of packets, the additional information includes a pointer indicating the start position of the packet. The receiving device according to (13) above. (15) The additional information includes earthquake alarm information, time information, or information related to control of the relay device. The receiving device according to any one of (11) to (14). (16) The broadcast signal is transmitted by a frequency division multiplexing method, The additional information is transmitted using the entire band of the partial reception band and the non-partial reception band together, or is transmitted using each of the partial reception band and the non-partial reception band independently. The receiving device according to any one of (11) to (15). (17) The transmission method of the additional information is defined in the transmission multiplexing control information included in the physical layer frame. The receiving device according to (16) above. (18) the additional information is variable-length information, The physical layer frame includes information indicating the length of the additional information. The receiving device according to any one of (11) to (17). (19) The additional information is information included in the LL channel defined in the next generation ISDB-T system. The receiving device according to any one of (11) to (18). (20) The receiving device Receives a physical layer frame transmitted as a broadcast signal, A predetermined process is performed based on at least one of a plurality of types of control information included in the physical layer frame, or additional information including data. Receiving method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 10, 10-1 to 10-N data processing devices, 20 transmitting device, 30, 30-1 to 30-M receiving devices, 40 relay device, 111 information generating unit, 112 data processing unit, 113 communication unit, 211 communication unit, 212 data processing unit, 213 transmitting unit, 311 receiving unit, 312 data processing unit

Claims

1. a generating unit that generates additional information including at least one of a plurality of types of control information or data; a transmitting unit that transmits a physical layer frame including the additional information and the transmission multiplexing control information as a broadcast signal; Equipped with The additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel defined in the next generation ISDB-T system, and is transmitted based on a band usage method defined in the transmission multiplex control information. Transmitting device.

2. The additional information includes one or more pieces of control information. The transmitting device according to claim 1 .

3. The additional information includes one or more pieces of data. The transmitting device according to claim 1 .

4. the data is in packets of variable length; When the additional information includes a plurality of packets, the additional information includes a pointer indicating the start position of the packet. The transmitting device according to claim 3 .

5. The additional information includes earthquake alarm information, time information, or information related to control of the relay device. The transmitting device according to claim 1 .

6. The broadcast signal is transmitted by a frequency division multiplexing method, The additional information is transmitted in a non-separate manner using the entire band of the partial reception band and the non-partial reception band together, or in a separate manner using the bands of the partial reception band and the non-partial reception band independently. The transmitting device according to claim 1 .

7. The transmission multiplexing control information includes information indicating use in the non-separation method or the separation method. The transmitting device according to claim 6.

8. the additional information is variable-length information, The physical layer frame includes information indicating the length of the additional information. The transmitting device according to claim 1 .

9. The predetermined channel is the Lch defined in the next generation ISDB-T system. The transmitting device according to claim 1 .

10. The transmitting device generating additional information including at least one of a plurality of types of control information or data; transmitting a physical layer frame including the additional information and the transmission multiplexing control information as a broadcast signal; Including, The additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel defined in the next generation ISDB-T system, and is transmitted based on a band usage method defined in the transmission multiplex control information. Sending method.

11. a receiving unit that receives a physical layer frame transmitted as a broadcast signal; a processing unit that performs predetermined processing based on at least one of a plurality of types of control information included in the physical layer frame, or additional information including data; Equipped with The additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel defined in the next generation ISDB-T system, and is transmitted based on a band usage method defined in transmission multiplexing control information included in the physical layer frame. Receiving device.

12. The additional information includes one or more pieces of control information.

12. The receiving device according to claim 11.

13. The additional information includes one or more pieces of data.

12. The receiving device according to claim 11.

14. the data is in packets of variable length; When the additional information includes a plurality of packets, the additional information includes a pointer indicating the start position of the packet.

14. The receiving device according to claim 13.

15. The additional information includes earthquake alarm information, time information, or information related to control of the relay device.

12. The receiving device according to claim 11.

16. The broadcast signal is transmitted by a frequency division multiplexing method, The additional information is transmitted in a non-separate manner using the entire band of the partial reception band and the non-partial reception band together, or in a separate manner using the bands of the partial reception band and the non-partial reception band independently.

12. The receiving device according to claim 11.

17. The transmission multiplexing control information includes information indicating use in the non-separation method or the separation method.

17. The receiving device according to claim 16.

18. the additional information is variable-length information, The physical layer frame includes information indicating the length of the additional information.

12. The receiving device according to claim 11.

19. The predetermined channel is the Lch defined in the next generation ISDB-T system.

12. The receiving device according to claim 11.

20. The receiving device receiving a physical layer frame transmitted as a broadcast signal; performing predetermined processing based on at least one of a plurality of types of control information included in the physical layer frame or additional information including data; Including, The additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel defined in the next generation ISDB-T system, and is transmitted based on a band usage method defined in transmission multiplexing control information included in the physical layer frame. Receiving method.

Citation Information

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