Receiver and program

Abstract

To provide a receiver capable of shortening a time until using a broadcast communication cooperation service of a selected destination while using the broadcast communication cooperation service by a broadcast managed application.SOLUTION: The receiver includes a reception unit, a channel selection unit, an application execution unit, and an application control unit. The application execution unit executes an application. The application execution unit executes a function of performing a process for channel selection based on the channel selection information of the broadcast service and a process for executing the broadcast managed application based on the URL of the application information table of the broadcast managed application designated by the broadcast managed application. The application control unit controls the channel selection unit to select the designated broadcast service, and performs control to activate the broadcast managed application based on the designated URL.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a receiver and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional technology, Hybridcast, a standard for broadcasting and communication collaboration systems, makes it possible to easily provide broadcasting and communication collaboration services linked to each channel by launching a broadcasting managed app, which is an HTML application (hereinafter, "application" may be referred to as "app") linked to a broadcasting service (channel, programming service).

[0003] Non-patent documents 1, 2 and 3 describe standards related to hybridcast.

[0004] Figure 6-1 in Section 6.1.1 of Non-Patent Document 1 describes the state transitions of applications. Also, Figures 4-1 and 4-2 in Chapter 4 of Non-Patent Document 3 describe the launch sequence of a broadcast-managed application and the launch sequence of a broadcast-independent managed application, respectively. These documents specify that methods for launching a broadcast-managed application include launching in a state where only video and audio are being received during broadcasting, launching from data broadcasting, and also launching externally.

[0005] In particular, currently, broadcasting stations are operating based on the ARIB Phase 0 operational specifications defined in Section 4.1 of Non-Patent Document 3. In other words, when a user selects a channel on a receiver using a remote control or the like, data broadcasting starts automatically, and then a broadcast-managed app is started automatically or manually.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for transitioning between a broadcast-managed application and a broadcast-independent managed application. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-122560 [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] "IPTV Standards: Broadcasting and Communications Collaboration System Specification IPTVFJ STD-0010 Version 2.4," IPTV Forum, General Incorporated Association, revised January 21, 2022. [Non-patent document 2] "IPTV Standards HTML5 Browser Specification IPTVFJ STD-0011 Version 2.7," IPTV Forum, General Incorporated Association, revised January 21, 2022. [Non-patent document 3] "IPTV Standards Hybridcast Operational Standards IPTVFJ STD-0013 Version 2.10," IPTV Forum, General Incorporated Association, revised January 21, 2022. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has the following problem. That is, with the conventional technology (current regulations), while a receiver is using a broadcast-communication integrated service provided by a broadcast-managed app for a channel (programming service) currently being received, in order to launch a broadcast-managed app for another channel and use the broadcast-communication integrated service, the following three-step sequence is required: In the first step, the broadcast (the above-mentioned "another channel") is selected, in the second step, data broadcasting is launched, and in the third step, the broadcast-managed app is launched. By performing processing involving these steps, the problem arises that it takes a long time (poor response) before the broadcast-communication integrated service for the selected channel can be used.

[0010] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for switching between a broadcast-managed app and a broadcast-independent managed app. However, even if the technique described in Patent Document 1 is used, there is a problem in that a broadcast-managed app cannot be launched from another broadcast-managed app.

[0011] The present invention was made based on the recognition of the above-mentioned problem, and aims to provide a receiver and a program that can shorten the time it takes to use the broadcast-communication integrated service of the selected station while using a broadcast-managed app broadcast-communication integrated service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] [1] In order to solve the above problem, a receiver according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a receiving unit that receives broadcast services, a tuning unit that selects the broadcast service received by the receiving unit, an application execution unit that is an environment for executing applications, and an application control unit that controls the launch and termination of the application executed by the application execution unit and controls the tuning unit based on a request from the application, wherein the application execution unit executes a function that performs processing for tuning based on tuning information of a broadcast service specified by a broadcast managed application that is one type of application, and processing for launching a broadcast managed application associated with the application information table specified by the URL of the application information table of the broadcast managed application, and the application control unit controls the tuning unit to select the broadcast service indicated by the specified tuning information based on the processing of the function, and controls the launch of the broadcast managed application associated with the application information table indicated by the specified URL.

[0013] [2] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is that in the receiver of [1] above, the single function can launch applications in different patterns depending on parameter values, and the single function can launch a broadcast managed application from a broadcast managed application, a broadcast independent managed application from a broadcast managed application, and a broadcast managed application from a broadcast independent managed application.

[0014] [3] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is that in the receiver of [1] or [2] above, when a broadcast managed application specifies the channel selection information and the URL of the application information table to execute the function, the application control unit requests an external server device to determine whether the combination of the channel selection information and the URL of the application information table is possible, and only if the determination result returned from the server device indicates "possible," controls the channel selection unit to select the broadcast service indicated by the specified channel selection information, and controls the launch of the broadcast managed application associated with the application information table indicated by the specified URL.

[0015] [4] Also, one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a receiver, comprising: a receiving unit that receives a broadcast service; a tuning unit that selects the channel of the broadcast service received by the receiving unit; an application execution unit that is an environment for executing an application; and an application control unit that controls the launch and termination of the application executed by the application execution unit and controls the tuning unit based on a request from the application, wherein the application execution unit executes a function that performs processing for tuning based on tuning information of a broadcast service specified by a broadcast managed application, which is one of the applications, and processing for launching a broadcast managed application associated with the application information table specified by the URL of the application information table of the broadcast managed application, and the application control unit controls the tuning unit to select the broadcast service indicated by the specified tuning information based on the processing of the function, and controls the launch of a broadcast managed application associated with the application information table indicated by the specified URL. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, transition from a broadcast managed application to a broadcast managed application can be performed with fewer processing steps, which means that the time required for transition from a broadcast managed application to a broadcast managed application can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal functional configuration of a receiver according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram showing state transitions of an application running on the receiver according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a device when the receiver of the embodiment is realized using a computer. [Figure 5] This is a reference diagram showing an overview of the conventional standards related to the collaboration between ISDB-T / S broadcasting and apps on smart TVs. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of screen transitions of an application running on a receiver prototyped based on an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a system according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the system 100 includes a receiver 1, a broadcast signal transmission device 2, an AIT / URL availability determination server device 3, a service server device 4, and the Internet 8. Note that AIT stands for Application Information Table, and URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator.

[0020] The receiver 1 is a device that receives broadcast signals and presents content such as video included in the broadcast signals. Specifically, the receiver 1 is a hybridcast-compatible television set. The receiver 1 can communicate with the AIT / URL availability determination server device 3 and the service server device 4 via the Internet 8.

[0021] The broadcast signal transmission device 2 is a device that transmits broadcast signals. The broadcast signal transmission device 2 is installed on the broadcast station side. The broadcast signal is transmitted as an air wave or as an electric signal on a metal cable.

[0022] In response to an inquiry from the receiver 1, the AIT·URL possibility determination server device 3 determines whether or not it is permissible to launch a broadcast-managed application or a broadcast-independent managed application on the receiver. In response to the receiver 1, the AIT·URL possibility determination server device 3 returns whether or not it is permissible to launch a broadcast-managed application or a broadcast-independent managed application. The AIT·URL possibility determination server device 3 determines whether or not an application can be launched based on the combination of the AIT and the URL.

[0023] The service server device 4 is a device that provides various services to the receiver 1 and the like. Specifically, the service server device 4 distributes the AIT of an application program (app), the app itself (program code), and content used in the app to the receiver 1 via the Internet 8. The app includes a broadcast-managed app and a broadcast-independent managed app. Note that the system 100 may include multiple service server devices 4. In that case, the multiple service server devices 4 can share the role of providing services to the receiver 1.

[0024] The Internet 8 is a communication network that enables the receiver 1, the AIT / URL availability determination server device 3, and the service server device 4 to communicate with each other. The Internet 8 may be an open network. For example, the Internet Protocol (IP) can be used in communication using the Internet 8.

[0025] The receiver 1, the broadcast signal transmission device 2, the AIT / URL availability determination server device 3, and the service server device 4 may each be configured using electronic circuits. At least some of the functions of these devices may be realized by a computer and a program. Each device may also have a storage unit as needed. The storage unit may be, for example, a program variable or memory allocated by the execution of a program. Non-volatile storage means such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a solid-state drive (SSD) may also be used as needed. At least some of the functions of each device may also be realized by a dedicated electronic circuit rather than a program.

[0026] 2 is a block diagram showing the internal functional configuration of the receiver 1. As shown in the figure, the receiver 1 includes a tuning unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a demodulating unit 13, a decoding unit 14, a presenting unit 15, an application control unit 16, an application executing unit 17, and a communication function unit 18. Details of each function are as follows:

[0027] The tuning unit 11 selects the channel of the broadcast signal received by the receiving unit 12. In other words, the tuning unit 11 selects the channel of the programming service (channel) received by the receiving unit 12. Note that the tuning unit 11 may perform tuning operations in accordance with instructions from the application control unit 16.

[0028] The receiving unit 12 receives the broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcast signal transmitting device 2. The receiving unit 12 receives the broadcast signal of the programming service (channel) selected by the tuning unit 11. In other words, the receiving unit 12 receives the broadcast service.

[0029] The demodulation unit 13 demodulates the broadcast signal received by the reception unit 12 .

[0030] The decoding unit 14 separates the resources included in the signal demodulated by the demodulation unit 13 and decodes each resource. Specifically, the decoding unit 14 decodes each of the video, audio, data broadcasting, etc.

[0031] The presentation unit 15 presents content. Specifically, the presentation unit 15 presents video, audio, and data broadcasting decoded by the decoding unit 14, and presents broadcast-managed applications and broadcast-independent managed applications executed by the application execution unit 17. Specifically, the presentation unit 15 displays visual information (video, text, etc.) of the content on a screen, and outputs audio information included in the content from a speaker or the like.

[0032] The application control unit 16 controls the execution of an application in the application execution unit 17 described below. That is, the application control unit 16 performs control to start and end an application. An instruction to start an application can be executed, for example, by operating a data broadcast separated in the decoding unit 14. An instruction to start an application can also be executed by operating a broadcast-managed application or a broadcast-independent managed application currently being executed in the application execution unit 17. The application control unit 16 controls the start and end of an application executed in the application execution unit 17, and also controls the tuning unit 11 based on a request from the application.

[0033] When issuing an instruction to launch an application, the application control unit 16 performs an operation of determining whether the URI in the AIT is valid, as necessary. The operation of determining whether the URI in the AIT is valid is also described in Section 8.3.1.1.1 "Operation of Determining Whether the URI in the AIT is valid" in Non-Patent Document 3. That is, the operation of determining whether the URI in the AIT is valid is an operation for evaluating whether the AIT URL included in the launch instruction request of the launch request in the broadcast managed application among the hybridcast applications is valid as the AIT URL of the broadcast station that provides the channel organized by the receiver. Specifically, the application control unit 16 queries the AIT URL included in the launch instruction and the channel information to be selected from the AIT URL determination server device 3. In response to this query, the AIT URL determination server device 3 returns a determination result to the application control unit 16. The determination result is either "OK" or "NG." Only if the returned determination result is "OK," the application control unit 16 executes the launch of the instructed application. Furthermore, in response to an operation of a broadcast-managed application or a broadcast-independent managed application, the application control unit 16 issues a channel selection instruction to the channel selection unit 11. In accordance with this instruction, the channel selection unit 11 executes a channel selection operation.

[0034] That is, in this embodiment, when the broadcast managed application specifies the channel selection information and the URL of the application information table to execute the function, the application control unit 16 may request an external server device (specifically, the AIT-URL possibility determination server device 3) to determine whether the combination of the channel selection information and the URL of the application information table is possible. Only when the determination result returned from the server device indicates "possible," the application control unit 16 controls the channel selection unit 11 to select the broadcast service indicated by the specified channel selection information, and also controls the activation of the broadcast managed application associated with the application information table indicated by the specified URL.

[0035] The application execution unit 17 is an environment for executing applications. The applications may be broadcast-managed applications, broadcast-independent managed applications, etc. Specifically, the application execution unit 17 is an HTML5 browser equipped with an extended API (Application Program Interface) that allows applications to access broadcast resources and receiver resources.

[0036] As a feature of this embodiment, the application execution unit 17 executes functions to perform processing for tuning based on tuning information of a broadcast service specified by a broadcast managed application, which is one of the applications, and processing for launching a broadcast managed application associated with the application information table specified by the URL of the application information table of the broadcast managed application. Furthermore, the application control unit 16 controls the tuning unit 11 to tune in to the broadcast service indicated by the specified tuning information based on the processing of the functions, and also controls the launching of the broadcast managed application associated with the application information table indicated by the specified URL.

[0037] The communication function unit 18 functions as an interface to the Internet 8 when the receiver 1 communicates with other devices via the Internet 8. In other words, the application execution unit 17 and the application control unit 16 can communicate with the outside via the communication function unit 18.

[0038] 3 is a state transition diagram showing the state transitions of applications running on the receiver 1. The diagram shows three states: a broadcast-independent managed application (A01), a broadcast-managed application (A02), and broadcast (A03). Transitions can occur between these three states.

[0039] T01 is a transition from A01 (broadcast-independent managed application) to A01 (broadcast-independent managed application). This transition of T01 occurs by executing the startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() function (mode is bia).

[0040] T02 is a transition from A01 (broadcast-independent managed application) to A02 (broadcast-managed application). This transition of T02 occurs by executing the startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() function (mode is app).

[0041] T03 is a transition from A02 (broadcast-managed application) to A01 (broadcast-independent managed application). This transition of T03 occurs by executing the startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() function (mode is bia).

[0042] T04 is a transition from A01 (broadcast-independent managed application) to A03 (broadcast). This transition of T04 occurs by executing the startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() function (mode is tune).

[0043] T05 is a transition from A02 (broadcast managed application) to A03 (broadcast). This transition of T05 occurs by executing the startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() function (mode is tune).

[0044] T06 is a transition from A02 (broadcast managed application) to A02 (broadcast managed application). This transition of T06 occurs by executing the startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() function (mode is app).

[0045] The operation unique to the receiver 1 of this embodiment is the state transition at T06 described above. Receivers according to conventional techniques do not perform this transition at T06. The procedure for executing the startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() function (mode=app) to execute the state transition at T06 is explained in the processing of steps 1 to 4 below.

[0046] Step 1: The startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() function (mode=app) is called from the broadcast managed application being executed in the application execution unit 17. This function call is triggered by an operation by the user or the like.

[0047] Step 2: When this function is called, channel tuning information is specified as a parameter of this function. The tuning information consists of 1) original network ID (original_network_id), 2) transport stream ID (transport_stream_id) or TLV stream ID (tlv_stream_id), and 3) service ID (service_id). As part of the operation of this function, the application execution unit 17 notifies the application control unit 16 of this tuning information. As a result, the following operation is performed. The application control unit 16 instructs the tuning unit 11 to tune to a channel based on the tuning information received from the application execution unit 17. The tuning unit 11 performs tuning based on the specified tuning information in accordance with the instruction from the application control unit 16. This causes the receiving unit 12 to start receiving the broadcast signal that is the tuning result.

[0048] Step 3: When the channel selection operation of the channel selection unit 11 is completed, the application control unit 16 acquires the AIT according to the URL of the AIT specified as a parameter of this function.

[0049] Step 4: The application control unit 16 causes the application execution unit 17 to start the broadcast managed application based on the URL of the application described in the AIT acquired in step 3.

[0050] After step 2 and before step 3, the application control unit 16 may execute the operation of determining whether the URI of the AIT is valid. That is, when executing this operation of determining whether the URI is valid, the application control unit 16 receives the determination result by making an inquiry to the AIT / URL validity determination server device 3. In this case, the procedure of starting the application in steps 3 and 4 is executed only if the determination result is "OK."

[0051] An example of the parameter configuration of the function startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() related to the above state transition is shown in Table 1 below.

[0052] [Table 1]

[0053] If mode=app is specified as a parameter when calling the function, a broadcast-managed app will be launched. In other words, specifying mode=app as a parameter indicates a request to select a channel and launch a broadcast-managed app. Also, specifying mode=tune indicates a request to select a channel. Also, specifying mode=bia indicates a request to launch a broadcast-independent managed app.

[0054] The parameter request can be specified with the following values. Note that this request may be data written in JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) notation, for example. The set of original_network_id (original network identifier), transport_stream_id (transport stream identifier), and service_id (service identifier) ​​is information for identifying the broadcast service to be selected. Note that tlv_stream_id (TLV stream identifier) ​​may be specified instead of transport_stream_id. aiturl is information indicating the location (URL) of the AIT of the hybridcast application to be executed. orgid (operator identifier) ​​is information for identifying the broadcast operator. appid (application identifier) ​​is information for identifying the app.

[0055] In the example shown in Table 1, consideration has been given to allowing the same functions to be used for the same behavior regardless of the device. In other words, the functions shown in Table 1 have the same function names and parameter sets as functions for launching broadcast-managed apps and broadcast-independent managed apps from linked devices such as smartphones. This makes application development easier.

[0056] This function startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() can be defined as an extended API described in Section 3.1 "Extended API Specification" of Non-Patent Document 2. Specifically, this function can be defined in Section 3.1.2 "Application Manager Object" or Section 3.1.6 "ReceiverDevice Object" of the same document. However, the function name "startAITControlledAppToHostDevice()" is just an example, and this function may be defined as a function with a different name.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a computer that implements the receiver 1. As shown in the figure, the computer includes a central processing unit 901, a RAM 902, an input / output port 903, input / output devices 904 and 905, and a bus 906. The computer itself can be implemented using existing technology. The central processing unit 901 executes instructions contained in a program read from the RAM 902 or the like. In accordance with these instructions, the central processing unit 901 writes data to the RAM 902, reads data from the RAM 902, and performs arithmetic and logical operations. The RAM 902 stores data and programs. Each element in the RAM 902 has an address and can be accessed using the address. RAM stands for "random access memory." The input / output port 903 is a port through which the central processing unit 901 exchanges data with external input / output devices. The input / output devices 904 and 905 exchange data with the central processing unit 901 via the input / output port 903. The bus 906 is a common communication path used within the computer. For example, the central processing unit 901 reads and writes data from and to the RAM 902 via the bus 906. Also, for example, the central processing unit 901 accesses the input / output port 903 via the bus 906.

[0058] At least some of the functions of the receiver 1 in the above-described embodiment can be implemented by a computer and a program. In this case, the functions can be implemented by recording a program for implementing the functions on a computer-readable recording medium and loading and executing the program on the recording medium into a computer system. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and USB memory, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. In other words, a "computer-readable recording medium" may be a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include media that temporarily and dynamically store programs, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or telephone lines, or media that store programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client. The program may be designed to implement some of the functions described above, or may be capable of implementing the functions described above in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0059] According to one aspect, the program causes a computer to function as a receiver, comprising: a receiving unit that receives a broadcast service; a tuning unit that tunes to the broadcast service received by the receiving unit; an application execution unit that is an environment for executing an application; and an application control unit that controls the launch and termination of the application executed by the application execution unit and controls the tuning unit based on a request from the application, wherein the application execution unit executes a function that performs a tuning process based on tuning information of a broadcast service specified by a broadcast managed application, which is one of the applications, and a process that launches a broadcast managed application associated with the application information table specified by the URL of the application information table, and the application control unit controls the tuning unit to tune to the broadcast service indicated by the specified tuning information based on the processing of the function, and controls the launch of the broadcast managed application associated with the application information table specified by the specified URL. However, in this aspect, at least one of the receiving unit and the tuning unit may be realized without using a computer. The application execution unit may also be a web browser (for example, an HTML5 browser) that has an execution environment for code in a specific language (for example, JavaScript).

[0060] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0061] As described above, according to the receiver of this embodiment, when a broadcast-managed application for a channel is used to provide a broadcast-communication integrated service while the broadcast-managed application for the channel being received is launched to provide a broadcast-communication integrated service, the time required for the transition is reduced. In other words, the transition from one broadcast-managed application to another can be performed with fewer processing steps. This is expected to improve the user experience. This is particularly effective when the same broadcast-managed application is launched on multiple channels.

[0062] In conventional technologies, the operation of hybridcast services has focused on providing independent services for each broadcasting station (or for each channel or for each programming service), similar to broadcasting. However, when considering the possibility of operating a broadcast-managed application (especially the same broadcast-managed application) across broadcasting stations (or channels or programming services), the technology of this embodiment is useful.

[0063] Below, technical matters (including evaluation and verification) related to this embodiment will be described.

[0064] Smart TVs are rapidly becoming more popular. In addition to broadcasting, smart TVs offer access to a variety of internet services through application programs (apps). Catch-up streaming services, which allow viewers to watch programs for a certain period after they have aired, are also becoming available, allowing viewers to easily watch both broadcast and internet programs on their televisions. Smart TVs provide apps using a product-planned execution environment (smart TV function) or an execution environment based on the IPTV Forum's standard Hybridcast (Non-Patent Document 3). However, currently, there is no execution environment for apps that can be launched from an entry point other than broadcasting and that allow users to switch between broadcasting and internet services with simple remote control operations. In other words, assuming users were to use both broadcasting and app services interchangeably, the current situation would result in service interruptions and inconvenience.

[0065] The technology described here extends the functionality for transitioning between apps related to Hybridcast's broadcast-independent managed apps. Through this extension, we propose a method for switching between broadcasts and apps with just one button press on a remote control. We verified and evaluated the proposed method using a prototype TV and app. As a result, we confirmed the validity of this method and its potential to contribute to improving convenience.

[0066] Figure 5 is a reference diagram outlining the existing standards for the integration of ISDB-T / S broadcasts and apps on smart TVs. To protect broadcast resources, smart TV app execution environments are divided into two types: a product-specific smart TV function that prevents access to resources, and a standard hybrid cast that allows access. The technology proposed here focuses on the launch and execution of apps via remote control, and the transition between apps and broadcasts. First, we describe the behavior of apps using smart TV functions. On many TVs, using an app while watching a broadcast requires multiple operations, such as displaying the home screen and selecting and launching the desired app. Meanwhile, viewing broadcasts from an app often requires selecting a media source, such as terrestrial or BS (broadcast satellite), and tuning using the numeric buttons. The ARIB standard (ARIB TR-B14 Terrestrial Digital Television Broadcasting Operational Guidelines, Version 6.10) specifies the transition from data broadcasting to apps. Next, we describe the app transition behavior in the IPTV Forum standard. Broadcast-managed apps can also present apps that are hidden from the broadcast video, allowing for a user experience where transitions between broadcast and apps can be achieved with simple operations, but they cannot be launched from any entry point other than the broadcast. On the other hand, broadcast-independent managed apps can be launched from the home screen, etc., even when the broadcast is not being received. Transitions to broadcast and transitions to broadcast via smartphone control are possible. In other words, current TVs can achieve one-way transitions between broadcast and apps, but they cannot transition between broadcast and apps launched from any entry point other than the broadcast. The complex operations required for transitions lead to reduced user satisfaction and are an obstacle to providing continuous services.

[0067] Therefore, we propose an extension method for broadcast-independent managed apps. To solve the issues described above, we sought to improve user convenience and studied a method that would enable switching between broadcasts and apps with just a single button operation. In particular, with an eye toward future feasibility, we focused on creating an easy-to-implement method based on standard technology, taking into account interoperability between devices and the versatility of the technology.

[0068] Specifically, we considered methods based on the assumption that the IPTV Forum standard would be expanded. To increase the number of app transition methods, two types of extensions were considered: (1) enabling mutual transition between broadcast-independent managed apps and broadcast-managed apps, and (2) enabling broadcast-managed apps to be launched from an entry point other than broadcast, such as the home screen. However, with method (2) above, apps cannot be executed unless broadcast reception is active, which is expected to lead to complex operations when app providers provide services outside of broadcast areas or when providing services across broadcasters. Therefore, we decided to adopt method (1) above.

[0069] The transition between apps after the extension in this proposal has already been explained with reference to Figure 3. The HTML5 browser specification (Non-Patent Document 2) defines browser functions used for app transitions. In this proposal, this transition function is extended. Non-Patent Document 2 defines startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() as a function for launching broadcast-managed and broadcast-independent managed apps from a linked device such as a smartphone. The type of app to be launched and the channel selection can be specified by the parameter value of mode specified in the query. In this proposal, the above function is added as a browser function, assuming that only one function needs to be added and that using the same function for the same behavior regardless of device will make app development easier. When the parameter value of mode is app, a broadcast-managed app is launched; when the parameter value is bia, a broadcast-independent managed app is launched; and when the parameter value is tune, a broadcast channel is selected. It is also made possible to launch apps of the same type as the currently running app. In other words, this proposal makes it possible to transition from a broadcast-managed app to a broadcast-managed app when the parameter value of mode is app (see also Figure 3). By assigning the above functions to buttons on the broadcast-independent managed app and the broadcast-managed app, it becomes possible to switch with a single remote control button operation.

[0070] That is, in this embodiment, the single function startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() can launch applications in different patterns depending on the parameter values. This single function can launch a broadcast-managed application from another broadcast-managed application, a broadcast-independent managed application from another broadcast-managed application, and a broadcast-independent managed application from another broadcast-managed application.

[0071] [Prototype and evaluation of receiver and application] To evaluate the validity of the above method, the inventors prototyped a receiver (television) in which the above transition function startAITControlledAppToHostDevice() was added to a browser compatible with broadcast-managed apps and broadcast-independent managed apps. In addition, a catch-up streaming service app was prototyped as a broadcast-independent managed app and run on the above receiver.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen transitions between apps running on a prototype receiver. As shown in the figure, screen transitions can occur bidirectionally between a broadcast-independent managed app screen (201) and a broadcast-managed app screen (211). In the example shown, a button for transitioning to the broadcast-managed app is located in button display area 202 within the broadcast-independent managed app screen (201). Furthermore, a button for transitioning to the broadcast-independent managed app is located in button display area 212 within the broadcast-managed app screen (211). Each app presents such mutual transition buttons, allowing users to operate them with a remote control. A button for transitioning from a broadcast-managed app to another broadcast-managed app is also provided. We also prototyped smartphone apps that can operate in conjunction with each other using the IPTV Forum standard collaboration terminal protocol.

[0073] We conducted verification using a prototype application and confirmed that smooth mutual transition between a broadcast-managed application and a broadcast-independent managed application can be achieved in about one second after pressing a button on the remote control. From the above, we confirmed the validity of the proposed method.

[0074] By adding a transition function related to broadcast-independent managed apps, we proposed a method that allows switching between smart TV broadcasts and apps with just one button operation. Furthermore, by prototyping and testing the TV and app, we confirmed that the method is valid in terms of operability and feasibility. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] The present invention can be used in, for example, a device for receiving broadcast content, but the scope of use of the present invention is not limited to the example given here. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 receiver 2. Broadcast signal transmission equipment 3 AIT URL validity determination server device 4. Service server device 8. Internet 11 Channel selection department 12 Receiving unit 13 Demodulation section 14 Decoding section 15 Presentation section 16 Application control section 17 Application execution unit 18 Communication function section 100 systems 201 Broadcast-independent managed app screen 202 Button display area 211 Broadcast Managed App Screen 212 Button display area 901 Central Processing Unit 902 RAM 903 Input / Output Ports 904,905 Input / Output Devices 906 Bus

Claims

1. a receiving unit for receiving a broadcast service; a tuning unit that selects a broadcast service received by the receiving unit; an application execution unit which is an environment for executing applications; an application control unit that controls the start and end of the application executed by the application execution unit and controls the channel selection unit based on a request from the application; Equipped with the application execution unit executes functions to perform processing for tuning based on tuning information of a broadcast service specified by a broadcast managed application, which is one of the applications, and processing for launching a broadcast managed application associated with an application information table specified by the broadcast managed application based on a URL of the application information table; The application control unit controls the channel selection unit to select the broadcast service indicated by the specified channel selection information based on the processing of the function, and also controls the activation of a broadcast managed application associated with the application information table indicated by the specified URL. Receiver.

2. The single function can launch applications in different patterns depending on parameter values, and the single function can launch a broadcast managed application from a broadcast managed application, launch a broadcast independent managed application from a broadcast managed application, and launch a broadcast managed application from a broadcast independent managed application.

2. The receiver of claim 1.

3. When the broadcast managed application specifies the channel selection information and the URL of the application information table to execute the function, the application control unit requests an external server device to determine whether the combination of the channel selection information and the URL of the application information table is possible, and controls the channel selection unit to select the broadcast service indicated by the specified channel selection information only when the determination result returned from the server device indicates "possible," and also controls the activation of the broadcast managed application associated with the application information table indicated by the specified URL.

3. A receiver according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a receiving unit for receiving a broadcast service; a tuning unit that selects a broadcast service received by the receiving unit; an application execution unit which is an environment for executing applications; an application control unit that controls the start and end of the application executed by the application execution unit and controls the channel selection unit based on a request from the application; Equipped with the application execution unit executes functions to perform processing for tuning based on tuning information of a broadcast service specified by a broadcast managed application, which is one of the applications, and processing for launching a broadcast managed application associated with an application information table specified by the broadcast managed application based on a URL of the application information table; The application control unit controls the channel selection unit to select the broadcast service indicated by the specified channel selection information based on the processing of the function, and also controls the activation of a broadcast managed application associated with the application information table indicated by the specified URL. A program that allows a computer to function as a receiver.

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