Broadcasting system, receiver, receiving method, and program

Abstract

To provide a voice adjustment function using a GUI with unified usability and design. [Solution] The broadcasting system is a broadcasting system that broadcasts including AC-4 audio, and includes a receiving unit that receives an application for users to adjust dialogue via data broadcasting. The receiver is a receiver in a broadcasting system that broadcasts including AC-4 audio, and includes a receiving unit that receives an application for users to adjust dialogue via data broadcasting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a broadcast system, a receiver, a receiving method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In terrestrial digital broadcasting, adjustment of the audio transmitted from a broadcasting station has to be performed by a unique adjustment menu for each receiver. In the next-generation terrestrial digital broadcasting, use of an object-based audio signal such as MPEG-H audio or use of a channel-based audio signal such as AC-4 audio is being considered. In the audio signal of AC-4 audio, voice parameters adjustable by the user are transmitted from the broadcasting station, and a subtitle adjustment function is provided to the user using the voice parameters. The subtitle adjustment function can adjust subtitle audio through a GUI. Patent Document 1 describes providing a plurality of voices such as music in a manner that allows them to be simultaneously and selectively distinguished.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, if a GUI for the subtitle adjustment function is implemented for each receiver, there is a risk that the intention of the content producer may not be accurately reflected, or that the design and operation method of the GUI may change depending on the manufacturer or model of the receiver. Therefore, the convenience for the user regarding the subtitle adjustment function may not be sufficient.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a broadcasting system, receiver, receiving method, and program that can provide a dialogue adjustment function using a GUI with unified operability and design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one aspect of the present invention is a broadcasting system that broadcasts including AC-4 audio, comprising a receiving unit that receives an application for the user to adjust dialogue via data broadcasting.

[0007] (2) Another aspect of the present invention is a receiver in a broadcasting system that broadcasts AC-4 audio, comprising a receiving unit that receives an application for a user to adjust dialogue via data broadcasting.

[0008] (3) Another aspect of the present invention is a receiving method for a receiver in a broadcasting system that broadcasts AC-4 audio, the receiving method comprising a receiving step in which the receiver receives an application for a user to adjust dialogue via data broadcasting.

[0009] (4) Another aspect of the present invention is a program used in a receiver in a broadcasting system that broadcasts AC-4 audio, which causes the receiver to perform a receiving step of receiving an application for a user to adjust dialogue via data broadcasting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dialogue adjustment function using a GUI with unified operability and design. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the receiver configuration according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of metadata definition according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an acquisition command according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an update command according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the dialogue adjustment process according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the GUI displayed when the dialogue adjustment application according to this embodiment is executed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [System Configuration] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a broadcasting system Sys according to an embodiment of the present invention. The broadcasting system Sys comprises a broadcasting station 1, a receiver 2, a broadcasting station server 3, and a carrier server 4. The broadcast is, for example, terrestrial digital broadcasting. However, the present invention is not limited to terrestrial digital broadcasting, but may also refer to broadcasting using broadcasting satellites. Broadcasting using broadcasting satellites may include, for example, advanced BS (Broadcasting Satellites) digital broadcasting or advanced broadband CS (Communication Satellites) digital broadcasting. Furthermore, the broadcasting may also refer to wired broadcasting such as cable television.

[0014] In the broadcasting system Sys, broadcasting station 1 transmits digital broadcast signals, application control information, and display-related control information via broadcast waves. The service provider provides program-related metadata and video content from the service provider server 4. The application control information is control information such as commands for starting and ending, while making the application etc. that is linked to the program known to the system-compatible receiver. The control information regarding presentation is information for superimposing the application and the broadcast program on the same screen, and control information regarding whether or not to present the application. Broadcast station 1 operates the broadcast station server 3 in the broadcast system Sys. The broadcast station server 3 provides metadata such as program title, program ID, program summary, performers, broadcast date and time, etc. The information provided by broadcast station 1 to the service provider is provided through the API (Application Programming Interface) provided in the broadcast station server 3.

[0015] The service provider is a person who provides services by the broadcast system Sys, and produces and distributes content and applications for providing services, and operates the broadcast station server 3 for realizing individual services. Here, the service includes a broadcast communication cooperation service that links broadcast and communication. The broadcast station server 3 transmits an application to the receiver 2 for management and distribution of the application. The broadcast station server 3 provides server functions for realizing individual services (MPEG-H service, AC-4 service, VOD program recommendation service, multilingual subtitle service, etc.) as a server for each service.

[0016] MPEG-H is a series of standards developed under the auspices of the ISO / IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) for digital container standards, video compression standards, audio compression standards, and two adaptation test standards. In MPEG-H audio, for example, object-based audio is possible. The "objects" in object-based audio are each individual sound material that constitutes a program such as music or a person's voice. In object-based audio, the audio signal is recorded for each sound material, and audio control for each material is possible. Also, when playing back on the receiver 2, it is also possible to play back the program in accordance with the position of the actually placed speakers based on the playback position information of the material.

[0017] AC-4 is an audio compression technology mainly developed assuming broadcast and Internet distribution. Object-based audio is also possible with AC-4 audio.

[0018] The broadcast station server 3 not only realizes the functional aspects of such services but also transmits the content (MPEG-H audio data, AC-4 audio data, VOD content, subtitle data, etc.) that constitutes the service. The broadcast station server 3 is registered as a "repository" to distribute the applications of the broadcast system Sys, and provides and searches for a list of applications that can be provided in response to inquiries from the receiver 2.

[0019] The receiver 2 includes, in addition to the receiver function for existing digital broadcasts, functions for realizing broadcast communication cooperation services. In addition to the broadband network connection function, the receiver 2 has the following functions. · Function to receive an application in response to an application control signal from the broadcast · Function to execute an application in response to an application control signal from the broadcast · Function to perform presentation through cooperation between the broadcast and communication · Terminal cooperation function

[0020] Here, the terminal includes, for example, user terminals such as smartphones and smart speakers. The terminal linkage function of receiver 2 can access broadcast resources such as program information or call receiver functions such as playback control in response to requests from other terminals. Examples of applications include a digital mixer for MPEG-H audio and a dialogue adjustment application for AC-4 audio. Users (also called "receivers") can adjust dialogue using applications received from the operator server 4.

[0021] More specifically, receiver 2 has the following functions: Receiver 2 has a broadcast reception and playback function, which involves receiving broadcast waves. When a specific broadcast service is selected, receiver 2 has a function to synchronously play back the video, audio, subtitles, and data broadcasts that constitute that service. Receiver 2, as a communication content reception and playback function, accesses video content stored on a server (e.g., carrier server 4) on the communication network. Receiver 2 has the function of receiving video content as VOD streaming and synchronously playing back the video, audio, and subtitles that constitute the content.

[0022] Receiver 2, as an application control function, interacts with the application engine, primarily regarding managed applications, based on application control information acquired from servers or broadcast signals on the communication network. Receiver 2 also has the function of controlling and managing the lifecycle and events on an application-by-application basis. Receiver 2, acting as an application engine, retrieves the application. Receiver 2 also has the functionality to execute the application. This functionality is implemented, for example, in an HTML5 browser.

[0023] Receiver 2 has a presentation synchronization control function that controls the presentation synchronization of video and audio streams received from broadcast and video and audio streams received via streaming. Receiver 2 also has an application launcher function that provides navigation for users to select and launch mainly non-broadcast managed applications.

[0024] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, Broadcast Station 1, Broadcast Station Server 3, and Operator Server 4 will be referred to simply as Broadcast Station 1. That is, Broadcast Station 1 as described below has one or all of the functions of Broadcast Station 1, Broadcast Station Server 3, and Operator Server 4 as described above.

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the receiver 2 according to this embodiment. Receiver 2 in Figure 2 is a receiver compatible with AC-4 audio.

[0026] Broadcasting station 1 transmits a video signal A11 and an audio signal (also called an "AC-4 audio signal") A12. For example, broadcasting station 1 transmits the AC-4 audio signal A12 as part of the broadcast wave. Furthermore, when broadcasting station 1 transmits the AC-4 audio signal A12 as part of the broadcast wave, it also transmits a dialogue adjustment application A13, which is an application for users to adjust dialogue, via data broadcasting.

[0027] Receiver 2 is comprised of a tuner 21, a demux (demultiplexer) 22, a video decoder 23, an audio decoder 24, a video adjustment unit 25, an audio adjustment unit 26, a browser API unit 27, and a data broadcasting browser unit 28.

[0028] The tuner 21 receives broadcast waves via the antenna. The tuner 21 tunes (selects) the channel selected based on user input. The tuned signal is demodulated and output as data to the Demux 22.

[0029] Demux22 separates the input data into video data streams, audio data streams, text superimposition data streams, subtitle data streams, etc. The separated audio data streams are output to the audio decoder 24. The separated video data streams are output to the video decoder 23. The video decoder 23 decodes the input video data sequence.

[0030] Furthermore, the character superdata stream and subtitle data stream separated into Demux22 are decoded by a character superdecoder and a subtitle decoder (not shown), respectively, and the decoded strings are superimposed on the video.

[0031] The audio data streams from each audio component output from Demux22 are output to the audio decoder 24. The audio decoder 24 decodes the audio data sequence of the audio component. The audio decoder 24 also extracts metadata from the audio data sequence input from Demux 22. The audio decoder 24 outputs the metadata to the browser API 27 in response to a request from the browser API 27.

[0032] The video adjustment unit 25 performs color space conversion processing on the decoded video data sequence and displays the video on the display.

[0033] The audio adjustment unit 26 adjusts the dialogue and performs downmixing based on the audio data sequence decoded by the audio decoder 24 and the adjustment information output from the browser API unit 27. The downmixed audio data sequence is converted back into audio and output from the speaker.

[0034] The browser API unit 27 acquires metadata from the audio decoder 24 using the API based on the instruction signal from the data broadcasting browser unit 28. Based on the instruction signal from the data broadcasting browser unit 28, the browser API unit 27 outputs adjustment information indicating the adjustment value of the metadata to the audio adjustment unit 26 using the API.

[0035] The data broadcasting browser unit 28 launches the dialogue adjustment application transmitted from broadcasting station 1 via data broadcasting. The data broadcasting browser unit 28 obtains metadata from the audio decoder 24 via the browser API unit 27. Based on the metadata, the data broadcasting browser unit 28 obtains initial values ​​for parameters that can be adjusted by the user. The data broadcasting browser unit 28 sets the initial values ​​for the adjustable parameters in the dialogue adjustment application.

[0036] For example, the data broadcasting browser unit 28 displays a GUI by executing a dialogue adjustment application and obtains setting values ​​corresponding to user operations on the GUI as dialogue adjustment parameters. The data broadcasting browser unit 28 outputs adjustment information based on adjustment parameters to the audio adjustment unit 26 via the browser API unit 27.

[0037] As described above, the receiver 2 according to this embodiment is a broadcasting system that broadcasts including AC-4 audio, and receives an application for the user to adjust dialogue via data broadcasting. By executing the received application, the user can adjust dialogue via a GUI with unified operability and design, regardless of the manufacturer or model of the receiver 2. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0038] [Metadata Definition] Next, the definition of metadata defined in AC-4 used in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 3 shows an example of the metadata definition used in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the metadata used in this embodiment consists of two parts: data related to dialogue adjustment (emphasis) and control information related to dialogue adjustment (emphasis). This metadata is described by API functions such as dialog_enhancement() and control_dialog_enhancement(). These two pieces of metadata are included in the AC-4 audio data sent from the broadcasting station and can be obtained from the audio decoder 24.

[0039] [Retrieve metadata] Next, we will explain how to obtain metadata using the browser API 27. The browser API unit 27 retrieves metadata from the audio decoder 24 in response to commands input from the data broadcasting browser unit 28. Specifically, this is done as follows: Figure 4 shows an example of a metadata acquisition command according to this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 4, the browser API unit 27 executes a command with the method name "getdialog_enhancement()". As a result of executing the command, the browser API unit 27 obtains a return value of type "AC4DialogEnhancement object". This return value is metadata related to dialogue adjustment (emphasis).

[0040] [Metadata Update] Next, we will explain how to update metadata using the browser API 27. The browser API unit 27 outputs adjustment information (adjustment parameters) to the audio adjustment unit 26 in response to commands input from the data broadcasting browser unit 28. Specifically, this is as follows: Figure 5 shows an example of a metadata update command according to this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 5, the browser API unit 27 executes a command with the method name "putAC4ControlDialogEnhancement(Q)" with an argument of type "dialogue emphasis control object" as "argument Q". The browser API unit 27 obtains a return value of type "Boolean" from the audio adjustment unit 26 as the result of executing the command. Argument Q is control information related to dialogue adjustment (emphasis). Argument Q may include, for example, GDE related to gain, p related to parameter vector, r related to rendering vector, etc.

[0041] [Process flow] Next, an example of the dialogue adjustment process according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the audio adjustment process according to this embodiment. (Step S101) In response to user-operated channel selection and power operation, receiver 2 receives and activates a dialogue adjustment application from data broadcasting corresponding to the selected content.

[0042] (Step S102) The receiver 2 extracts metadata from the audio data separated by the audio decoder 24.

[0043] (Step S103) The receiver 2 obtains metadata from the audio decoder 24 by executing an acquisition command via the API.

[0044] (Step S104) Based on the acquired metadata, the receiver 2 sets the initial values ​​of the dialogue-adjustable parameters in the dialogue adjustment application.

[0045] (Step S105) The receiver 2 receives user input for the dialogue adjustment application. When the receiver 2 receives user input for the dialogue adjustment application, the receiver 2 outputs the manipulated dialogue adjustment parameters to the voice adjustment unit 26 as adjustment information by executing an update command via the API.

[0046] (Step S106) Receiver 2 performs voice adjustment based on the parameters (metadata) after dialogue adjustment.

[0047] Next, the GUI displayed when the dialogue adjustment application according to this embodiment is executed will be described. The illustrated example is a GUI that is displayed when the data broadcasting browser unit 28 executes a dialogue adjustment application received via data broadcasting. The dialogue adjustment application displays "Dialogue" to indicate that it is adjusting the "Dialogue Adjustment (Emphasis)" parameter. The dialogue adjustment application also displays an operation, such as an operation icon, to set this "Dialogue" to "ON" or "OFF". By detecting user operations, such as remote control operations, on this operation icon, it is possible to switch the "Dialogue" to "ON" or "OFF".

[0048] Furthermore, the dialogue adjustment application displays a volume adjustment icon as an operator for adjusting the volume of the "dialogue." By detecting user operations such as remote control operation on this volume adjustment icon, the volume of the "dialogue" can be adjusted. Furthermore, the dialogue adjustment application displays a balance adjustment icon that allows the user to adjust the output balance between the left and right speakers located on receiver 2. By detecting user operations such as remote control operation on this balance adjustment icon, the output balance of the speaker that outputs the "dialogue" can be adjusted. By using such a GUI, users can perform intuitive operations, thereby improving usability.

[0049] Thus, the receiver 2 according to this embodiment is a receiver in a broadcasting system that broadcasts including AC-4 audio, and receives an application for the user to adjust dialogue via data broadcasting.

[0050] This allows for the provision of a dialogue adjustment function with a unified GUI design and operability, without requiring a GUI to be implemented on each receiver. Furthermore, using a unified GUI regardless of the receiver manufacturer or model improves user convenience.

[0051] Furthermore, some parts of the broadcasting station 1, receiver 2, broadcasting station server 3, and operator server 4 in the above-described embodiment, for example, at least some parts of the receiver 2's Demux 22, audio decoder 24, audio adjustment unit 26, video decoder 23, video adjustment unit 25, browser API unit 27, and data broadcasting browser unit 28, may be implemented by a computer. In that case, the program for implementing this control function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" as used herein refers to a computer system built into the broadcasting station 1, receiver 2, broadcasting station server 3, or operator server 4, and includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0052] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. In addition, "computer-readable recording media" may also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside computer systems that act as servers or clients in such cases. Moreover, the above-mentioned programs may be for the purpose of realizing some of the functions described above, and may also be able to realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system.

[0053] Furthermore, some or all of the broadcasting station 1, receiver 2, broadcasting station server 3, and carrier server 4 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented as integrated circuits such as LSIs (Large Scale Integration). Each functional block of the broadcasting station 1, receiver 2, broadcasting station server 3, and carrier server 4 may be individually processorized, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single processor. In addition, the method of implementing integrated circuits is not limited to LSIs; dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors may also be used. Furthermore, if advances in semiconductor technology lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that can replace LSIs, integrated circuits using such technologies may be used.

[0054] Although one embodiment of this invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] Sys Broadcasting System 1 Broadcasting station 2 receivers 3. Broadcasting station server 4. Service Provider Server 21 Tuners 22 Demux 23 Video Decoder 24 Audio Decoder 25. Video Adjustment Section 26. Audio Adjustment Unit 27 Browser API Section 28 Data Broadcasting Browser Section

Claims

1. A broadcasting system that broadcasts including AC-4 audio, The system includes a receiving unit that receives an application for users to adjust dialogue via data broadcasting. Broadcasting system.

2. An execution unit that runs the aforementioned application, The execution unit includes a definition unit that defines an API for obtaining AC-4 audio metadata, Furthermore, The execution unit performs dialogue adjustment by passing the metadata to the browser. The broadcasting system according to claim 1.

3. A receiver in a broadcasting system that broadcasts including AC-4 audio, The system includes a receiving unit that receives an application for users to adjust dialogue via data broadcasting. Receiver.

4. A method for receiving signals in a broadcasting system that includes AC-4 audio, wherein the receiver The application for users to adjust dialogue is received via data broadcasting in the reception step. Having, Reception method.

5. A program used in a receiver in a broadcasting system that broadcasts including AC-4 audio, wherein the receiver The application for users to adjust dialogue is received via data broadcasting in the reception step. A program to execute.

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