Application startup method

Abstract

To provide a digital broadcast receiver capable of executing a function with a higher added value.SOLUTION: A broadcast reception device receives a broadcast wave of a digital broadcast service in which an application is executable in cooperation with a broadcast program, separates a video and application-related information for the broadcast program from the broadcast wave, reproduces the video, acquires the application on the basis of the application-related information, executes a document of the application to output an application execution video, and checks whether the document of the application being executed is within or outside a range of a current application boundary; When it is out of the range, a mark or the like indicating that it is out of the range is output to the application execution image, and when a user operation to the mark or the like is received, transition to a document included in the range of the current application boundary is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an application launch method. [Background technology]

[0002] One of the extension functions of digital broadcasting services is data broadcasting, which transmits digital data via broadcast waves and displays various information such as weather forecasts, news, recommended programs, etc. Many television receivers capable of receiving data broadcasting are already commercially available, and many technologies related to receiving data broadcasting have been published, including Patent Document 1 below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-186486 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A feature of data broadcasting is that television receivers that support digital broadcasting services can receive data broadcasting on their own and can acquire and display a variety of information. However, because the amount of data that can be transmitted with data broadcasting is limited due to restrictions on radio wave bandwidth, it is difficult to achieve high-definition screen displays and sophisticated effects. This has made it difficult to implement useful, high-value-added functions on current digital broadcasting receivers.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to realize an application launching method that can execute higher value-added functions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology described in the claims is used as a means for solving the above problems. To take one example, the technology described in claim 1 is used. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] By using the technology of the present invention, it is possible to realize an application launching method that can execute functions with higher added value. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a broadcasting station server according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a service provider server according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable information terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of the portable information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of application control information according to the embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 4 is an operational sequence diagram when an application is started up in the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 4 is an operational sequence diagram when an application is started up in the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 4 is an operational sequence diagram when an application is started up in the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 4 is an operational sequence diagram of the mobile information terminals according to the embodiment when they are linked together. [Figure 8B] FIG. 4 is an operational sequence diagram of the mobile information terminals according to the embodiment when they are linked together. [Figure 8C] FIG. 4 is an operational sequence diagram of the mobile information terminals according to the embodiment when they are linked together. [Figure 9] 4 is an operational sequence diagram when an application is started in the broadcast receiving device and the mobile information terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a screen display diagram of a basic screen of a cooperative control application of the mobile information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a screen display diagram of a basic screen of a cooperative control application of the mobile information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a screen display diagram of a data broadcast screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12A] 4A and 4B are screen display diagrams of notification screens of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment; [Figure 12B] 10 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13A] 10A and 10B are screen display diagrams of a broadcast cooperative application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13B] 10A and 10B are screen display diagrams of a broadcast cooperative application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13C] 10A and 10B are screen display diagrams of a broadcast cooperative application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13D] 10A and 10B are screen display diagrams of a broadcast cooperative application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an error display screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application execution screen of the mobile information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an EPG display screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing detailed information on an EPG display screen of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is an operational sequence diagram of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment when acquiring a broadcast cooperative application. [Figure 18A] FIG. 10 is an operational sequence diagram when terminals cooperate with each other according to an embodiment. [Figure 18B] FIG. 10 is an operational sequence diagram when terminals cooperate with each other according to an embodiment. [Figure 18C] FIG. 10 is an operational sequence diagram when terminals cooperate with each other according to an embodiment. [Figure 18D] FIG. 10 is an operational sequence diagram when terminals cooperate with each other according to an embodiment. [Figure 19A]10 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19B] 10 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19C] 10 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19D] 10 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19E] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating screen displays of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. [Figure 19F] FIG. 10 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application launcher of the mobile information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the concept of transition of a broadcast cooperative app and an HTML document according to an embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of mark display according to an embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of transition of a broadcast cooperative app and an HTML document according to an embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0010] First, an example of a digital broadcasting service that can be received by the broadcasting receiving device of this embodiment will be described. For example, in an example of BS / terrestrial digital broadcasting that can be received by the broadcast receiving device of this embodiment, multiple transport streams (TS) can be multiplexed and transmitted on one transponder (frequency channel). A TS is a series of TS packets of a predetermined length, each of which is formed by dividing a data sequence, such as a video / audio elementary stream (ES) or program specific information (PSI) / service information (SI), and each of which has a TS header added.

[0011] PSI is a unique information table defined in the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group)-2 system standard that identifies which program each ES included in a TS belongs to. PSI is composed of a PAT (Program Association Table), PMT (Program Map Table), CAT (Conditional Access Table), etc. The PAT defines the list of programs included in a TS using the PID (Packet Identifier) ​​of the PMT. The PMT defines the PID of the components of each program, etc. The CAT includes information related to conditional access.

[0012] SI is an extension of PSI that includes program information and other information, and includes information on the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) specified by the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB) in ARIB STD-B10. SI is composed of BIT (Broadcaster Information Table), SDT (Service Description Table), EIT (Event Information Table), TOT (Time Offset Table), etc. BIT includes broadcast station identification information, affiliate information, and broadcast station SI transmission information. SDT includes information such as a network ID for identifying the network, a TS ID for identifying the TS, and a service ID (also known as a channel number) for identifying individual services (also known as channels) within the network. EIT includes a service ID for identifying individual services within the network, and information related to events, such as the name, broadcast date and time, and broadcast content of each event (also known as a program). TOT includes information related to the current date and time.

[0013] The TS also includes PCR (Program Clock Reference) information that serves as a reference for playback timing in a decoder, and a subset of the Broadcast Markup Language (BML) document based on the BML specifications defined in ARIB STD-B24.

[0014] In the broadcast receiving device of this embodiment, by receiving and decoding the TS composed of the video / audio ES and various information, it is possible to provide the user with broadcast programs, EPG, data broadcast screens created using BML, etc.

[0015] Furthermore, the broadcast receiving device of this embodiment is compatible with a broadcasting and communication integration system that integrates functions using a broadband network with digital broadcasting services, and combines digital broadcasting services with the acquisition of additional content via the broadband network, computational processing in a server device, and presentation processing in collaboration with a mobile terminal device. To realize the broadcasting and communication integration system, the broadcast receiving device of this embodiment is capable of executing applications written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or similar. The broadcasting and communication integration system compatible with this broadcasting and communication integration system uses an extended BML specification, application control information (Application Information Table: AIT) in the broadcasting and communication integration system, and extended PSI / SI information required for transmitting applications via broadcast waves. The AIT provides or disseminates various information required to launch applications, such as the source where the application is acquired, and control information for controlling the launch / termination of applications.

[0016] The above explanation is based on the digital broadcasting service in Japan, but the application is not limited to Japan, including the broadcasting and communication cooperation system compatible with the broadcast receiving device of this embodiment.

[0017] Next, a specific configuration example of the embodiment of this example will be described.

[0018] [System Configuration] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a communication system of this embodiment that realizes a broadcast communication cooperation system. The communication system of this embodiment is composed of a broadcast receiving device 100 and an antenna 100a, a broadband network 200 such as the Internet and a router device 210, a broadcast station radio tower 300t, a broadcast station server 300, a service provider server 400, other application servers 500, a mobile telephone communication server 600 and a base station 600b of a mobile telephone communication network, and a mobile information terminal 700.

[0019] The broadcast receiving device 100 is a television receiver that has a function compatible with the broadcast / communication cooperation system in addition to an existing digital broadcast receiving function. The broadcast receiving device 100 receives broadcast waves transmitted from a radio wave tower 300t via an antenna 100a. The broadcast receiving device 100 can also connect to the Internet 200 via a router device 210, and can transmit and receive data via communication with each server device on the Internet 200.

[0020] Router device 210 is connected to Internet 200 via wireless or wired communication, and is also connected to broadcast receiving device 100 via wireless or wired communication and to mobile information terminal 700 via wireless communication. This allows each server device on Internet 200, broadcast receiving device 100, and mobile information terminal 700 to mutually transmit and receive data via router device 210. Note that communication between broadcast receiving device 100 and mobile information terminal 700 may be performed directly using a method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication) without going through router device 210.

[0021] The radio tower 300t transmits broadcast waves including digital broadcast signals, AIT, control information related to application presentation, etc. from the broadcasting equipment of the broadcasting station. The control information related to application presentation is control information related to the superimposition of broadcast programs and applications on television receivers and whether or not applications can be presented. The broadcasting station is also assumed to have a broadcasting station server 300. The broadcasting station server 300 stores broadcast programs (video content, etc.) and metadata of each broadcast program, such as the program title, program ID, program summary, cast, and broadcast date and time, and is capable of providing the video content and each metadata to a service provider based on a contract. The video content and each metadata may be provided to the service provider via an API (Application Programming Interface) provided by the broadcasting station server 300.

[0022] The service provider server 400 is a server device prepared by a service provider to provide services through the broadcasting and communication collaboration system. The service provider server 400 stores, manages, and distributes video content and metadata provided by the broadcasting station server 300, as well as content and applications created for the broadcasting and communication collaboration system. It also has a function of searching for and providing a list of available applications in response to inquiries from television receivers. The storage, management, and distribution of the content and metadata and the storage, management, and distribution of the applications may be performed by different server devices. The broadcasting station and the service provider may be the same or different providers. Multiple service provider servers 400 may be provided for different services. The functions of the service provider server 400 may also be provided by the broadcasting station server 300.

[0023] The other application server 500 is a known server device that stores, manages, and distributes general applications, operating programs, content, and data other than those related to the broadcasting and communication cooperation system.

[0024] Mobile telephone communication server 600 is connected to Internet 200, and is also connected to mobile information terminal 700 via base station 600b. Mobile telephone communication server 600 manages telephone communications (calls) and data transmission / reception of mobile information terminal 700 via the mobile telephone communication network, and enables transmission / reception of data between mobile information terminal 700 and each server device on Internet 200. Note that communication between mobile information terminal 700 and broadcast receiving device 100 may be performed via base station 600b, mobile telephone communication server 600, Internet 200, and router device 210.

[0025] [Broadcast receiving device hardware configuration] 2A is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a broadcast receiving device 100. The broadcast receiving device 100 includes a main control unit 101, a system bus 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, a storage unit 110, a LAN communication unit 121, an extension interface unit 124, a digital interface unit 125, a tuner / demodulator unit 131, a first separation unit 132, a first video decoding unit 133, a first audio decoding unit 134, a first subtitle decoding unit 135, a data broadcast reception processing unit 141, a data broadcast engine 142, a streaming reception processing unit 151, a second separation unit 152, a second video decoding unit 153, a second audio decoding unit 154, a second subtitle decoding unit 155, an application control unit 161, an application engine 162, a video superimposition unit 171, an audio selection unit 172, a video display unit 173, a speaker 174, a video output unit 175, an audio output unit 176, a presentation synchronization control unit 181, and a terminal cooperation control unit 191.

[0026] The main control unit 101 is a microprocessor unit that controls the entire broadcast receiving device 100 in accordance with a predetermined operation program. The system bus 102 is a data communication path for transmitting and receiving data between the main control unit 101 and each operation block within the broadcast receiving device 100.

[0027] ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 is a memory that stores basic operation programs such as an operating system and other operation programs, and may be a rewritable ROM such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or flash ROM. RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 serves as a work area when the basic operation programs and other operation programs are executed. ROM 103 and RAM 104 may be integrated with main control unit 101. ROM 103 may also use a partial storage area within storage unit 110, rather than being an independent configuration as shown in FIG. 2A.

[0028] The storage unit 110 stores the operating programs and operation setting values ​​of the broadcast receiving device 100, personal information of the user of the broadcast receiving device 100, etc. It can also store operating programs downloaded from a network and various data created by the operating programs. It can also store content such as moving images, still images, and audio acquired from broadcast waves or downloaded from a network. A portion of the storage unit 110 may replace all or part of the functions of the ROM 103. Furthermore, the storage unit 110 needs to retain the stored information even when power is not supplied to the broadcast receiving device 100 from an external source. Therefore, devices such as semiconductor element memories such as flash ROMs and solid state drives (SSDs), and magnetic disk drives such as hard disk drives (HDDs) are used.

[0029] It should be noted that the operation programs stored in the ROM 103 and the storage unit 110 can be updated and have their functions expanded by downloading them from each server device on the Internet 200 .

[0030] The LAN (Local Area Network) communication unit 121 is connected to the Internet 200 via a router device 210, and transmits and receives data to and from each server device on the Internet 200. The connection to the router device 210 may be a wired connection or a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The LAN communication unit 121 includes an encoding circuit, a decoding circuit, etc. The broadcast receiving device 100 may further include other communication units such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, an NFC communication unit, an infrared communication unit, etc.

[0031] The tuner / demodulator 131 receives broadcast waves from a radio tower 300t via the antenna 100a, and tunes (selects) to a channel of a service desired by the user under the control of the main controller 101. Furthermore, the tuner / demodulator 131 demodulates the received broadcast signal to acquire a TS. Note that while the example shown in FIG. 2A illustrates a configuration with one tuner / demodulator, the broadcast receiving device 100 may be configured to include multiple tuner / demodulators for purposes such as simultaneous display on multiple screens or recording of other programs. Furthermore, under the control of the main controller 101, access restriction control for the demodulated TS may be performed.

[0032] The first separation unit 132 receives the TS output from the tuner / demodulation unit 131, separates it into various data streams such as a video data stream, an audio data stream, a subtitle data stream, a program information data stream, an AIT data stream, and a BML data stream, and outputs the separated data streams. These data streams may be in ES format, for example. The first video decoding unit 133 decodes the video data stream received from the first separation unit 132 and outputs video information. The first audio decoding unit 134 decodes the audio data stream received from the first separation unit 132 and outputs audio information. The first subtitle decoding unit 135 decodes the subtitle data stream received from the first separation unit 132 and outputs subtitle information.

[0033] The data broadcasting reception processing unit 141 decodes the BML data string input from the first separation unit 132 and reproduces a BML document. The data broadcasting engine 142 is a BML browser that executes the BML document, and executes the BML document reproduced by the data broadcasting reception processing unit 141 to output data broadcasting screen information.

[0034] The streaming reception processing unit 151, under the control of the main control unit 101, accesses video content and the like stored in each server device on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 121, and acquires a program stream (PS) of the video content and the like. Also, under the control of the main control unit 101, the streaming reception processing unit 151 may control DRM (Digital Rights Management) processing for the acquired PS.

[0035] Second separator 152 receives the PS output from streaming reception processor 151, separates it into various data streams such as a video data stream, an audio data stream, and a subtitle data stream, and outputs the separated data streams. These data streams may be in ES format, for example. Second video decoder 153, second audio decoder 154, and second subtitle decoder 155 perform the same processing as first video decoder 133, first audio decoder 134, and first subtitle decoder 135, respectively, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0036] In addition, the first separation unit 132 and the second separation unit 152, the first video decoding unit 133 and the second video decoding unit 153, the first audio decoding unit 134 and the second audio decoding unit 154, and the first subtitle decoding unit 135 and the second subtitle decoding unit 155 may each be used interchangeably.

[0037] The application control unit 161 controls and manages the life cycle and events of each application by influencing the application engine 162 regarding the application created for the broadcasting and communication cooperation system based on the AIT data string input from the first separation unit or the AIT file acquired from each server device on the Internet 200. The application control unit 161 also controls the function constraints of the application as appropriate depending on the state of the application and the instructions in the AIT. The application engine 162 is an HTML browser that acquires and executes the application created for the broadcasting and communication cooperation system based on the control of the application control unit 161.

[0038] The video superimposition unit 171 receives the video information output from the first video decoding unit 133, the subtitle information output from the first subtitle decoding unit 135, the data broadcasting screen information output from the data broadcasting engine 142, the video information output from the second video decoding unit 153, the subtitle information output from the second subtitle decoding unit 155, and the application execution screen information output from the application engine 162, and performs processing such as selection and / or superimposition. The video superimposition unit 171 includes a video RAM (not shown), and drives the video display unit 173 and the like based on the video information input to the video RAM. Furthermore, under the control of the main control unit 101, the video superimposition unit 171 performs scaling processing, superimposition processing of EPG screen information created based on the program information data string output from the first separation unit 132, and the like, as necessary.

[0039] The audio selection unit 172 inputs audio information output from the first audio decoding unit 134, audio information output from the second audio decoding unit 154, and application execution audio information output from the application engine 162, and selects and outputs the audio information as appropriate in accordance with the control of the main control unit 101.

[0040] The video display unit 173 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, and provides the video information that has been selected and / or superimposed by the video superimposing unit 171 to the user of the broadcast receiving device 100. The speaker 174 provides the audio information that has been output from the audio selection unit 172 to the user of the broadcast receiving device 100. The video output unit 175 is a video output interface that outputs the video information that has been selected and / or superimposed by the video superimposing unit 171. The audio output unit 176 is an audio output interface that outputs the audio information that has been output from the audio selection unit 172. As mentioned above, when the broadcast receiving device 100 is a television receiver or the like, the video output unit 175 and the audio output unit 176 are not essential components of the present invention.

[0041] The presentation synchronization control unit 181 controls the presentation synchronization on the video display unit 173 and the speaker 174, or on the video output unit 175 and the audio output unit 176, of the video information, audio information, etc. obtained by decoding the TS obtained from the broadcast waves, the video information, audio information, etc. obtained by decoding the PS obtained from each server device on the Internet 200, and the application execution screen information and application execution audio information output from the application engine 162, based on, for example, PCR information, etc.

[0042] When linking with an external mobile terminal device, the terminal link control unit 191 manages and controls the discovery and authentication of the linked device (mobile terminal device), the connection between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the linked device, the linking of applications, etc.

[0043] The expansion interface unit 124 is a group of interfaces for expanding the functions of the broadcast receiving device 100, and in this embodiment is configured with an analog video / audio interface, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a memory interface, etc. The analog video / audio interface inputs analog video signals / audio signals from external video / audio output devices, outputs analog video signals / audio signals to external video / audio input devices, etc. The USB interface connects to a PC or the like to send and receive data. A HDD may be connected to record broadcast programs and content. A keyboard or other USB device may also be connected. The memory interface connects to a memory card or other memory medium to send and receive data.

[0044] The digital interface unit 125 is an interface that outputs or inputs encoded digital video data and / or digital audio data. The digital interface unit 125 is capable of outputting the TS acquired by the tuner / demodulator unit 131 and the PS acquired by the streaming reception processing unit 151 as is. The digital interface unit 125 may also be controlled to input the TS or PS input from the digital interface unit 125 to the first separation unit 132 or the second separation unit 152. The digital content stored in the storage unit 110 may be output or the digital content may be stored in the storage unit 110 via the digital interface unit 125. The digital interface unit 125 may be a DVI terminal, an HDMI terminal, or the like, and may output or input data in a format conforming to the DVI specification, the HDMI specification, or the like. The output or input may be in the form of serial data conforming to the IEEE 1394 specification, or the like.

[0045] The broadcast receiving device 100 may be a television receiver, an optical disc drive recorder such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) recorder, a magnetic disc drive recorder such as an HDD recorder, a set-top box (STB), etc. It may also be a personal computer (PC), tablet terminal, game console, etc. equipped with a digital broadcast receiving function and a broadcast / communication linking function. If the broadcast receiving device 100 is a DVD recorder, HDD recorder, STB, etc., it may not be equipped with the video display unit 173 and the speaker 174. By connecting an external monitor and an external speaker to the video output unit 175 and the audio output unit 176, it becomes possible to perform the same operation as the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment.

[0046] [Software configuration of broadcast receiving device] 2B is a software configuration diagram of the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment, showing the software configuration in the ROM 103, RAM 104, and storage unit 110. In this embodiment, a basic operation program 1001 and other operation programs are stored in the ROM 103, and a receiving function program 1002, a BML browser program 1003, an HTML browser program 1004, and other operation programs are stored in the storage unit 110. The storage unit 110 is also assumed to include a content storage area 1011 for storing content such as moving images, still images, and audio, an authentication information storage area 1012 for storing authentication information and the like used when linking with an external mobile terminal device, and various information storage areas for storing various other information.

[0047] A basic operation program 1001 stored in ROM 103 is loaded into RAM 104, and the main control unit 101 executes the loaded basic operation program to form a basic operation execution unit 1101. A receiving function program 1002, a BML browser program 1003, and an HTML browser program 1004 stored in the storage unit 110 are loaded into RAM 104, and the main control unit 101 executes each of the loaded operation programs to form a receiving function execution unit 1102, a BML browser engine 1103, and an HTML browser engine 1104. The RAM 104 also includes a temporary storage area for temporarily storing data created when each operation program is executed, as needed.

[0048] For ease of explanation, the process of controlling each operation block by the main control unit 101 expanding the basic operation program 1001 stored in the ROM 103 into the RAM 104 and executing it will be described below as if the basic operation execution unit 1101 controls each operation block. Similar descriptions will be used for the other operation programs.

[0049] The reception function execution unit 1102 controls each operational block of the broadcast receiving device 100 to realize the broadcast reception function and the broadcast / communication cooperation function. In particular, the broadcast program playback unit 1102a mainly controls the tuner / demodulator unit 131, the first demultiplexer 132, the first video decoding unit 133, the first audio decoding unit 134, the first subtitle decoding unit 135, the data broadcast reception processing unit 141, and the data broadcast engine 142. The data broadcast engine 142 may be replaced by a BML browser engine 1103 deployed on the RAM 104. The communication content playback unit 1102b mainly controls the streaming reception processing unit 151, the second demultiplexer 152, the second video decoding unit 153, the second audio decoding unit 154, and the second subtitle decoding unit 155. The cooperation application control unit 1102c mainly controls the application control unit 161 and the application engine 162. The application engine 162 may be replaced by an HTML browser engine 1104 deployed on the RAM 104. The terminal cooperation management unit 1102d mainly controls the terminal cooperation control unit 191.

[0050] The operation programs may be stored in the ROM 103 and / or the storage unit 110 before the product is shipped. After the product is shipped, the operation programs may be acquired from another application server 500 or the like on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 121. Alternatively, the operation programs may be stored in a memory card, an optical disk, or the like and acquired via the expansion interface unit 124 or the like.

[0051] [Broadcasting station server configuration] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the broadcast station server 300. The broadcast station server 300 is made up of a main control unit 301, a system bus 302, a RAM 304, a storage unit 310, and a LAN communication unit 321.

[0052] The main control unit 301 is a microprocessor unit that controls the entire broadcast station server 300 in accordance with a predetermined operation program. The system bus 302 is a data communication path for transmitting and receiving data between the main control unit 301 and each operation block within the broadcast station server 300. The RAM 304 serves as a work area when each operation program is executed.

[0053] The storage unit 310 stores a basic operation program 3001 and a content management / distribution program 3002, and further includes a video content storage area 3011 and a metadata storage area 3012. The video content storage area 3011 stores video content and the like of each broadcast program broadcast by a broadcast station. The metadata storage area 3012 stores metadata of each broadcast program, such as the program title, program ID, program summary, cast, broadcast date and time, etc.

[0054] In addition, the basic operation program 3001 and content management / distribution program 3002 stored in the storage unit 310 are each expanded into RAM 304, and the main control unit 301 executes the expanded basic operation program and content management / distribution program to form a basic operation execution unit 3101 and a content management / distribution execution unit 3102.

[0055] For ease of explanation, the process of controlling each operation block by the main control unit 301 expanding the basic operation program 3001 stored in the storage unit 310 into the RAM 304 and executing it will be described below as if the basic operation execution unit 3101 were to control each operation block. Similar descriptions will be used for the other operation programs.

[0056] The content management / distribution execution unit 3102 manages the video content and the metadata stored in the video content storage area 3011 and the metadata storage area 3012, and controls the provision of the video content and the metadata to the service provider based on a contract. Furthermore, when providing the video content and the metadata to the service provider, the content management / distribution execution unit 3102 also performs authentication processing of the service provider server 400 based on the contract, as necessary.

[0057] The LAN communication unit 321 is connected to the Internet 200 and communicates with a service provider server 400 and the like on the Internet 200. The LAN communication unit 321 includes an encoding circuit, a decoding circuit, and the like.

[0058] [Service provider server configuration] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the service provider server 400. The service provider server 400 is made up of a main control unit 401, a system bus 402, a RAM 404, a storage unit 410, and a LAN communication unit 421.

[0059] The main control unit 401 is a microprocessor unit that controls the entire service provider server 400 in accordance with a predetermined operation program. The system bus 402 is a data communication path for transmitting and receiving data between the main control unit 401 and each operation block in the service provider server 400. The RAM 404 serves as a work area when each operation program is executed.

[0060] The storage unit 410 stores a basic operation program 4001, a content management / distribution program 4002, and an application management / distribution program 4003, and further includes a video content storage area 4011, a metadata storage area 4012, and an application storage area 4013. The video content storage area 4011 and the metadata storage area 4012 store the video content and the like and each piece of metadata provided from the broadcast station server 300, as well as content produced by the service provider and metadata related to the content. The application storage area 4013 stores applications required to realize each service of the broadcasting / communication cooperation system, which are distributed in response to requests from each television receiver.

[0061] In addition, the basic operation program 4001, content management / distribution program 4002, and application management / distribution program 4003 stored in the storage unit 410 are each expanded into RAM 404, and the main control unit 401 executes the expanded basic operation program, content management / distribution program, and application management / distribution program to form a basic operation execution unit 4101, a content management / distribution execution unit 4102, and an application management / distribution execution unit 4103.

[0062] For ease of explanation, the process of the main control unit 401 controlling each operation block by loading the basic operation program 4001 stored in the storage unit 410 into the RAM 404 and executing it will be described below as if the basic operation execution unit 4101 were to control each operation block. Similar descriptions will be used for the other operation programs.

[0063] The content management / distribution execution unit 4102 acquires video content and the like and each piece of metadata from the broadcast station server 300, manages the video content and the like and each piece of metadata stored in the video content storage area 4011 and the metadata storage area 4012, and controls the distribution of the video content and the like and each piece of metadata to each television receiver. The application management / distribution execution unit 4103 manages the applications stored in the application storage area 4013 and controls the distribution of each application in response to a request from each television receiver. Furthermore, when distributing each application to each television receiver, the application management / distribution execution unit 4103 also performs authentication processing of each television receiver as necessary.

[0064] The LAN communication unit 421 is connected to the Internet 200, and communicates with the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 via the broadcast station server 300 on the Internet 200 and the router device 210. The LAN communication unit 421 is assumed to include an encoding circuit, a decoding circuit, etc.

[0065] [Hardware configuration of mobile information terminal] 5A is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a mobile information terminal 700. The mobile information terminal 700 is composed of a main control unit 701, a system bus 702, a ROM 703, a RAM 704, a storage unit 710, a communication processing unit 720, an expansion interface unit 724, an operation unit 730, an image processing unit 740, an audio processing unit 750, and a sensor unit 760.

[0066] The main control unit 701 is a microprocessor unit that controls the entire portable information terminal 700. The system bus 702 is a data communication path for transmitting and receiving data between the main control unit 701 and each operating block within the portable information terminal 700.

[0067] The ROM 703 is a memory in which basic operation programs such as an operating system and other operation programs are stored, and a rewritable ROM such as an EEPROM or flash ROM is used. The RAM 704 serves as a work area when the basic operation programs and other operation programs are executed. The ROM 703 and RAM 704 may be integrated with the main control unit 701. Furthermore, the ROM 703 may not be an independent configuration as shown in FIG. 5A, but may use a partial storage area within the storage unit 710.

[0068] The storage unit 710 stores the operating programs and operation setting values ​​of the mobile information terminal 700, personal information of the user of the mobile information terminal 700, etc. It can also store operating programs downloaded from a network and various data created by the operating programs. It can also store content such as moving images, still images, and audio downloaded from a network. A portion of the storage unit 710 may replace all or part of the functions of the ROM 703. The storage unit 710 must also retain the stored information even when power is not being supplied to the mobile information terminal 700 from an external source. Therefore, for example, a flash ROM, SSD, HDD, or other such device is used.

[0069] It should be noted that the operating programs stored in the ROM 703 and storage unit 710 can be updated and have their functions expanded by downloading them from each server device on the Internet 200 .

[0070] The communication processing unit 720 is composed of a LAN communication unit 721, a mobile telephone network communication unit 722, and an NFC communication unit 723. The LAN communication unit 721 is connected to the Internet 200 via the router device 210 and transmits and receives data to and from each server device on the Internet 200. The connection to the router device 210 is assumed to be wireless, such as via Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The mobile telephone network communication unit 722 performs telephone communication (calls) and data transmission and reception via wireless communication with a base station 600b of the mobile telephone network. The NFC communication unit 723 performs wireless communication when in proximity to a compatible reader / writer. The LAN communication unit 721, the mobile telephone network communication unit 722, and the NFC communication unit 723 each include an encoding circuit, a decoding circuit, an antenna, etc. The communication processing unit 720 may further include other communication units, such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit or an infrared communication unit.

[0071] The expansion interface unit 724 is a group of interfaces for expanding the functions of the mobile information terminal 700, and in this embodiment is configured with a video / audio interface, a USB interface, a memory interface, etc. The video / audio interface inputs video signals / audio signals from external video / audio output devices, outputs video signals / audio signals to external video / audio input devices, etc. The USB interface connects to a PC or the like to send and receive data. It may also be used to connect a keyboard or other USB device. The memory interface connects to a memory card or other memory medium to send and receive data.

[0072] The operation unit 730 is an instruction input unit that inputs operation instructions to the mobile information terminal 700, and in this embodiment, is configured with a touch panel 730t and operation keys 730k with an array of button switches, which are arranged on top of the display unit 741. Only one of these may be used. The mobile information terminal 700 may be operated using a keyboard or the like connected to the extended interface unit 724. The mobile information terminal 700 may be operated using a separate mobile terminal device connected by wired or wireless communication. The touch panel function may also be provided in the display unit 741.

[0073] The image processing unit 740 is composed of a display unit 741, an image signal processing unit 742, a first image input unit 743, and a second image input unit 744. The display unit 741 is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, and provides image data processed by the image signal processing unit 742 to the user of the mobile information terminal 700. The image signal processing unit 742 includes a video RAM (not shown), and the display unit 741 is driven based on image data input to the video RAM. The image signal processing unit 742 also has functions such as format conversion and superimposition processing of menus and other on-screen display (OSD) signals as necessary. The first image input unit 743 and the second image input unit 744 are camera units that input image data of the surroundings or object by converting light input from a lens into an electrical signal using electronic devices such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor.

[0074] The audio processing unit 750 is made up of an audio output unit 751, an audio signal processing unit 752, and an audio input unit 753. The audio output unit 751 is a speaker, and provides an audio signal processed by the audio signal processing unit 752 to the user of the mobile information terminal 700. The audio input unit 753 is a microphone, and converts the user's voice, etc. into audio data and inputs it.

[0075] The sensor unit 760 is a group of sensors for detecting the state of the portable information terminal 700, and in this embodiment, is composed of a GPS receiver unit 761, a gyro sensor 762, a geomagnetic sensor 763, an acceleration sensor 764, an illuminance sensor 765, and a proximity sensor 766. These sensors make it possible to detect the position, inclination, direction, and movement of the portable information terminal 700, as well as the ambient brightness and the proximity of surrounding objects. The portable information terminal 700 may further include other sensors such as a barometric pressure sensor.

[0076] The portable information terminal 700 may be a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. It may also be a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or a notebook PC. It may also be a digital still camera, a video camera capable of shooting video, a portable game console, or other portable digital devices.

[0077] 5A includes many components that are not essential to this embodiment, such as sensor unit 760, but the effects of this embodiment are not impaired even if these components are not provided. Furthermore, components not shown, such as a digital broadcast receiving function and an electronic money payment function, may be further added.

[0078] [Software configuration of mobile information terminal] 5B is a software configuration diagram of the mobile information terminal 700 of this embodiment, and shows the software configuration in the ROM 703, RAM 704, and storage unit 710. In this embodiment, a basic operation program 7001 and other operation programs are stored in the ROM 703, and a cooperative control program 7002, an HTML browser program 7003, and other operation programs are stored in the storage unit 710. The storage unit 710 is also assumed to include a content storage area 7011 for storing content such as moving images, still images, and audio, an authentication information storage area 7012 for storing authentication information used during cooperative operation with a television receiver, and various information storage areas for storing various other information.

[0079] A basic operation program 7001 stored in ROM 703 is loaded into RAM 704, and the main control unit 701 executes the loaded basic operation program to form a basic operation execution unit 7101. Also, a cooperative control program 7002 and an HTML browser program 7003 stored in the storage unit 710 are loaded into RAM 704, and the main control unit 701 executes each of the loaded operation programs to form a cooperative control execution unit 7102 and an HTML browser engine 7103. Also, the RAM 704 is provided with a temporary storage area for temporarily storing data created when each operation program is executed, as needed.

[0080] For ease of explanation, the process of controlling each operation block by the main control unit 701 loading the basic operation program 7001 stored in the ROM 703 into the RAM 704 and executing it will be described below as if the basic operation execution unit 7101 were to control each operation block. Similar descriptions will be used for the other operation programs.

[0081] The cooperative control execution unit 7102 manages device authentication and connection, transmission and reception of various data, etc. when the mobile information terminal 700 performs cooperative operation with the television receiver. The HTML browser engine 7103 is an HTML browser that runs applications created for the broadcasting and communication cooperative system on the mobile information terminal 700.

[0082] The operation programs may be stored in the ROM 703 and / or the storage unit 710 before shipping the product. After shipping the product, the operation programs may be acquired from another application server 500 or the like on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 721 or the mobile telephone network communication unit 722. Alternatively, the operation programs may be stored in a memory card, an optical disk, or the like and acquired via the extended interface unit 724 or the like.

[0083] [Application Control Information (AIT) Overview] The application control information (AIT) in this embodiment is information intended to notify a television receiver or the like (the broadcast receiving device 100 in this embodiment) of the existence of an application (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a broadcast-linked app) that links with a broadcast service and to instruct its control in the broadcast-communication linkage function supported by the broadcast receiving device 100. Note that the broadcast-linked app may be classified into (1) broadcast-managed applications that operate only in a broadcast reception state based on control signals such as start / stop included in a broadcast signal and are permitted to access broadcast resources based on the control signals, (2) non-broadcast-managed applications that are not controlled by broadcast signals for start / stop, etc. and are permitted to access broadcast resources based on means such as application authentication, and (3) other general applications that are not permitted to access broadcast resources.

[0084] The AIT may be transmitted by either of the following methods: transmitting an AIT in section format or extensible markup language (XML) format over broadcast waves using a data carousel (DC) method or the like; or distributing an AIT file in section format or XML format from a server device on the Internet 200 using http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) or https (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) or the like. Other methods may also be used.

[0085] 6 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of the data configuration of an AIT. The AIT is mainly composed of information such as an application type 901, an application identifier 902, an application control code 903, an application profile 904, application acquisition destination information 905, an application boundary and access authority setting 906, a startup priority 907, cache information 908, and a server access distribution parameter 909. In addition, other information may be included.

[0086] The application type 901 specifies the description format of the application. In this embodiment, the description format of the application is assumed to be HTML. The application identifier 902 is identification information for identifying each application, consisting of an organization identifier for identifying the operator and an application identifier assigned to each operator. Note that an application is a set of HTML documents and their reference resources, with the HTML document present in the location specified by the application acquisition destination information 905 being the entry document. The application control code 903 specifies the operation control for the target application, and describes one of (1) auto-start, (2) operable, (3) terminated, or (4) prefetch. The application profile 904 is a value indicating the television receiver functions required by the application, and indicates a combination of optional functions that the television receiver has. By referencing this value, it is determined whether the application can be used.

[0087] The application acquisition destination information 905 is information specifying the acquisition destination of the application, and is location information for acquiring the HTML document that is first referenced when the application is launched. Since it is assumed that the application will be transmitted via broadcast or stored on a server device on a communication network, the location information specified by the application acquisition destination information 905 is also specified to accommodate both broadcast acquisition and communication acquisition. The application boundary and access restriction setting 906 is information indicating the operable range of the broadcast-managed application as a set of one or more areas (URL: Uniform Resource Locator). It also sets access restrictions to broadcast resources for each area on a functional basis. The application boundary and access restriction setting 906 specifies the range of document transitions to prevent unexpected document transitions due to a chain of document transitions from an entry document when the application is launched, or access to inappropriate broadcast resources. It is also possible to set access permissions to specific broadcast resources on an area-by-area basis within the range of the document transitions.

[0088] The launch priority 907 specifies which application is to be launched first when data broadcasting via a broadcasting service and a broadcast-managed application via an HTML document are both present. It is possible to unconditionally specify data broadcasting as the highest priority in the PMT, to specify the launch priority of a specific application type in the PMT, and to specify the launch priority of the target application using the launch priority 907. The cache information 908 is information used for cache control when retaining application resources in preparation for application reuse. This information makes it possible to cache application resources for reuse even after the application has terminated. The server access distribution parameter 909 is a parameter set for distributing access in order to reduce the load on servers that are heavily accessed, such as those that acquire applications. The television receiver may operate to probabilistically delay the application of application control codes according to the parameter settings.

[0089] The operation of the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0090] [Application startup sequence] First, a description will be given of the process of launching a broadcast-linked app based on the AIT transmitted by broadcast waves in the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment. In the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to specify which of the two is to be launched first when a data broadcast by a broadcast service and a broadcast-linked app are simultaneously present, based on information on the PMT and information such as the application control code 903 and launch priority 907 in the AIT.

[0091] 7A is an operational sequence diagram showing an example of the operational sequence of a broadcast-linked app when it is specified that the broadcast-linked app is to be launched with priority. The diagram shows a series of steps from when the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately checks the PMT and AIT to when it launches a predetermined broadcast-linked app.

[0092] When the tuner / demodulator unit 131 of the broadcast receiving device 100 performs processing for selecting a channel desired by the user and acquires a TS, the main control unit 101 then acquires the PMT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S101) and checks the startup priority described in the PMT. If it is confirmed in the processing of S101 that the startup priority of the broadcast-linked app is high (S102), the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S103) and checks the application control code 903 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S104). If the application control code 903 is "automatic startup" in the processing of S104, the application control unit 161 further checks the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S105). If it is confirmed that the broadcast-linked app specified in the AIT can be executed, a transmission request for the broadcast-linked app is sent to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 based on the information described in the application acquisition destination information 905 (S106).

[0093] Upon receiving the request to transmit the broadcast-interactive app, the service provider server 400 performs authentication processing of the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary under the control of the application management / distribution execution unit 4103, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-interactive app stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S107). Note that a known method may be used for the authentication processing, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Next, under the control of the application control unit 161, the application engine 162 of the broadcast receiving device 100 launches the predetermined broadcast-interactive app received from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S108).

[0094] 7B is an operational sequence diagram showing an example of the operational sequence of a broadcast-linked app when it is specified that data broadcasting by a broadcast service is to be started first. The diagram shows a series of steps from when the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately checks the PMT and AIT to when it starts a predetermined broadcast-linked app.

[0095] When the tuner / demodulator 131 of the broadcast receiving device 100 performs processing to select a channel desired by the user and acquires a TS, the main control unit 101 then acquires the PMT data string separated by the first separation unit 132 (S201) and checks the activation priority described in the PMT. If the processing of S201 confirms that the activation priority of data broadcasting by the broadcast service is high (S202), the data broadcasting reception processing unit 141 acquires the BML data string separated by the first separation unit 132 and plays back the BML document (S203). If automatic activation of data broadcasting is set by the BML document, or if the user makes a data broadcasting activation request using an operation terminal (mobile information terminal 700, remote control, etc.) (S204), the data broadcasting engine 142 executes the played BML document to generate data broadcasting screen information and displays it on the video display unit 173 (S205).

[0096] After the process of S205, or simultaneously with the process of S205, the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S206) and checks the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S207). If it is confirmed in the process of S207 that the broadcast-linked application specified in the AIT is executable, an entry button for the executable broadcast-linked application is displayed on the data broadcast screen. The entry button may be always displayed, and its color may be changed from an inactive color to an active color only when the broadcast-linked application is executable. The entry button may be switched between an inactive state and an active state by changing its shape.

[0097] When the user selects the entry button using the operation terminal (S208), the data broadcasting engine 142 executes the BML document and ends the process of generating data broadcasting screen information (S209). Subsequently, the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data string separated by the first separation unit 132 (S210), and checks the application acquisition destination information 905 of the acquired AIT data string. Furthermore, based on the information described in the application acquisition destination information 905 checked in S210, a transmission request for the broadcast cooperative app is sent to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S211).

[0098] Upon receiving the request to transmit the broadcast-interactive app, the service provider server 400, under the control of the application management / distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing of the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-interactive app stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S212). Next, under the control of the application control unit 161, the application engine 162 of the broadcast receiving device 100 starts the predetermined broadcast-interactive app that has been received from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S213).

[0099] 7C is an operational sequence diagram showing an example of the operational sequence of a broadcast-linked app when no priority start-up is specified. The diagram shows a series of steps from when the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately checks the PMT and AIT to when it starts up a predetermined broadcast-linked app.

[0100] When the tuner / demodulator 131 of the broadcast receiving device 100 performs processing to select a channel desired by the user and acquires a TS, the main control unit 101 then acquires the PMT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S301) and checks the startup priority described in the PMT. If it is confirmed in the processing of S301 that the startup priority of the broadcast-linked app is high (S302), the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S303) and checks the application control code 903 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S304). If the application control code 903 is "startable" rather than "automatic startup" in the processing of S304, the display of the broadcast program continues without starting either the data broadcast by the broadcast service or the broadcast-linked app.

[0101]

[0073] After the process of S304 is completed, if the user uses the operation terminal to make a request to start data broadcasting (S305), similar to the processes from S205 onwards in Fig. 7B, the acquisition of a BML data string, the playback of a BML document, and the generation of data broadcasting screen information are performed (however, not shown). On the other hand, after the process of S304 is completed, if the user uses the operation terminal to make a request to start a broadcast-linked application launcher (S306), the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data string separated by the first separation unit 132 (S307) and checks the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data string (S308). Furthermore, the application control unit 161 displays a list of executable broadcast-linked applications on the video display unit 173 as a broadcast-linked application launcher (S309).

[0102] When the user uses the operation terminal to select a predetermined broadcast-linked app from the broadcast-linked app launcher displayed in S309 (S310), the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data string separated by the first separation unit 132 (S311) and checks the application acquisition destination information 905 of the acquired AIT data string. Furthermore, based on the information described in the application acquisition destination information 905 checked in S311, a transmission request for the broadcast-linked app is sent to the predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S312).

[0103] Upon receiving the transmission request for the broadcast-interactive app, the service provider server 400, under the control of the application management / distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing for the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-interactive app stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S313). Next, under the control of the application control unit 161, the application engine 162 of the broadcast receiving device 100 starts the predetermined broadcast-interactive app that has been received from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S314).

[0104] 7A to 7C, an example is described in which the AIT is acquired from a broadcast wave. However, the AIT file may be acquired from a predetermined server device specified by the information description in the PMT or the like. Furthermore, the broadcast-linked app may be acquired from a broadcast wave, rather than from a server device (service provider server 400) on the network. That is, when the location information described in the application acquisition destination information 905 of the AIT indicates a broadcast wave, the application control unit 161 reproduces an HTML document from the HTML data string transmitted by a data carousel method or the like and separated and output by the first separation unit 132, and the application engine 162 executes the reproduced HTML document (broadcast-linked app).

[0105] Note that if there is no information on the PMT specifying the startup priority when data broadcasting by a broadcasting service and a broadcast-linked app exist simultaneously, the startup priority may be confirmed only by information such as the application control code 903 and startup priority 907 of the AIT. Similarly, if acquisition of the information on the PMT fails, the startup priority may be confirmed only by information such as the application control code 903 and startup priority 907 of the AIT. That is, the AIT may be checked periodically regardless of the information on the PMT, and if a broadcast-linked app specified as "automatic startup" in the application control code 903 of the AIT exists, startup of the broadcast-linked app may be prioritized, and if a broadcast-linked app specified as "automatic startup" in the application control code 903 of the AIT does not exist, startup of data broadcasting by a broadcasting service may be prioritized.

[0106] Furthermore, if there is no response from service provider server 400 for a predetermined time or longer when a distribution request for the broadcast-linked app is made in S106, S211, or S312, a message such as "Please wait a moment" may be displayed on video display unit 173. Alternatively, in this case, a message inquiring the user about stopping execution of the broadcast-linked app may be displayed.

[0107] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the start-up sequence of the broadcast-linked app is not limited to the three patterns described above, and the broadcast-linked app may be started up by a different sequence.

[0108] [Operation sequence when linking mobile information terminals] In the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment, it is assumed that the functionality of a broadcast / communication cooperative service can be expanded by cooperative operation between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700. For example, by installing an application (cooperative control app) provided by a television receiver manufacturer, it becomes possible to use the mobile information terminal 700 as a high-function remote control for the broadcast receiving device 100. In addition, by executing the broadcast cooperative app on the mobile information terminal 700, it becomes possible to display, for example, a service linked to a broadcast program being displayed on the broadcast receiving device 100 on the mobile information terminal 700. Note that in order to expand functionality through cooperative operation between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700, it is desirable that the cooperative control app be running on the mobile information terminal 700, and the broadcast cooperative app running on the mobile information terminal 700 operates under the control of the cooperative control app.

[0109] 8A is an operational sequence diagram showing an example of the operational sequence when the cooperative control app is started on the mobile information terminal 700. The diagram shows a series of steps (first time) from when the mobile information terminal 700 performs authentication processing with the broadcast receiving device 100 until cooperative operation becomes possible. It is assumed that the cooperative control app is installed in advance in the storage unit 710 of the mobile information terminal 700 as a cooperative control program 7002.

[0110] When a user issues an instruction to launch a cooperative control app on the mobile information terminal 700 (S401), the cooperative control execution unit 7102 of the mobile information terminal 700 searches for television receivers on the network that are capable of communication (cooperative operation) (S402) and displays the search results as a list of television receivers on the display unit 741. If no television receivers that are capable of communication are found, a message to that effect is displayed and the processing ends. When the user selects an arbitrary television receiver (broadcast receiving device 100 in this embodiment) from the list of television receivers, the cooperative control execution unit 7102 displays a login screen for connecting to the broadcast receiving device 100 on the display unit 741. When the user inputs authentication information (such as a login name and password specified by the broadcast receiving device 100) into the login screen via the operation unit 730 (S403), the cooperative control execution unit 7102 stores the input authentication information in the authentication information storage area 7012 and simultaneously transmits the information to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S404). The authentication information may be transmitted to the broadcast receiving device 100 via the LAN communication unit 721 and the router device 210, or may be transmitted directly to the broadcast receiving device 100 via the NFC communication unit 723.

[0111] The terminal cooperation control unit 191 of the broadcast receiving device 100, which has received the authentication information via the LAN communication unit 121, checks whether the received authentication information is correct by referring to the authentication information storage area 1012 (S405). If the received authentication information is confirmed to be correct by the processing of S405, the terminal cooperation control unit 191 stores information about the mobile information terminal 700 in the authentication information storage area 1012 and authenticates the mobile information terminal 700 (S406). The mobile information terminal 700, which has been authenticated by the broadcast receiving device 100, displays the basic screen of the cooperation control app (e.g., an advanced remote control screen) on the display unit 741 (S407). If the received authentication information is not confirmed to be correct in S405, the terminal cooperation control unit 191 of the broadcast receiving device 100 returns an error to the mobile information terminal 700. Through the above processing, cooperation between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 becomes possible.

[0112] 8B is an operational sequence diagram showing an example of the operational sequence when the cooperative control app is started on the mobile information terminal 700. The diagram shows a series of steps (from the second time onwards) from when the mobile information terminal 700 performs authentication processing with the broadcast receiving device 100 until cooperative operation becomes possible.

[0113] When a user instructs the mobile information terminal 700 to launch a cooperative control app (S501), the cooperative control execution unit 7102 of the mobile information terminal 700 searches for television receivers on the network that can communicate with the mobile information terminal 700 and displays the search results as a list of television receivers on the display unit 741. If no television receivers that can communicate with the mobile information terminal 700 are found, a message to that effect is displayed and the processing ends. When the user selects an arbitrary television receiver (broadcast receiving device 100 in this embodiment) from the list of television receivers (S502), and the selected broadcast receiving device 100 is a device that has previously connected (operated cooperatively), the cooperative control execution unit 7102 reads out authentication information for the broadcast receiving device 100 from the authentication information storage area 7012 and transmits it to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S503).

[0114] The terminal cooperation control unit 191 of the broadcast receiving device 100, which has received the authentication information via the LAN communication unit 121, checks whether the received authentication information is correct by referring to the authentication information storage area 1012 (S504). If the received authentication information is confirmed to be correct by the processing of S504, it authenticates the mobile information terminal 700 (S505). The mobile information terminal 700, which has been authenticated by the broadcast receiving device 100, displays the basic screen of the cooperation control app on the display unit 741 (S506). Through the above processing, cooperation between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 becomes possible.

[0115] Note that, when starting up a broadcast cooperative app in the broadcast receiving device 100 following the processing of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the processing of FIGS. 7A to 7C may be performed after the processing of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0116] 8C is an operational sequence diagram showing an example of the operational sequence when the cooperative control app is launched on the mobile information terminal 700. The diagram shows a series of steps (from the second time onward) in which the mobile information terminal 700 performs authentication processing with the broadcast receiving device 100 and cooperative operation becomes possible. However, the diagram shows an example in which the broadcast receiving device 100, which executes the launch sequence of the broadcast cooperative app, requests the launch of the cooperative control app on the mobile information terminal 700.

[0117] When the tuner / demodulator 131 of the broadcast receiving device 100 performs processing to select a channel desired by the user and acquires a TS, the main control unit 101 then acquires the PMT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S601) and checks the startup priority described in the PMT. If it is confirmed in the processing of S601 that the startup priority of the broadcast-linked application is high (S602), the application control unit 161 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S603) and checks the application control code 903 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S604). If the application control code 903 is "automatic startup" in the processing of S604, the application control unit 161 further checks the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data sequence (S605). In the processing of S605, if it is confirmed that the broadcast-linked app specified in the AIT can be executed and if it is determined that linked control of the mobile terminal device is necessary, the terminal linkage control unit 191 selects the mobile information terminal 700 as the mobile terminal device by referring to the authentication information storage area 1012, and sends a linkage control app launch request to the selected mobile information terminal 700 (S606).

[0118] The selection of the mobile information terminal 700 by referring to the authentication information storage area 1012 may be based on the latest information in the authentication information storage area 1012 or the most frequently used information in the authentication information storage area 1012.

[0119] Furthermore, in the process of S606, if a mobile terminal device to which the cooperative control application start-up request should be sent cannot be found, a message indicating this may be displayed on the video display unit 173. Alternatively, in this case, a message inquiring the user about stopping execution of the broadcast cooperative application may be displayed.

[0120] The main control unit 701 of the mobile information terminal 700 launches the collaborative control app (collaborative control execution unit 7102) in response to the collaborative control app launch request received via the LAN communication unit 721 (S607), and the collaborative control execution unit 7102 then reads out the authentication information of the broadcast receiving device 100 from the authentication information storage area 7012 and transmits it to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S608).

[0121] The terminal cooperation control unit 191 of the broadcast receiving device 100, which has received the authentication information via the LAN communication unit 121, checks whether the received authentication information is correct by referring to the authentication information storage area 1012 (S609). If the processing of S609 confirms that the received authentication information is correct, it authenticates the mobile information terminal 700 (S610). The mobile information terminal 700, which has been authenticated by the broadcast receiving device 100, displays the basic screen of the cooperation control app on the display unit 741 (S611). Through the above processing, cooperation between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 becomes possible.

[0122] Note that, if the broadcast cooperative app is executed on both the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 following the above-described processing, the processing shown in Fig. 9 may be performed. Fig. 9 is an operational sequence diagram showing an example of a start-up sequence of the broadcast cooperative app on the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700.

[0123] 8C, the application control unit 161 of the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the AIT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S612), and checks the application acquisition destination information 905 of the acquired AIT data sequence. Furthermore, based on the information described in the application acquisition destination information 905 checked in S612, a transmission request for the broadcast cooperative app (TV side) is sent to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S613).

[0124] Upon receiving the transmission request for the broadcast-interactive app (television side), the service provider server 400, under the control of the application management / distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing for the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-interactive app (television side) stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S614). Under the control of the application control unit 161, the application engine 162 of the broadcast receiving device 100 starts the predetermined broadcast-interactive app (television side) that has been received from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S615).

[0125] Next, the terminal cooperation control unit 191 of the broadcast receiving device 100 transmits to the mobile information terminal 700, information such as URL information of the acquisition source of the broadcast cooperation app (terminal side) to be executed on the mobile information terminal 700, which information was acquired from the AIT or the broadcast cooperation app (television side) executed in S615 (S616). The cooperation control execution unit 7102 of the mobile information terminal 700 transmits a transmission request of the broadcast cooperation app (terminal side) to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 721, based on the URL information of the acquisition source of the broadcast cooperation app (terminal side) received via the LAN communication unit 721 (S617).

[0126] Upon receiving the transmission request for the broadcast-linked app (terminal side), the service provider server 400, under the control of the application management / distribution execution unit 4103, performs authentication processing for the mobile information terminal 700 as necessary, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-linked app (terminal side) stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S618). The HTML browser engine 7103 of the mobile information terminal 700 starts the predetermined broadcast-linked app (terminal side) received from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 721 (S619).

[0127] 7A to 7C , the AIT file can be acquired from a predetermined server device, and the broadcast-linked app can be acquired from broadcast waves rather than from a server device on a network. When the broadcast-linked app is acquired from broadcast waves, the broadcast receiving device 100 may acquire the broadcast-linked app (terminal side) to be executed on the mobile information terminal 700 from the broadcast waves and transfer the acquired broadcast-linked app (terminal side) to the mobile information terminal 700 via the communication unit 121. Alternatively, the broadcast receiving device 100 may acquire the broadcast-linked app (terminal side) to be executed on the mobile information terminal 700 from the broadcast waves and store it in the storage unit 110, and in the process of S616 in FIG. 9 , transmit location information of the storage unit 110 of the broadcast receiving device 100 as URL information to be transmitted to the mobile information terminal 700. The broadcast receiving device 100 may acquire the broadcast-linked app (TV side) from broadcast waves, and the mobile information terminal 700 may acquire the broadcast-linked app (terminal side) from a server device on the network. The mobile information terminal 700 may also acquire the broadcast-linked app (terminal side) directly from broadcast waves using a digital broadcast receiving function that the mobile information terminal 700 has.

[0128] In addition, the operation sequences of Figures 7A to 7C, Figures 8A to 8C, and Figure 9 can be partially combined as appropriate, and some operation steps can be rearranged in order or operated simultaneously with other operation steps as appropriate.

[0129] [Mobile device linkage control app basic screen] 10A is a screen display diagram showing an example of a basic screen of the cooperative control app displayed by the process of S407 in Fig. 8A, the process of S506 in Fig. 8B, the process of S611 in Fig. 8C, etc. In this embodiment, the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control app has the function of a high-performance remote control compatible with the broadcast receiving device 100.

[0130] 10A, the basic screen 741a of the linked control app is configured with a power key 741a1, a network selection key (digital terrestrial, BS, CS) 741a2, number keys (1 to 12) 741a3, volume UP / DOWN keys 741a4, channel UP / DOWN keys 741a5, input switch key 741a6, program guide key 741a7, data key 741a8, linked app key 741a9, menu key 741aa, back key 741ab, cursor keys (up, down, left, right) 741ac, enter key 741ad, and color keys (blue, red, green, yellow) 741ae. Other operation keys may also be displayed.

[0131] For ease of use, the operation keys may have the same key layout / operation as that of a dedicated remote control attached to broadcast receiving device 100. Furthermore, power key 741a1, network selection key 741a2, numeric keys 741a3, etc. have the same functions as the operation keys of a known television remote control, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Linked application key 741a9 is an operation key provided for the broadcast / communication linking function of this embodiment.

[0132] In the processing of S204 in Fig. 7B and S305 in Fig. 7C, it is assumed that data broadcasting can be started / ended by selecting the data key 741a8. Also, in the processing of S208 in Fig. 7B and S310 in Fig. 7C, it is assumed that the executable broadcast-linked application can be selected by operating the cursor keys 741ac and the enter key 741ad. Also, in the processing of S306 in Fig. 7C, it is assumed that a request to start the broadcast-linked application launcher can be made by selecting the linked application key 741a9.

[0133] In this way, by providing linked application key 741a9 or another operation key having a similar function on basic screen 741a of the linked control application, it becomes possible to easily select / launch each broadcast linked application used in the broadcast linked system of this embodiment. Also, linked application key 741a9 or another operation key having a similar function may be provided on a dedicated remote control attached to broadcast receiving device 100.

[0134] FIG. 10B is a screen display diagram showing an example of the basic screen of the collaborative control app displayed by processing S407 in FIG. 8A, processing S506 in FIG. 8B, processing S611 in FIG. 8C, etc., and is an example different from FIG. 10A.

[0135] The basic screen 741b of the cooperative control app is composed of a cooperative control in progress message 741b1 and a cooperative control app operation screen 741b2. Other objects may also be displayed. The cooperative control in progress message 741b1 is a message display that notifies the user that the mobile information terminal 700 is operating in cooperation with the broadcast receiving device 100. The cooperative control app operation screen 741b2 is an area where any screen display is performed by the cooperative control app, and detailed description thereof will be omitted in this embodiment. For example, the configuration within the cooperative control app operation screen 741b2 may be the same as the configuration of the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control app described above. A sub-screen of a broadcast program being displayed on the broadcast receiving device 100 may also be displayed.

[0136] 10B, by displaying cooperative control in progress message 741b1, the user of mobile information terminal 700 can easily understand that mobile information terminal 700 is operating in cooperative control with broadcast receiving device 100. Note that cooperative control in progress message 741b1 is not limited to text display, and may be symbol display, graphic display, etc. A different background color, etc. may be used as an alternative to cooperative control in progress message 741b1.

[0137] [Data broadcasting screen on broadcast receiving device] Fig. 11 is a screen display diagram showing an example of a data broadcast screen displayed by the processing of S205 in Fig. 7B. In this embodiment, it is assumed that three broadcast cooperative applications, i.e., cooperative application A, cooperative application B, and cooperative application C, are executable on the broadcast receiving device 100 based on the description in the AIT, etc. In this case, an entry button 173a2 for cooperative application A, an entry button 173a3 for cooperative application B, and an entry button 173a4 for cooperative application C are displayed at arbitrary positions on the data broadcast screen 173a.

[0138] On the data broadcasting screen 173a as shown in FIG. 11, when the entry button 173a2, entry button 173a3, entry button 173a4, etc. is selected using the cursor keys 741ac and the decision key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the collaborative control app, the display of the data broadcasting screen 173a is terminated and collaborative app A, collaborative app B, collaborative app C, etc. are launched under the control of the application control unit 161 and the application engine 162.

[0139] When displaying data broadcast screen 173a, the frame color, interior color, shape, font, size, blinking status, etc. of each entry button may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of broadcast cooperative application, security status, etc. For example, if cooperative application A is a broadcast-managed application, the frame color of entry button 173a2 may be blue; if cooperative application B is a non-broadcast-managed application, the frame color of entry button 173a3 may be yellow; if cooperative application C is a general application, the frame color of entry button 173a4 may be red; etc. Alternatively, if cooperative application A is determined to be reliable in terms of security, the frame color of entry button 173a2 may be blue; if cooperative application B is determined not to be necessarily reliable in terms of security, the frame color of entry button 173a3 may be yellow; and if cooperative application C is determined to be a security risk, the frame color of entry button 173a4 may be red; etc.

[0140] In addition, the frame color, interior color, shape, font, size, blinking status, etc. of each entry button may be changed as appropriate depending on the function or genre of the broadcast-linked app, or depending on the expiration date of each broadcast-linked app, etc. The frame color, interior color, shape, font, size, blinking status, etc. of each entry button may be changed as appropriate depending on whether the broadcast-linked app has already been acquired from the network, etc. For example, if the linked app A has already been acquired from the network (cached in RAM 104 or storage 110), the frame color of entry button 173a2 may be blue; if the linked app B is being acquired, the frame color of entry button 173a3 may be yellow; and if the linked app C has not yet been acquired, the frame color of entry button 173a4 may be red.

[0141] In this way, the user of the broadcast receiving device 100 can easily grasp the types of broadcast cooperative applications that can be executed on the broadcast receiving device 100, the security status, and the like.

[0142] [Broadcast-linked app launcher screen on broadcast receiving device] FIG. 12A is a screen display diagram showing an example of a notification screen for making the user aware that there is a broadcast cooperative app that can be launched in the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment.

[0143] For example, in the operation sequence shown in Fig. 7C, after the processing of S304, the display of the broadcast program continues without launching either the data broadcast by the broadcast service or the broadcast-linked app. On the other hand, in this case, if an icon 173b0 as shown in Fig. 12A is displayed to let the user know that there is a broadcast-linked app that can be launched, the usability of the broadcast receiving device 100 is improved. In other words, by displaying the icon 173b0, it is possible to prevent the user from missing the existence of a broadcast-linked app that can be launched.

[0144] The icon 173b0 may be displayed anywhere on the screen, but it is desirable that it be displayed in a location that does not interfere with viewing of the broadcast program. For example, it may be displayed in one of the four corners of the screen. The icon 173b0 may be displayed as text as shown in FIG. 12A, or may be a symbol, graphic, or the like. The icon 173b0 may be displayed all the time, or may be displayed for a predetermined period of time after the power is turned on or the channel is changed. Alternatively, the icon 173b0 may be displayed simultaneously with program information, channel numbers, and the like.

[0145] 12B is a screen display diagram showing an example of a broadcast cooperative app launcher displayed by the processing of S306 in FIG. 7C. In this embodiment, it is assumed that three broadcast cooperative apps, cooperative app A, cooperative app B, and cooperative app C, are executable on the broadcast receiving device 100 based on the description in the AIT or the like. In this case, a broadcast cooperative app launcher 173b1 is displayed at an arbitrary position on the broadcast program screen 173b, and furthermore, an entry button 173b2 for cooperative app A, an entry button 173b3 for cooperative app B, an entry button 173b4 for cooperative app C, and a back button 173b5 are displayed within the broadcast cooperative app launcher 173b1.

[0146] 12B is displayed, when an entry button 173b2, an entry button 173b3, an entry button 173b4, or the like is selected using cursor keys 741ac and enter key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control app, cooperative app A, cooperative app B, cooperative app C, or the like is started under the control of the application control unit 161 and the application engine 162. When the back button 173b5 is selected, the display of the broadcast cooperative app launcher 173b1 is terminated.

[0147] When displaying the broadcast linked app launcher 173b1 on the broadcast program screen 173b, the frame color, inner color, shape, font, size, blinking status, etc. of each entry button may be changed as appropriate depending on the type and security status of the broadcast linked app, the function and genre of the broadcast linked app, the acquisition status of the broadcast app from the network, etc., just as when displaying the entry button of each broadcast linked app on the data broadcast screen 173a of Figure 11.

[0148] Furthermore, the broadcast linked application launcher 173b1 may not be displayed if there is no broadcast linked application that can be executed by the broadcast receiving device 100. Alternatively, in this case, a message such as "There is no available application" may be displayed inside the broadcast linked application launcher 173b1.

[0149] [Broadcast linkage app execution screen on broadcast receiving device] FIG. 13A is a screen display diagram showing an example of a broadcast cooperative app execution screen displayed in the process of S108 in FIG. 7A, the process of S213 in FIG. 7B, the process of S314 in FIG. 7C, the process of S615 in FIG. 9, etc. The broadcast cooperative app of this embodiment is equipped with graphics capabilities and effect capabilities using HTML description, and is capable of overlay display with a broadcast program screen on the video display unit 173. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, a broadcast cooperative app unit 173c1 that displays information such as a weather forecast and news is overlaid and displayed at an arbitrary position on the broadcast program screen 173c. The broadcast cooperative app unit 173c1 is composed of a first main object 173c2, a second main object 173c3, a third main object 173c4, a background object 173c5, etc. Other objects may also be displayed.

[0150] When the broadcast cooperative app section 173c1 is overlaid on the broadcast program screen 173c, the execution of the broadcast cooperative app can be terminated and the display can be switched to the data broadcast screen by selecting the data key 741a8 on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control app. Furthermore, the execution of the broadcast cooperative app can be terminated and the display can be switched back to the broadcast program screen 173c only by selecting the cooperative app key 741a9 on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control app. The above process may be realized by a different operation key.

[0151] In addition, while the broadcast cooperative application section 173c1 is overlaid on the broadcast program screen 173c, the transparency of the broadcast cooperative application section 173c1 can be changed by operating each operation key on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control application. The transparency change process may be performed collectively on the entire broadcast cooperative application section 173c1, or may be performed individually on the first main object 173c2, the second main object 173c3, the third main object 173c4, and the background object 173c5. It may also be performed for each predetermined group (for example, multiple objects existing on the same graphics layer).

[0152] When performing the transparency change process, for example, an object is selected using cursor keys 741ac on basic screen 741a of the collaboration control app, and the transparency of the object is increased by pressing the “blue” key on color keys 741ae and decreased by pressing the “yellow” key. The transparency change process may also be performed using different operation keys. By simultaneously setting the transparency of the entire broadcast collaboration app unit 173c1 to 100%, the broadcast collaboration app unit 173c1 can be temporarily hidden. For example, when an emergency broadcast is distributed via broadcast waves, the transparency of the entire broadcast collaboration app unit can be set to 100%, and only the broadcast program screen of the emergency broadcast can be displayed on video display unit 173. Alternatively, a commercial detection unit (not shown) may detect that the broadcast program has switched from the main video to a commercial video and control the transparency of the entire broadcast collaboration app unit 173c1 to 100% (or a transparency that allows the broadcast program video to be clearly seen).

[0153] By performing the above-described processing, if you want to check the broadcast program screen in the background while the broadcast linked app is running, you can do so without terminating the broadcast linked app.

[0154] 13B is a screen display diagram showing an example of the broadcast cooperative app execution screen displayed in the process of S108 in FIG. 7A, the process of S213 in FIG. 7B, the process of S314 in FIG. 7C, the process of S615 in FIG. 9, etc., different from those described above. In the example shown in FIG. 13B, a broadcast cooperative app section 173c6 introducing recommended programs is overlaid and displayed at an arbitrary position on the broadcast program screen 173c. The broadcast cooperative app section 173c6 displays first recommended program information 173c7, second recommended program information 173c8, third recommended program information 173c9, etc. More recommended program information may be displayed by scrolling, page switching, etc.

[0155] The recommended program information may be information on a program recommended in relation to the currently displayed broadcast program (broadcast program screen 173c), information on a program recommended based on the user's viewing history, or information on a program that is currently a hot topic on the Internet, etc. It may also be information on a recommended program sent to the user by a friend of the user of broadcast receiving device 100. The recommended program may also be a program transmitted by broadcast waves of a digital broadcast service, or a VOD (Video On Demand) program distributed from a server device on the Internet 200. It may also be an information screen such as a homepage prepared on a server device on the Internet 200.

[0156] When the broadcast collaboration app section 173c6 is overlaid on the broadcast program screen 173c, the first recommended program information 173c7, the second recommended program information 173c8, the third recommended program information 173c9, etc. can be selected using the cursor keys 741ac and the decision key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the collaboration control app, and the program images recommended in the first recommended program information 173c7, the second recommended program information 173c8, the third recommended program information 173c9, etc. will be displayed on the display section 173.

[0157] FIG. 13C is a screen display diagram illustrating an example in which a program video recommended by the broadcast cooperative application section 173c6 that introduces recommended programs is displayed. For example, when first recommended program information 173c7 of the broadcast cooperative application section 173c6 is selected using the cursor keys 741ac and the enter key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control application, a program video 173ca of the program recommended by the first recommended program information 173c7 is displayed on the display section 173. The program video 173ca may be paused or jumped to by a specified time by a user operating the operation terminal. Furthermore, when displaying the program video 173ca, the original broadcast program screen 173c may be displayed at any position in a PIP (Picture-In-Picture) format. In this case, the user may be able to change whether the program video 173ca of the recommended program or the original broadcast program screen 173c is the main screen by operating the operation terminal. The window size of the original broadcast program screen 173c may be adjustable by operating the operation terminal.

[0158] Furthermore, by displaying an icon display 173cb at an arbitrary position on the screen, which indicates that the program video 173ca of the recommended program is a video displayed by selecting any of the recommended program information displayed in the broadcast-linked application section 173c6, convenience for the user can be improved. Needless to say, the transparency of the broadcast-linked application section 173c6 may also be changed on the broadcast-linked application execution screen shown in FIG. 13B in the same manner as described above.

[0159] 13D is a screen display diagram showing an example of a broadcast-linked app execution screen different from those described above, which is displayed in the process of S108 in FIG. 7A, the process of S213 in FIG. 7B, the process of S314 in FIG. 7C, the process of S615 in FIG. 9, etc. In the example shown in FIG. 13D, a broadcast-linked app section 173cc, which serves as a portal for an SNS (Social Networking Service) service, is overlaid and displayed at an arbitrary position on a broadcast program screen 173c. The broadcast-linked app section 173cc displays an entry button 173cd for a first SNS service, an entry button 173ce for a second SNS service, an entry button 173cf for a third SNS service, etc. Entry buttons for even more SNS services may be displayed by scrolling, page switching, etc.

[0160] With the broadcast cooperation app section 173cc overlaid on the broadcast program screen 173c, the cursor keys 741ac and the enter key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the cooperation control app can be used to select an entry button 173cd for the first SNS service, an entry button 173ce for the second SNS service, an entry button 173cf for the third SNS service, or the like, to activate functions assigned to each entry button, such as a chat function, a bulletin board function, or an internet telephone function. This allows users to enjoy the currently displayed broadcast program (broadcast program screen 173c) while exchanging information with others. At the same time, the basic screen 741a of the cooperation control app on the mobile information terminal 700 may be changed to a character input screen such as a software keyboard or a voice input screen for chatting or posting on a bulletin board by voice input.

[0161] Furthermore, in addition to the above-described examples, the broadcast cooperative app executable by the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment may be one that uses a cooperative function between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700, and further synchronizes with the timing of broadcasting a commercial, so that a related commercial app is presented on both the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700. Alternatively, for a paid service available on the broadcast receiving device 100, the broadcast cooperative app may check whether the user of the broadcast receiving device 100 has subscribed to the paid service, and change the display of the broadcast receiving device 100 and / or the mobile information terminal 700 depending on the result. In the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment, regardless of which broadcast cooperative app is executed, it is possible to enjoy the effects described using Figures 13A, 13B, etc.

[0162] [Broadcast receiver error display screen] Figure 14 is a screen display diagram showing an example of an error display screen when it is determined that the broadcast-linked app cannot be executed by checking the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data string in the processing of S105 in Figure 7A, the processing of S207 in Figure 7B, the processing of S308 in Figure 7C, the processing of S605 in Figure 8C, etc., when there is an insufficient description in the AIT, or when acquisition of the AIT has failed.

[0163] In the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment, when it is determined that the broadcast-linked app cannot be executed, the reason why the broadcast-linked app cannot be executed, such as the result of checking the application profile 904, is displayed in an error message 173d1. For example, if the result of checking the application profile 904 indicates that a predetermined optional function is missing from the television receiver, this information is displayed in the error message 173d1. An error code and a link (such as a URL) to the television receiver manufacturer's website containing an explanation of the error code may also be displayed. Alternatively, when the broadcast-linked app is acquired from a network, the network connection status is naturally checked in advance. At this time, if the broadcast-linked app cannot be acquired due to, for example, an improper LAN cable connection, this information is displayed in the error message 173d1. Furthermore, the error message 173d1 may also be displayed when a network connection is established but the broadcast-linked app cannot be properly acquired due to poor error conditions. The error message 173d1 may also be displayed when the broadcast-linked app is not yet ready to be executed while the broadcast-linked app is being acquired. Error message 173d1 may also be displayed when the broadcast wave reception status is unstable and information such as the AIT can be received at first but then becomes unable to be received halfway through, etc. In such a case, if the broadcast-linked app obtained from each server device is cached as is, it can be used as is after the broadcast wave reception status is restored.

[0164] Furthermore, if the result of checking the application profile 904 indicates that the television receiver lacks a predetermined optional function, an error message 173d1 may be displayed recommending checking for or updating the latest television receiver firmware. Alternatively, the broadcast receiving device 100 may automatically check for or update the latest firmware. Alternatively, if the broadcast-linked app can be executed by adding paid optional hardware or optional software to the television receiver, information about the paid optional hardware or optional software may be displayed. Note that the error message 173d1 may be displayed on the mobile information terminal 700 rather than on the broadcast receiving device 100.

[0165] [Broadcast linkage app execution screen on mobile information terminal] Fig. 15 is a screen display diagram showing an example of the broadcast cooperative app (terminal side) execution screen displayed in the processing of S619 in Fig. 9. The broadcast cooperative app execution screen 741c shown in Fig. 15 is composed of a main window 741c1, a sub-window 741c2, a selection marker 741c3, cursor keys 741c4 and 741c5, an explanation display section 741c6, and an end button 741c7. Other objects may also be added.

[0166] In this embodiment, the broadcast cooperative app (terminal side) executed on the mobile information terminal 700 is an application for checking details of a broadcast program being displayed on the broadcast receiving device 100. The main window 741c1 displays the same image as the broadcast program screen being displayed on the broadcast receiving device 100, and the sub-window 741c2 displays an enlarged image of a position designated by a selection marker 741c3. The position of the selection marker 741c3 can be changed by selecting cursor keys 741c4 and 741c5. The commentary display area 714c6 displays commentary subtitles about the broadcast program being displayed on the main window 741c1, comments posted by other users about the broadcast program, and the like. The end button 741c7 is a button for terminating the operation of the broadcast cooperative app (terminal side).

[0167] By running the broadcast cooperative application (terminal side) on the mobile information terminal 700, the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 can operate in cooperation with each other to expand the functionality of the broadcast communication cooperative service.

[0168] [EPG screen of broadcast receiver] 16A is a screen display diagram showing an example of an electronic program guide (EPG) display screen in the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment. The EPG display screen 173e is a distribution schedule of broadcast programs in the digital broadcast service of this embodiment, which is created by the main control unit 101 based on the program information data string output from the first separation unit 132. By selecting the program guide key 741a7 on the basic screen 741a of the cooperation control app, the EPG display screen 173e is displayed on the video display unit 173.

[0169] In this embodiment, the EPG display screen 173e displays detailed information about each broadcast program broadcast on each channel in each time period in a matrix format with the vertical axis representing time and the horizontal axis representing service ID (channel). As shown in Fig. 16A, detailed information 173e1 about each broadcast program is mainly composed of a title area 173e2 and a detailed description area 173e3.

[0170] The title area 173e2 displays the program title of each broadcast program and symbols representing the attributes of each broadcast program. The symbols representing the attributes of each broadcast program are, for example, a symbolized "New" sign indicating that it is a new program, or a symbolized "Replay" sign indicating that it is a rebroadcast program. Alternatively, a symbolized "data" sign indicating that the program is compatible with data broadcasting via a broadcast service may be used. Furthermore, if the broadcast program is available with a broadcast-linked app that can be executed by the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment, a symbolized "Linkage" sign indicating this may be used. The detailed explanation area 173e3 displays related information such as the program content and performers of each broadcast program, the URL of a website introducing each broadcast program, etc.

[0171] Note that the symbolized mark "Linkage" displayed in the title area 173e2 may not be displayed if the result of checking the application profile 904 indicates that the broadcast program cannot be executed on the information display device 100, even if the broadcast program has a broadcast-linked app available. Also, the symbolized mark "Linkage" displayed in the title area 173e2, which indicates that the broadcast program has an executable broadcast-linked app available, may have its color, shape, font, etc. changed depending on whether or not the program can be operated in cooperation with a mobile terminal device. If the program can be operated in cooperation with a mobile terminal device, a symbolized mark "Mobile" may be displayed together with the symbolized mark "Linkage."

[0172] Whether or not to display the symbolic mark "Linkage" or the symbolic mark "Mobile" can be controlled by acquiring information, which is previously written in EIT information including detailed information about each broadcast program, such as whether or not each broadcast program is a broadcast program for which a broadcast-linked app executable by the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment is prepared, and whether or not the executable broadcast-linked app is capable of operating in conjunction with a mobile terminal device. Alternatively, the information acquired from program distribution information of digital broadcast programs prepared in a predetermined server device on the Internet 200 may be added to an electronic program guide created based on a program information data string acquired from broadcast waves of a digital broadcast service.

[0173] As described above, by displaying a symbolic mark "Linkage" indicating that a broadcast program has an executable broadcast-linked app available and a symbolic mark "Mobile" indicating that the program can be linked with a mobile terminal device on the EPG display screen 173e, the user can easily understand the compatibility of each broadcast program with the broadcast-communication linked service on the broadcast receiving device 100. Needless to say, the symbolic mark representing the predetermined characters that represent the attributes of each broadcast program may be replaced with the characters themselves, sentences, etc. The compatibility of each broadcast program with the broadcast-communication linked service may be indicated by changing the background color of the detailed information 173e1 of each broadcast program. Furthermore, the symbolic mark "Linkage" or the symbolic mark "Mobile" may not normally be displayed in the title area 173e2, but may be displayed as a pop-up only when the broadcast program is selected with the program selection cursor 173e4.

[0174] The broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment has a function of scheduling viewing and / or recording of each broadcast program on the EPG display screen 173 e. For example, while the EPG display screen 173 e is displayed, the user can use the cursor keys 741 ac on the basic screen 741 a of the cooperative control application to move the program selection cursor 173 e 4 on the EPG display screen 173 e, and select any broadcast program with the enter key 741 ad to schedule viewing and / or recording of the selected broadcast program.

[0175] In the above process, if the broadcast program for which the viewing reservation and / or recording reservation has been made is a broadcast program compatible with a broadcast-communication cooperative service, the viewing reservation and / or recording reservation may be used as a trigger to start acquiring a broadcast-interactive app prepared for the broadcast program without waiting for the broadcast start time of the broadcast program. That is, information specifying the acquisition source of the broadcast-interactive app (location information such as a URL) may be included in EIT information containing detailed information about each broadcast program. In this way, the broadcast receiving device 100 can grasp information about the acquisition source of the broadcast-interactive app prepared for each broadcast program when the broadcast program is selected with the program selection cursor 173e4. Therefore, the broadcast receiving device 100 can start acquiring the broadcast-interactive app before the broadcast start time of the broadcast program.

[0176] In addition, if the broadcast program for which the viewing reservation and / or recording reservation has been made is a broadcast program that supports a broadcast communication cooperative service and is capable of cooperative operation with a mobile terminal device, the broadcast cooperative app (terminal side) prepared for the mobile terminal device may also start acquiring the broadcast cooperative app before the broadcast start time of the broadcast program using the same process as described above. Also, as shown in Fig. 16B, a two-dimensional barcode 173e5 or the like indicating information (location information such as a URL) of the acquisition destination of the broadcast cooperative app (terminal side) prepared for the mobile terminal device may be displayed on the EPG display screen 173e to prompt the user to download the broadcast cooperative app (terminal side) prepared for the mobile terminal device.

[0177] In this way, if the broadcast receiving device 100 refers to the acquisition source information of the broadcast-linked app included in the EPG information and starts acquiring the broadcast-linked app before the broadcast start time of the broadcast program, it becomes possible to distribute the load on the service provider server 400 that stores the broadcast-linked app. Furthermore, even if the communication speed of the network between the service provider server 400 and the information display terminal 100 is insufficient, it becomes possible to effectively use the broadcast-linked app immediately after the broadcast start time of the broadcast program.

[0178] FIG. 17 is an operational sequence diagram showing an example of a broadcast cooperative app acquisition sequence when a broadcast program viewing reservation and / or recording reservation is made on the EPG display screen 173e.

[0179] While viewing a digital broadcast service, the main control unit 101 of the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires a program information data sequence output from the first separation unit 132 (S701). When the user requests the launch of an EPG screen using the operation terminal (S702), an EPG display screen 173e is displayed on the video display unit 173 (S703). When the user selects an arbitrary broadcast program on the EPG display screen 173e using the operation terminal to schedule viewing and / or recording of the broadcast program (S704), the main control unit 101 checks the program information data sequence acquired from the first separation unit 132 (S705), and further checks the location of the acquisition source of a broadcast-linked app linked to the broadcast program scheduled for viewing and / or recording (S706).

[0180] After the processing of S706, the application control unit 161 transmits a broadcast-interactive app transmission request to the predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 based on the confirmed URL (S707). The service provider server 400 that has received the broadcast-interactive app transmission request performs authentication processing of the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary based on the control of the application management / distribution execution unit 4103, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast-interactive app stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S708). Next, the application control unit 161 caches the predetermined broadcast-interactive app received from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 in the RAM 104 or the storage 110 (S709).

[0181] According to the transceiver 100 of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to execute functions with higher added value. [Example]

[0182] The following describes Example 2 of the present invention. The configuration, effects, etc. of this Example are the same as those of Example 1 unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the following mainly describes the differences between this Example and Example 1, and omits explanations of common points as much as possible to avoid duplication.

[0183] In the first embodiment, an embodiment in which mobile information terminal cooperation processing (hereinafter referred to as terminal cooperation) is performed has been described, but a more detailed embodiment will be described below.

[0184] When performing mobile information terminal linkage, there are cases where it is desired to limit the use of terminal linkage to only mobile information terminals 700 that are located in the same home as broadcast receiving device 100 (hereinafter, this restriction will be referred to as "same-home restriction"). For example, this may be the case when, in an application for using broadcast linkage (hereinafter, referred to as "broadcast linkage app"), the display screen of broadcast receiving device 100 and the display screen of mobile information terminal 700 are closely related, or when it is desired to ensure that the user of mobile information terminal 700 can view advertising video displayed on broadcast receiving device 100.

[0185] Note that one point that must be considered in the procedure is whether or not the broadcast-linked app in question imposes a same-house restriction. If it is assumed that all broadcast-linked apps are subject to a same-house restriction, this determination is not necessary. However, if there are cases where there is no restriction, the broadcast receiving device 100 must acquire control information regarding the presence or absence of a same-house restriction and change the operating procedure. This control information regarding the presence or absence of a restriction may be acquired from the broadcast signal (for example, described as an item in the AIT) or may be acquired from a server designated by the broadcast station.

[0186] Including the above procedure, in this embodiment, a procedure for ensuring that the mobile information terminal 700 is present in the same home as the broadcast receiving device 100 will be described.

[0187] Typically, devices that exist within the same home are on a local network that is connected to the same router device 210. Therefore, if the mobile information terminal 700 is connected to the same local network as the broadcast receiving device 100, it can be determined that they exist within the same home. Note that whether or not a target device is connected to a local network can be determined using a known method, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0188] Furthermore, even if the mobile information terminal 700 is not on the local network, it can be determined that it is present in the same home by directly communicating with the broadcast receiving device 100 using NFC, Bluetooth, infrared communication, etc. In this case, the communication for acquiring the broadcast collaborative app, etc. may be the above-mentioned direct communication or may be via mobile telephone communication.

[0189] As described above, there are several possible methods for confirming that the devices are in the same house. The method to be used is described in, for example, the AIT, which is read by the broadcast receiving device 100.

[0190] Furthermore, once it is confirmed that the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same home, it may be considered to be in the same home until the program ends, or a certain valid time (for example, 10 minutes) may be set, during which it is considered to be in the same home, but once the valid time has elapsed, it is not considered to be in the same home unless a new confirmation is made. This valid time may be written in, for example, the AIT and read by the broadcast receiving device 100.

[0191] Furthermore, for example, an event signal may be set in the broadcast signal at any point during the program, and each time this event signal is received, it may be confirmed that the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same home.

[0192] Furthermore, the first two methods can be used in combination.

[0193] Next, a specific procedure for permitting terminal linkage only for mobile information terminals 700 present in the same home will be described. In this embodiment, restrictions are imposed when the mobile information terminal 700 acquires a broadcast-linked app or acquires information used in the broadcast-linked app (hereinafter, the broadcast-linked app and the information used in the broadcast-linked app, specifically, HTML documents, streaming video, etc., are collectively referred to as broadcast-linked information). There are two methods for acquiring broadcast-linked information: communication acquisition from the broadcast station server 300 or the provider server 400, and broadcast acquisition from broadcast waves. In the case of communication acquisition, there are two methods: acquisition after broadcast reception starts, and acquisition before broadcast reception starts. Furthermore, in the case of communication acquisition, there are two cases: the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the information once, and the mobile information terminal 700 acquires it from the broadcast receiving device 100, and there are also cases where the mobile information terminal 700 acquires it directly from the broadcast station server 300 or the provider server 400. There are various methods, but from the viewpoint of the mobile information terminal 700, they can be roughly divided into two: obtaining from the broadcast receiving device 100, and obtaining from the broadcast station server 300 or the operator server 400.

[0194] In this embodiment, a case where the mobile information terminal 700 acquires broadcast cooperation information from the broadcast receiving device 100 will be described, and a case where the information is acquired from a server will be described in the next embodiment.

[0195] FIG. 18A shows the procedure of this example.

[0196] First, before performing terminal linkage, a linkage control app, which is an application that controls terminal linkage, is launched in each of the mobile information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10001, S10002). In this state, a terminal linkage request is made from the mobile information terminal 700 to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10003). Next, an AIT is acquired from the broadcast signal (S10004). From the information in this AIT, it is determined whether the app for the target mobile information terminal has a same-house restriction (S10006). If there is a restriction, the process proceeds to step S10008. In the initial stage where a terminal linkage request is made, the process proceeds to step S10009, where it is determined whether the mobile information terminal 700 that made the terminal linkage request is located in the same home as the broadcast receiver 100 (S10009). If it is determined that they are not located in the same home, a linkage denial response is sent to the linkage control app on the mobile information terminal, and the process ends (S10011).

[0197] Here, if it is assumed that all broadcast-linked apps have the same-house restriction, the determination in S10006 is skipped. If there is a possibility that both apps have the same-house restriction and apps do not, the determination in S10006 is performed.

[0198] If it is determined that the mobile information terminal 700 is located within the same home, or if the app does not have a same-home restriction, the process proceeds to S10012, where a broadcast-linked app-related service is performed. This service (S10012) processes a broadcast-linked information distribution request (S10013) from the mobile information terminal 700, and distributes broadcast-linked information to the mobile information terminal 700 (S10018). This broadcast-linked information may be distributed by the broadcast receiving device 100 from a distribution server that is the provider server 300 (S10014, S10015, S10016), obtained from a broadcast signal (S10017), or stored in the broadcast receiving device 100. The broadcast receiving device 100 may receive the broadcast linked information (S10016, S10017) not only in response to a broadcast linked information distribution request (S10013) from the mobile information terminal 700, but also autonomously by the broadcast receiving device 100 or may acquire the information based on the occurrence of an event from a broadcast signal. Furthermore, the broadcast linked information may also be distributed to the mobile information terminal 700 (S10018) voluntarily by the broadcast receiving device 100.

[0199] After the series of processes of receiving (obtaining) and distributing broadcast linkage information is completed, the broadcast receiving device 100 determines whether the user is continuing to watch the same program (S10019), and if not, responds to the linkage control app on the mobile information terminal that linkage is not permitted, and the process ends (S10020).

[0200] If viewing continues, the process returns to S10005. If there is a home restriction, the process checks whether the mobile information terminal 700 is within the same home (S10009). It then determines whether a preset valid time has elapsed since the last check, or whether a confirmation request (S10007) has been generated from the broadcast signal or distribution server since the last check (S10008). If neither of these conditions is met, the process does not check whether the mobile information terminal 700 is within the same home (S10009), and proceeds via S10010 to the execution of the next broadcast-linked app-related service (S10012). Here, the process describes that the confirmation request from the broadcast signal (S10007) is to be acquired from the broadcast-linked information, but here, the process also describes that the event message is included in the broadcast-linked information. Furthermore, this confirmation request may be described in the AIT.

[0201] The procedure described above is a loop processing procedure involving the broadcast signal, broadcast receiving device 100, mobile information terminal 700, and distribution server in the section indicated by the arrow of S10022. The confirmation request of S10007 may be made at any time within the loop.

[0202] Furthermore, the authentication information described in the AIT may be incorporated into the authentication key used for authentication in the distribution server (S10015). This makes it possible to confirm that the authentication request is legitimate. Also, by changing the authentication information described in the AIT as the program progresses and configuring the distribution server to not perform authentication unless it uses an authentication key incorporating information synchronized with the program progress, it is possible to confirm that the same program is being continuously viewed. In this case, the information in the AIT is read and updated as appropriate (S10021). Note that the authentication information to be incorporated into the broadcast signal may be incorporated as broadcast-linked information in addition to being described in the AIT. Furthermore, as a method of essentially changing the authentication information, a method of changing the URL of the distribution server itself as the program progresses can also be used.

[0203] In this way, while executing the broadcast-linked app-related service (S10012), the mobile information terminal 700 checks whether it is in the same home as the broadcast receiving device 100 at predetermined valid time intervals or whenever there is a confirmation request from a broadcast signal or distribution server, thereby making it possible to appropriately execute broadcast-related apps that are restricted to being in the same home. Furthermore, by using authentication information incorporated in the broadcast signal for authentication by the distribution server, the legitimacy of the distribution request can be ensured, and by appropriately changing the authentication information in the broadcast signal, it is also possible to confirm that the same program is being continuously viewed.

[0204] According to the mobile information terminal cooperation technology according to the present embodiment described above, it is possible to realize the same-house restriction for mobile information terminals that cooperate with a broadcast receiving device. [Example]

[0205] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the mobile information terminal 700 acquires broadcast cooperation information from a distribution server.

[0206] FIG. 18B shows the procedure of this example.

[0207] First, before performing terminal linkage, a linkage control app, which is an application that controls terminal linkage, is launched in each of the mobile information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10101, S10102). In this state, the mobile information terminal 700 sends a terminal linkage request to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10103). Next, an AIT is acquired from the broadcast signal (S10104). Information such as a URL related to the distribution server is acquired from the information in the AIT, and this information is transmitted to the mobile information terminal 700 (S10105). Next, a time confirmation request is issued from the broadcast receiving device 100 to the distribution server (S10106), and based on this request, the distribution server transmits time information to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10107). This allows the subsequent authentication key issuance (S10115) to be synchronized with the time on the distribution server, but this step may be omitted if the time difference is not a problem.

[0208] After this, the loop control indicated by the arrow at S10127 is entered.

[0209] First, the mobile information terminal 700 issues a request for issuing an authentication key or a broadcast linked information distribution request to the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10109). The authentication key is used in a broadcast linked information distribution request to the distribution server at a later stage (S10125). The broadcast linked distribution request at S10109 is a distribution request for information acquired from a broadcast signal, and corresponds to the procedure at S10126 at a later stage.

[0210] In either case, when the request of S10109 is issued from the mobile information terminal, it is determined whether the broadcast-linked app has a same-household restriction (S10111). If there is a restriction, the process proceeds to the next step S10112. If there is no restriction, step S10112 is skipped and the process proceeds to S10114. If all broadcast-linked apps have a same-household restriction, the determination of S10111 is not performed and the process proceeds to S10112. In S10112, it is determined whether the mobile information terminal that issued the request is within the same home. If not, the device linkage is terminated (S10113). If the mobile information terminal is within the same home, the requested procedure is performed: acquiring broadcast-linked information from the distribution server (S10125) or acquiring broadcast-linked information from the broadcast signal (S10126). Since acquisition from the broadcast signal is possible in addition to acquisition from the distribution server, the procedure of S10126 is also described.

[0211] First, the procedure for acquiring broadcast linkage information from the distribution server (S10125) will be described.

[0212] First, the broadcast receiver 100 issues the authentication key requested by the information-linked terminal 700. At this time, the authentication key includes time information at the time of issuance and is valid only for a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 minutes). The distribution server checks the authentication information, including whether the authentication key is within the valid period, and if the authentication is OK, allows the distribution of broadcast-linked information. Thereafter, the distribution of information is allowed within the valid period, but the distribution stops once the valid period has elapsed. For example, streaming video will no longer be viewable once the valid period has elapsed.

[0213] The preset validity period may be stored in the distribution server, or may be acquired by broadcast receiving device 100 from a broadcast signal (e.g., AIT) and the validity period information may be incorporated into the authentication key. The validity period information may be notified to mobile information terminal 700 in advance, so that the mobile information terminal 700 may request the issuance of an authentication key before the validity period expires. Alternatively, the validity period may be managed by broadcast receiving device 100, and an authentication key may be automatically issued to mobile information terminal 700 from broadcast receiving device 100 before the validity period expires after confirming that the mobile information terminal 700 is within the same home.

[0214] The validity period may be the same for the entire program, or may change as the program progresses. If no validity period is set, authentication may be performed once and remain valid for the duration of the program.

[0215] Furthermore, the authentication information described in the AIT may be incorporated into the authentication key used for authentication in the distribution server (S10117). This makes it possible to confirm that the authentication request is legitimate. Furthermore, by changing the authentication information described in the AIT as the program progresses and configuring the distribution server to not perform authentication unless it uses an authentication key incorporating information synchronized with the program progress, it is possible to confirm that the same program is being continuously viewed. In this case, the information in the AIT is read and updated as appropriate (S10124). Note that the authentication information to be incorporated into the broadcast signal may be incorporated as broadcast-linked information in addition to being described in the AIT. Furthermore, as a method for essentially changing the authentication information, a method can be used in which the URL of the distribution server itself is changed as the program progresses. Note that the URL change in this case is when the distribution server is the same but the entrance is different. However, it is also possible to change to a new distribution server due to a change in the broadcast-linked app, etc. In this case, the procedures of transmitting distribution server information (S10105), requesting time confirmation (S10106), and transmitting time information (S10107) are performed each time a change is made.

[0216] Next, the procedure for acquiring broadcast cooperation information from a broadcast signal (S10126) will be described.

[0217] In this case, after it is confirmed that the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same home, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires broadcast linkage information from the broadcast signal (S10119) and then distributes the information to the mobile information terminal 700 (S10120).

[0218] In addition, when the broadcast linked information is changed as the program progresses, a notification of the change may be sent from the broadcast signal (S10110), and the notification may trigger the acquisition of the broadcast linked information. In this case, if the broadcast linked information is acquired from the distribution server, the broadcast receiving device 100 issues an authentication key to the mobile information terminal (S10115) and notifies the mobile information terminal of the change notification. If the validity period is within the validity period, the issuance of the authentication key may be omitted and only the change notification may be sent. In the case of acquisition from the broadcast signal, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the information (S10119) and distributes it to the mobile information terminal (S10120). In addition, in the case of acquisition from the broadcast signal, it may be possible to confirm that the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same home for each change notification, or, as in the second embodiment, this confirmation may be omitted if the validity period is within the validity period. Here, although the change notification from the broadcast signal (S10110) is described as being acquired from the broadcast linked information, the broadcast linked information is also described as including an event message. Furthermore, this change notice may be included in the AIT.

[0219] After a series of processes for receiving (obtaining) and distributing broadcast linkage information is completed, the broadcast receiving device 100 determines whether the user is continuing to watch the same program (S10121), and if not, responds to the linkage control app on the mobile information terminal that linkage is not permitted, and ends the process (S10123). If viewing is continuing, the process returns to S10108, and loop process S10127 continues.

[0220] In this way, by including time information in the authentication key used to authenticate the distribution server and managing the validity period, it is possible to periodically confirm that the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same home as the broadcast receiving device 100, and to appropriately execute broadcast-linked apps that have same-home restrictions. Furthermore, by using the authentication information embedded in the broadcast signal for authentication by the distribution server, the legitimacy of the distribution request can be ensured, and by appropriately changing the authentication information in the broadcast signal, it is also possible to confirm that the same program is being viewed continuously.

[0221] According to the mobile information terminal linkage technology of this embodiment described above, it is possible to achieve same-home restrictions even when a mobile information terminal linked to a broadcast receiving device obtains broadcast linkage information from a distribution server. [Example]

[0222] In the second and third embodiments, procedures for realizing the same-home restriction in terminal linkage were described. However, depending on the broadcast-linked app, use from outside the home may also be permitted. This embodiment describes such a case. For example, when a program itself, such as a television shopping program, is public relations or advertising, it is desirable for the broadcaster if the broadcast-linked app can be used both inside and outside the home. For such programs, once the program is registered in the broadcast receiving device 100, use of the broadcast-linked app may be permitted regardless of whether the mobile information terminal 700 is inside the home. In this case, convenience would be enhanced if there was a broadcast-linked app that converts the broadcast video itself into streaming data and distributes it from the broadcast receiving device 100 to the mobile information terminal 700 via the Internet. The streaming data may be encrypted by the broadcast receiving device 100 for copyright protection. Whether the broadcast-linked app permits use from outside the home, including distribution of broadcast video outside the home, is specified in data within the broadcast signal (e.g., AIT).

[0223] The specific procedure is shown in FIG. 18C . Since some of the procedure is common to Examples 2 and 3, the description of the overlapping parts with Examples 2 and 3 will be omitted. When a terminal link request (S10203) is received from outside the home, if the application is permitted for use outside the home, the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms whether the requestor is a registered mobile information terminal (S10205) and then permits linkage. Here, if necessary, authentication may be performed between the mobile information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 to protect the copyright of the broadcast video and broadcast linkage information (S10207). In this case, the authentication may be performed by the distribution server (S10207). Information regarding the necessity of copyright protection and information regarding the authentication method for copyright protection are obtained from the broadcast signal (e.g., described in the AIT), and control is performed accordingly. If this information is not stored in the broadcast signal, a predetermined method is followed in the broadcast receiving device 100. For example, a predetermined copyright protection process may be performed. Furthermore, if such information is not stored in the broadcast signal, it may be predetermined that the broadcast receiving device 100 will not perform copyright protection processing.

[0224] Specific examples of authentication for copyright protection are shown below. Each of the following authentications may be performed alone. Alternatively, multiple authentications exemplified below may be performed in combination. Furthermore, the authentications exemplified below may be performed in combination with other authentication processes not exemplified below.

[0225] [ID and password authentication] When the mobile information terminal 700 is registered with the broadcast receiving device 100, an ID and password are issued, and the broadcast receiving device 100 permits cooperation by verifying this ID and password.

[0226] [Encryption key usage] In addition to the authentication using the ID and password, an encryption key for decrypting encrypted video data, etc. is transmitted from the broadcast receiving device 100 to the mobile information terminal. This encryption key may be obtained from the broadcast signal (for example, written in the AIT).

[0227] [Use of distribution server] In this method, an encryption key for decrypting encrypted video data, etc., is issued from the distribution server. The mobile information terminal 700 transmits an ID and password to the distribution server and obtains the encryption key. In this case, security is further enhanced by obtaining location information (specifically, a URL) of the distribution server from the broadcast signal (e.g., written in the AIT) and transmitting this location information from the broadcast receiving device 100 to the mobile information terminal 700. Since the mobile information terminal 700 cannot decrypt videos, etc. unless it can obtain the encryption key, the broadcast receiving device 100 may request authentication from the distribution server as authentication for copyright protection, or the authentication may be completed by the mobile information terminal 700 notifying the broadcast receiving device 100 that the encryption key has been obtained. Note that the distribution server may perform billing.

[0228] [Mutual authentication of encryption keys] The broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 mutually authenticate and confirm the encryption keys they each have, thereby authenticating copyright protection.

[0229] When information stored in a broadcast signal indicates that copyright protection is required by a predetermined method, if the copyright protection cannot be authenticated by the predetermined method, terminal linkage is not permitted. Also, even if there is no designation in the broadcast signal and authentication is performed by a default method of the broadcast receiving device 100, if the copyright protection cannot be authenticated by the default method, terminal linkage is not permitted.

[0230] If terminal linkage is permitted, thereafter, the presence of the mobile information terminal 700 within the same home is not confirmed. Instead, broadcast linkage information is delivered to the mobile information terminal 700 (S10217) and an authentication key for the distribution server is issued (S10212) in accordance with a request from the mobile information terminal 700 (S10211), autonomous control of the broadcast receiving device 100, and a request from the broadcast signal (S10210). In this case, control that sets the validity period does not have to be performed. The mobile information terminal 700 located outside the home acquires broadcast linkage information from the broadcast receiving device 100 or the distribution server using the issued authentication key (S10215). Furthermore, if the authentication key issued by the broadcast receiving device 100 incorporates authentication information acquired from the broadcast signal (e.g., described in the AIT), and the distribution server permits access if the authentication key incorporates the authentication information acquired from the broadcast signal, further optimization of outside-home use can be achieved.

[0231] Furthermore, in some cases, such as when offering a discount as a premium for viewing a program, it may be better not to permit unlimited use of the broadcast-linked app. In such cases, it is preferable to perform authentication once while the mobile information terminal is in the same home, and then permit use of the distribution server even if the mobile information terminal is not in the same home. In this case, it does not matter if the mobile information terminal 700 is not registered in the broadcast receiving device 100.

[0232] Specific procedures for this case are shown in FIG. 18D. Since some of the procedures are common to those shown in FIG. 18C, the overlapping portions will not be described. First, when the mobile information terminal 700 is located in the same home as the broadcast receiving device 100, the mobile information terminal 700 sends a terminal linkage request to the broadcast receiving device 100. The broadcast receiving device 100 confirms that the mobile information terminal 700 is located in the same home (S10305) and then permits linkage. If necessary, authentication may be performed between the mobile information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 to protect the copyright of the broadcast video and broadcast linkage information (S10307). In this case, authentication may be performed by an external distribution server. Information regarding the necessity of copyright protection and information regarding the authentication method for copyright protection are obtained from the broadcast signal (e.g., described in the AIT), and control is performed accordingly. If this information is not stored in the broadcast signal, a predetermined method is followed in the broadcast receiving device 100. For example, a predetermined copyright protection process may be performed. Furthermore, if such information is not stored in the broadcast signal, it may be predetermined that the broadcast receiving device 100 will not perform copyright protection processing.

[0233] Specific examples of authentication for copyright protection are shown below. Each of the following authentications may be performed alone. Alternatively, multiple authentications exemplified below may be performed in combination. Furthermore, the authentications exemplified below may be performed in combination with other authentication processes not exemplified below.

[0234] [Encryption key usage] When the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same home, an encryption key for decrypting encrypted video data, etc. is transmitted from the broadcast receiving device 100 to the mobile information terminal. This encryption key may be obtained from the broadcast signal (for example, written in the AIT). The delivery of this encryption key within the same home constitutes authentication. Furthermore, if the encryption key can only be obtained from the broadcast signal at a certain point in the program and the delivery of the encryption key to the mobile information terminal 700 is limited to within the same home, it is possible to impose a restriction that the user must be in the same home at that time, which can also be used to provide a premium for viewing.

[0235] [Use of distribution server] In this method, a distribution server issues an encryption key for decrypting encrypted video data, etc. The mobile information terminal 700 transmits an ID and password to the distribution server to obtain the encryption key. In this case, security is enhanced by obtaining the distribution server's location information (specifically, a URL) from the broadcast signal (e.g., written in the AIT) and transmitting this location information from the broadcast receiving device 100 to the mobile information terminal 700. Since the mobile information terminal 700 cannot decrypt video data without obtaining the encryption key, the broadcast receiving device 100 may request authentication from the distribution server to protect copyright, or the mobile information terminal 700 may notify the broadcast receiving device 100 that the encryption key has been obtained to complete authentication. Access to the distribution server can be performed both inside and outside the home. However, by restricting the distribution server's location information to be obtained from the broadcast signal only at a certain point in the program and limiting the transfer of location information to the mobile information terminal 700 to within the same home, a restriction can be imposed, requiring the user to be within the same home at that time. This can also be used to provide a premium for viewing. The distribution server may also charge a fee.

[0236] [Mutual authentication of encryption keys] The broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 mutually authenticate and confirm the encryption keys they each have, thereby authenticating copyright protection. This authentication may also be performed either inside or outside the home.

[0237] When information stored in a broadcast signal indicates that copyright protection using a predetermined method is required, if the copyright protection cannot be authenticated using that predetermined method, terminal linkage is not permitted. Also, even if there is no designation in the broadcast signal and authentication is performed using a default method of the broadcast receiver 100, if the copyright protection cannot be authenticated using that default method, terminal linkage is not permitted. The procedure after terminal linkage is permitted is the same as the procedure in Figure 18C, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0238] According to the mobile information terminal cooperation technology according to the present embodiment described above, it is possible to realize the use of a mobile information terminal that cooperates with a broadcast receiving device from outside the home while taking into consideration copyright protection. [Example]

[0239] In actual usage situations, it is more desirable to easily know whether a terminal-linked app is available for a program and which terminal-linked apps are available. In this embodiment, a method for displaying the availability status of terminal-linked apps will be described. A terminal-linked app refers to a broadcast-linked app used in device linkage.

[0240] FIG. 19A shows an example of a broadcast-linked app launcher screen (173b11) when a terminal-linked app is present. The broadcast-linked app is displayed as a boxed text icon. Broadcast-linked apps (173b12-173b14) for the broadcast receiving device 100 linked to the currently viewed program and broadcast-linked apps (173b15-173b17) for the mobile information terminal are displayed. In this example, the thickness of the frame surrounding the text and the color of the box indicate the app status. Main app A and B (173b12, 173b13) and terminal app A and B (173b15, 173b16) are available, while main app C (173b14) and terminal app C (173b17) are unavailable. A terminal app being unavailable means that none of the mobile information terminals 700 that are capable of communicating with the broadcast receiving device 100 have the function to execute the app.

[0241] Fig. 19B is a screen that appears after terminal application A is selected in Fig. 19A. It shows the state of each mobile information terminal 700 related to terminal application A. The mobile information terminals displayed on this screen are terminals that have previously collaborated with or are registered with broadcast receiving device 100.

[0242] Mobile terminal 1 (173b22) and mobile terminal 2 (173b23) whose icons have solid borders are in a state where they can communicate with broadcast receiving device 100, while mobile terminal 3 (173b24) and mobile terminal 4 (173b25) whose icons have dotted borders are not in a state where they can communicate with broadcast receiving device 100. Furthermore, mobile terminal 1 (173b22) and mobile terminal 3 (173b24) whose icons have white borders are capable of executing terminal app A, while mobile terminal 2 (173b23) and mobile terminal 4 (173b25) whose icons have gray borders are not capable of executing terminal app A. Furthermore, if an app is already running on the device, an icon with a design that indicates this may be used.

[0243] Additionally, icons are easier to understand visually if they are made of pictures, as shown below as an example.

[0244] 19C is an example of a launcher screen (173b31) showing a list of broadcast-linked apps. In addition to the broadcast receiving device 100, icons are shown for each type of mobile information terminal 700. Icons 173b32 and 173b33 are icons indicating the broadcast receiving device 100, icons 173b34 and 173b35 are icons indicating a smartphone-type mobile information terminal 700, and icon 173b36 is an icon indicating a head-mounted display-type mobile information terminal 700. Each app is for the device indicated by the icon.

[0245] In FIG. 19C, if the app cannot be used, a mark indicating that it is unavailable (in this case, a circle with a diagonal line) is displayed superimposed on the image of the device. Furthermore, for the broadcast receiving device 100, if the app is already running, a mark indicating this (in this case, a circle with a dot) may be displayed superimposed. This display prevents unnecessary actions such as proceeding with the launcher procedure even though the app is already running. For the mobile information terminal 700, a method is also possible in which a mark indicating that the app is running is displayed when the app is running on all devices that are capable of communicating with the broadcast receiving device and that can run the app.

[0246] FIG. 19D shows a screen (173b41) that appears after selecting application C (173b34) in FIG. 19C. The screen shows the state of a mobile information terminal 700 that is compatible with application C. On this screen, if the mobile information terminal 700 does not have the capability to execute a broadcast-linked application, is not capable of communicating with the broadcast receiving device 100, or is already running the broadcast-linked application, a mark representing that fact is displayed superimposed on the icon. In this example, if the mobile information terminal 700 does not have the capability to execute the application, a circle with a line (173b44, 173b46) is displayed; if the mobile information terminal 700 is not capable of communicating, a triangle with an exclamation point (173b45, 173b46) is displayed; and if the application is already running, a circle with a dot (173b43) is displayed.

[0247] Furthermore, it is desirable to have a display method that allows users to know that a broadcast-linked app is available when the situation changes, without having to start a launcher each time. For example, when the power is turned on, when the channel is changed, at the beginning of a program or during a program, when there is a change in the broadcast-linked app, when there is a change in the communication status between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700, or when the execution status of the app changes, an icon is displayed for a predetermined period of time to show the status at that time.

[0248] An example of this case is shown in Figure 19E. When an icon indicating the type of device is displayed, it indicates that there is a broadcast-linked app that is compatible with that type of device. In this case, a circle with a diagonal line indicates that there are no usable devices of that type that can run the app. A circle with a dot indicates that the app is running on all usable devices of that type.

[0249] FIG. 19F shows a display screen (10401) on the mobile information terminal 700. When requesting terminal linkage from the mobile information terminal 700, it is convenient to know in a list which broadcast receiving devices 100 can use which broadcast-linked apps. FIG. 19F shows an example of such a list (10402). This table shows which broadcast receiving devices 100 in the home can use the broadcast-linked apps corresponding to the program you are looking up. Displaying the status of each broadcast receiving device 100 also enhances convenience, especially when using the device outside the home. This example shows display examples such as receiving the program, receiving another program, available, and having another program scheduled (when another program has been scheduled to be recorded midway through the program). Note that if the broadcast receiving device 100 has multiple tuners, displaying the status for each tuner would further enhance convenience. In table 10202, sub-numbers are used to distinguish between tuners within the same device. For example, receiving device B-1 and receiving device B-2 are tuners within the same broadcast receiving device 100. In the case of terminal linkage, if broadcast video and audio can be received as streaming data, there is no need to use the video section of broadcast receiving device 100, and broadcasting can be used if the tuner within broadcast receiving device 100 can be used, so it is convenient to know the usage status of each tuner.

[0250] In order to perform the display described in this embodiment, it is necessary to have information for each broadcast-linked app as to whether the app is compatible with the broadcast receiving device 100 or what type of mobile information terminal 700 the app is compatible with. Also, information is required for executing the compatible app on the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700. This information can be acquired by the broadcast receiving device 100 by, for example, writing it in the AIT.

[0251] According to the mobile information terminal collaboration technology of this embodiment described above, by displaying information about the broadcast collaboration app, the broadcast receiving device 100, and the mobile information terminal 700, it becomes possible to use a more convenient broadcast collaboration service. [Example]

[0252] The following describes a broadcast receiving device 100 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration and effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first to fifth embodiments unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the following mainly describes the differences between this embodiment and the first to fifth embodiments, and omits explanations of common points as much as possible to avoid duplication.

[0253] In the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments, the launch of the broadcast cooperative application has been mainly described, but the broadcast cooperative application is composed of, for example, one or more HTML documents as described above. In other words, it is possible to transition between HTML documents by using links.

[0254] 20A shows an example of the transition between the application boundary 20201 of the broadcast cooperative application 20110 and the documents in the application boundary 20201.

[0255] 20(a), App1, which is the broadcast cooperative application 20110, is launched from a state (20000) in which the broadcast receiving device 100 is receiving video from a broadcast signal or is executing a BML document to display data broadcast screen information as described above. The broadcast cooperative application 20110 is launched automatically by the AIT or by a user instruction. When the broadcast cooperative application 20110 is launched, HTML1, which is the first HTML document 20111, which is an entry document, is executed.

[0256] App1, which is a broadcast cooperative application 20110, is composed of HTML1 to HTML4, which are four HTML documents 20111 to 20114 shown in the figure. In (a), the four HTML documents 20111 to 20114 compose an application boundary 20201 of the broadcast cooperative application 20110. An application boundary indicates a boundary between areas where transitions are possible, and is set in an AIT as a collection of one or more areas. Here, an area is an HTML document.

[0257] Furthermore, each HTML document has links to other HTML documents, and these links allow transitions between the HTML documents. Solid arrows indicate transition links. Dashed arrows show examples of transition execution. In example (a), bidirectional transitions are possible between all HTML documents. However, there are also cases where only transitions to specific HTML documents are possible, or where transitions in only one direction are possible.

[0258] The application boundary may change during application execution. Therefore, an HTML document that was within the application boundary at the start of execution may go outside the application boundary if the application boundary is changed during execution.

[0259] 20(b) shows an example of an application boundary 20202 after the application boundary has been changed from the state in (a) and a transition related to the application boundary 20202. The application boundary 20202 after the change is made up of two documents, HTML document 20111 and HTML document 20112. In the application boundary 20202, a bidirectional link between the two documents allows for mutual transitions.

[0260] 20(a) is executed, the application boundary 20201 is dynamically changed to the application boundary 20202 in (b). In this case, the HTML document 20113 is outside the range of the application boundary 20202.

[0261] An example of the dynamic change of the application boundary is when a broadcast station changes information in the contents of the AIT of a broadcast signal so as to change the application boundary according to the broadcast content.

[0262] The above-described change of the application boundary is not intended by the user, and therefore the user does not know the timing of the change or the state of the application boundary after the change. Therefore, the broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment has a function to control the operation as follows.

[0263] 21 is a flowchart showing the operation sequence of the broadcast receiving device 100 of Example 6. This flowchart shows the operation when executing an HTML document (for example, HTML1 to HTML4) of the broadcast cooperative application 20110 of FIG.

[0264] When executing the HTML document of the broadcast cooperative app, the broadcast receiving device 100 first reads the HTML document (S20001) and then executes the read HTML document (S20002). That is, step S20002 is the execution of the broadcast cooperative app, and is the same operation as in the above-described first to fifth embodiments.

[0265] The above steps S20002 and thereafter show the characteristics of the operation of the broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment. After S20002, the broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment performs a process to check whether or not an interrupt process has occurred (S20003). The interrupt process here refers to the termination of the broadcast cooperative app, transition to another HTML document within the application boundary, execution of another broadcast cooperative app, etc. If an interrupt process has occurred (S20003-Yes), the broadcast receiving device 100 ends the main process of FIG. 21 and starts an operation corresponding to the interrupt process. Here, a description of the operation corresponding to the interrupt process will be omitted.

[0266] If there is no interrupt processing (S20003-No), the broadcast receiving device 100 checks whether the HTML document being executed is within the range of the application boundary (S20004). If the HTML document being executed is not within the range of the application boundary, in other words, outside the range of the application boundary (S20004-No), the broadcast receiving device 100 displays a mark 20200 on the video display unit 173 indicating that the document is not within the range of the application boundary, in other words, outside the range (S20005).

[0267] If it is determined in step S20004 that the application boundary is within the range (S20004-Yes), the mark 20200 is hidden (S20008) and the process returns to step S20003. While the HTML document of the broadcast cooperative app 20110 is being executed, the broadcast receiving device 100 continuously and repeatedly executes the check process of S20004 by a loop that returns to S20003.

[0268] The process of S20004 may be a periodic process, for example, a process executed once every few seconds, or may be a process executed when the HTML document is updated.

[0269] Fig. 22 shows an example of the mark displayed by S20005. Fig. 22 shows the broadcast cooperative application section 173c1, in this example, a weather forecast, overlaid on the broadcast program screen 173c by executing the HTML document of the broadcast cooperative application. These are displayed by the process of reading the HTML document (S20001) and the process of executing it (S20002).

[0270] Then, by processing S20005 in Fig. 21, the broadcast receiving device 100 displays a mark 20200 indicating that the HTML document of the currently running broadcast-linked app is outside the application boundary on the broadcast program screen 173c in Fig. 22 of the video display unit 173. In this example, the mark 20200, which is a circle with an X, is displayed on the OSD or the like in the lower right corner of the screen. By seeing the mark 20200, the user can know that the HTML document of the currently running broadcast-linked app is outside the application boundary.

[0271] The mark 20200 is not limited to an icon, image, or the like, and may be a text message. An example of the message is "Outside the application boundary." Both a mark and a message may be displayed.

[0272] In the case of a broadcast-linked application, the HTML document often displays information related to the broadcast video, and the content of the HTML document outside the application boundary may have little relevance to the broadcast video. Continuing to execute such an HTML document may not be beneficial to the user. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, the user is notified of this state using the above-mentioned mark, and control is performed to transition from an HTML document outside the application boundary to an HTML document within the application boundary.

[0273] In FIG. 21, in the sixth embodiment, after step S20005 of displaying a mark, step S20006 is provided for detecting whether the mark has been selected by the user. In this step, it is detected that the user has selected mark 20200 on the screen of FIG. 22 by clicking with the cursor or the like, or a predetermined user operation corresponding to the mark selection. At this time, a message or the like prompting the predetermined user operation may be displayed on the screen. Examples of messages include "Click to return to the app within the application boundary" and "Press the XX button to return."

[0274] If the mark is selected (S20006-Yes), the broadcast receiving device 100 transitions to an HTML document that was executed before the currently executed HTML document for the broadcast cooperative app and that is included in the current application boundary (S20007).If the mark is not selected (S20006-No), the process returns to step S20003.

[0275] The transition process in S20007 is realized by, for example, a command to transition to a predetermined HTML document, in other words, information specifying the HTML document to be transitioned to. This transition command is described in, for example, AIT. In S20007, the transition is made according to the transition command, this process is terminated, this process is started again, and in step S20002, the HTML document to be transitioned to is executed.

[0276] In the process of S20007, if there are multiple candidates for the destination HTML document, the destination HTML document is determined using, for example, the following methods. In the first method, the HTML document that was executed last among the candidates is set as the destination. In the second method, the HTML document that was executed first among the candidates, such as the entry document, is set as the destination.

[0277] Furthermore, when the state transitions from outside the application boundary to return to a display state resulting from the execution of another HTML document in S20007, a mark or message indicating this may be displayed on the screen (S20009). An example of the message in this case would be "Returned to the display of the app within the application boundary."

[0278] Fig. 23 shows an example of the above-mentioned transitions and other operations corresponding to the example of the broadcast cooperative app in Fig. 20 in the broadcast receiving device 100 of Example 6. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the relationship between the AIT of the broadcast wave, the application boundary, the user operation, the executable document, and the display.

[0279] At time t1, a broadcast cooperative application, for example, App1 in (a) of FIG. 20, is started by the AIT of the broadcast wave. When the broadcast cooperative application is started, its entry document, HTML1, is executed, and the screen is displayed using HTML1. At this time, the application boundary 20201 of the broadcast cooperative application is HTML1 to HTML4.

[0280] At time t2, a document transition instruction 20221 is made by a user operation. This causes a transition from HTML1 to HTML2, and the display state is set to HTML2. Also, at time t3, a transition instruction 20222 is made by a user operation. This causes a transition from HTML2 to HTML3, and the display state is set to HTML3.

[0281] At time t4, the application boundary is dynamically changed while the broadcast-linked application is running, i.e., while the broadcast program is being broadcast. That is, the application boundary changes from application boundary 20201 to application boundary 20202. This change is described, for example, in AIT. Application boundary 20202 is the range of two documents, HTML1 and HTML2.

[0282] At time t4, the document being executed is HTML3, which is not included within the range of application boundary 20202. Broadcast receiving device 100 detects that HTML3 is outside the range of application boundary 20202 (S20004 above), and from t4, displays mark 20200 on the screen (20230). This notifies the user that the HTML3 being executed is outside the range of the current application boundary 20202.

[0283] At time t5, the user selects (20223) the mark 20200. As a result, the broadcast receiving device 100 stops displaying the mark 20200 and transitions to an HTML document that was executed before the currently executing HTML3 and is included in the current application boundary 20202. In this case, there are two documents (HTML1, HTML2) that are candidates for the transition destination that meet the conditions, so one of them is selected. For example, using the first method described above, the last executed HTML document, i.e., HTML2, is determined as the transition destination. This returns the display to the state resulting from the execution of HTML2. In this case, the user will once again see the state resulting from HTML2 that they were viewing immediately before, making it easier for them to recognize the situation.

[0284] Furthermore, when using the second method above, the mark selection (20223) determines the transition destination to be HTML1, the entry document that was executed first. This returns to the display state resulting from the execution of HTML1. In this case, the user will once again see the state resulting from HTML1 that they first saw when the application was launched, making it easier for them to recognize the situation.

[0285] At time t6, the user issues an instruction to terminate the broadcast-linked app (20224) from the HTML2 state, thereby terminating the broadcast-linked app. Of course, the broadcast-linked app may be continued to be used, for example, by transitioning to another HTML document, without terminating it.

[0286] In the above configuration, the selection of a mark by a user operation is used as a means for transitioning to an HTML document within the range and returning the display state when the application boundary is changed. However, this is not limited to this, and the transition may also be caused by the user operating a predetermined button on the remote control of the broadcast receiving device 100 that has a function corresponding to the above means.

[0287] In the above configuration, the case where one broadcast-linked app is launched has been described, but the same is also possible when multiple broadcast-linked apps are launched simultaneously. When multiple broadcast-linked apps are launched simultaneously, marks, messages, etc. on the screen are displayed near the display unit corresponding to an app, etc. that is outside the application boundary among the multiple broadcast-linked apps, for example.

[0288] In the above configuration, the document to be transitioned to when control is exercised to return to a state within the application boundary may be specified by information such as the AIT. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the control method, such as whether to return to the immediately preceding executed document or to the entry document as the transition destination, and the control method, such as whether to transition based on the selection of a mark or to transition automatically, are set in advance as specifications of the broadcast receiving device 100. Furthermore, the control method may be specified by information such as the AIT. In this case, the broadcast receiving device 100 refers to the information such as the AIT to recognize the document to be transitioned to and the control method. Furthermore, the control method may be selectable and set by the user of the broadcast receiving device 100.

[0289] In the above configuration, if a new HTML document is added within the changed application boundary due to a dynamic change of the application boundary, the added document may be selected as a candidate for the transition destination. FIG. 24 shows an example of application boundary 20203 after such a change. In application boundary 20203, HTML5, which is HTML document 20115, is added to HTML1 and HTML2. For example, broadcast receiving device 100 may select HTML5 as the transition destination when controlling to return from the state of HTML3, which is outside the range of application boundary 20203. In this case, the user will see the display state based on the new HTML5, making it easy to recognize the status of the change in the application boundary.

[0290] As described above, according to the broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment, the user can know that the HTML document being executed by the broadcast cooperative app has gone outside the range of the application boundary by displaying the mark 20200 on the video display unit 173. Furthermore, by performing a simple operation such as selecting the displayed mark or operating a button on the remote control, the state can be returned to the state of the HTML document within the range of the application boundary, which is user-friendly.

[0291] In another embodiment, when the application boundary is exceeded, the currently executing HTML document may be immediately transitioned to another HTML document that meets the above conditions without displaying a mark. That is, the state may be automatically restored to the previous HTML document without requiring user operation. In this embodiment, the control flow shown in FIG. 21 is the same as that shown in FIG. 21, but steps S20005 and S20006 are omitted. In this case, the broadcast receiving device 100 may display a mark or message indicating the control content on the screen, such as "Because the application is outside the boundary, the display has returned to the application within the boundary" (S20009). In this embodiment, the user does not need to select a mark, which reduces the hassle.

[0292] In another embodiment, information including a list of candidate documents (e.g., HTML1, HTML2) for the transition destination may be displayed on the screen, and the user may select a transition destination from the list and return to the display state of the selected document. FIG. 25 shows an example of a display screen according to this embodiment. When the application boundary is exceeded, information such as 20300 is displayed in a portion of the screen. 20300 includes a message and the list. An example message is "Outside the application boundary. Please select a destination to return to." The list displays HTML1 and HTML2, which are documents included within the current application boundary 20202 of App1, a broadcast-linked application, as candidate transition destinations, and accepts the user's operation to select a transition destination document. The user can return to the display state they desire by selecting a document from the list.

[0293] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above using Examples 1 to 6, the configurations embodying the technology of the present invention are not limited to these examples and can be modified in various ways. For example, part of the configuration of one example can be replaced with the configuration of another example, or the configuration of another example can be added to the configuration of one example. All of these fall within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the numerical values, messages, etc. appearing in the text and figures are merely examples, and the effects of the present invention can be achieved even if different ones are used. Some or all of the functions of the present invention described above may be realized in hardware, for example, by designing an integrated circuit, or in software, for example, by a microprocessor unit interpreting and executing an operating program that realizes each function, or may be realized by a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, the control lines and information lines shown in the figures are those considered necessary for explanation and do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines on the product. In reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected.

[0294] The software for controlling the broadcast receiving device 100 may be stored in the ROM 103, storage unit 110, etc. of the broadcast receiving device 100 before shipping the product. Alternatively, the software may be acquired from another application server 500, etc. on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 121 after shipping the product. Alternatively, software stored on a memory card, optical disk, etc. may be acquired via the extended interface unit 124, etc. Similarly, the software for controlling the mobile information terminal 700 may be stored in the ROM 703, storage unit 710, etc. of the mobile information terminal 700 before shipping the product. Alternatively, the software may be acquired from another application server 500, etc. on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 721 or mobile telephone network communication unit 722 after shipping the product. Alternatively, software stored on a memory card, optical disk, etc. may be acquired via the extended interface unit 724, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0295] 100: Broadcast receiving device, 132: First separation unit, 133: First video decoding unit, 134: First audio decoding unit, 135: First subtitle decoding unit, 141: Data broadcasting reception processing unit, 142: Data broadcasting engine, 151: Streaming reception processing unit, 152: Second separation unit, 153: Second video decoding unit, 154: Second audio decoding unit, 155: Second subtitle decoding unit, 161: Application control unit, 162: Application engine, 171: Video superimposition unit, 172: Audio selection unit, 173: Video display unit, 1 74: Speaker, 175: Video output unit, 176: Audio output unit, 181: Presentation synchronization control unit, 191: Terminal linkage control unit, 300: Broadcast station server, 400: Service provider server, 500: Other application server, 600: Mobile telephone communication server, 600b: Base station, 700: Mobile information terminal, 20000: Broadcast reception, 20110: Broadcast linkage application, 20200: Mark, 20201 to 20203: Application boundary, 20111 to 20115: HTML document.

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. An application launch method for launching an application for accessing broadcast resources in a broadcast receiving device, comprising: the application for accessing the broadcast resource is a broadcast-managed application activated by application control information included in the broadcast signal, or a non-broadcast-managed application activated by a method other than the application control information included in the broadcast signal; The application can be launched by a first, second, or third launch method; The first activation method includes: a receiving step of receiving the broadcast signal; a first application activation step of activating the broadcast managed application based on application control information included in the received broadcast signal; The second activation method includes: a launcher screen display step of displaying a launcher screen on the broadcast receiving device by an application launcher provided in the broadcast receiving device; a second application launching step of launching the non-broadcast managed application based on a user operation via the displayed launcher screen; The third activation method includes: a communication step of communicating with an external mobile terminal; a third application launching step of launching the non-broadcast managed application based on a launch request received in the communication step and operated by a user via the external mobile terminal; the first application launch step, when the application control information includes information indicating automatic launch of the broadcast managed application, confirms whether the broadcast managed application is executable, and, if executable, acquires and launches the broadcast managed application; The confirmation of whether the broadcast managed application can be executed is performed by checking the functions of the broadcast receiving device required by the broadcast managed application by referring to an application profile included in the application control information; the first application launch step accesses a URL indicated in application acquisition source information included in the application control information, acquires the broadcast managed application, and launches the broadcast managed application; How to launch the application.

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