Video distribution system and video distribution method

Abstract

To smoothly switch a video content transmitted by a broadcast wave to a video content distributed by a network without inconveniencing a user viewer caused by a difference between the transmission of the content and the distribution service.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a server system and a television receiver that switch to a video content distributed over a network when a video content transmitted by broadcast waves cannot be received. The server system according to the present invention is called a television gateway, and provides a region-limited viewing function by metadata provided by the television gateway, and furthermore, by measuring the electric field strength of the broadcast wave, the switching is automated. In addition, by automatically inheriting the reception contract for broadcasting to the distribution by the network, the disconnection operation is completed smoothly without causing any inconvenience to viewers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for appropriately controlling the presentation of content distributed by broadcast and communication, which is composed of a server system for distributing video, a repeater for transmitting video by broadcast waves, a receiving terminal for receiving video content of both of them, and a server (hereinafter referred to as a gateway) located between the server system and the receiving terminal. Hereinafter, video content refers to a moving picture composed of video and audio.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to the evolution of the network, many video distribution services have been implemented. In particular, large-sized and large-screen television receivers can not only receive broadcasts as before, but also be connected to the network and play the distributed video, so that they can enjoy higher-quality and more immersive videos. This has become possible due to the high-speedization of the network and the improvement of the processing performance of television receivers. In the future, it is considered that the opportunities to display and operate various video contents provided by the network on television receivers will increase.

[0003] On the other hand, terrestrial digital broadcasting started in 2003 and a long time has passed since then, and the aging of the terrestrial digital broadcasting infrastructure has progressed. Terrestrial digital broadcasting is a broadcasting method using the UHF band, and broadcast content is transmitted to households nationwide by main stations, medium-sized repeaters, and further small-sized repeaters. Among the broadcast infrastructures, in particular, small-sized repeaters are in a difficult-to-maintain situation, and in some cases, a plan to abolish small-sized repeaters and distribute them by network is being considered.

[0004] Thus, in order to switch the distribution of video content delivered via terrestrial digital broadcasting to network distribution, it is necessary to simultaneously distribute the video content transmitted via broadcast waves to the network as well, and currently, the implementation of such simultaneous distribution is also under consideration. However, when switching such so-called broadcast content transmitted via broadcast waves to the Internet, various problems occur.

[0005] For example, even if simultaneous distribution is started, when a small-scale relay station stops functioning and switches to network distribution, viewers who are watching the content of terrestrial digital broadcasting may suddenly find that the video is no longer displayed.

[0006] In addition, in broadcasting, there is the concept of a viewing area, where local stations cover a certain range, and different content is transmitted in that area from other areas. However, in network distribution, there is no such restriction as a viewing area, and distribution is possible anywhere in the country.

[0007] Furthermore, if a reception fee was being paid for broadcast reception, after the reception via broadcast waves disappears and the reception switches to the Internet, there will also be requirements to limit viewing only to viewers who are still paying the reception fee.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The present invention provides a method for solving these problems that occur when switching from broadcast waves to communication-based distribution.

[0010] The present invention relates to the control of a server system (TV gateway) and a TV receiver that have a function of receiving radio waves transmitted from a radio tower and a communication function of receiving content input from a network, and can smoothly switch without causing inconvenience to viewers when switching video content transmitted by a broadcast wave to video content distributed by a network.

[0011] To explain the problems that occur when switching video content transmitted by a broadcast wave to video content distributed by a network, a conventional configuration example is shown in FIG. 8. Broadcast stations 101, 102, and 103 are transmitting video content toward a repeater 111 by a broadcast wave. The repeater 111 that has received the broadcast wave transmits the broadcast wave to the next repeater 112. In this way, in terrestrial digital broadcasting, video content is transmitted to various regions by a bucket relay method using radio waves. In this example, finally, the repeater 112 is transmitting a broadcast wave toward TVs 141 to 145. Here, it is assumed that the TVs 141 to 145 are installed in different regions.

[0012] On the other hand, the broadcast stations 101, 102, and 103 are transmitting the same video content as the broadcast as a simultaneous distribution to a network distribution server 121. The network distribution server 121 distributes the video content to the TVs 141 to 145 through a communication network such as an optical fiber or wireless.

[0013] Normally, the TVs 141 to 145 receive the broadcast wave from the repeater 112, but when the repeater 112 can no longer maintain its ability due to reasons such as aging, the TVs 141 to 145 cannot receive the broadcast. At that time, the TVs 141 to 145 will receive the video content distributed from the network distribution server 121.

[0014] The following problems occur during this switching. 1) To switch from broadcasting to communication, video content with exactly the same content as the video content being transmitted by the broadcast wave is distributed using the network. Even a small relay station covers a large number of households. When the small relay station stops functioning and switches to network distribution, viewers who were watching the content of terrestrial digital broadcasting may suddenly find that the video is no longer displayed. In such a case, it is necessary to notify the viewers of the switching operation in advance. However, it is extremely difficult to inform all households where the switch occurs, and even if it is possible to inform them, it will force unnecessary operations on the viewers.

[0015] 2) In broadcasting, the viewing area is determined in advance. For example, in the prefectural viewing area, local broadcasting stations within the prefecture are responsible for broadcasting within the prefecture and are broadcasting predetermined video content. Furthermore, the video content broadcast by these local broadcasting stations covering a certain range may be different from the content broadcast in other viewing areas. However, in distribution via the network, there is no such restriction as a viewing area, and it is possible to distribute anywhere in the country, making it impossible to form the viewing areas determined in broadcasting.

[0016] 3) In public broadcasting, usually, it is possible to receive broadcasts by paying a reception fee. Therefore, even when video content is distributed via the network instead of broadcasting, it is expected that the display of the video content will be limited to viewers who have paid the reception fee. However, currently, in the case of terrestrial digital broadcasting, the reception fee is collected relying on the presence of an antenna or the presence of a TV receiving the broadcast. In video distribution via the network, since an antenna is not required, it becomes extremely difficult to collect the reception fee. At present, there is no method to inherit the reception contract in broadcasting during distribution via the network. Although there are institutional issues, technical solutions are required.

[0017] As described above, when switching from broadcast simultaneous distribution to Internet distribution, problems arise due to the differences in the nature of broadcast and the network. In particular, the above three points are significant problems.

[0018] Therefore, in the present invention, a TV gateway is installed between the distribution server that performs simultaneous distribution of video content and the TV receiver, and the functions of the TV gateway are used to absorb the differences in the nature between broadcast and communication, and solve the above three problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0019] According to the present disclosure The video distribution system includes a TV receiver capable of receiving video and audio content transmitted by broadcast waves or communication, and including information for configuring a program selection screen transmits metadata broadcasting station and, said receives and stores metadata said broadcasting station from a TV gateway, and is provided with. Said The TV gateway extracted from the metadata and transmitted to the television receiver, and the television receiver is based on the metadata corresponding to each viewing area presents a program selection screen for metadata corresponding to each viewing area the to perform viewing control for each region.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

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Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (First Embodiment) A first example related to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The difference from the conventional configuration example is the point where the TV gateway 131 is arranged. The TV gateway 131 is a server that transmits metadata to the TV, and the TV that has received the metadata displays a program selection screen. The display of the program selection screen is implemented by display software such as a browser installed in the TV.

[0023] Broadcasting stations 101, 102, and 103 transmit broadcast waves toward the repeater 111 and transmit video content in the same manner as in the conventional configuration example. The repeater 111 that has received the broadcast wave transmits the broadcast wave to the next repeater 112. In this way, terrestrial digital broadcasting transmits video content to various regions by radio waves. In this example, the repeater 112 transmits broadcast waves toward TVs 141 to 145.

[0024] On the other hand, broadcasting stations 101, 102, and 103 have a function of simultaneous distribution and transmit the same video content as the broadcast to the network distribution server 121. The network distribution server 121 distributes video content to TVs 141 to 145 through a communication network such as an optical fiber or wireless.

[0025] Normally, TVs 141 to 145 receive broadcast waves from the repeater 112, but when the function of the repeater 112 cannot be maintained due to reasons such as aging, TVs 141 to 145 will be unable to receive broadcasts. In that case, TVs 141 to 145 will receive video content distributed from the network distribution server 121.

[0026] In the conventional configuration, TVs 141 to 145 directly receive the video content of the Internet distribution server. However, in the present invention, before receiving the video content, TVs 141 to 145 receive the metadata transmitted from the TV gateway 131. Based on the metadata transmitted from the TV gateway 131, the TV constructs a program selection screen. TVs 141 to 145 present the program selection screen configured by the metadata, and the viewer selects a program and receives the desired video content. At this time, the TV gateway 131 has previously stored the metadata transmitted by the broadcasting stations 101 to 103, selects the metadata corresponding to the regional information where the TVs 141 to 145 are installed, and transmits it to the TVs 141 to 145. By presenting different program selection screens for each region based on this metadata, TVs 141 to 145 receive video content corresponding to the region where they are installed respectively.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows an example in which TVs 141 to 145 construct a program selection screen based on the metadata transmitted from the TV gateway 131. The metadata 204 transmitted from the broadcasting stations 101 to 103 includes a time table 201, content metadata 202, and banner data 203. Here, the time table 201 indicates the time when the video content is transmitted and is used for the time display of the program schedule. The content metadata 202 describes the output position of the video content of the Internet distribution server 121 that transmits the video stream, for example, the URL. The banner data 203 includes display components such as thumbnails when constructing the program schedule. Here, based on the metadata, a program selection screen 210 is constructed, and the viewer can select a desired program. The program selection screen shows the program playback time on the vertical axis and the channel number on the horizontal axis. Each cell shows the program name.

[0028] This metadata is created for each viewing area and placed together in the TV gateway 131, such as metadata 211 for area A, metadata 212 for area B, and metadata 213 for area C. The metadata for each area is composed of a time table, content metadata, and banner data.

[0029] Figure 3 shows the operation of the first embodiment. In this example, it is assumed that TV 141 is installed in area A, TV 142 is installed in area B, and TV 143 is installed in area C. The broadcasting station 101 creates its own metadata 301 for each viewing area and places it in the TV gateway 131. In this embodiment, metadata is created for three areas: area A, area B, and area C. Also, the broadcasting station 102 creates its own metadata 302 for each viewing area and places it in the TV gateway 131. Similarly, the broadcasting station 103 creates its own metadata 303 for each viewing area and places it in the TV gateway 131.

[0030] Here, the viewer of TV 141 sets the area A setting data 321 in TV 141 based on their address. TV 141 requests the area A metadata from the TV gateway 131 according to the set area A setting data 321. Here, the TV gateway 131 extracts the area A metadata from the metadata 301 of the broadcasting station 101, the metadata 302 of the broadcasting station 102, and the metadata 303 of the broadcasting station 103 and transmits it to TV 141. The metadata 351 sent by the TV gateway 131 is the metadata provided by the broadcasting station 101, the metadata 352 is the metadata provided by the broadcasting station 102, and the metadata 353 is the metadata provided by the broadcasting station 103. In this way, the TV gateway 131 selects the metadata of each broadcasting station corresponding to the area, combines them, and transmits them to the TV.

[0031] TV 141 presents programs corresponding to Region A of broadcasting stations 101, 102, and 103 on the program selection screen based on the metadata for Region A. By this operation, TV 141 receives only the receivable video content for the viewing area where the viewer is present.

[0032] By setting the Region B setting data 322 in TV 142 in the same manner, TV gateway 131 collects the metadata for Region B and transmits it to TV 142. The metadata 361 transmitted by TV gateway 131 is the metadata provided by broadcasting station 101, the metadata 362 is the metadata provided by broadcasting station 102, and the metadata 363 is the metadata provided by broadcasting station 103.

[0033] Similarly, by setting the Region C setting data 323 in TV 143, TV gateway 131 collects the metadata for Region C and transmits it to TV 143. The metadata 371 transmitted by TV gateway 131 is the metadata provided by broadcasting station 101, the metadata 372 is the metadata provided by broadcasting station 102, and the metadata 373 is the metadata provided by broadcasting station 103.

[0034] The setting of the Region A setting data 321 can be set according to the user interface screen presented to the TV by the viewer using the remote control 331. Similarly, the settings for Region B and Region C can also be set using the remote controls 332 and 333. By the above operations, in broadcasting, it becomes possible to realize the predetermined viewing area in the video distribution over the network.

[0035] Furthermore, FIG. 4 further shows a configuration example of a TV receiver according to the present invention. The television receiver 401 receives broadcast waves from the repeater 112 and also receives video content delivered from the network distribution server 121. The broadcast waves are received by the broadcast receiver tuner 411, and the demodulated video content is output to the switch 421. On the other hand, the delivered video content is received by the communication reception module 412, and the video content is output to the switch 421. Here, the switch 421 is controlled by the electric field strength measuring device 402. The electric field strength measuring device 402 can detect whether broadcast waves are arriving by constantly measuring the power value of the broadcast waves input to the broadcast receiver tuner 411. When the maintenance of the repeater becomes impossible and the broadcast waves cannot reach, the electric field strength measuring device 402 detects that the broadcast waves have not arrived and switches the switch 421, which usually selects the broadcast receiver tuner 411, to the selection of the communication reception module 412. By this operation, the television receiver 401 can automatically switch from receiving broadcast waves to the video content delivered by communication without imposing a burden on the viewer. In this embodiment, although the electric field strength is being measured, it is also possible to substitute by measuring the lock state of the PLL of the tuner or the CN (carrier-to-noise) ratio.

[0036] The communication reception module 412 receives metadata from the television gateway 131 and inputs the metadata to the control circuit 431. The control circuit performs a predetermined operation based on the metadata, and displays a program selection screen on the video display panel 423 by the program guide display 425. When program selection is performed, the video content transmitted from the network distribution server 121 passes through the communication reception module 412 and the switch 421, and the compressed video and audio are restored by the video and audio decoder 422, and a video is played on the video display panel 423 instead of the program selection screen. Also, the restored audio is played as sound by the speaker 424.

[0037] Viewers can operate the television receiver by using the remote control 432 to send commands to the control circuit. Also, the regional setting information is stored in the memory 433 as the input result of the remote control, and is used when acquiring metadata for each region from the TV gateway 131.

[0038] By the above operations, it becomes possible to simultaneously realize the control of the viewing area and the automatic switching to the content simultaneously distributed from the broadcast, which has been difficult in the past.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a second configuration example of the television receiver according to the present invention. For the configuration example of FIG. 4, a satellite 511, a contract server 522, a satellite broadcast receiver tuner 501, and a contract status determiner 502 are added. This embodiment is an example that limits to viewers who have concluded a reception fee contract for satellite broadcast reception in public broadcasting and enables viewing of Internet-distributed video content. That is, the reception fee contract for viewing Internet-distributed video content is substituted by the function of limited reception based on the contract information of satellite broadcast.

[0040] In this example, the information of viewers who can receive public satellite broadcast is stored in the contract server 522. The broadcast wave transmitted from the satellite 511 is received by the satellite broadcast receiver tuner 501, and it is determined by the contract status determiner 502 whether a reception contract has been made. If a reception contract has been made, the output of the satellite broadcast receiver tuner 501 is input to the switch 421, and the satellite broadcast receiver tuner 501 is selected by the switch 421 and viewing becomes possible.

[0041] In this embodiment, for viewers who have a reception contract for satellite broadcast, it is possible to view Internet-distributed video content, and for viewers who do not have a reception contract, it is possible to prompt a new reception contract for viewing Internet content. Usually, in satellite broadcast, a contract information confirmation signal 512 is multiplexed on the video content, and the presence or absence of a contract is determined by its content and the contract status determiner 502.

[0042] In this example, the contract information confirmation signal 512 is input from the TV gateway 131 to the contract status determination device 502 via the communication receiving module 412 of the TV receiver 401. The contract status determination device 502 selects the output of the satellite broadcast receiver 501 by controlling the switch 421. By this operation, a satellite broadcast subscriber can view video content distributed on the network.

[0043] If there is no satellite contract, the TV gateway 131 can present a user interface screen prompting the contract. If the user wishes to view video content distributed on the network, they conclude a reception fee contract and upload the contract information to the TV gateway 131. The TV gateway 131 concludes a reception contract by registering the contract information in the contract server 522. During viewing, the contract information confirmation signal 512 is sent from the contract server 522 through the TV gateway 131, and the contract is confirmed by the contract status determination device 502. The contract status determination device 502 obtains the contract information confirmation signal 512 transmitted from the network, controls the switch 421, and selects the communication receiving module 412, thereby enabling the viewing of video content distributed on the network.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a configuration diagram of a video platform according to the present invention. The CPU 602 is connected to the memory 601 and the storage device 603 and executes a control program. The operation is controlled by the operator via the operation unit 605. The communication interface 604 is connected to the network and performs input / output of video content, distribution of video, and input / output of content selection information. The video processing unit 606 encodes the input video content and performs processes such as encryption to generate a stream for video content distribution.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows a configuration diagram of a TV gateway according to the present invention. The CPU 702 is connected to the memory 701 and the storage device 703, and a predetermined processing program operates. The interface 704 performs input / output from / to the video platform and input / output to / from the TV cloud. The operator controls the operation by the operation unit 705. Metadata, contract information confirmation signals, etc. are stored in the storage device 703 and read at a predetermined timing.

[0046] [Appendix] Appendix 1 A video distribution system characterized in that it includes a TV receiver capable of receiving video and audio content transmitted by broadcast waves or communication, a video distribution system that transmits different metadata for each viewing area, a TV gateway that receives and stores the metadata from the video distribution system, and the TV gateway converts the metadata corresponding to each viewing area and transmits it to the TV to present a program selection screen, thereby performing viewing control for each region.

[0047] Appendix 2 A TV receiver capable of receiving video content transmitted by broadcast waves or communication, characterized in that when the electric field strength of the broadcast wave decreases, it automatically switches the video content transmitted by the broadcast wave to the video content obtained by communication.

[0048] Appendix 3 The TV receiver according to Appendix 2, characterized in that the switching presents a signal prompting the viewer to switch.

[0049] Appendix 4 A video distribution system characterized in that in a TV receiver capable of receiving video content transmitted by communication, it receives a contract information confirmation signal and checks whether it can be viewed by a pre-mounted contract status determination device, thereby controlling whether the transmitted video signal can be viewed.

[0050] Appendix 5 The video distribution system according to Appendix 4, characterized in that the contract information is a satellite broadcast reception contract.

[0051] Appendix 6 A video distribution method, characterized in that: a television receiver capable of receiving video and audio content transmitted by broadcast waves or communication, a video distribution system that transmits different metadata for each viewing area, a television gateway that receives and stores the metadata from the video distribution system, and the television gateway converts the metadata corresponding to each viewing area and transmits it to the television, and presents a program selection screen, thereby performing viewing control for each region.

[0052] Appendix 7 A television gateway for connecting a television receiver and a video distribution system that transmits different metadata for each viewing area, wherein the television gateway receives and stores the metadata from the video distribution system, converts the metadata corresponding to each viewing area, and transmits it to the television, and presents a program selection screen.

[0053] Appendix 8 A video distribution system that transmits metadata to a television receiver via a television gateway, wherein the video distribution system transmits metadata corresponding to each viewing area to the television gateway and presents a program selection screen.

Industrial Applicability

[0054] When switching video content transmitted by broadcast waves to video content distributed by a network, the switching operation can be completed smoothly without causing inconvenience to user viewers due to differences in content transmission and distribution services.

Explanation of Signs

[0055] 401... TV receiver, 402... Electric field strength meter, 411... Broadcast reception tuner, 412... Communication reception module, 421... Switch, 422... Video and audio decoder, 423... Video display panel, 424... Speaker, 425... Program guide display

Claims

A television receiver having a measuring device capable of measuring the electric field strength of a broadcast wave and capable of receiving video and audio content transmitted by the broadcast wave or communication, A broadcasting station that transmits metadata including information for configuring a program selection screen, which is different for each viewing area, A TV gateway that receives and stores the metadata from the broadcasting station, The TV gateway extracts corresponding metadata for each viewing area from the metadata and transmits it to the TV receiver, When the electric field strength of the broadcast wave decreases, the TV receiver automatically switches the video and audio content transmitted by the broadcast wave to the video and audio content obtained by communication, and presents the program selection screen based on the metadata corresponding to each viewing area, thereby performing viewing control for each region. A video distribution system characterized by this.

2. The metadata includes information indicating the output position of the video and audio content, Information indicating the time when the video and audio content is transmitted, And further includes at least any one of information indicating display components constituting the program selection screen, The video distribution system according to claim 1.

3. The TV receiver Is provided with a contract status determination device for determining the contract status for viewing the video and audio content transmitted by the broadcast wave, When receiving a contract information confirmation signal, based on the determination result of the contract status determination device, Characterized in that it controls whether or not the transmitted video signal can be viewed, The video distribution system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The contract information is a satellite broadcast reception contract, The video distribution system according to claim 3.

5. A video distribution method performed by a video distribution system including a TV receiver capable of receiving video and audio content transmitted by a broadcast wave or communication, A broadcasting station that transmits metadata including information for configuring a program selection screen, which is different for each viewing area, And a TV gateway that receives and stores the metadata from the broadcasting station, Extracting corresponding metadata for each viewing area from the metadata and transmitting it to the TV receiver, Characterized in that viewing control is performed for each region by presenting the program selection screen based on the metadata corresponding to each viewing area.

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