Digital broadcast receiving device and method for controlling application operation

Abstract

To provide a digital broadcast receiver that can perform a higher value-added function.SOLUTION: A broadcast receiving device receives broadcast waves of a digital broadcasting service, controls an operation including the start and end of an application linked to a broadcast program on the basis of application-related information, and selects control related to the restart of the application on the basis of the user's operation. After the application has been terminated, the broadcast receiving device controls the restart or non-restart of the application according to the control selection by the user when the start of the application is requested.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 36

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a digital broadcast receiving device and a method for controlling application operations. [Background technology]

[0002] One of the expanded functions of the digital broadcasting service 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 obtain / 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 bands, it is difficult to achieve high-definition screen displays and sophisticated effects, and this has led to the issue that it is difficult to implement useful functions with high added value on current digital broadcasting receivers.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcast receiver capable of executing functions with higher added value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, the technology described in the claims is used. As an example, the technology described in claim 1 is used. Effect of the Invention

[0007] By using the technique of the present invention, it is possible to provide a digital broadcast receiver capable of executing functions with higher added value. [Brief description 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 a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a broadcasting station server according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 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 configuration 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 operation sequence diagram when the mobile information terminal according to the embodiment is linked; [Figure 8B] FIG. 4 is an operation sequence diagram when the mobile information terminal according to the embodiment is linked; [Figure 8C] FIG. 4 is an operation sequence diagram when the mobile information terminal according to the embodiment is linked; [Figure 9] 4 is an operational sequence diagram when an application is started in the broadcast receiving device and the portable information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 4 is a screen display diagram of a basic screen of a linkage control application of the portable information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 4 is a screen display diagram of a basic screen of a linkage control application of the portable information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a screen display diagram of a data broadcast screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12A] FIG. 4 is a screen display diagram of a notification screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12B] 4 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13A] 4 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13B] 4 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13C] 4 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13D] 4 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a screen display diagram of an error display screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application execution screen of the portable information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 2 is a screen display diagram of an EPG display screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing detailed information on an EPG display screen of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] 4 is an operational sequence diagram of a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment when acquiring a broadcast cooperative application. [Figure 18A] FIG. 4 is an operational sequence diagram during terminal cooperation according to the embodiment. [Figure 18B] FIG. 4 is an operational sequence diagram during terminal cooperation according to the embodiment. [Figure 18C] FIG. 4 is an operational sequence diagram during terminal cooperation according to the embodiment. [Figure 18D] FIG. 4 is an operational sequence diagram during terminal cooperation according to the embodiment. [Figure 19A]4 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19B] 4 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19C] 4 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19D] 4 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application launcher of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19E] FIG. 2 is a screen display diagram of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19F] 11 is a screen display diagram of a broadcast cooperative application launcher of the portable information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration including a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment and an example of use thereof; [Figure 21] 4 is an operational sequence diagram when a broadcast cooperative application of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment is started. [Figure 22] 4 is an operational sequence diagram when a broadcast cooperative application of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment is started. [Figure 23] 4 is an operational sequence diagram when a broadcast cooperative application of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment is started. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a screen display diagram of a start confirmation screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 4 is a screen display diagram of a user setting screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 26] 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration including a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment and an example of use thereof; [Figure 27] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a plurality of types of apps and transitions between the apps according to an embodiment. [Figure 28] 4 is an operational sequence diagram when a broadcast cooperative application of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment is started. [Figure 29] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of control of broadcast program playback and application execution according to an embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 4 is a screen display diagram of an example of a startup selection screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 4 is a screen display diagram of an example of a startup selection screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 4 is a screen display diagram of an example of a multiple application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 4 is a screen display diagram of an example of a multiple application execution screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 34] 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration including a broadcast receiving device according to an embodiment and an example of use thereof; [Diagram 35] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of control of broadcast program playback and application execution according to an embodiment. [Diagram 36] 11 is an operational sequence diagram when a broadcast cooperative app of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment is restarted. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a screen display diagram of an example of a restart prevention screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 11 is a screen display diagram of an example of a restart confirmation screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 39] 11 is an operational sequence diagram when a broadcast cooperative app of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment is restarted. [Diagram 40] FIG. 13 is a screen display diagram showing an example of an update confirmation screen of the broadcast receiving device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[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 one example of BS / terrestrial digital broadcasting that can be received by the broadcast receiving device of this embodiment, a plurality of 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, which are obtained by dividing a data sequence such as a video / audio elementary stream (ES) or program specific information (PSI) / service information (SI) and the like, and adding a TS header.

[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 by the PID (Packet Identifier) ​​of the PMT. The PMT defines the PIDs of the components of each program, etc. The CAT includes information related to conditional access.

[0012] Moreover, SI is an extension of PSI to include program information, etc., and includes information on the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) defined 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, series information, SI transmission information of broadcast stations, etc. SDT includes information such as a network ID for identifying a network, a TS ID for identifying a TS, and a service ID (so-called channel number) for identifying individual services (so-called channels) within the network. EIT includes a service ID for identifying individual services within the network, and information on events such as the name, broadcast date and time, and broadcast contents of each event (so-called program). TOT includes information on 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 Broadcast Markup Language (BML) documents based on the BML specifications defined in ARIB STD-B24.

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

[0015] The broadcast receiving device of the present embodiment is compatible with a broadcasting and communication cooperation system that combines a digital broadcasting service with a function using a broadband network, acquisition of additional content via a broadband network, computation processing in a server device, presentation processing in cooperation with a mobile terminal device, and the like, with the digital broadcasting service. In order to realize the broadcasting and communication cooperation system, the broadcast receiving device of the present embodiment is capable of executing applications written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or the like. In addition, the broadcasting and communication cooperation system compatible with the present broadcasting receiving device uses an extended BML specification, application control information (Application Information Table: AIT) in the broadcasting and communication cooperation system, and extended PSI / SI information required when transmitting an application by broadcast waves. The AIT is information for providing or disseminating various information required to start an application, such as the acquisition destination of the application, and control information for controlling the start / end of the application.

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

[0017] Next, a specific configuration example of the embodiment of this embodiment 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, an antenna 100a, a broadband network 200 such as the Internet and a router device 210, a radio tower 300t of a broadcast station, a broadcast station server 300, a service provider server 400, other application servers 500, a mobile telephone communication server 600, 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 having a function corresponding to 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 by communicating with each server device on the Internet 200.

[0020] Router device 210 is connected to Internet 200 by wireless or wired communication, and is also connected to broadcast receiving device 100 by wireless or wired communication, and to mobile information terminal 700 by wireless communication. This allows each server device on Internet 200, broadcast receiving device 100, and mobile information terminal 700 to transmit and receive data to and from each other 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, and the like from the broadcasting equipment of the broadcasting station. The control information related to application presentation is control information related to the superimposition of a broadcast program and an application on a television receiver and whether or not an application can be presented. The broadcasting station is also assumed to have a broadcasting station server 300. The broadcasting station server 300 is assumed to store broadcast programs (video content, etc.) and metadata of each broadcast program, such as the program title, program ID, program summary, cast, broadcast date and time, and to provide 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 through an API (Application Programming Interface) provided in the broadcasting station server 300.

[0022] The service provider server 400 is a server device prepared by a service provider to provide a service by the broadcasting and communication cooperation system. The service provider server 400 stores, manages, and distributes video content and metadata provided by the broadcasting station server 300, and content and applications created for the broadcasting and communication cooperation system. In addition, the service provider server 400 also has a function of searching for and providing a list of available applications in response to an inquiry from a television receiver. 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. A plurality of service provider servers 400 may be prepared for each different service. In addition, the broadcasting station server 300 may have the function of the service provider server 400.

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

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

[0025] [Hardware configuration of broadcast receiving device] 2A is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the broadcast receiving device 100. The broadcast receiving device 100 is composed of 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 / demodulation 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 in the broadcast receiving device 100.

[0027] ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 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 (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or a flash ROM is used. 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 use a part of the storage area in storage unit 110 instead of being an independent configuration as shown in FIG. 2A.

[0028] The storage unit 110 stores the operation program 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 operation programs downloaded from a network and various data created by the operation programs. It can also store content such as moving images, still images, and audio acquired from broadcast waves or downloaded from a network. A part of the storage unit 110 may replace all or part of the functions of the ROM 103. The storage unit 110 needs to hold the stored information even when power is not supplied from an external source to the broadcast receiving device 100. Therefore, for example, devices such as flash ROM, semiconductor element memories such as SSDs (Solid State Drives), and magnetic disk drives such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) are used.

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

[0030] The LAN (Local Area Network) communication unit 121 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 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, and the like. 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, and the like.

[0031] The tuner / demodulator 131 receives broadcast waves from a radio tower 300t via the antenna 100a, and tunes (selects) 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 obtain a TS. Note that, although 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 the purposes of simultaneous display of multiple screens, recording of a different program, etc. Also, under the control of the main controller 101, control of access restriction to the demodulated TS may be performed.

[0032] The first separation unit 132 inputs the TS output from the tuner / demodulation unit 131, separates it into each data string such as a video data string, an audio data string, a subtitle data string, a program information data string, an AIT data string, a BML data string, and outputs it. These data strings may be in ES format, for example. The first video decoding unit 133 decodes the video data string input from the first separation unit 132 and outputs video information. The first audio decoding unit 134 decodes the audio data string input from the first separation unit 132 and outputs audio information. The first subtitle decoding unit 135 decodes the subtitle data string input 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 the 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. In addition, 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] The second separation unit 152 receives the PS output from the streaming reception processing unit 151, separates it into each data stream 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. The second video decoding unit 153, the second audio decoding unit 154, and the second subtitle decoding unit 155 perform the same processes as the first video decoding unit 133, the first audio decoding unit 134, and the first subtitle decoding unit 135, respectively, and therefore their explanations are 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 with respect to 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. Also, depending on the state of the application and the instruction of the AIT, it appropriately controls the function constraints of the application. 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 superimposing unit 171 inputs the video information output from the first video decoding unit 133, the subtitle information output from the first subtitle decoding unit 135, the data broadcast 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 superimposing unit 171 includes a video RAM (not shown), and the video display unit 173 and the like are driven based on the video information input to the video RAM. Furthermore, the video superimposing 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, based on the control of the main control unit 101, as necessary.

[0039] The audio selection unit 172 inputs the audio information output from the first audio decoding unit 134, the audio information output from the second audio decoding unit 154, and the 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 selected and / or superimposed by the video superimposition unit 171 to the user of the broadcast receiving device 100. The speaker 174 provides the audio information 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 selected and / or superimposed by the video superimposition unit 171. The audio output unit 176 is an audio output interface that outputs the audio information output from the audio selection unit 172. As described 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 discovery and authentication of the linked device (mobile terminal device), connection between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the linked device, application linkage, and the like.

[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 an external video / audio output device, outputs analog video signals / audio signals to an external video / audio input device, 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 for outputting or inputting 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 control the TS and PS inputted from the digital interface unit 125 to be inputted to the first separation unit 132 and the second separation unit 152. The output of digital content stored in the storage unit 110 or the storage of digital content in the storage unit 110 may be performed via the digital interface unit 125. The digital interface unit 125 may be a DVI terminal or an HDMI terminal, etc., and may output or input data in a format conforming to the DVI specification, the HDMI specification, etc. The output or input may be in the form of serial data conforming to the IEEE1394 specification, etc.

[0045] The broadcast receiving device 100 may be a television receiver, an optical disk drive recorder such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) recorder, a magnetic disk drive recorder such as a HDD recorder, a STB (Set Top Box), etc. It may also be a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, a game machine, etc. equipped with a digital broadcast receiving function and a broadcast communication linking function. If the broadcast receiving device 100 is a DVD recorder, a HDD recorder, an 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, the same operation as the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment can be performed.

[0046] [Software configuration of broadcast receiving device] 2B is a software configuration diagram of the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment, and shows the software configuration in the ROM 103, the RAM 104, and the 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 constitute 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 constitute a receiving function execution unit 1102, a BML browser engine 1103, and an HTML browser engine 1104. The RAM 104 is also provided with a temporary storage area for temporarily holding data created when each operation program is executed, as necessary.

[0048] In the following, for the sake of simplicity, 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 as the basic operation execution unit 1101 controlling each operation block. Similar descriptions will be used for the other operation programs.

[0049] The receiving function execution unit 1102 controls each operation block of the broadcast receiving device 100 to realize the broadcast receiving function and the broadcast communication cooperation function. In particular, the broadcast program reproduction unit 1102a mainly controls the tuner / demodulation unit 131, the first separation unit 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 the BML browser engine 1103 expanded on the RAM 104. The communication content reproduction unit 1102b mainly controls the streaming reception processing unit 151, the second separation unit 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 the HTML browser engine 1104 expanded 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 beforehand at the time of product shipment. After product shipment, the operation programs may be acquired from another application server 500 or the like on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 121. Moreover, the operation programs may be stored in a memory card, an optical disk, or the like and acquired via the extended interface unit 124 or the like.

[0051] [Broadcasting 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 in 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 such as the program title, program ID, program summary, cast, broadcast date and time, etc., of each broadcast program.

[0054] In addition, the basic operation program 3001 and the content management / distribution program 3002 stored in the storage unit 310 are each expanded into the 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] In the following, for ease of explanation, the process in which the main control unit 301 loads the basic operation program 3001 stored in the storage unit 310 into the RAM 304 and executes it to control each operation block will be described as being performed by the basic operation execution unit 3101. Similar descriptions will be used for the other operation programs.

[0056] The content management / distribution execution unit 3102 manages the video content and each piece of metadata stored in the video content storage area 3011 and the metadata storage area 3012, and controls the provision of the video content and each piece of metadata to the service provider based on a contract. Furthermore, when providing the video content and each piece of 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 by the broadcast station server 300, as well as content created by the service provider and metadata related to the content and the like. The application storage area 4013 stores applications required to realize each service of the broadcasting / communication cooperation system, which are to be 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 further 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] In the following, for ease of explanation, the process in which the main control unit 401 loads the basic operation program 4001 stored in the storage unit 410 into the RAM 404 and executes it to control each operation block will be described as the basic operation execution unit 4101 controlling 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 the applications in response to requests from each television receiver. Furthermore, when distributing the applications 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 includes an encoding circuit, a decoding circuit, and the like.

[0065] [Mobile information terminal hardware configuration] 5A is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a portable information terminal 700. The portable 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 operation block in the portable information terminal 700.

[0067] 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. RAM 704 serves as a work area when the basic operation programs and other operation programs are executed. ROM 703 and RAM 704 may be integrated with main control unit 701. ROM 703 may use a part of the storage area in storage unit 710 instead of being an independent configuration as shown in FIG. 5A.

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

[0069] It should be noted that the operation programs stored in the ROM 703 and the storage unit 710 can be updated and their functions expanded by downloading 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 made via a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The mobile telephone network communication unit 722 performs telephone communication (calls) and data transmission and reception through wireless communication with a base station 600b of the mobile telephone network. The NFC communication unit 723 performs wireless communication when in close proximity to a corresponding 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, and the like. The communication processing unit 720 may further include other communication units such as a BlueTooth (registered trademark) communication unit and an infrared communication unit.

[0071] The expansion interface unit 724 is a group of interfaces for expanding the functions of the portable information terminal 700, and in this embodiment, is composed of a video / audio interface, a USB interface, a memory interface, etc. The video / audio interface inputs video signals / audio signals from an external video / audio output device, outputs video signals / audio signals to an external video / audio input device, 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 arranged on top of the display unit 741 and operation keys 730k arranged with button switches. Only one of them 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 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 a function of performing format conversion, superimposition processing of menus and other OSD (On Screen Display) signals, etc., 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 and objects 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 composed 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 brightness of the surroundings, the proximity of surrounding objects, and the like. The portable information terminal 700 may further include other sensors, such as an air 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 moving images, a portable game machine, or other portable digital devices.

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

[0078] [Mobile information terminal software configuration] 5B is a software configuration diagram of the mobile information terminal 700 of this embodiment, and shows the software configuration in the ROM 703, the RAM 704, and the 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 constitute 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 constitute 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 holding data created when each operation program is executed, as necessary.

[0080] In the following, for ease of explanation, the process of the main control unit 701 loading the basic operation program 7001 stored in the ROM 703 into the RAM 704 and executing it to control each operation block will be described as being performed by the basic operation execution unit 7101 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 each 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 executes an application created for the broadcast 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 beforehand at the time of product shipment. After product shipment, the operation programs may be acquired from other application servers 500 on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 721 or the mobile telephone network communication unit 722. Moreover, the operation programs stored in a memory card, an optical disk, or the like may be 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 inform a television receiver or the like (broadcast receiving device 100 in this embodiment) of the existence of an application (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a broadcast-linked application) that links with a broadcast service in the broadcast communication linking function supported by the broadcast receiving device 100, and to instruct the control of the application. The broadcast-linked application may be classified into (1) a broadcast-managed application that operates only in a broadcast reception state based on a control signal such as start / end included in a broadcast signal, and is permitted to access broadcast resources based on the control signal, (2) a non-broadcast-managed application that is in an operating form that is not controlled by a broadcast signal for start / end, and is 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 in XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format by broadcast waves using a Data Carousel (DC) method or the like; or distributing an AIT file in section format or in XML format from a server device on the Internet 200 using http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) or https (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), etc. 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 HTML. The application identifier 902 is identification information for identifying an application unit, which is composed of an organization identification for identifying a business operator and an application identification numbered for each business operator. Note that an application unit is a set of HTML documents and their reference resources, with the HTML document existing in the location specified by the application acquisition destination information 905 as the entry document. The application control code 903 specifies the operation control for the target application, and one of (1) automatic start, (2) operable, (3) terminated, and (4) prefetch is described. The application profile 904 is a value indicating the function of the television receiver required by the application, and indicates a combination of optional functions of the television receiver. By referring to this value, the availability of the application is determined.

[0087] The application acquisition destination information 905 is information for specifying the acquisition destination of the application, and is location information for acquiring the HTML document that is first referenced when the application is started. Since it is assumed that the application is transmitted by broadcasting and that it is placed in a server device on a communication network, the location information specified by the application acquisition destination information 905 is also regulated for both cases of 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). In addition, the access restriction to the broadcast resource for each area is set on a functional basis. The application boundary and access restriction setting 906 specifies the range of document transition to prevent transition to an unexpected document due to a chain of document transitions from an entry document at the time of application startup, access to an inappropriate broadcast resource, etc. In addition, it is possible to set access authority to a specific broadcast resource on an area basis within the range of the document transition.

[0088] The start priority 907 specifies which of the two applications is to be started first when data broadcasting by a broadcasting service and a broadcast-managed application by an HTML document are present at the same time. It is possible to unconditionally specify data broadcasting as the highest priority on the PMT, to specify the start priority of a specific application type on the PMT, and to specify the start priority of the target application in the start priority 907. The cache information 908 is information used for cache control when holding application resources in preparation for reuse of the application. This information makes it possible to cache application resources that are assumed to be reused even after the application is terminated. The server access distribution parameter 909 is a parameter set for distributing access in order to reduce the load on a server where access is concentrated at the application acquisition destination, etc. The television receiver may operate to probabilistically delay the application of the application control code according to the setting of this parameter.

[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 a process of starting a broadcast linked app based on an AIT transmitted by a broadcast wave 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 a data broadcast by a broadcast service and a broadcast linked app is to be started with priority when they exist simultaneously, based on information on the PMT and information such as the application control code 903 and start priority 907 in the AIT.

[0091] 7A is an operation sequence diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a broadcast cooperative app when it is specified that the broadcast cooperative app is to be started with priority. The figure shows a series of flows from when the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately checks the PMT and AIT to when it starts a predetermined broadcast cooperative app.

[0092] When the tuner / demodulator 131 of the broadcast receiving device 100 performs a process of selecting a channel desired by the user and acquires a TS, the main control unit 101 then acquires a PMT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S101) and checks the start priority described in the PMT. When it is confirmed in the process of S101 that the start priority of the broadcast-linked application is high (S102), the application control unit 161 acquires an 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). In the process of S104, if the application control code 903 is "automatic start", 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 application specified in the AIT can be executed, a transmission request for the broadcast-linked application is transmitted 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] The service provider server 400 that has received the transmission request for the broadcast cooperative app 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 cooperative 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 explanations will be omitted. Next, the application engine 162 of the broadcast receiving device 100 starts the predetermined broadcast cooperative app that has been received via the LAN communication unit 121 and distributed from the service provider server 400 under the control of the application control unit 161 (S108).

[0094] 7B is an operation sequence diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of a broadcast linked app when it is specified that data broadcasting by a broadcast service is to be preferentially started. The figure shows a series of flows 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 start priority described in the PMT. If it is confirmed in the processing of S201 that the start priority of the data broadcast by the broadcast service is high (S202), the data broadcast reception processing unit 141 acquires the BML data string separated by the first separation unit 132 and plays the BML document (S203). If the automatic start of the data broadcast is set by the BML document, and if the user makes a start request of the data broadcast using an operation terminal (mobile information terminal 700, remote control, etc.) (S204), the data broadcast engine 142 executes the played BML document to generate data broadcast 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 string separated by the first separation unit 132 (S206), and checks the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data string (S207). In the process of S207, if it is confirmed that the broadcast-linked application specified in the AIT can be executed, an entry button to the executable broadcast-linked application is displayed on the data broadcast screen. The entry button may be always displayed, and the color scheme may be changed from an inactive color to an active color only when the broadcast-linked application can be executed. 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). Next, 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 confirmed in S210, a transmission request for a broadcast cooperative application is transmitted to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S211).

[0098] The service provider server 400 that has received the transmission request for the broadcast cooperative app 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 cooperative app stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S212). Next, the application engine 162 of the broadcast receiving device 100 starts the predetermined broadcast cooperative app that has been received from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 under the control of the application control unit 161 (S213).

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

[0100] When the tuner / demodulator 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 a PMT data sequence separated by the first separation unit 132 (S301) and checks the startup priority described in the PMT. When it is confirmed in the processing of S301 that the startup priority of the broadcast linked application is high (S302), the application control unit 161 acquires an 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). In the processing of S304, if the application control code 903 is "startable" rather than "automatic startup", the display of the broadcast program is continued without starting either the data broadcast by the broadcast service or the broadcast linked application.

[0101] When the user makes a request to start data broadcasting using the operation terminal after the process of S304 is completed (S305), the process performs the same operations as the processes of S205 and after in Fig. 7B, such as acquiring a BML data string, playing a BML document, and generating data broadcasting screen information (not shown). On the other hand, when the user makes a request to start a broadcast linked application launcher using the operation terminal after the process of S304 is completed (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 cooperative app from the broadcast cooperative 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 confirmed in S311, a transmission request for the broadcast cooperative app is transmitted to the predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S312).

[0103] The service provider server 400 that has received the transmission request for the broadcast cooperative app 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 cooperative app stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S313). Next, the application engine 162 of the broadcast receiving device 100 starts the predetermined broadcast cooperative app that has been received from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 under the control of the application control unit 161 (S314).

[0104] In addition, in the start-up sequence of the broadcast-linked application described with reference to Fig. 7A to Fig. 7C, an example is described in which the AIT is acquired from a broadcast wave, but the AIT file may be acquired from a predetermined server device specified by the information description of the PMT or the like. Also, the broadcast-linked application may be acquired from a broadcast wave, not 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 application).

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

[0106] Furthermore, if there is no response from the service provider server 400 for a predetermined period of time or longer when a distribution request for the broadcast cooperative app is made in S106, S211, or S312, a message such as "Please wait a moment" 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 app may be displayed.

[0107] Further, it goes without saying that the start-up sequence of the broadcast cooperative app is not limited to the three patterns described above, and the broadcast cooperative 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 function of the 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) prepared by a television receiver manufacturer, it is possible to use the mobile information terminal 700 as a high-function remote control for the broadcast receiving device 100. In addition, it is possible to execute the broadcast cooperative app on the mobile information terminal 700 and 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 the function by cooperative operation between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700, it is preferable that the cooperative control app is running on the mobile information terminal 700, and the broadcast cooperative app operating on the mobile information terminal 700 is controlled by the cooperative control app.

[0109] 8A is an operational sequence diagram showing an example of an operational sequence when the cooperative control application is started up on the mobile information terminal 700. The diagram shows a series of flows (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 application 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 instructs the mobile information terminal 700 to start a cooperative control application (S401), the cooperative control execution unit 7102 of the mobile information terminal 700 searches for television receivers capable of communication (cooperative operation) on the network (S402), and displays the search results as a list of television receivers on the display unit 741. If a television receiver capable of communication cannot be found, 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 selects an arbitrary television receiver (the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment) from the list of television receivers. When the user inputs authentication information (such as a login name and password designated 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 input authentication 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 process of S405, information on the mobile information terminal 700 is stored in the authentication information storage area 1012 and the mobile information terminal 700 is authenticated (S406). The mobile information terminal 700, which has been authenticated by the broadcast receiving device 100, displays a basic screen (for example, a high-function remote control screen) of the cooperation control application 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. By the above process, the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 are enabled to operate in cooperation with each other.

[0112] 8B is an operational sequence diagram showing an example of an operational sequence when the cooperative control application is started up on the mobile information terminal 700. The diagram shows a series of flows (from the second time onward) 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 start a cooperative control application (S501), the cooperative control execution unit 7102 of the mobile information terminal 700 searches for television receivers on the network that can communicate, and displays the search results as a list of television receivers on the display unit 741. If a television receiver that can communicate cannot be found, a message to that effect is displayed and the process ends. When a user selects an arbitrary television receiver (broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment) from the list of television receivers (S502), and the selected broadcast receiving device 100 is a device that has previously been 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, the mobile information terminal 700 is authenticated (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). By the above processing, cooperation between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 becomes possible.

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

[0116] 8C is an operation sequence diagram showing an example of the operation sequence when the cooperative control app is started on the mobile information terminal 700. The figure shows a series of flows (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 figure shows an example in which the broadcast receiving device 100, which executes the start sequence of the broadcast cooperative app, requests the start 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 for selecting a channel desired by the user and acquires a TS, the main control unit 101 then acquires a PMT data string separated by the first separation unit 132 (S601) and checks the startup priority described in the PMT. When it is confirmed in the processing of S601 that the startup priority of the broadcast cooperative application is high (S602), the application control unit 161 acquires an AIT data string separated by the first separation unit 132 (S603) and checks the application control code 903 of the acquired AIT data string (S604). In the processing of S604, if the application control code 903 is "automatic startup", the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data string is further checked (S605). In the processing of S605, if it is confirmed that the broadcast cooperative app specified in the AIT can be executed and if it is determined that cooperative control of the mobile terminal device is necessary, the terminal cooperative control unit 191 selects the mobile information terminal 700 as the mobile terminal device by referring to the authentication information memory area 1012, and transmits a cooperative control app launch request to the selected mobile information terminal 700 (S606).

[0118] In addition, the selection of the portable information terminal 700 by referring to the authentication information storage area 1012 may be made 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 a cooperative control application start request should be transmitted cannot be found, a message indicating that fact 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 further, the collaborative control execution unit 7102 reads out authentication information of the broadcast receiving device 100 from the authentication information memory 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 received authentication information is confirmed to be correct by the processing of S609, the mobile information terminal 700 is authenticated (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). By the above processing, cooperation between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 becomes possible.

[0122] In addition, when the broadcast cooperative app is executed in both the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 following the above-mentioned processing, the processing shown in Fig. 9 may be performed. Fig. 9 is an operation sequence diagram showing an example of a start-up sequence of the broadcast cooperative app in 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 confirmed in S612, a transmission request for the broadcast cooperative application (TV side) is transmitted to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 121 (S613).

[0124] The service provider server 400 that has received the transmission request for the broadcast cooperative app (television side) 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 cooperative app (television side) stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S614). The application engine 162 of the broadcast receiving device 100 starts the predetermined broadcast cooperative app (television side) that has been received from the service provider server 400 and distributed via the LAN communication unit 121 under the control of the application control unit 161 (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 the URL of the broadcast cooperative app (terminal side) to be executed on the mobile information terminal 700, which information was acquired from the AIT or the broadcast cooperative app (TV side) executed in S615 (S616). The cooperation control execution unit 7102 of the mobile information terminal 700 transmits a transmission request for the broadcast cooperative app (terminal side) to a predetermined service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 721, based on the URL of the broadcast cooperative app (terminal side) received via the LAN communication unit 721 (S617).

[0126] The service provider server 400, which has received the transmission request for the broadcast cooperative app (terminal side), performs authentication processing for the mobile information terminal 700 as necessary under the control of the application management / distribution execution unit 4103, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast cooperative 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 cooperative app (terminal side) received from the service provider server 400 via the LAN communication unit 721 (S619).

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

[0128] In addition, the operation sequences of Figures 7A to 7C, 8A to 8C, and 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] [Basic screen of mobile information terminal linkage control app] Fig. 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 is assumed to have a function as a high-performance remote control compatible with the broadcast receiving device 100.

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

[0131] For ease of use, each of the operation keys may have the same key arrangement / operation as that of a dedicated remote control attached to the broadcast receiving device 100. In addition, the 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 explanations thereof will be omitted. The linked application key 741a9 is an operation key provided for the broadcast communication linking function of this embodiment.

[0132] In the process 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. In the process 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 key 741ac and the decision key 741ad. In the process 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 the linked application key 741a9 or another operation key having a similar function on the 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. In addition, the linked application key 741a9 or another operation key having a similar function may be provided on a dedicated remote control attached to the 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 message 741b1 and a cooperative control app operation screen 741b2. Other objects may be further displayed. The cooperative control message 741b1 is a message display for making the user recognize 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 in which an arbitrary screen display is performed by the cooperative control app, and detailed description is omitted in this embodiment. For example, the configuration in the cooperative control app operation screen 741b2 may be the same as the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control app described above. A sub-screen of a broadcast program displayed on the broadcast receiving device 100, etc. may be displayed.

[0136] 10B, by displaying the cooperative control in progress message 741b1, the user of the mobile information terminal 700 can easily understand that the mobile information terminal 700 is operating in cooperation with the broadcast receiving device 100. Note that the cooperative control in progress message 741b1 is not limited to a character display, and may be a symbol display, a graphic display, or the like. A difference in background color, or the like, may be used as an alternative to the 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 process of S205 in Fig. 7B. In this embodiment, it is assumed that three broadcast cooperative applications, cooperative application A, cooperative application B, and cooperative application C, are executable by the broadcast receiving device 100 due to the description of 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 broadcast screen 173a as shown in FIG. 11, when the entry button 173a2, the entry button 173a3, the entry button 173a4, etc. are selected using the cursor keys 741ac and the decision key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the linked control app, the display of the data broadcast screen 173a is terminated and linked app A, linked app B, linked app C, etc. are launched under the control of the application control unit 161 and the application engine 162.

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

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

[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 linkage app launcher screen on broadcast receiving device] FIG. 12A is a screen display diagram showing an example of a notification screen for making a user recognize that there is a broadcast cooperative application that can be activated in the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment.

[0143] For example, in the operation sequence shown in Fig. 7C, after the process of S304, neither the data broadcast by the broadcast service nor the broadcast linked application is started, and the display of the broadcast program continues. On the other hand, in this case, if the icon 173b0 as shown in Fig. 12A is displayed to make the user aware that there is a broadcast linked application that can be started, 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 overlooking the existence of a broadcast linked application that can be started.

[0144] The display position of the icon 173b0 may be any position on the screen, but it is preferable that the icon 173b0 is displayed in a place that does not interfere with viewing of a broadcast program. For example, the four corners of the screen. The icon 173b0 may be a character display as shown in FIG. 12A, or may be a symbol, a figure, or the like. The icon 173b0 may be displayed at all times, or may be displayed for a predetermined time after the power is turned on or the channel is changed. Alternatively, the icon 173b0 may be displayed simultaneously with the display of program information, channel number, or the like.

[0145] Fig. 12B is a screen display diagram showing an example of a broadcast cooperative application launcher displayed by the process of S306 in Fig. 7C. In this embodiment, it is assumed that three broadcast cooperative applications, cooperative application A, cooperative application B, and cooperative application C, are executable by the broadcast receiving device 100 due to the description of the AIT, etc. In this case, the broadcast cooperative application launcher 173b1 is displayed at an arbitrary position on the broadcast program screen 173b, and further, an entry button 173b2 of the cooperative application A, an entry button 173b3 of the cooperative application B, an entry button 173b4 of the cooperative application C, and a back button 173b5 are displayed in the broadcast cooperative application launcher 173b1.

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

[0147] In addition, 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 appropriately 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 in the case of displaying the entry buttons of each broadcast linked app on the data broadcast screen 173a of Figure 11.

[0148] Also, the broadcast cooperative application launcher 173b1 may not be displayed when there is no broadcast cooperative application executable 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 cooperative 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 application 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 application of this embodiment has graphics capabilities and effect capabilities by 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 application unit 173c1 that displays information such as a weather forecast and news is overlaid at an arbitrary position on the broadcast program screen 173c. The broadcast cooperative application unit 173c1 is composed of a first main object 173c2, a second main object 173c3, a third main object 173c4, and a background object 173c5, etc. Other objects may be further displayed.

[0150] In a state where the broadcast cooperative application section 173c1 is overlaid on the broadcast program screen 173c, by selecting a data key 741a8 on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control application, it is possible to terminate the execution of the broadcast cooperative application and move to a data broadcast screen. Also, by selecting a cooperative application key 741a9 on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control application, it is possible to terminate the execution of the broadcast cooperative application and return to the display of only the broadcast program screen 173c. The above process may be realized by a different operation key.

[0151] In addition, in a state where 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 of the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control application. The process of changing the transparency may be performed collectively for the entire broadcast cooperative application section 173c1, or may be performed individually for each of 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, a plurality of objects existing in the same graphics layer).

[0152] When performing the above-mentioned process of changing the transparency, for example, the cursor key 741ac on the basic screen 741a of the cooperation control application is used to select an object, and the "blue" key of the color key 741ae is used to increase the transparency of the object, and the "yellow" key is used to decrease the transparency of the object. The above-mentioned process of changing the transparency may be performed using different operation keys. If the entire broadcast cooperation application section 173c1 is collectively set to a transparency of 100%, the broadcast cooperation application section 173c1 can be temporarily hidden. For example, when an emergency broadcast is distributed by broadcast waves, it is possible to set the entire broadcast cooperation application section to a transparency of 100% and display only the broadcast program screen of the emergency broadcast on the video display section 173. Alternatively, a CM detection section (not shown) may detect that the broadcast program has changed from the main video to the CM video, and control the entire broadcast cooperation application section 173c1 to a transparency of 100% (or a transparency at which the video of the broadcast program can be clearly confirmed) collectively.

[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 check the broadcast program screen without terminating the broadcast linked app.

[0154] Fig. 13B is a screen display diagram showing an example of the broadcast cooperative application 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 the above. In the example shown in Fig. 13B, a broadcast cooperative application section 173c6 introducing recommended programs is overlaid at an arbitrary position on the broadcast program screen 173c. The broadcast cooperative application 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 broadcast program being displayed (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 or the like. 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 or the like distributed from each server device on the Internet 200. It may also be an information screen such as a homepage prepared in a server device on the Internet 200.

[0156] When the broadcast linking application 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. are selected using the cursor keys 741ac and the decision key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the linking control application, whereby the program videos recommended in the first recommended program information 173c7, the second recommended program information 173c8, the third recommended program information 173c9, etc. are displayed on the display section 173.

[0157] FIG. 13C is a screen display diagram showing an example in which a program video recommended by the broadcast cooperative application section 173c6 that introduces a recommended program is displayed. For example, when the first recommended program information 173c7 of the broadcast cooperative application section 173c6 is selected using the cursor key 741ac and the decision key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control application, the 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 a specified time by the user's operation of the operation terminal. In addition, when the program video 173ca is displayed, the original broadcast program screen 173c may be displayed at an arbitrary position in a PIP (Picture In Picture) format. In this case, it may be possible to change which of the program video 173ca of the recommended program and the original broadcast program screen 173c is to be the main screen by the user's operation of the operation terminal. It may be possible to adjust the size of the window of the original broadcast program screen 173c by the user's operation of the operation terminal.

[0158] In addition, if an icon display 173cb indicating 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 is displayed at an arbitrary position on the screen, the user's convenience can be improved. Needless to say, the transparency of the broadcast linked application section 173c6 may be changed in the broadcast linked application execution screen shown in FIG. 13B in the same manner as described above.

[0159] Fig. 13D is a screen display diagram showing an example of the broadcast linked application 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 the above. In the example shown in Fig. 13D, a broadcast linked application section 173cc serving as a portal of a social networking service (SNS) service is overlaid and displayed at an arbitrary position on a broadcast program screen 173c. 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. are displayed on the broadcast linked application section 173cc. Entry buttons for even more SNS services may be displayed by scrolling, page switching, etc.

[0160] In a state where the broadcast cooperation application section 173cc is overlaid on the broadcast program screen 173c, by using the cursor keys 741ac and the enter key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the cooperation control application to select the entry button 173cd of the first SNS service, the entry button 173ce of the second SNS service, the entry button 173cf of the third SNS service, or the like, the functions assigned to each entry button, such as a chat function, a bulletin board function, an Internet telephone function, or the like, are enabled. This makes it possible to enjoy the broadcast program being displayed (broadcast program screen 173c) while exchanging information with others. At the same time, the basic screen 741a of the cooperation control application 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, or the like.

[0161] In addition to the above-mentioned 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 broadcast timing of a commercial, and presents a related commercial app to both the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700. Alternatively, in 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 according to 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 FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B, etc.

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

[0163] In the broadcast receiving device 100 of the present embodiment, when it is determined that the broadcast cooperative app cannot be executed, the reason why the broadcast cooperative app cannot be executed, such as the result of checking the application profile 904, is displayed in the error message 173d1. For example, when the result of checking the application profile 904 indicates that a predetermined optional function is lacking on the television receiver side, the fact is displayed in the error message 173d1. An error code and a guide (such as a URL) to the television receiver manufacturer's homepage in which an explanation of the error code is described may be displayed. Alternatively, when the broadcast cooperative app is acquired from a network, the network connection status is naturally checked in advance. At this time, when the broadcast cooperative app cannot be acquired due to, for example, a defective connection of a LAN cable, the fact is displayed in the error message 173d1. In addition, the error message 173d1 may be displayed when the network connection is established but the broadcast cooperative app cannot be acquired correctly due to a poor error situation. The error message 173d1 may be displayed when the broadcast cooperative app is not yet in a state where it can be executed while the broadcast cooperative app is being acquired. The error message 173d1 may also be displayed when the broadcast wave reception is unstable and, although the AIT and other information was initially received, the AIT and other information can no longer be received halfway through. In such a case, if the broadcast-linked app acquired from each server device is cached as is, it can be used as is after the broadcast wave reception is restored.

[0164] Also, if the result of checking the application profile 904 shows that the television receiver lacks a predetermined optional function, an error message 173d1 may be displayed to recommend checking or updating the latest firmware for the television receiver. Alternatively, the broadcast receiving device 100 may automatically check 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, a guide to 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 instead of 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 application (terminal side) execution screen displayed in the process of S619 in Fig. 9. The broadcast cooperative application 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 be further added.

[0166] In this embodiment, the broadcast cooperative application (terminal side) executed by 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 section 714c6 displays commentary subtitles about the broadcast program being displayed on the main window 741c1 and comments posted by other users about the broadcast program. The end button 741c7 is a button for ending the operation of the broadcast cooperative application (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 receiving device] 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. It is assumed that the EPG display screen 173e is displayed on the video display unit 173 by selecting the program guide key 741a7 on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control application.

[0169] In this embodiment, the EPG display screen 173e is in a matrix shape with the vertical axis representing time and the horizontal axis representing service ID (channel), and displays detailed information about each broadcast program broadcast on each channel during each time period. 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 a symbol representing the attributes of each broadcast program. The symbol representing the attributes of each broadcast program is, for example, a symbol representing "New" meaning that it is a new program, or a symbol representing "Replay" meaning that it is a rebroadcast program. Alternatively, a symbol representing "data" meaning that it is compatible with data broadcasting by a broadcasting service may be used. In addition, if the broadcast program is prepared for a broadcast linkage application that can be executed by the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment, a symbol representing "Linkage" indicating this may be used. The detailed explanation area 173e3 displays related information such as the program content and performers of each broadcast program, and the URL of a homepage introducing each broadcast program.

[0171] In addition, the symbolized mark of "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 a broadcast-linked application is prepared for the broadcast program. Furthermore, the symbolized mark of "Linkage" displayed in the title area 173e2, which indicates that the broadcast program has an executable broadcast-linked application prepared, may further have its color, shape, font, etc. changed depending on whether or not a linked operation with a mobile terminal device is possible. If a linked operation with a mobile terminal device is possible, a symbolized mark of "Mobile" may be displayed together with the symbolized mark of "Linkage".

[0172] The presence or absence of the mark symbolizing "Linkage" or the mark symbolizing "Mobile" may be controlled by acquiring information, which is previously described in EIT information including detailed information of each broadcast program, such as whether each broadcast program is a broadcast program for which a broadcast-linking app executable by the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment is prepared, whether the executable broadcast-linking app is capable of operating in conjunction with a mobile terminal device, etc. Alternatively, the information acquired from program distribution information of a digital broadcast program 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 the broadcast waves of a digital broadcast service.

[0173] As described above, by displaying on the EPG display screen 173e a symbolized mark of "Linkage" indicating that the broadcast program is prepared for an executable broadcast-linking application and a symbolized mark of "Mobile" indicating that a linked operation with a mobile terminal device is possible, the user can easily grasp the compatibility of each broadcast program with the broadcast-communication linked service in the broadcast receiving device 100. Needless to say, the symbolized mark of a predetermined character indicating the attribute of each broadcast program may be replaced with the character itself or a sentence. 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. Also, the symbolized mark of "Linkage" or the symbolized mark of "Mobile" may not be displayed in the title area 173e2 normally, but may be popped up only when each broadcast program is selected by the program selection cursor 173e4.

[0174] The broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment has a function of making a reservation for viewing and / or recording of each broadcast program on the EPG display screen 173e. For example, while the EPG display screen 173e is displayed, the program selection cursor 173e4 on the EPG display screen 173e is moved using the cursor keys 741ac on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control application, and an arbitrary broadcast program is selected using the enter key 741ad, thereby making a reservation for 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 the broadcast communication cooperation service, the viewing reservation and / or recording reservation may be used as a trigger to start acquiring a broadcast cooperative app prepared for the broadcast program without waiting for the broadcast start time of the broadcast program. That is, information specifying the acquisition destination of the broadcast cooperative app (location information such as a URL) is written in EIT information including detailed information of each broadcast program. In this way, the broadcast receiving device 100 can grasp the information on the acquisition destination of the broadcast cooperative app prepared for each broadcast program at the time the broadcast program is selected with the program selection cursor 173e4. Therefore, the broadcast receiving device 100 can start acquiring the broadcast cooperative 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 compatible with the broadcast communication cooperation service and is capable of cooperation with a mobile terminal device, the broadcast cooperation app (terminal side) prepared for the mobile terminal device may also start acquiring the broadcast cooperation app before the broadcast start time of the broadcast program in the same manner as described above. Also, as shown in Fig. 16B, a two-dimensional barcode 173e5 or the like indicating information on the acquisition destination (location information such as a URL) of the broadcast cooperation 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 cooperation app (terminal side) prepared for the mobile terminal device.

[0177] In this way, if the broadcast receiving device 100 refers to the acquisition destination 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 of the service provider server 400 that stores the broadcast linked app. Also, 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 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] During viewing of 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 uses the operation terminal to make a request to start an EPG screen (S702), an EPG display screen 173e is displayed on the video display unit 173 (S703). When the user uses the operation terminal to select an arbitrary broadcast program on the EPG display screen 173e 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 destination of a broadcast linking app linked to the broadcast program scheduled for viewing and / or recording (S706).

[0180] After the process of S706, the application control unit 161 transmits a transmission request for the broadcast cooperative app 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 transmission request for the broadcast cooperative app performs authentication processing for 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 cooperative 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 cooperative 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 above-described transmitting / receiving device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to execute functions with higher added value. EXAMPLES

[0182] The following describes the second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration and effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the following mainly describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment, and omits descriptions of common points as much as possible to avoid duplication.

[0183] In the first embodiment, the 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 cooperation, there are cases where it is desired to restrict the use of terminal cooperation to only mobile information terminals 700 that are in the same house as broadcast receiving device 100 (hereinafter, this restriction will be referred to as "same-house restriction"). For example, in an application for using broadcast cooperation (hereinafter, referred to as "broadcast cooperation application"), 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 to consider 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 needs to obtain control information regarding the presence or absence of a same-house restriction and change the operation procedure. This control information regarding the presence or absence of a restriction may be obtained from a broadcast signal (for example, described as an item in the AIT) or may be obtained from a server designated by the broadcast station.

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

[0187] Usually, devices existing in the same home are on a local network connected to the same router device 210. Therefore, when the mobile information terminal 700 is connected to the same local network as the broadcast receiving device 100, it can be determined that the devices are in 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 house by directly communicating with the broadcast receiving device 100 by NFC, BlueTooth, infrared communication, etc. In this case, the communication for acquiring the broadcast cooperative app, etc. may be the above-mentioned direct communication or may be by mobile telephone communication.

[0189] As described above, there are multiple possible methods for confirming that the devices are in the same house. The method to be used is described, for example, in 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 regarded as being in the same home until the program ends, or a certain valid time (for example, 10 minutes) may be set, during which it is regarded as being in the same home, but once the valid time has elapsed, it is not regarded as being 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 time during the progress of a program, and whenever this event signal is received, it may be confirmed that the mobile information terminal 700 is present in the same home.

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

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

[0196] First, before terminal cooperation is performed, a cooperation control application, which is an application for controlling terminal cooperation, is started in each of the mobile information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10001, S10002). In this state, the mobile information terminal 700 requests terminal cooperation from 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 application for the target mobile information terminal has a same-house restriction (S10006). If there is a restriction, the procedure proceeds to S10008. At the first stage where a terminal cooperation request is made, the procedure proceeds to step S10009, and it is determined whether the mobile information terminal 700 that made the terminal cooperation request is in the same house as the broadcast receiver 100 (S10009). If it is determined that they are not in the same house as a result of the determination, a response of cooperation non-permission is made to the cooperation control application on the mobile information terminal side, 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 are both apps with and without the same-house restriction, the determination in S10006 is performed.

[0198] If it is determined that the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same house, or if the application is not restricted to being in the same house, the process proceeds to S10012, where a broadcast cooperative application-related service is performed. In this service (S10012), a broadcast cooperative information distribution request (S10013) from the mobile information terminal 700 is processed, and broadcast cooperative information is distributed to the mobile information terminal 700 (S10018). This broadcast cooperative information includes information distributed by the broadcast receiving device 100 from a distribution server that is the business server 300 (S10014, S10015, S10016), information acquired from a broadcast signal (S10017), information stored in the broadcast receiving device 100, and the like. 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 may also autonomously acquire the broadcast linked information or may acquire the broadcast linked information based on an event occurring from a broadcast signal. The broadcast receiving device 100 may also distribute the broadcast linked information to the mobile information terminal 700 (S10018) voluntarily.

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

[0200] If viewing continues, the procedure returns to S10005, and if there is a home restriction, it is confirmed whether the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same home (S10009), but it is determined whether a preset valid time has elapsed since the last confirmation, or whether a confirmation request (S10007) has occurred from a broadcast signal or a distribution server since the last confirmation (S10008). If neither of these conditions is met, it does not check whether it is in the same home (S10009), and goes through S10010 to execute the next broadcast linked app related service (S10012). Here, the confirmation request from the broadcast signal (S10007) is described to be obtained from the broadcast linked information, but here, the event message is also described as being 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 not performing authentication unless the authentication key in the distribution server incorporates 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 in the broadcast signal may be incorporated as broadcast linkage information in addition to being described in the AIT. Furthermore, as a method for practically 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 house as the broadcast receiving device 100 at every preset valid time or every time there is a confirmation request from a broadcast signal or a distribution server, thereby making it possible to appropriately execute broadcast-related apps with same-house restrictions. Furthermore, by using authentication information incorporated in the broadcast signal for authentication at the distribution server, it is possible to ensure the legitimacy of the distribution request, and by appropriately changing the authentication information of 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 technique according to the present embodiment described above, it is possible to realize the same-home restriction for mobile information terminals that cooperate with a broadcast receiving device. EXAMPLES

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

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

[0207] First, before terminal cooperation is performed, a cooperation control application, which is an application for controlling terminal cooperation, is started in each of the mobile information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 (S10101, S10102). In this state, the mobile information terminal 700 issues a terminal cooperation 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 the 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 performed in accordance with the time of the distribution server, but if the time difference is not a problem, this may be omitted.

[0208] From this point on, the process enters the loop control indicated by the arrow at S10127.

[0209] First, the mobile information terminal 700 issues an authentication key issuance request 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 in the following step (S10125). The broadcast linked distribution request in S10109 is a distribution request for information acquired from a broadcast signal, and corresponds to the procedure in S10126 in the following step.

[0210] In any case, when the request of S10109 is issued from the mobile information terminal, it is determined whether the broadcast linked application has a same-house restriction (S10111), and if there is a restriction, proceed to the next step S10112, and if not, skip the step S10112 and proceed to S10114. If all broadcast linked applications have a same-house restriction, the determination of S10111 is not performed and proceed to S10112. In S10112, it is determined whether the mobile information terminal that issued the request is in the same house, and if not, the terminal linkage is terminated (S10113). If it is in the same house, the requested procedure is performed, that is, acquisition of broadcast linked information from the distribution server (S10125) or acquisition of broadcast linked information from the broadcast signal (S10126). Since acquisition from the broadcast signal may occur 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 linking 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 allows the distribution of broadcast linking information if the authentication is OK. Thereafter, the distribution of information is allowed within the valid period, but the distribution is stopped when the valid period has elapsed. For example, streaming video cannot be viewed after the valid period has elapsed.

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

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

[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. Also, by changing the authentication information described in the AIT as the program progresses and not performing authentication unless the authentication key in the distribution server has information synchronized with the program progress incorporated, 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 in the broadcast signal may be incorporated as broadcast linkage information in addition to being described in the AIT. Furthermore, as a method for practically changing the authentication information, a method of changing the URL of the distribution server itself as the program progresses can also be used. Note that the URL change in this case is when the distribution server is the same but the entrance is different, but it may also be changed to a new distribution server due to a change in the broadcast linkage 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 linkage information from a broadcast signal (S10126) will be described.

[0217] In this case, after it is confirmed that the portable information terminal 700 is in the same home, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires broadcast cooperation information from the broadcast signal (S10119), and then distributes the information to the portable 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 issued from the broadcast signal (S10110), and the notification may trigger the acquisition of the broadcast linked information. In this case, if the information is acquired from a distribution server, the broadcast receiving device 100 issues an authentication key to the mobile information terminal (S10115) and notifies the mobile information terminal that a change notification has been received. If the information is acquired within the valid time, the issuance of the authentication key may be omitted, and only the change notification may be notified. In the case of acquisition from a broadcast signal, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires information (S10119) and distributes it to the mobile information terminal (S10120). In addition, in the case of acquisition from a broadcast signal, it may be confirmed that the mobile information terminal 700 is in the same house for each change notification, and as in the second embodiment, if the information is acquired within the valid time, the confirmation may be omitted. Here, the change notification from the broadcast signal (S10110) is described as being acquired from the broadcast linked information, but here, the event message is also described as being included in the broadcast linked information. 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 judges whether or not the user is continuing to watch the same program (S10121), and if not, responds to the linkage control application on the mobile information terminal side that linkage is not permitted, and ends the process (S10123). If viewing is continuing, the process returns to S10108, and the loop process S10127 continues.

[0220] In this way, by including time information in the authentication key used for authenticating the distribution server and managing the valid time, 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 a broadcast-linked app with same-home restrictions. Furthermore, by using the authentication information embedded in the broadcast signal for authentication at the distribution server, the legitimacy of the distribution request can be ensured, and by appropriately changing the authentication information of the broadcast signal, it is also possible to confirm that the same program is being continuously viewed.

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

[0222] In the second and third embodiments, the procedure for realizing the same-house restriction in terminal cooperation has been described, but depending on the broadcast cooperation app, use from outside the home may also be permitted. In this embodiment, such a case will be described. For example, when a program such as a TV shopping program itself is public relations and advertising, it is desirable for the broadcaster to be able to use the broadcast cooperation app regardless of whether the program is in the home or outside the home. In the case of such a program, once it is registered in the broadcast receiving device 100, the broadcast cooperation app may be permitted to be used regardless of whether the mobile information terminal 700 is in the home. In this case, convenience is further improved if there is a broadcast cooperation 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 or not the broadcast cooperation app permits use from outside the home, including distribution of the broadcast video to outside the home, is described in data (e.g., AIT) in the broadcast signal.

[0223] A specific procedure is shown in FIG. 18C. Since some of the procedures are common to the second and third embodiments, the explanation of the overlapping parts with the second and third embodiments will be omitted. When there is a terminal link request from outside the home (S10203), if the application is permitted for use outside the home, the broadcast receiving device 100 checks whether the request source is a registered mobile information terminal (S10205) and then permits the link. Here, if necessary, authentication may be performed between the mobile information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 for copyright protection of the broadcast video and broadcast link information (S10207). At that time, the authentication may be authentication in the distribution server (S10207). Information on whether copyright protection is necessary and information on the authentication method for copyright protection are obtained from the broadcast signal (for example, described in the AIT), and control is performed accordingly. If the 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 determined in advance 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, a combination of the following authentications may be performed. Also, the following authentications may be performed in combination with other authentication processes not shown in the following examples.

[0225] [ID and password authentication] When the mobile information terminal 700 is registered in the broadcast receiving device 100, an ID and a 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 described above, 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 a 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 a distribution server. The mobile information terminal 700 transmits an ID and a password to the distribution server and obtains the encryption key. In this case, security is further improved by obtaining location information (specifically, a URL) of the distribution server from a broadcast signal (e.g., described in the AIT) and transmitting this location information from the broadcast receiving device 100 to the mobile information terminal 700. If the mobile information terminal 700 cannot obtain the encryption key, it cannot decrypt the video data, etc., so that the broadcast receiving device 100 may request authentication from the distribution server to authenticate copyright protection, or the mobile information terminal 700 may notify the broadcast receiving device 100 that the encryption key has been obtained, thereby completing the authentication. 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 that 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 cooperation is not permitted. 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 cooperation is not permitted.

[0230] If terminal linkage is permitted, thereafter, it is not confirmed whether the mobile information terminal 700 exists in the same house, and broadcast linkage information is distributed 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 with a set valid time does not have to be performed. The mobile information terminal 700 outside the house acquires the broadcast linkage information from the broadcast receiving device 100 or the distribution server using the issued authentication key (S10215). In addition, if the authentication key issued by the broadcast receiving device 100 incorporates authentication information acquired from the broadcast signal (for example, described in the AIT), and the distribution server allows access if the authentication key incorporates the authentication information acquired from the broadcast signal, it is possible to further improve the appropriateness of outside use.

[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] A specific procedure in this case is shown in FIG. 18D. Some of the procedures are common to those in FIG. 18C, so the description of the overlapping parts will be omitted. First, when the portable information terminal 700 is in the same house as the broadcast receiving device 100, the portable information terminal 700 sends a terminal link request to the broadcast receiving device 100, and the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms that the portable information terminal 700 is in the same house (S10305) and then permits the link. Here, if necessary, authentication may be performed between the portable information terminal 700 and the broadcast receiving device 100 for copyright protection of the broadcast video and broadcast link information (S10307). In this case, the authentication may be authentication in an external distribution server. Information on whether copyright protection is necessary and information on the authentication method for copyright protection are obtained from the broadcast signal (for example, described in the AIT), and control is performed accordingly. If the 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 determined in advance 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, a combination of the following authentications may be performed. Also, the following authentications may be performed in combination with other authentication processes not shown in the following examples.

[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 a 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, a restriction can be imposed 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] A method in which an encryption key for decrypting encrypted video data, etc. is issued from a distribution server. The mobile information terminal 700 transmits an ID and a password to the distribution server to obtain the encryption key. In this case, security is further enhanced by obtaining location information (specifically, a URL) of the distribution server from a 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. If the mobile information terminal 700 cannot obtain the encryption key, the video data, etc. cannot be decrypted. Therefore, the broadcast receiving device 100 may request authentication from the distribution server to be used as authentication for copyright protection, or the mobile information terminal 700 may notify the broadcast receiving device 100 that the encryption key has been obtained, thereby completing the authentication. The distribution server may be accessed either inside or outside the home, but if the location information of the distribution server can be obtained from the broadcast signal only at a certain point in the program and the location information is only passed to the mobile information terminal 700 within the same home, a restriction can be imposed that the user must be in the same home at that time, and this can also be used to provide a premium for viewing. The distribution server may 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 that they each have, thereby authenticating copyright protection. This authentication may be performed either inside or outside the home.

[0237] When information stored in a broadcast signal indicates that copyright protection is required by a specified method, if the copyright protection cannot be authenticated by the specified method, terminal linkage is not permitted. Even if there is no designation in the broadcast signal and authentication is performed by a default method of the broadcast receiver 100, if the copyright protection cannot be authenticated by the default method, terminal linkage is not permitted. The procedure after terminal linkage is permitted is the same as the procedure in Fig. 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 paying attention to copyright protection. EXAMPLES

[0239] In actual use, it is more desirable to easily know whether a terminal link application is available for a program and which terminal link application is available. In this embodiment, a method for displaying the availability status of a terminal link application will be described. A terminal link application refers to a broadcast link application used in terminal linkage.

[0240] FIG. 19A is an example of a launcher screen (173b11) of a broadcast cooperative application when a terminal cooperative application is present. The broadcast cooperative application is displayed as an icon of framed characters. Broadcast cooperative applications (173b12-173b14) for the broadcast receiving device 100 and broadcast cooperative applications (173b15-173b17) for the mobile information terminals that are linked to the program being viewed are displayed. In this example, the thickness of the frame surrounding the character string and the color of the frame indicate the status of the application. The main application A and B (173b12, 173b13) and the terminal application A and B (173b15, 173b16) are in an available state, and the main application C (173b14) and the terminal application C (173b17) are in an unavailable state. The unavailable state of a terminal application means that none of the mobile information terminals 700 that are in a state capable of communicating with the broadcast receiving device 100 has a function to execute the application.

[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 cooperated with broadcast receiving device 100 in the past or are registered.

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

[0243] Additionally, icons are easier to understand visually if they are made out of pictures, as shown in the following example.

[0244] 19C is an example of a launcher screen (173b31) showing a list of broadcast cooperative applications. 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 an icon 173b36 is an icon indicating a head mounted display type mobile information terminal 700. Each application is for the device indicated by the icon.

[0245] In Fig. 19C, when the application cannot be used, a mark indicating that the application cannot be used (in this case, a circle with a diagonal line) is displayed superimposed on the image of the device. Also, for the broadcast receiving device 100, when the application is already running, a mark indicating this (in this case, a circle with a dot) may be displayed superimposed. This display makes it possible to prevent a wasteful operation of proceeding with the launcher procedure even though the application is already running. In the case of the mobile information terminal 700, a method is also possible in which a mark indicating that the application is running is displayed when the application is running on all terminals that are capable of communicating with the broadcast receiving device and that can run the application.

[0246] FIG. 19D is a screen (173b41) after selecting application C (173b34) in FIG. 19C. The state of the mobile information terminal 700 of the type corresponding to application C is shown. In this screen, when the mobile information terminal 700 does not have the execution function of the broadcast cooperative application, when it is not in a state in which communication with the broadcast receiving device 100 is possible, or when the broadcast cooperative application is already being executed, a mark representing each of these is displayed superimposed on the icon. In this example, when it does not have the execution function, a circle with a line (173b44, 173b46) is displayed, when it is not in a state in which communication is possible, a triangle with an exclamation point (173b45, 173b46) is displayed, and when it is already being executed, a circle with a dot (173b43) is displayed.

[0247] Furthermore, it is desirable to have a display method that allows users to know that there is a broadcast-linked app 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, when the broadcast-linked app is changed at the beginning or middle of a program, when the communication status between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 changes, 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 showing 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 is no device of that type that is in a usable state that can run the app. A circle with a dot indicates that the app is running on all devices of that type that are in a usable state.

[0249] FIG. 19F shows a display screen (10401) on the mobile information terminal 700. When requesting terminal cooperation from the mobile information terminal 700, it is convenient to know which broadcast cooperation app can be used on which broadcast receiving device 100 in a list. FIG. 19F shows an example of the list (10402). This table shows which broadcast receiving device 100 in the home can use the broadcast cooperation app corresponding to the program to be searched. If the status of each broadcast receiving device 100 is also displayed, it is more convenient, especially when using it from outside the home. In this example, display examples such as receiving the program, receiving another program, free, and other program reservation (when recording of another program is reserved from the middle of the program) are shown. Note that here, if there are multiple tuners in the broadcast receiving device 100, it is more convenient to display the status for each of the multiple tuners. In table 10202, tuners in the same device are distinguished by sub-numbers. For example, receiving device B-1 and receiving device B-2 are tuners in 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 unit of the broadcast receiving device 100, and broadcasting can be used if the tuner in the 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, information is required for each broadcast cooperative 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 the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 to execute the compatible app. This information can be obtained by the broadcast receiving device 100 by writing it in the AIT, for example.

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

[0252] The following describes the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration and effects of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the following mainly describes the differences between the sixth embodiment and the first embodiment, and omits as much as possible the description of the common points to avoid duplication.

[0253] In this embodiment, an example will be given to explain the operation of the broadcast receiving device 100 in the process of starting a broadcast cooperative app based on the AIT transmitted by the broadcast wave, particularly in the following case. This case is when the broadcast cooperative app is a broadcast managed application, and the information on the PMT and the information such as the application control code 903 and the start priority 907 in the AIT (FIG. 6) specify and instruct that the broadcast managed application, which is the broadcast cooperative app, is to be automatically started with priority. Note that hereinafter, the broadcast managed application may be referred to as a "broadcast managed application."

[0254] The broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment has a function of controlling the start-up process of the broadcast linked app for which the automatic start-up is specified in the digital broadcasting service according to a selection made by a user. When there is a provision or instruction for the automatic start-up, the broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment controls the broadcast linked app to be automatically started only when the following conditions (1) to (3) are met, rather than automatically starting the broadcast linked app unconditionally. (1) When automatic start-up is set to be permissible in the user settings of the broadcast receiving device. (2) When a user who owns a specific terminal linked to the broadcast receiving device is watching, in other words, when automatic start-up is set to be permissible in the user settings of the linked terminal. (3) When a confirmation of start-up is performed on the user each time, and the confirmation is positive.

[0255] 20 shows a system configuration and a usage example including a broadcast receiving device 100 of a sixth embodiment. The broadcast receiving device 100 receives broadcast waves from a broadcast station server 300 via a radio tower 300t, and separates images of a broadcast program from information such as the AIT. The broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately acquires a broadcast linked app from the service provider server 400 based on the information such as the AIT. The AIT may include information instructing automatic startup of a broadcast linked app linked to a broadcast program.

[0256] There are one or more mobile information terminals 700 that perform terminal linkage with the broadcast receiving device 100. For example, one broadcast receiving device 100 can link with each of the mobile information terminals 700 of two users and is shared. For example, there is terminal A owned by user A and terminal B owned by user B. This is not limiting, and one user may use multiple mobile information terminals 700.

[0257] The broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment has an application start control means 2000 including a user selection means 2001. The user selection means 2001 is a means for selecting whether or not to permit the start and execution of a broadcast cooperative application based on the operation of the user of the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700. The user selection means 2001 is configured, for example, with an instruction input unit and a user setting unit in the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700. When automatic start of the broadcast cooperative application is instructed in the AIT, the application start control means 2000 controls the start of the broadcast cooperative application in accordance with the selection by the user and the user selection means 2001 of whether or not to permit the start and execution of the broadcast cooperative application.

[0258] [In case of automatic launch of broadcast managed app] In the sixth embodiment, when it is specified that a broadcast managed application is to be automatically started first, the operation sequence in which the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately checks information such as the PMT and AIT and starts the broadcast managed application is the same as that described using Fig. 7A in the first embodiment. In the example of Fig. 7A, the application profile 904 of the AIT is checked to confirm whether the target broadcast managed application can be executed in the broadcast receiving device 100 (S105). If it is confirmed that the broadcast managed application can be executed, the broadcast receiving device 100 will always be automatically started regardless of the selection of the user of the broadcast receiving device 100.

[0259] However, it should be considered that the user of the broadcast receiving device 100 may not want the broadcast managed app to be automatically started, for example, because he / she wants to concentrate on watching a broadcast program. The broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment has an app start control means 2000 as a control function that takes this possibility into consideration. That is, even when there is an instruction to automatically start the broadcast managed app with priority based on the information such as the PMT and AIT, and even when it is confirmed that the broadcast managed app can be executed based on the information such as the AIT, the broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment controls the start of the app according to the user's selection of whether or not to start the app. An example of controlling whether or not to automatically start a broadcast managed app will be described below.

[0260] [Operation sequence when broadcast managed app is launched (1)] Fig. 21 shows an example of an operation sequence at the time of starting a broadcast linked app in a case where a broadcast managed app, which is a broadcast linked app, is specified to be started preferentially, as a first configuration example and processing example of the broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 21 shows a series of flows in which the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately checks the information of the PMT and AIT, and further controls whether or not a predetermined broadcast linked app is automatically started according to a user's selection. In the first configuration example, a user setting in the broadcast receiving device 100 is used as the user selection means 2000.

[0261] In Fig. 21, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires a TS by performing a process of selecting a channel desired by a user using the tuner / demodulator 131 in Fig. 2A. Next, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires a PMT data string separated by the first separator 132 using the main controller 101 (S1101), and checks the startup priority described in the acquired PMT (S1102). In the processes of S1101 and S1102, the broadcast receiving device 100 checks that the startup priority of the broadcast managed application, which is a broadcast cooperative application, is high.

[0262] After confirming the above, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the AIT data string separated by the first separation unit 132 by the application control unit 161 (S1103), and checks the application control code 903 of the acquired AIT data string (S1104). If the application control code 903 is "automatic start" in the processes of S1103 and S1104, that is, if automatic start of the broadcast cooperative application is specified, the broadcast receiving device 100 further checks the application profile 904 of the acquired AIT data string (S1105).

[0263] In S1105, the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms that the broadcast cooperative app specified in the AIT can be executed in the broadcast receiving device 100 by checking the information of the application profile 904. If the execution is confirmed, the broadcast receiving device 100 further refers to the operation setting values ​​stored in the storage unit 110 by the application control unit 161. As a result, the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms whether or not automatic startup of the broadcast cooperative app is permitted in the user settings of the broadcast receiving device 100 (S1106).

[0264] The operation setting value indicating whether the broadcast cooperative app is to be automatically started can be selected and set by the user according to preference through a function setting menu or the like of the broadcast receiving device 100. The broadcast receiving device 100 provides the user with a function setting menu on a screen or the like as a user selection means 2001. The user can set user settings for various functions through the function setting menu on the screen by operating the remote control of the broadcast receiving device 100 or a cooperative mobile information terminal 700 or the like. The broadcast receiving device 100 saves the user setting information in the function setting menu in the memory of the broadcast receiving device 100 as an operation setting value.

[0265] When the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms in the process of S1106 that automatic startup of the broadcast cooperative app is not permitted ("No"), that is, that the user does not want the broadcast cooperative app to be automatically started (S1107-No), the broadcast receiving device 100 ends this process in Fig. 21. That is, the application control unit 161 does not acquire and start the broadcast cooperative app specified in the AIT.

[0266] On the other hand, if the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms in the process of S1106 that automatic startup of the broadcast linked app is permitted ("OK"), that is, that the user wishes for automatic startup of the broadcast linked app (S1107-Yes), the process proceeds to S1108. In the process of S1108, the broadcast receiving device 100 causes the application control unit 161 to transmit a distribution request for the broadcast linked app 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 of the AIT.

[0267] The service provider server 400, which has received the broadcast cooperative application distribution request of S1108, performs authentication processing of the broadcast receiving device 100 as necessary based on the control of the application management / distribution execution unit 4103 in Fig. 4, and then distributes the predetermined broadcast cooperative application stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S1109). Note that a known method may be used for the authentication processing, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0268] Next, the broadcast receiving device 100 starts a predetermined broadcast cooperative application distributed from the service provider server 400 and received via the LAN communication unit 121 by the application engine 162 based on the control of the application control unit 161 (S1110). As a result, the broadcast cooperative application is executed and the execution screen of the application is displayed.

[0269] As a modified example, the processes of S1106 and S1107 may be performed after the broadcast cooperative app is acquired in the processes of S1108 and S1109.

[0270] As in the first configuration example of FIG. 21 described above, in the sixth embodiment, when it is confirmed in the user settings of the broadcast receiving device 100 that automatic startup is permitted, the broadcast cooperative app can be started.

[0271] [Operation sequence when broadcast managed app is launched (2)] Fig. 22 shows an example of an operation sequence at the time of starting a broadcast linked app different from that shown in Fig. 21 when a broadcast managed app, which is a broadcast linked app, is specified to be started preferentially, as a second configuration example and processing example of the broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 22 shows an example of checking whether or not the broadcast linked app can be automatically started by referring to the operation setting value, i.e., the user setting information, stored in the mobile information terminal 700 that performs the linked operation with the broadcast receiving device 100, i.e., the above-mentioned terminal linkage. In the second configuration example, the user setting in the mobile information terminal 700 is used as the user selection means 2000. The user selects and sets whether or not to allow the automatic start of the broadcast linked app for the mobile information terminal 700.

[0272] In Fig. 22, the broadcast receiving device 100 first performs the processes of S1201 to S1205, which are the same as the processes of S1101 to S1105 in Fig. 21. If the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms in S1205 that the broadcast cooperative application specified in the AIT is executable by checking the application profile 904, then the broadcast receiving device 100 performs the process of S1206. In S1206, the broadcast receiving device 100 transmits a user setting confirmation request to the mobile information terminal 700 in cooperative operation by the application control unit 161. Here, it is assumed that the mobile information terminal 700 in cooperative operation or capable of terminal cooperative operation is, for example, terminal A in Fig. 20.

[0273] In response to the user setting confirmation request received by the cooperative control execution unit 7102 in Fig. 5B via the LAN communication unit 721, the mobile information terminal 700 refers to the operation setting values ​​for the broadcast receiving device 100 stored in the storage unit 710 in Fig. 5A. As a result, the mobile information terminal 700 confirms whether the broadcast cooperative app can be automatically started in the broadcast receiving device 100 in the user settings of the mobile information terminal 700 (S1207). The mobile information terminal 700 transmits the confirmation result of whether the automatic start can be started by the cooperative control execution unit 7102 to the broadcast receiving device 100 via the LAN communication unit 721 as a user setting confirmation result (S1208).

[0274] The operation setting value of whether or not to automatically start the broadcast cooperative app in the broadcast receiving device 100, which is the user setting information of the mobile information terminal 700, can be set by, for example, the following means. That is, in a cooperative operation state between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700, the user can select and set according to his / her preference using a cooperative function setting menu, which is one item in the function setting menu of the mobile information terminal 700. The mobile information terminal 700 provides the user with the function setting menu on a screen or the like. The user selects a cooperative function setting menu from the function setting menu. The cooperative function setting menu is a menu that allows settings related to cooperative operation. The user can set whether or not to automatically start the broadcast cooperative app in the broadcast receiving device 100 by performing an operation of selecting from the cooperative function setting menu. The mobile information terminal 700 saves the user setting information in the function setting menu as an operation setting value in the memory of the mobile information terminal 700.

[0275] If the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms through the above processes of S1206 to S1208 that automatic startup of the broadcast cooperative app is not permitted, that is, that the user who owns the mobile information terminal 700 does not want the broadcast cooperative app to be automatically started on the broadcast receiving device 100 (S1209-No), the broadcast receiving device 100 ends this process in Fig. 22. That is, the application control unit 161 does not acquire and start the broadcast cooperative app specified in the AIT.

[0276] On the other hand, if the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms that automatic startup of the broadcast linked app is allowed, i.e., that the user who owns the mobile information terminal 700 wishes the broadcast linked app to be automatically started on the broadcast receiving device 100 (S1209-Yes), it proceeds to S1210.

[0277] In S1210, the broadcast receiving device 100 transmits a distribution request for the broadcast cooperative app 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 of the AIT by the application control unit 161.

[0278] The service provider server 400, which receives the broadcast linked app distribution request of S1210 above, 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 specified broadcast linked app stored in the application memory area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S1211).

[0279] Next, the broadcast receiving device 100 starts a predetermined broadcast cooperative application that is received via the LAN communication unit 121 based on the control of the application control unit 161 by the application engine 162 and distributed from the service provider server 400 (S1212).

[0280] As in the second configuration example of Figure 22 described above, in Example 6, when a mobile information terminal 700 linked to the broadcast receiving device 100 exists and automatic start-up is permitted in the user settings of the mobile information terminal 700, the broadcast linked app can be started.

[0281] As a modified example, when checking the user settings in Fig. 22, if the mobile information terminal 700 is not operating in cooperation with the broadcast receiving device 100, the processes of S606 to S611 in Fig. 8C may be performed before the processes of S1206 to S1208. In this modified example, the cooperative control app is started up to cause the mobile information terminal 700 to start operating in cooperation with the broadcast receiving device 100, and the user settings are checked in this state.

[0282] As a modified example, an embodiment in which control is performed to select the Yes side in S1209, or an embodiment in which control is performed to select the No side in S1209, is possible in the following cases. In this case, there is no mobile information terminal 700 to which a user setting confirmation request is sent in S1206, there is no response to the request, the user setting confirmation result cannot be correctly acquired in S1208, and the like. In this case, there is a situation in which there is no mobile information terminal 700 capable of terminal cooperation at that time, or a situation in which communication between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 is temporarily not possible, and the like. In the former embodiment, the broadcast cooperative app is started even though permission for start-up by the user setting could not be confirmed. In the latter embodiment, the broadcast cooperative app is not started because permission for start-up by the user setting could not be confirmed. In the above modified example, which control operation is adopted is specified in the specifications of the broadcast receiving device 100, or the user can select and set it.

[0283] As a modified example, the processes of S1206 to S1209 may be performed after the broadcast cooperative app is acquired in the processes of S1210 to S1211.

[0284] [Operation sequence when broadcast managed app is launched (3)] Fig. 23 shows an example of an operation sequence when a different broadcast linked app is started up in a case where a broadcast managed app, which is a broadcast linked app, is specified to be started up preferentially, as a third configuration example and processing example of the broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 23 shows an example in which the user is asked in real time each time whether or not to start up the broadcast linked app by a message on the screen or the like. The third configuration example uses an instruction input from the mobile information terminal 700 to the broadcast receiving device 100 as the user selection means 2000.

[0285] In Fig. 23, the broadcast receiving device 100 first performs the processes of S1301 to S1305, which are the same as the processes of S1101 to S1105 in Fig. 21. If the broadcast receiving device 100 confirms in S1205 that the broadcast cooperative app specified in the AIT is executable by checking the application profile 904, then the broadcast receiving device 100 performs the process of S1306. In S1306, the broadcast receiving device 100 causes the application control unit 161 to display on the video display unit 173 a start permission confirmation screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to permit the start of the broadcast cooperative app.

[0286] The user selects whether or not to start the broadcast cooperative app on the start confirmation screen displayed in S1306 using the mobile information terminal 700, a remote control, or the like, which is an operation means (S1307). The broadcast receiving device 100 receives information on the selection as an instruction input.

[0287] If the broadcast receiving device 100 does not select the broadcast linked app to be started in accordance with the result of the user's selection of whether to start the broadcast linked app in S1307, that is, if the user does not permit the start at this point (S1308-No), the broadcast receiving device 100 ends the process in Fig. 23. That is, the application control unit 161 does not acquire and start the broadcast linked app specified in the AIT.

[0288] On the other hand, if the user selects to launch the broadcast cooperative app in S1307, i.e., if the user permits the launch at this point (S1308-Yes), the broadcast receiving device 100 proceeds to S1309. In the processing of S1309, the broadcast receiving device 100 transmits a distribution request for the broadcast cooperative app 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 by the application control unit 161.

[0289] The service provider server 400, which receives the distribution request for the above-mentioned broadcast linked app, 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 specified broadcast linked app stored in the application memory area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S1310).

[0290] Next, the broadcast receiving device 100 starts a predetermined broadcast cooperative application that is received via the LAN communication unit 121 based on the control of the application control unit 161 by the application engine 162 and distributed from the service provider server 400 (S1311).

[0291] As a modified example, the processes of S1306 to S1308 may be performed after the broadcast cooperative app is acquired in the processes of S1309 to S1310.

[0292] As in the third configuration example of FIG. 23 described above, in the sixth embodiment, the user is prompted on the screen each time to confirm whether or not to start the broadcast cooperative app, and if it is confirmed that the broadcast cooperative app is acceptable, the broadcast cooperative app can be started.

[0293] 23, the mobile information terminal 700 functions as an operation means for the broadcast receiving device 100 through terminal cooperation to select whether or not to start the broadcast receiving device 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an embodiment is also possible in which the selection of whether or not to start the broadcast receiving device 100 is made using a remote control or the like provided in the main body of the broadcast receiving device 100.

[0294] [Start confirmation screen] FIG. 24 shows an example of a start-up confirmation screen of the broadcast receiving device 100 displayed by the processing of S1306 in FIG. 23. In this embodiment, a message box 173f1 is displayed as the start-up confirmation screen on the screen of the video display unit 173 in FIG. 24. The message box 173f1 includes a message that a specific broadcast linked application is available, and a display of "Yes" and "No" buttons for selecting whether or not to start the broadcast linked application. An example of the message is "Broadcast linked application XXX is available. Do you want to start broadcast linked application XXX?". Another example of the message is "The start-up of broadcast linked application XXX has been specified and is available. Do you want to allow the start-up?".

[0295] In a state where the message box 173f1 shown in Fig. 24 is displayed, the user selects whether or not to start the application using the above-mentioned operation means (S1307). For example, the user selects "Yes" or "No" on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control application of the mobile information terminal 700 in Fig. 10A using the cursor keys 741ac and the enter key 741ad. This allows the user to select whether or not to allow the start of the broadcast cooperative application presented in the message box 173f1 on the broadcast receiving device 100 according to his or her own convenience and situation at the time.

[0296] As a modified example, instead of the message box 173f1, an icon 173b0 indicating the presence of an associated application as shown in FIG. 12A or other marks, images, etc. may be displayed on the screen to allow the user to select and operate it. In this case, the user presses, for example, an associated application key 741a9 on the basic screen 741a of the associated control application. This starts up a predetermined broadcast associated application. Also, if the associated application key 741a9 corresponding to the selection of the icon 173b0 is not pressed for a predetermined period of time or more, the display of the icon 173b0 may be erased.

[0297] [Effects, etc.] As described above, according to each configuration example of the broadcast receiving device 100 of the sixth embodiment, even if the PMT and AIT specify and instruct automatic startup with priority to a broadcast managed application, and the AIT confirms that the broadcast managed application is executable, the startup of the broadcast managed application can be appropriately controlled according to the user's selection. In other words, according to the broadcast receiving device 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a function with higher added value.

[0298] In addition, which of the above first to third configuration examples and various modified examples is to be adopted is specified as a specification of the broadcast receiving device 100 or the like, or a user can select and set the broadcast receiving device 100 or the like. For example, in the configuration examples of FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the user can select from two values, (a) "allow (OK) to start up the broadcast managed application" and (b) "not allow (OK) to start up the broadcast managed application" as the operation setting value by the user setting. Without being limited to this, as a modified example, the user may select from multiple values ​​including values ​​such as (c) "ask the terminal" and (d) "check on the screen each time" in addition to the above (a) and (b). The broadcast receiving device 100 of this modified example performs a control operation according to the first to third configuration examples in response to the setting value selected by the user. In the case of the setting of (c), the process of the second configuration example is performed, and in the case of the setting of (d), the process of the third configuration example is performed.

[0299] 21, in particular, the start of the broadcast cooperative app can be controlled according to the user's advance settings for the broadcast receiving device 100. The user can change the settings as appropriate according to his or her own convenience and use the broadcast cooperative app.

[0300] FIG. 25 shows an example of a user setting menu displayed on the screen of the broadcast receiving device 100. In response to a user's operation of a remote control or the like, a user setting menu 173f2 is displayed on the screen. In the case of the first configuration example, the menu 173f2 has "Allow launch of broadcast managed application" as one of the setting items. This item corresponds to "Whether to permit automatic launch when automatic launch of a broadcast linked application is specified." The user can set whether or not to permit the above (a) and (b) by turning a button on or off in the setting item of the menu 173f2. A similar function can also be realized on the screen of the mobile information terminal 700.

[0301] In particular, in the second configuration example of Figure 22, it is possible to set whether or not to automatically start the broadcast managed app on a user-by-user basis who owns a mobile information terminal 700, and it is also possible to select whether or not to automatically start the broadcast managed app depending on whether or not there is a mobile information terminal 700 that performs collaborative operation.

[0302] An example of the above settings and usage will be described with reference to FIG. 20. As user settings on the mobile information terminal 700, the terminal A of the user A has the setting A, and the terminal B of the user B has a different setting B. For example, the setting A allows the automatic start of the broadcast cooperative app, and the setting B allows the automatic start of the broadcast cooperative app to be "not allowed." At the time of the processing of S1206 to S1209 in FIG. 22, for example, if only the terminal A of the user A is operating in cooperation, the terminal A is checked, and the start is permitted. If only the terminal B of the user B is operating in cooperation, the terminal B is checked, and the start is not permitted. In this way, whether or not the broadcast cooperative app can be started can be set for each user's mobile information terminal 700, and the broadcast cooperative app can be started and used depending on the presence or absence of the mobile information terminal 700 to be cooperated in the situation at that time.

[0303] As a modified example, a control operation can be performed that takes into consideration a combination of both the specifications or user settings in the broadcast receiving device 100 and the specifications or user settings in the mobile information terminal 700. For example, either an embodiment in which the contents of the user settings in the mobile information terminal 700 are prioritized over the user settings in the broadcast receiving device 100, or an embodiment in which the contents of the user settings in the broadcast receiving device 100 are prioritized over the user settings in the mobile information terminal 700, are possible.

[0304] In the second configuration example, the user may be allowed to set whether or not to inquire of the mobile information terminal 700 to confirm whether or not the broadcast cooperative app can be started. In that case, a setting item corresponding to the above (c) "Inquire of terminal" is provided in the user setting menu 173f2 in FIG. 25.

[0305] In particular, in the third configuration example in Fig. 23, it is possible to control whether or not to launch each broadcast managed app prepared for each broadcast program. The user can view the broadcast managed app and confirmation information presented on the screen, and can allow the app to be launched if they wish to launch the app at that time, or can disallow the app from being launched if they do not wish to launch the app at that time.

[0306] In the third configuration example, the user may be allowed to set whether or not to check on the screen each time the broadcast cooperative app is started. In this case, a setting item corresponding to the above (d) "Check on the screen each time" is provided in the user setting menu 173f2 in FIG. 25.

[0307] Other examples include the following. In another embodiment, even if the user has previously selected and set the above (b) No in the configuration examples of FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, an option is provided for forcibly starting the broadcast managed application regardless of the setting value. In this embodiment, for example, in the data configuration of the AIT shown in FIG. 6, a setting value of (5) "forced start" is provided as a setting value of the parameter of the application control code 903 in addition to (1) to (4). Alternatively, a "forced start setting" item may be provided separately as one of the parameters of the AIT (one of the "other information" in FIG. 6). For example, "enabled" and "disabled" can be selected as these setting values.

[0308] Furthermore, when the setting value of the application control code 903 is the above (5) "Forced Start", or when the value of the above "Forced Start Setting" item is "Enabled", the broadcast receiving device 100 performs control as follows. That is, even when the above operation setting value is set to (b) No, the broadcast receiving device 100 performs control to forcefully start the broadcast managed application. In other words, in the control of this embodiment, forced start is provided as an item that is higher in rank and has priority than the user selection item related to the automatic start described above. In the case of an embodiment in which the above-mentioned forced start option is provided, applications that need to be displayed and provided, such as an application for displaying emergency information from the broadcasting station or an application required for the production of a specific commercial, can be suitably displayed and provided to the user.

[0309] As another embodiment, when a broadcast cooperative app is pre-installed inside the broadcast receiving device 100, the above-mentioned processes such as obtaining the broadcast cooperative app from the service provider server 400 (for example, S1108 to S1110 in FIG. 21) are not required.

[0310] The information included in the broadcast wave for controlling the broadcast-linked application is not limited to the PAT, AIT, etc., and may be applicable. For example, one of the parameters (901 to 909) of the AIT in FIG. 6 may be separated and configured and provided as independent control information. The control information may be provided in a form included in the broadcast wave, or may be provided in a form separate from the broadcast wave. The control information may be set in advance in the device. EXAMPLES

[0311] The following describes the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The configuration and effects of the seventh embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the following mainly describes the differences between the seventh embodiment and the first embodiment, and omits as much as possible the description of the common points to avoid duplication.

[0312] The broadcast cooperative application, which is an application used in the broadcast communication cooperative system of this embodiment, is composed of an HTML document, and therefore can be linked to other HTML documents on the network. The broadcast managed application is controlled for operation such as start / stop based on the application control code 903 of the AIT contained in the broadcast signal of the broadcast wave. The non-broadcast managed application and general application are not controlled for operation such as start / stop by the above-mentioned broadcast signal. In the following, the non-broadcast managed application may be referred to as the "non-broadcast application" and the general application may be referred to as the "general application".

[0313] Since a link is possible in the HTML document constituting the broadcast-linked application, in the seventh embodiment, it is possible to transition from the broadcast-managed application to a non-broadcast application or a general application. In the seventh embodiment, it is also possible to directly launch the non-broadcast application or the general application from the above-mentioned broadcast-linked application launcher screen or the like in response to a user's instruction operation. For example, a broadcast station, a service provider, or the like includes information on an instruction to transition to another HTML document constituting the non-broadcast application, etc., by describing a link such as a URL in the HTML document of the broadcast-managed application. In such a case, a transition from the broadcast-managed application to the non-broadcast application, etc. may occur.

[0314] Since the above non-broadcast applications and general applications are not controlled by broadcast signals for their start / end operations, the user may execute non-broadcast applications and general applications while watching a broadcast program. When the user is executing a non-broadcast application or the like while watching a broadcast program, the user may be further requested to start a broadcast managed application linked to the broadcast program. Such a request may be, for example, a start instruction by application control code 903 or the like of the AIT included in the broadcast signal. That is, in this case, it is requested to execute the non-broadcast application or general application and the broadcast managed application in parallel, or to select one of them. Although it is technically possible to execute multiple different types of applications in parallel in this way, it may be undesirable in terms of control, and may be inconvenient for the user.

[0315] Therefore, the broadcast receiving device 100 of the seventh embodiment has a function of controlling overlapping or parallel launch of the applications or launch and termination of each application so that the broadcast receiving device 100 can appropriately handle the above situation. When a request is made to launch and execute a second application while a first application is being executed, the function controls operations including launch and termination of the applications according to a user's selection. In particular, when a request is made to launch a broadcast managed application while a broadcast non-application or the like is being executed, the function controls the termination of the broadcast non-application or the launch of the broadcast managed application according to a user's instruction input, setting, or the like. In the seventh embodiment, an example of the control operation of the broadcast receiving device 100 in the above-mentioned cases and situations will be described.

[0316] Examples of control according to user selection by the above function are as follows: (1) The above function starts and runs the target broadcast managed application while continuing non-broadcast applications and general applications that were running at the time the above request was received. (2) The above function terminates non-broadcast applications and general applications that were running at the time the above request was received, and starts and runs the target broadcast managed application. (3) The above function keeps running non-broadcast applications and general applications that were running at the time the above request was received, and does not start or run the target broadcast managed application.

[0317] The means of user selection by the above function are as follows. (a) When the above request is received, the above function displays on the screen information informing the user of the situation in which a request has been made to launch a broadcast managed application other than the currently running non-broadcast application, and information for allowing the user to select the application to be launched or terminated or the above control operation. The function accepts the user's operation of inputting a selection instruction on the screen. In accordance with the user's selection, the function executes the control content selected, for example, from (1) to (3) above. (b) The above function accepts the operation of user settings made in advance by the user. When the above request is received, the function confirms the user setting information and executes the control content selected, for example, from (1) to (3) above.

[0318] FIG. 26 shows a system configuration and a usage example including a broadcast receiving device 100 of a seventh embodiment. The broadcast receiving device 100 receives broadcast waves from a broadcast station server 300 via a radio tower 300t, and separates the image of a broadcast program from information such as the AIT. The broadcast receiving device 100 acquires a broadcast managed application, which is a broadcast linked application, from a service provider server 400 or the like as appropriate based on information such as the AIT. The broadcast receiving device 100 also acquires non-broadcast applications and general applications from the service provider server 400 or other application servers 500 as appropriate. A mobile information terminal 700 that performs terminal linkage with the broadcast receiving device 100 may also be provided, and various applications may be acquired and executed between the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700 in a terminal linkage state.

[0319] The broadcast receiving device 100 of the seventh embodiment has a multiple application execution control means 2600 including a user selection means 2601. The user selection means 2601 is a means for selecting the contents of control such as operations including launching and terminating multiple types of applications and parallel execution based on the operations of the users of the broadcast receiving device 100 and the mobile information terminal 700. The user selection means 2601 includes, for example, an instruction input unit related to the above (a) that receives and processes an instruction input in the broadcast receiving device 100, the mobile information terminal 700, etc. The user selection means 2601 includes, for example, a user setting unit related to the above (b) that receives and processes a user setting.

[0320] For example, when a broadcast program is being watched and a non-broadcast application or a general application is being executed and an instruction to launch a broadcast-managed application is given in the AIT of the broadcast waves, the multiple application execution control means 2600 controls the termination of the non-broadcast application, etc., the launch of the broadcast-managed application, etc., depending on the selection by the user and the user selection means 2601 of the control operation corresponding to the case.

[0321] [Examples of multiple types of apps] 27 shows an example of the document structure of multiple types of applications, the launch of each application, transitions between applications, etc. The broadcast wave 2010 includes video of a broadcast program, information such as AIT, and information such as BML. As described above, in the broadcast communication cooperation function, the AIT notifies the broadcast receiving device 100 of the existence of a broadcast cooperation application, and instructs control of the launch, termination, etc. of the application. For example, a broadcast managed application 2011 is launched by the information of the AIT included in the broadcast wave 2010.

[0322] In the seventh embodiment, the broadcast-linked applications are broadly classified into (a) broadcast-managed applications, (b) non-broadcast applications, and (c) general applications. Broadcast-managed applications operate in a broadcast reception state based on a control signal included in a broadcast signal, and are permitted to access broadcast resources. Non-broadcast applications operate in a state in which the start / end, etc., of the applications is not controlled by the broadcast signal, and are permitted to access broadcast resources based on authentication, etc. General applications operate independently of broadcast signals, and are not permitted to access broadcast resources.

[0323] In Fig. 27, App1, which is a broadcast managed application 2011, is composed of four documents, for example, HTML11 to HTML14. App2, which is a non-broadcast application 2012, is composed of two documents, for example, HTML21 to HTML22. App3, which is a general application 2013, is composed of two documents, for example, HTML31 to HTML32. Transitions between each HTML document are possible via links indicated by solid arrows. For example, transitions can be made from HTML13 of App1 to HTML21 of App2 or HTML31 of App3. The dashed arrows show examples of transitions between HTML documents.

[0324] 27, for example, in response to a user operation 2020 on the broadcast cooperative application launcher screen described above, App2, which is a non-broadcast application 2012, and App3, which is a general application 2013, can be launched. App2 is executed by, for example, reading HTML21, and App3 is executed by, for example, reading HTML31.

[0325] An example of the independent execution of each application during the reproduction of a broadcast program (say, broadcast program A) via the broadcast waves 2010 is as follows: (a1) The AIT instructs the launch of App1, which is a broadcast managed application 2011, and App1 is launched and executed. App1 is permitted to access broadcast program A. Then, when the AIT instructs the termination of App1, App1 is terminated.

[0326] (a2) Based on a selection operation such as a user's instruction input, an instruction is given to launch App2, which is a non-broadcast application 2012, via the broadcast linked application launcher screen, a link from HTML 13 of App1, or the like, and App2 is launched and executed. App2 is permitted to access broadcast program A. When an instruction is given to end App2, App2 is terminated. (a3) ​​Similarly, based on a selection operation by the user, an instruction is given to launch App3, which is a general application 2013, via the broadcast linked application launcher screen, a link from HTML 13 of App1, or the like, and App3 is launched and executed. App3 is not permitted to access broadcast program A. When an instruction is given to end App3, App3 is terminated.

[0327] [Operation sequence when broadcast managed app is launched] Fig. 28 shows a control operation sequence in the broadcast receiving device 100 of the seventh embodiment when a broadcast managed application is requested to be launched by the AIT of the broadcast signal or the like while a non-broadcast application is being executed during viewing of a broadcast program. Note that the following description will be given for a non-broadcast application, but the same is possible for a general application. In Fig. 28, it is assumed that the launch of the broadcast managed application with priority is specified and instructed by the information on the PMT and the information on the application control code 903 and the launch priority 907 of the AIT.

[0328] In the broadcast receiving device 100, while a user is watching a broadcast program, for example, in response to an operation by the user to select any desired non-broadcast application from a broadcast linked application launcher screen, an instruction to start up the non-broadcast application is given. Then, the broadcast receiving device 100 displays, for example, an execution screen of the non-broadcast application superimposed on the broadcast program screen (S1401). In the state of S1401, the broadcast program is switched, and the contents of information such as PMT and AIT in the broadcast signal are updated. Even if the update is made, the non-broadcast application continues to be executed because its operation such as start / end is not controlled by the broadcast signal.

[0329] Next, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the PMT data string separated by the first separation unit 132 by the main control unit 101 (S1402), and checks the start priority described in the PMT (S1403). In the process of S1403, it is confirmed that the start priority of the broadcast managed application is high, for example. Then, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the AIT data string separated by the first separation unit 132 by the application control unit 161 (S1404), and checks the application control code 903 of the acquired AIT data string (S1405). In the process of S1405, if the application control code 903 is "automatic start", the broadcast receiving device 100 further checks the application profile 904 of the AIT data string (S1406). In S1406, the broadcast receiving device 100 checks whether the broadcast managed application specified in the AIT can be executed.

[0330] When the above-mentioned executableness is confirmed, the broadcast receiving device 100 causes the application control unit 161 to display a start selection screen (FIG. 30, etc., described later) on the video display unit 173 (S1407). The start selection screen is a screen including information for allowing the user to select a control operation related to start / end of the running non-broadcast application and the broadcast managed application for which automatic start is requested, in other words, an application to be started or ended. In the seventh embodiment, as a selection of the above-mentioned control operation, it is possible to select on the start selection screen whether to continue or end the execution of the non-broadcast application, whether to start the broadcast managed application, etc. In other words, it is possible to select whether to allow parallel execution of the non-broadcast application and the broadcast managed application, etc.

[0331] On the launch selection screen displayed in S1407, the user uses his / her operating means, such as the mobile information terminal 700 or the remote control of the broadcast receiving device 100, to select a control operation related to launching or terminating the above-mentioned multiple types of apps (S1408). The broadcast receiving device 100 receives the user's selection result as an instruction input. If the launch of the above-mentioned broadcast managed app is not selected according to the user's selection result in S1408 (S1409-No), the broadcast receiving device 100 ends this process in FIG. 28. That is, the application control unit 161 does not acquire and launch the broadcast managed app specified in the AIT. The non-broadcast app continues to run.

[0332] On the other hand, if activation of the broadcast managed application is selected (S1409-Yes), the process proceeds to S1410. In S1410, the broadcast receiving device 100 causes the application control unit 161 to end the operation of the non-broadcast application that is being executed.

[0333] Next, the transmission / reception device 100 transmits a broadcast managed application distribution request 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 of the AIT (S1412). The service provider server 400 that has received the distribution request of S1412 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 managed application stored in the application storage area 4013 via the LAN communication unit 421 (S1412). Then, the broadcast receiving device 100 starts the broadcast managed application received via the LAN communication unit 121 by the application engine 162 based on the control of the application control unit 161 (S1413).

[0334] In the above embodiment, when the launch of the broadcast managed application is selected in S1409, the control is performed to terminate the non-broadcast application in S1410. This is not limited to the above, and the following control is also possible. The broadcast receiving device 100 checks whether the termination of the non-broadcast application is selected during S1409 or in the next step. Depending on the user's selection in this step, if the termination of the non-broadcast application is selected, the broadcast receiving device 100 executes S1410, and if not, proceeds to S1411.

[0335] As a modified example, the above-mentioned processes of S1407 to S1410 for checking the start and terminating the non-broadcast application may be performed after the broadcast managed application is acquired in S1411 to S1412.

[0336] [Control example] FIG. 29 shows an example of control of playback and execution of a broadcast program and multiple types of applications corresponding to the process of FIG. 28 of the seventh embodiment. The horizontal axis indicates time. The vertical axis indicates the association of playback of the video of the broadcast program by the broadcast signal of the broadcast wave and control instructions by the AIT with (A) the first control, (B) the second control, and (C) the third control. (A) The first control indicates (A1) the execution of App2 which is a non-broadcast application, and (A2) the execution of App1 which is a broadcast managed application. Similarly, (B) The second control indicates (B1) the execution of App2 and (B2) the execution of App1. (C) The third control indicates (C1) the execution of App2 and (C2) the execution of App1. As for the start priority, as described above, App1 which is a broadcast managed application has a higher priority than App2 which is a non-broadcast application.

[0337] First, as an example of broadcast program playback, broadcast program A is played from time t1 to t3. It is switched to broadcast program B from t3 to t4, and broadcast program B is played from t4 to t6. With the switch to broadcast program B, the AIT instructs the launch of App1, which is a broadcast managed application linked to broadcast program B.

[0338] In the case of (A) first control, for example, App2, which is a non-broadcast application, is started by a user operation or the like at time t2 as shown in (A1), and is executed from t2. Assume that an instruction to start App1 occurs at t3 while App2 is being executed. At this time, the continuation of App2 and the start of App1 are selected as user selection by the user selection means 2601 from t3 to t4. The multiple application execution control means 2600 of the broadcast receiving device 100 starts App1 at t4 as shown in (A2) while continuing the execution of App2 according to the user selection, and controls the display state of the screen accordingly. Thereafter, for example, App1 and App2 are executed in parallel during the period from t4 to t5, and App2 is terminated at t5 due to a user operation or the like. Execution of App1 continues during the period from t5 to t6, and at t6, in accordance with an instruction to terminate App1 by the AIT, App1 is terminated.

[0339] (B) In the case of the second control, App2 is executed from t2 to t3 as shown in (B1), and in response to an instruction to start App1 at t3, the user selects to end App2 and start App1. In accordance with the user's selection, broadcast receiving device 100 ends the execution of App2 and starts App1 at t4 as shown in (B2). Thereafter, App1 is executed from t4 to t6.

[0340] (C) In the case of the third control, App2 is executed from t2 to t3 as shown in (C1), and in response to an instruction to start App1 at t3, the user selects to continue executing App2 and not to start App1. In accordance with the user's selection, broadcast receiving device 100 continues executing App2, and does not start or run App1 at t4 as shown in (C2). Thereafter, App2 is executed from t4 to t5.

[0341] [Startup selection screen] Fig. 30 shows an example of a start selection screen displayed by the process of S1407 in Fig. 28 in the seventh embodiment. This screen displays a message box 173g1. The message box 173g1 includes a display of a message indicating that a non-broadcast application is currently being executed, that a broadcast managed application has been instructed to be started and is in a state where the start can be performed, and that the user is prompted to confirm and select whether or not to start the application. The message box 173g1 in this example includes "Yes" and "No" buttons for allowing the user to select whether or not to start the application.

[0342] With the message box 173g1 displayed, the user selects "Yes" or "No", for example, using the cursor keys 741ac and the enter key 741ad on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control application. That is, the user selects "Yes" if he / she wishes to launch a broadcast managed application at that time, and selects "No" if he / she wishes to continue execution of a non-broadcast application. This screen allows the user to easily select, according to his / her convenience and desire at the time, whether or not to launch a new broadcast managed application on the broadcast receiving device 100 in which any desired non-broadcast application is being executed. The above control is similarly possible for general applications.

[0343] Instead of the message box 173g1, the icon 173b0 in FIG. 12A or other marks may be displayed to prompt a user to perform a specific operation, and the operation may control the launch of a broadcast managed application or the termination of a non-broadcast application. For example, a mark or message indicating a request to launch a broadcast managed application may be displayed in the corner of the screen by the OSD. If the user does not perform a specific operation after the icon is displayed, the display is erased.

[0344] Fig. 31 shows an example of another launch selection screen. In the launch selection screen of Fig. 31, a message box 173g2 is displayed. The message box 173g2 includes a display of a message or the like for allowing a user to select a control operation related to the launch or termination of a plurality of types of apps including the above-mentioned broadcast non-application and broadcast managed app. The message box 173g2 includes, as information on specific control options, (1) launch the broadcast managed app while the broadcast non-application is running, (2) terminate the broadcast non-application and launch the broadcast managed app, (3) do not launch the broadcast managed app, etc.

[0345] With the message box 173g2 displayed, the user selects from the above options using, for example, the color key 741ae on the basic screen 741a of the cooperative control application. For example, blue corresponds to control (1), red corresponds to control (2), and yellow corresponds to control (3). With the above screen, the user can easily select whether to end or start each application depending on the situation at the time.

[0346] The start selection screen is not limited to a form displayed when a request is made, but may be a form displayed when the user sets it. In this case, the broadcast receiving device 100 displays a user setting menu on the screen of the video display unit 173, for example, as in Fig. 25, and displays control options such as (1) to (3) above in the menu, allowing the user to set the selection. When a request is made, the broadcast receiving device 100 executes control according to this user setting information.

[0347] [Multiple apps execution screen] When controlling to terminate the non-broadcast application and start and execute the broadcast managed application, the broadcast receiving device 100 controls the display of the screen of the video display unit 173 in the same manner as the above example. That is, the broadcast receiving device 100 terminates the execution screen of the non-broadcast application that was displayed on the screen of the video display unit 173 in an area separate from the screen of the broadcast program or in an area overlapping part of the screen of the broadcast program, for example, and displays a new execution screen of the broadcast managed application.

[0348] Furthermore, in the case where the broadcast receiving device 100 starts the broadcast managed application while continuing the execution of the non-broadcast application, that is, where both applications are controlled to be executed in parallel, the broadcast receiving device 100 may control the display of the screen of the video display unit 173 as follows. For example, the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately adjusts the size and display position of the execution screen of the non-broadcast application and the execution screen of the broadcast managed application so that the displays do not overlap overall. Also, the execution screens of both applications may be adjusted so that they overlap in part.

[0349] For example, the broadcast receiving device 100 may perform a process of reducing the size of the execution screen of the non-broadcast application currently being executed so as not to interfere with the display of the execution screen of the newly launched broadcast managed application. Conversely, the size of the execution screen of the newly launched broadcast managed application may be reduced so as not to interfere with the display of the execution screen of the currently executed broadcast non-broadcast application. Also, the non-broadcast application may be temporarily turned into an icon, and only the execution screen of the broadcast managed application may be displayed, and the display of the execution screen of the non-broadcast application may be restored by the user selecting the icon of the non-broadcast application. Also, both applications may be turned into icons, and the execution screen may be displayed in response to the user selecting the icon.

[0350] For example, the broadcast receiving device 100 may display a broadcast program playback screen within the screen of the video display unit 173, overlay an execution screen of a non-broadcast application on a partial area of ​​the broadcast program playback screen, and further overlay an execution screen of a broadcast managed application on a partial area of ​​the execution screen of the non-broadcast application. The broadcast receiving device 100 may also divide all or a partial area of ​​the screen of the video display unit 173 to display the broadcast program and the execution screens of both applications in parallel.

[0351] Fig. 32 shows an example of a screen of the video display unit 173 corresponding to the above-mentioned control example of the parallel execution of a plurality of applications. In the screen of Fig. 32, an execution screen of a newly launched broadcast managed application is displayed superimposed on a part of an area 173g3 on a screen 173g displaying a broadcast program. At the same time, an execution screen of a running broadcast non-application is displayed in a reduced size or as an icon, etc. in a part of an area 173g4 in the area 173g3. When the user selects and operates 173g4, the execution screen of the broadcast non-application is displayed in an enlarged size in the area 173g3, and conversely, an execution screen of the broadcast managed application is displayed in a reduced size or as an icon, etc. in the area 173g4. A mark or a message indicating that there is an instruction to launch the broadcast managed application may be displayed in the area 173g4.

[0352] With a screen like the above example, the user can easily grasp and recognize the broadcast programs and the execution status of multiple types of apps.

[0353] Fig. 33 shows another example of a screen of the video display unit 173 corresponding to the above-mentioned control example of the parallel execution of a plurality of applications. The screen of Fig. 33 is divided into a plurality of areas, in which a broadcast program screen 173g, an execution screen 173g5 of a broadcast non-application, an execution screen 173g6 of a newly started broadcast managed application, and an area 173g7 for displaying information for starting selection and the like are displayed in parallel. The area 173g7 may display a mark or a message indicating that there is an instruction to start a broadcast managed application, or may display information of an application list such as the broadcast linked application launcher of Fig. 12B. Furthermore, when there are two or more broadcast non-applications, general applications, or two or more broadcast managed applications, the execution screens of the applications may be displayed in parallel on this screen.

[0354] [Effects, etc.] As described above, according to the broadcast receiving device 100 of the seventh embodiment, even if a request for starting a broadcast managed application is generated by the AIT or the like while the broadcast receiving device 100 is executing a non-broadcast application or a general application, the broadcast receiving device 100 can appropriately control the starting and ending of a plurality of applications according to the user's selection. That is, according to the broadcast receiving device 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a function with higher added value. The user can select and use a non-broadcast application or a broadcast managed application according to the situation or convenience at the time the request is generated.

[0355] The choice of which of the controls, variants, screen display control methods, etc. of Example 7 to adopt will be stipulated in the specifications of the broadcast receiving device 100, etc., or the user will be able to select and set the broadcast receiving device 100, etc.

[0356] The following modifications of the seventh embodiment are possible. As a first modification, after the process up to S1406 in FIG. 28, the broadcast non-application may be terminated and the broadcast managed application may be started automatically in S1410 to S1413 without confirming the user's selection in S1407 to S1408. Similarly, after the process up to S1406, the broadcast non-application may be automatically continued and the broadcast managed application may be started without confirming the user's selection. Similarly, while the broadcast non-application or the general application is being executed, the broadcast managed application may not be automatically started without confirming the user's selection. In this modification, the user does not have to perform many operations.

[0357] As a second modified example, the control of execution of multiple types of apps may be realized using user settings in the broadcast receiving device 100 or the mobile information terminal 700, similar to the above-mentioned sixth embodiment, without being limited to confirmation of user selection instruction input on the start confirmation screen. For example, the user can select and set according to preference whether or not to start a broadcast managed app while a non-broadcast app or a general app is being executed, using user setting information in the above-mentioned function setting menu or the like. The broadcast receiving device 100 stores the setting value in the storage unit 110. When a request is made to start a broadcast managed app while a non-broadcast app or the like is being executed, the broadcast receiving device 100 refers to and checks the contents of the user setting information of the broadcast receiving device 100, for example, during the processing of S1407 to S1409. The broadcast receiving device 100 judges and decides the control of the above-mentioned start, etc., according to the contents. In the case of this modified example, the user can change the user setting as appropriate according to his / her convenience, etc., and use multiple types of broadcast linked apps.

[0358] The same can be realized in the case of using the user settings of the mobile information terminal 700. As in the sixth embodiment, the start and end of the above-mentioned multiple types of apps can be flexibly controlled depending on the presence or absence of a linked mobile information terminal 700 or the user settings of each linked mobile information terminal 700.

[0359] As another modified example, as a control example related to the second control (B) in Fig. 29 above, the broadcast receiving device 100 may display information that the non-broadcast application has been terminated midway and the broadcast managed application has been started, and after the broadcast managed application has been terminated, the non-broadcast application that was terminated midway may be started and executed again automatically or by a predetermined user operation. In the case of this modified example, the user can easily return to using the non-broadcast application.

[0360] As another modified example, as a control example related to the third control (C) in FIG. 29, when a request to start a broadcast managed application is received, the broadcast receiving device 100 does not start the broadcast managed application but puts it on hold in accordance with a user selection, and continues the broadcast non-application being executed. After that, the broadcast receiving device 100 starts the broadcast managed application that has been put on hold, for example, after the broadcast non-application is terminated. As an example of screen display control in this case, a message or mark indicating that there is a request to start the broadcast managed application or that the start is on hold is displayed in a corner of the execution screen of the broadcast non-application. This prompts the user to end the broadcast non-application and start the broadcast managed application. In the case of this modified example, the user can move on to using the broadcast managed application at a convenient time. EXAMPLES

[0361] The following describes Example 8 of the present invention. The configuration and effects 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 descriptions of common points as much as possible to avoid duplication.

[0362] The broadcast receiving device 100 of the eighth embodiment has a function of suitably controlling the restart of an application that has been once terminated, in response to a user's selection, when the application is restarted. Although automatic restart of a broadcast linked application is technically possible, it may be undesirable from the viewpoint of control or may be inconvenient for the user. In response to this, the broadcast receiving device 100 of the eighth embodiment allows the broadcast linked application to be restarted, and then controls the restart in response to a user's selection of whether or not to permit the restart. This allows the application to be restarted in response to a user's selection, even in the case of termination due to a user's erroneous operation, etc.

[0363] The broadcast receiving device 100 of the eighth embodiment performs the following control when an app that has been instructed to be started preferentially and automatically by the AIT or the like is terminated by a user operation or the like, and the instruction to start the app by the AIT is still in effect. That is, (1) the broadcast receiving device 100 controls restart according to the user's selection, that is, according to an instruction input or confirmation of a user setting. (2) The broadcast receiving device 100 displays information such as an icon on the screen to allow the user to select whether or not to restart the app, and restarts the app only if the user requests it by selecting the information.

[0364] 34 shows a system configuration including a broadcast receiving device 100 of the eighth embodiment. The broadcast receiving device 100 has an application restart control means 3400. The application restart control means 3400 includes a user selection means 3401 and a storage unit 3402. The user selection means 3401 accepts a selection operation regarding the operation of controlling the restart of an application based on an operation by a user of the broadcast receiving device 100 or the mobile information terminal 700. The user selection means 3401 is realized by an instruction input or a user setting on a screen of the broadcast receiving device 100 or the mobile information terminal 700, as in the sixth embodiment and the like.

[0365] The application restart control means 3400 stores information related to the execution and status of the application in the storage unit 3402 as application execution information 3411. The application execution information 3411 includes cache data that holds information related to the terminated application. When and if a situation related to restarting the broadcast managed application occurs, the application restart control means 3400 controls whether or not to restart the application in question in accordance with a user selection by the user selection means 3401. When restarting the application, the application restart control means 3400 uses the application execution information 3411.

[0366] FIG. 35 illustrates examples of playback of a broadcast program by a broadcast signal, instructions by an AIT, execution and control of a broadcast managed application, and user operations and selections in relation to one another on a time axis in the eighth embodiment.

[0367] The broadcast managed application, which is a kind of broadcast cooperative application used in the broadcast communication cooperative system of this embodiment, is controlled for its operation such as start / stop based on information such as the application control code 903 of the AIT included in the broadcast signal. Of course, the operation of the broadcast managed application may be controlled based on a user's instruction operation or the like.

[0368] When the above AIT or the like is used to control the operation of launching a broadcast managed application linked to a broadcast program, information such as the application control code 903 of the AIT for instructing the launch is included in the broadcast signal at least at the start of the broadcast program. Furthermore, the information needs to be included in the broadcast signal not only at the start of the broadcast program but also continuously while the broadcast program is being aired. The reason for this is that users do not always watch a broadcast program from the beginning, and may start watching from the middle of the program. If the above information is not included in the broadcast signal when playing a broadcast program from the middle, the broadcast managed application cannot be launched.

[0369] Therefore, the information such as the AIT is continuously transmitted from the beginning to the end of the broadcast program. For example, the information may be transmitted periodically, such as once every few seconds. The broadcast receiving device 100, for example, periodically refers to and acquires the information such as the AIT contained in the broadcast signal to check whether the information content has been updated. This makes it possible to control the launch of the broadcast managed application even when the user starts watching the broadcast program halfway through.

[0370] On the other hand, information such as application control code 903 for instructing to terminate execution of a broadcast-managed application may be included in the broadcast signal at a minimum when the application is to be terminated, for example, at the end of a broadcast program. Also, for example, if the broadcast-managed application is to be terminated at any timing during the broadcast of a broadcast program, for example, at a time designated by a broadcast station, information on the instruction to terminate may be included in the broadcast signal at that timing. When the broadcast receiving device 100 receives the instruction to terminate, it terminates execution of the broadcast-managed application.

[0371] Furthermore, when terminating a broadcast managed application at any timing during the broadcast of a broadcast program, for example, at a point based on a user operation, the following control operations can be mentioned: For example, the broadcast receiving device 100 terminates the execution of a broadcast managed application based on the user's operation of changing the frequency channel, i.e., selecting the channel or program to be played, or an instruction to terminate the application, using the mobile information terminal 700 or a remote control.

[0372] The example of AIT in FIG. 35 shows an example of the case where instruction information is continuously and periodically included during the broadcast of a broadcast program as described above. For example, there is a broadcast managed application M1 linked to broadcast program A. During the period from time t1 to t3 during the broadcast of broadcast program A, the AIT is periodically distributed, including the beginning and end. The first AIT at t1 includes at least an instruction to automatically start the broadcast managed application M1. The last AIT at t3 includes at least an instruction to automatically end the broadcast managed application M1. As a result, as shown in (a), the broadcast managed application M1 is automatically executed during the period from t1 to t3. During the period from t1 to t3, the AIT is distributed in the same manner as at t2. The same applies to broadcast program B and broadcast managed application M2.

[0373] There are cases where the broadcast-managed application is terminated based on a user's instruction during the broadcast of the broadcast program. Even in this case, the PMT, AIT, etc. included in the broadcast signal may continue to instruct the application to be automatically started with priority while the broadcast program is continuing.

[0374] FIG. 35(b) shows an example in which the broadcast managed app M2 is started in the middle of broadcast program B, and then terminated in the middle of broadcast program B. In the user operation of (c), for example, at time t5, it is assumed that broadcast program B is played back by changing the frequency channel (ch). Thereafter, for example, at regular time t6, an instruction to start the broadcast managed app M2 is issued by the AIT, and the broadcast managed app M2 is started. In addition, in the user operation of (c), for example, at time t7, it is assumed that an instruction to change the frequency channel (ch) or terminate the broadcast managed app M2 is issued. As a result, the broadcast managed app M2 is terminated.

[0375] However, when a broadcast managed app is terminated by the user's instruction, it goes without saying that it is not desirable for the same broadcast managed app to be automatically restarted based on the descriptions in the PMT, AIT, etc. For example, after an app is once terminated, the AIT is checked periodically and the app is automatically restarted according to the automatic start instruction in the AIT. From the user's perspective, the app is restarted immediately despite the user's instruction to terminate the app. Therefore, a configuration that disables automatic restart of the same broadcast managed app as described above can be considered.

[0376] On the other hand, the possibility that the instruction operation to terminate the broadcast-managed application is an erroneous operation by the user should also be considered. In consideration of this possibility, it is not preferable to completely disable automatic restart of the same broadcast-managed application. From the user's perspective, it is inconvenient because if the application is terminated by mistake, it cannot be immediately restarted or restored.

[0377] The broadcast receiving device 100 of the eighth embodiment has a function of performing control taking into consideration the restart of the above-mentioned application. In the eighth embodiment, an example of control of restart of the broadcast managed application of the broadcast receiving device 100 will be described in the case where the execution of the broadcast managed application is terminated based on a user's instruction operation or the like at any timing during a broadcast program and the automatic start of the same application with priority is still instructed by information such as AIT included in the broadcast wave.

[0378] FIG. 35(d) shows a case where the broadcast managed app M2 is terminated in the middle of broadcast program B as in (b), but the instruction to start the app continues in the AIT at time t8, so the broadcast managed app M2 is immediately restarted.

[0379] (e) to (g) in Fig. 35 show examples of control by the broadcast receiving device 100 of the eighth embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, in a case such as (d), confirmation of user selection is performed as in (e). In response to this, in the first control as in (f), restart and re-execution of the broadcast managed application M2 is inhibited. In addition, in the second control as in (g), control is performed so that restart and re-execution of the broadcast managed application M2 is performed. The user selection in (e) is input of an instruction on the screen, confirmation of user setting information, etc.

[0380] [Operation sequence when restarting the broadcast managed app] Fig. 36 shows an example of a control operation sequence including a process of restarting a broadcast managed application in the broadcast receiving device 100 of the eighth embodiment. Fig. 36 shows a series of flow of control operations in the case where it is specified and instructed that the broadcast managed application is preferentially started. The broadcast receiving device 100 terminates the broadcast managed application that was automatically started based on the AIT of the broadcast signal when the user starts watching a broadcast program, in response to an instruction operation from the user. Furthermore, the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately checks the PMT and AIT, and controls whether or not to restart the broadcast managed application that was once terminated, in response to a user selection.

[0381] In Fig. 36, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires a TS by performing a tuning process of a frequency channel desired by the user using the tuner / demodulator unit 131. Then, in S1500, the broadcast receiving device 100 performs the same process as, for example, S101 to S108 in Fig. 7A described above. That is, the broadcast receiving device 100 checks the start priority from the PMT, checks an instruction such as automatic start by the application control code in the AIT, checks an executable state from the application profile, and appropriately acquires a broadcast managed application, which is a predetermined broadcast cooperative application, from a carrier server or the like. The broadcast receiving device 100 starts the broadcast managed application using the application engine 162 based on the control of the application control unit 161.

[0382] After the process of S1500, in S1509, the broadcast receiving device 100 causes the application control unit 161 to temporarily store, in other words, cache, the information related to the started broadcast managed application and the situation in a temporary storage area (the storage unit 3402 in FIG. 34) of the RAM 104 as application execution information 3411. The process of S1509 may be performed in accordance with the cache information 908 of the AIT described above.

[0383] The application execution information 3411 includes information such as PMT and AIT acquired during the processing of S1500, data of the HTML document constituting the broadcast managed application, attributes such as the broadcast program name and service ID (frequency channel) related to the application, etc. For the sake of explanation, these pieces of information are referred to as application execution information 3411, but they may be managed separately.

[0384] 36, it is assumed that the user issues an instruction to end the broadcast managed application using the mobile information terminal 700, a remote control, or the like at any desired timing during the broadcast program without waiting for the broadcast program to end (S1510). This corresponds to time t7 of the user operation in (c) in FIG. 35. Then, the broadcast receiving device 100 causes the application engine 162 to end the execution of the broadcast managed application (S1511).

[0385] When the broadcast managed application is terminated in S1511, the broadcast receiving device 100 again acquires a PMT data string by the main control unit 101 (S1512), and acquires an AIT data string by the application control unit 161 (S1513). The acquisition of information in S1512 and S1513 may be one of the processes executed continuously and periodically while the broadcast program is being aired, as shown in Fig. 35, or the broadcast receiving device 100 may perform a process of instantly acquiring and referring to the information. Note that the PMT includes information indicating the AIT, and here, both the PMT and the AIT are referred to and acquired.

[0386] Next, in the process of S1514, the broadcast receiving device 100 checks whether the AIT information of S1513 instructs the start of the same application as when it was temporarily stored in S1509, for example, automatic start with priority given to the broadcast managed application. In other words, in S1514, it is checked whether execution of the same HTML document is instructed and whether the display content by the broadcast managed application has been updated. In S1514, if the information content of the AIT of S1513 is the same as the information content of the AIT of the application execution information 3411 when it was temporarily stored in S1509, that is, if the start of the same application and the execution of the same document are instructed and the display content has not been updated (Yes), the process proceeds to S1516. In S1514, if the information content of the AIT in S1513 is different from the information content of the AIT in the application execution information 3411 at the time of temporary storage in S1509, that is, if an instruction to launch a different application or execute a different document has been issued and the display content has been updated (No), the process proceeds to S1515.

[0387] For example, while a broadcast program is being aired, the information content of the AIT included in the broadcast signal may be partially changed. For example, the description of a link to an HTML document to which a transition can be made may be changed in multiple HTML documents constituting the same broadcast-linked application. Alternatively, the description of a link may be changed so that a transition can be made to an HTML document of a different application. In S1514, the presence or absence of such a change is also included in the determination.

[0388] When proceeding to S1515, the broadcast receiving device 100 inhibits the broadcast managed application that was terminated in S1511 from being restarted. In this case, the broadcast receiving device 100 may perform processing such as starting up a predetermined broadcast managed application or updating the display content again, in the same manner as the processing of S101 to S108 in Fig. 7A, based on the information content of the changed PMT and AIT acquired in S1512 and S1513. Then, this processing in Fig. 36 ends.

[0389] Fig. 37 shows a restart prevention screen, which is an example of a screen displayed at S1515 above. The broadcast receiving device 100 may display a screen and information as shown in Fig. 37 at S1515 above. The screen in Fig. 37 displays a predetermined mark 173h1 or a message indicating that restart of a broadcast-managed application has been prevented on a broadcast program screen 173h, for example, in a corner of the screen. This allows the user to recognize that restart of the application has been prevented.

[0390] On the other hand, when proceeding to S1516, the broadcast receiving device 100 performs control to restart the broadcast managed application that was terminated in S1511. In S1516, the broadcast receiving device 100 displays, on the screen of the video display unit 173, information for restarting the broadcast managed application that was terminated in S1511 in response to a user's selection operation.

[0391] FIG. 38 shows a restart confirmation screen, which is an example of a screen displayed in S1516. This screen displays a message box 173h2 for confirming restart on a broadcast program screen 173h. Alternatively, this screen may display a restart icon 173h3 in a corner of the screen or the like. The broadcast receiving device 100 accepts a selection operation by the user for the information on this screen, in other words, an instruction input operation for selecting whether or not to restart. The message box 173h2 includes a message for confirming whether or not to restart the broadcast managed application, and "Yes" and "No" buttons. The broadcast receiving device 100 restarts the application in response to the selection operation of "Yes."

[0392] The icon 173h3 is an icon indicating a predetermined broadcast managed application. The broadcast receiving device 100 restarts the application by selecting the icon 173h3. The icon 173h3 may be the same as the icon 173b0 that allows the user to recognize a broadcast linked application that can be started as shown in FIG. 12A described above. In addition, the broadcast receiving device 100 automatically erases the display of the message box 173h2 or the icon 173h3 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the display of the message box 173h2 or the icon 173h3, and in this case, restart is not performed. Since the display of the confirmation information continues for a predetermined time, the user can restart the application by selecting the icon 173h3 remaining on the screen. The user can easily select whether or not to restart the application from the above screen according to his or her convenience at that time.

[0393] 36, in S1517, the user operates to select the restart icon 173h3 or the like using the mobile information terminal 700, a remote control, or the like, which is an operating means. Here, for example, it is assumed that the user selects the restart icon 173h3 on the screen from the mobile information terminal 700. The same applies to the selection of the "Yes" button in the message box 173h2. The broadcast receiving device 100 internally instructs the user to restart the broadcast managed application that was terminated in S1511, according to the user's selection.

[0394] When restarting a broadcast managed application, first, in S1518, the broadcast receiving device 100 causes the application control unit 161 to read data of the HTML document constituting the application in the application execution information 3411 temporarily stored in S1509. Then, in S1519, the broadcast receiving device 100 causes the application engine 162 to execute the HTML document under the control of the application control unit 161. This restarts the broadcast managed application that was terminated in S1511.

[0395] If the user does not want to restart the broadcast managed application that was instructed in S1510 and ended in S1511, the user may input an instruction not to restart using the operating means in S1517, or may leave the application as is without inputting an instruction. For example, the user may select the "No" button in the message box 173h2, press the back key 741ab described above, etc. In this way, the broadcast receiving device 100 does not internally generate an instruction to restart, and the display of the restart confirmation screen is also erased.

[0396] As described above, according to the broadcast receiving device 100 of the eighth embodiment, even when a broadcast managed application is terminated by a user operation or the like during a broadcast program and the same application continues to be instructed to be automatically started with priority by information such as the AIT of the broadcast wave, restart of the application can be suitably controlled according to the user's selection. The user can control whether or not to restart the application with a simple operation. The user can immediately restart the application even in the case of an erroneous operation, which is highly convenient. That is, according to the broadcast receiving device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to execute a function with higher added value.

[0397] As a modification of the eighth embodiment, the process of restarting an application in steps S1516 to S1519 may be executed in accordance with confirmation of user setting information in the broadcast receiving device 100 or the mobile information terminal 700, as in the sixth embodiment. For example, the broadcast receiving device 100 provides a screen for user setting regarding whether or not restarting the application is permitted, and stores a setting value based on a user operation in the storage unit 110 (the storage unit 710 in the case of the mobile information terminal 700) in advance. The broadcast receiving device 100 checks by referring to the setting value in the broadcast receiving device 100 or the mobile information terminal 700, instead of the restart confirmation screen in step S1516. If restart is permitted with the setting value, the broadcast receiving device 100 restarts the application.

[0398] As a modification of the eighth embodiment, the broadcast receiving device 100 may adjust and control the transparency of the display of the broadcast managed application on the screen, instead of the process of terminating the broadcast managed application in S1511. The display of the broadcast managed application when it is executed is set to transparency=0%, and the display of the broadcast managed application when it is terminated is set to transparency=100%. When terminating the application in S1511, the broadcast receiving device 100 does not terminate the application as a computer process but maintains it, and changes the transparency of the display of the application execution screen on the screen to 100% so that it is not visible to the user. When restarting the application in S1516 to S1517, the broadcast receiving device 100 makes it visible to the user by restoring the transparency of the display of the application on the screen to the original state of 0%. In this modification, the process of S1518 to S1519 does not require the process of reading and executing the HTML document of the application execution information 3411 in the temporary storage area, and the processing load is low. The transmittance may be a value other than 0% or 100%. EXAMPLES

[0399] The following describes a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration and effects of the present embodiment are the same as those of the eighth embodiment unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the following mainly describes the differences between the present embodiment and the eighth embodiment, and omits as much as possible the description of the common points to avoid duplication.

[0400] The broadcast managed application used in the broadcast communication cooperation system of the ninth embodiment is not only controlled based on information such as AIT included in the broadcast signal for its operation such as start / end, but also capable of controlling event operations such as page update by an event message appropriately included in the broadcast signal. In this embodiment, page update means that part or all of information such as characters and images constituting an application screen displayed on the display unit 173 by execution of the broadcast managed application is changed, or a transition from an HTML document corresponding to the screen to an HTML document corresponding to another application screen linked thereto is made, etc. The page update is also illustrated as a transition between applications and between HTML documents in the above-mentioned FIG. 27. An HTML document corresponds to a page. An update corresponds to a change in an HTML document constituting an application.

[0401] If the AIT or other messages included in the broadcast waves continue to instruct the broadcast-managed application to continue to have automatic startup as a priority, event messages for controlling the event operation of the application will also continue to be included in the broadcast waves as necessary. Even if the user terminates the broadcast-managed application by their own decision, page updates and other such messages may be performed based on event messages in the broadcast waves. In this case, the execution and display content of the application will change due to page updates before and after termination.

[0402] In this case, it should be considered that the user may wish to restart the broadcast managed app that was once terminated. In other words, the user may wish to view page information that is newly provided by the page update. The broadcast receiving device 100 of the ninth embodiment has a function of appropriately controlling the restart of the app in consideration of the above-mentioned cases and situations of page updates, etc.

[0403] [Operation sequence when restarting the broadcast managed app] Fig. 39 shows an example of an operation sequence of control for restarting a broadcast managed application in the broadcast receiving device 100 of the ninth embodiment when the broadcast managed application is instructed to be started with priority. In Fig. 39, the broadcast receiving device 100 terminates the broadcast managed application that was automatically started when viewing of a broadcast program is started, in response to a user's instruction. Furthermore, the broadcast receiving device 100 appropriately checks the AIT and the like, and in the case where the information content has not been updated, controls whether or not to restart the terminated broadcast managed application in response to an event message newly acquired from the broadcast wave and in response to the user's selection.

[0404] In Fig. 39, the processes of S1600 to S1615 are the same as the processes of S1500 to S1515 in Fig. 36. An event message is appropriately included in the broadcast wave. In S1600, the broadcast receiving device 100 executes processes similar to those of S101 to S108 in Fig. 7A to launch a predetermined broadcast managed application. After S1600, in S1609, the broadcast receiving device 100 stores information about the launched broadcast managed application in a temporary storage area as application execution information 3411.

[0405] As an example, assume that up to S1609, a portion from the first page (e.g., HTML11 of App1 in FIG. 27) to the third page (e.g., HTML13) in a certain broadcast managed application is executed through transitions between pages and viewed by the user. In S1609, the contents of this execution and viewing are cached as application execution information 3411.

[0406] In S1610, a user operation instructs the broadcast managed application to be terminated during a broadcast program. In S1611, the broadcast receiving device 100 terminates the execution of the broadcast managed application. In S1612, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires a PMT data sequence again, and in S1613, acquires an AIT data sequence.

[0407] Next, in S1614, if the AIT information acquired in S1613 above is not the same as the AIT information content of the application execution information 3411 temporarily stored in S1609 above (No), the process proceeds to S1615. In this case, the broadcast managed application terminated in S1611 is not restarted. In S1615, the process of starting the predetermined broadcast managed application is performed again using the updated PMT and AIT acquired in S1612 and S1613.

[0408] On the other hand, if the information of the AIT acquired in S1613 is the same as the information content of the AIT of the application execution information 3411 temporarily stored in S1609 (Yes), the process proceeds to S1616, and control is performed to restart the broadcast managed application terminated in S1611. After S1616, the broadcast receiving device 100 of the ninth embodiment monitors and acquires the event message included in the broadcast wave until the frequency channel is changed or the information such as PMT and AIT included in the broadcast wave is updated. Note that when the frequency channel is changed or the information such as PMT and AIT included in the broadcast wave is updated, the broadcast receiving device 100 shifts the process to the above S1615 and performs the same process. The event message may be distributed periodically, for example, like the AIT. The broadcast receiving device 100 may acquire the event message periodically, for example.

[0409] As an example, in S1616, it is assumed that a transition to and display of the fourth page (HTML14 of App1 in FIG. 27) and subsequent pages of the broadcast managed application is instructed as a page update due to an event. The user has not yet viewed the fourth page and subsequent pages.

[0410] At S1616, the broadcast receiving device 100 acquires the event message separated by the first separation unit 132 by the application control unit 161. Next, the broadcast receiving device 100 analyzes the acquired event message and judges the analysis result. At S1617, the broadcast receiving device 100 checks whether the event message acquired at S1616 instructs the broadcast managed application terminated at S1611 to update a page or the like. If the event is not an instruction for updating a page or the like at S1617 (No), the process in FIG. 39 is terminated. In other words, the broadcast managed application terminated at S1611 is not restarted.

[0411] On the other hand, if the event is an instruction for page update or the like (Yes) in S1617, the process proceeds to S1618, and control is performed to restart the broadcast managed application terminated in S1611. In S1618, the broadcast receiving device 100 reads out the HTML document of the application execution information 3411 temporarily stored in S1609. This document is before the page update. Furthermore, in S1619, the broadcast receiving device 100 transmits the event message acquired in S1616 to the application engine 162, and the application engine 162 executes the HTML document read out in S1618 under the control of the application control unit 161. In the process of S1619, the broadcast receiving device 100 reflects the page update by applying the instruction content of the event message in S1616 to the HTML document. This restarts the broadcast managed application terminated in S1611. The display content of the application screen due to the restart is the state after the page update.

[0412] As an example, the display content on the screen of the broadcast managed app after the above restart is the part from page 4 onwards. After restarting, the user can view the part from page 4 onwards that was not viewed before the termination.

[0413] At the time of the restart, the broadcast receiving device 100 may perform control so as to automatically transition to and display a new page (for example, the fourth page) after the page update. At this time, the broadcast receiving device 100 may display a message on the screen indicating that a page update has occurred or that a transition has been made to a new page. In this case, the user does not have to take the trouble of performing operations such as page transitions.

[0414] Furthermore, at the time of the restart, the broadcast receiving device 100 may control the display so as to restore the page before the page update (e.g., the third page), display a message on the screen to confirm the page update, and, in response to a user operation, transition to a new page after the page update (e.g., the fourth page). In this case, the user can easily recognize the status of the page update.

[0415] FIG. 40 shows an update confirmation screen, which is an example of a screen for confirming with the user about restarting in the case of a page update and restarting according to the user's selection. For example, when the event in S1617 is a page update, the broadcast receiving device 100 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 40. This screen displays a message box 173h4. The message box 173h4 includes a message that the page contents of the broadcast managed app have been updated, and a button for selecting whether or not to restart. When restart is selected on this screen, the broadcast receiving device 100 restarts the app. This screen allows the user to easily recognize the situation, restart the app according to the situation at that time, and view the updated page contents.

[0416] As described above, the broadcast receiving device 100 of the ninth embodiment can appropriately control the restart of a broadcast managed application that has been terminated in response to a page update or the like due to an event message acquired from a broadcast wave and in response to a user selection. That is, the broadcast receiving device 100 of the present embodiment can execute a function with higher added value.

[0417] As a modification of the ninth embodiment, the broadcast receiving device 100 may execute the above-mentioned processes of S1616 to S1619, i.e., the process of restarting an app reflecting a page update due to an event message, in accordance with confirmation of user setting information in the broadcast receiving device 100 or the mobile information terminal 700, as in the sixth embodiment. For example, the broadcast receiving device 100 provides a screen for user setting regarding whether or not restarting the above-mentioned app is permitted and restart in the case of a page update due to an event, and stores a setting value based on a user operation. When acquiring the event message in S1616, the broadcast receiving device 100 checks the above-mentioned setting value and determines whether or not to restart the app.

[0418] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above using Examples 1 to 9, the configuration for realizing the technology of the present invention is not limited to the above examples and can be modified in various ways. For example, a part of the configuration of a certain example can be replaced with the configuration of another example, and the configuration of another example can be added to the configuration of a certain example. All of these belong to the scope of the present invention. In addition, the numerical values ​​and messages appearing in the text and figures are merely examples, and the effect of the present invention is not impaired even if different ones are used. The functions of the present invention described above may be realized in part or in whole by hardware, for example, by designing an integrated circuit, or may be realized by software 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. In addition, the control lines and information lines shown in the figures are those considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily show all the control lines and information lines on the product, and it may be considered that almost all the configurations are actually connected to each other.

[0419] The above-mentioned 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 beforehand at the time of product shipment. The software may be acquired from another application server 500, etc. on the Internet 200 via the LAN communication unit 121 after the product shipment. The software stored in 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 beforehand at the time of product shipment. 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 the product shipment. The software stored in a memory card, optical disk, etc. may be acquired via the extended interface unit 724, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0420] 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 broadcast reception processing unit, 142: data broadcast 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 selection unit, 173: video display unit, 174: speaker, 175: video output unit, 176: audio output unit, 181: presentation synchronization control unit, 191: terminal linkage control unit, 300: broadcasting station server, 400: service provider server, 500: other application servers, 600: mobile telephone communication server, 600b: base station, 700: mobile information terminal, 3400: application restart control means, 3401: user selection means, 3402: memory unit, 3411: application execution information.

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. An application startup method for starting an application for accessing a broadcast resource in a broadcast receiving device, comprising: The application for accessing the broadcast resource includes a broadcast managed application activated by application control information included in the broadcast signal, and a non-broadcast managed application activated by a method other than the application control information included in the broadcast signal; A receiving step of receiving a broadcast signal; a document transition range setting step of setting a range of document transition within the broadcast managed application based on application control information included in the received broadcast signal; a first application launch step of launching the broadcast managed application based on the application control information; 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 launch step of launching the non-broadcast managed application based on a user operation via the displayed launcher screen; A communication step of communicating with an external mobile terminal; a third application starting step of starting the non-broadcast managed application based on a start request by a user operation via the external mobile terminal received in the communication step; Equipped with The first application startup step includes, when the application control information includes information indicating automatic startup of the broadcast managed application, confirming whether the broadcast managed application is executable, and, if executable, acquiring and starting the broadcast managed application. How to launch the application.

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