Receiving device, receiving system, broadcasting system, broadcasting and communication cooperation system, receiving method, and program

Abstract

To improve user convenience in providing broadcasting services according to viewing environments.SOLUTION: A reception processing unit acquires common content that is common content to be broadcasted, identifies at least the viewing environment of its own device, and acquires, from the relay device, individual content at least corresponding to the viewing environment, of individual content related to the common content, when the common content is acquired via a relay device. This embodiment can be implemented by any of a receiving device, a relay device, a receiving system, a receiving method, a relay method, and a program.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a receiving device , receiving The present invention relates to a receiving system, a broadcasting system, a broadcasting and communication cooperation system, a receiving method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Terrestrial broadcasting is one of the most widely used television broadcasting services. While the distribution of video, audio, and other content via communication has become more common in recent years, the provision of broadcast programs via terrestrial broadcasting remains popular. While the specifications of receiving devices for terrestrial broadcasting vary depending on the manufacturer and model, the content provided is typically uniform. However, in the next generation of terrestrial digital broadcasting, the adoption of MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) for broadcast content is being considered to integrate broadcasting and communication. MPEG-DASH is a method for delivering video (including audio) using the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP). HTTP is a communication method primarily used on the Internet for communication between web servers and browsers. Therefore, the use of home gateways in the home to realize a diverse viewing environment that integrates broadcasting and communication is being considered. For example, the provision of broadcast programs to devices with diverse specifications, such as dedicated television receiving devices, smartphones, and tablet devices, is being considered.

[0003] For example, the broadcast receiving system described in Patent Document 1 performs a first control for switching between displaying and hiding a display screen of a multimedia service in an output video, and a second control for switching between a screen layout and a default layout based on received layout control information. A remote controller transmits control information to enable operation of the receiving device, and a button for outputting control information for the first control and a button for outputting control information for the second control are configured as the same button. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-46316 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the broadcast receiving system described in Patent Document 1 requires the user to operate a remote controller to select whether or not to display a display screen for a multimedia service, and to switch between a screen layout based on layout control information and a default layout, which does not necessarily improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one aspect of the present invention is a method for providing a broadcasting system including: receiving common content that is broadcasted; identifying a viewing environment of the broadcasting system when the common content is received via a relay device; and receiving at least individual content that corresponds to the viewing environment from among individual content related to the common content. the reception processing unit determines whether the shared content is acquired via a relay device; When the common content is acquired via a relay device, a viewing environment indicating the viewing environment is displayed. Obtaining environment information from the viewing environment management unit It is a receiving device.

[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a receiving device acquires common content that is broadcasted, and when the common content is acquired via a relay device, the receiving device identifies a viewing environment of the receiving device, and executes a receiving processing step of acquiring at least individual content corresponding to the viewing environment from individual content related to the common content. the receiving step determines whether the shared content is acquired via a relay device; When the common content is acquired via a relay device, a viewing environment indicating the viewing environment is displayed. acquiring the viewing environment information from the viewing environment management unit; The receiving method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve user convenience when providing broadcast services that suit the viewing environment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a receiving system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a relay device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a receiving device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing another example of the functional configuration of the receiving device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the organization of a group of content provided in a broadcast program. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for indicating a relay reception determination command according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram illustrating properties related to a relay reception determination command according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of individual content. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a program guide screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a display screen for individual content. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of a display screen of individual content. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of shared content. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a receiving process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a relay process according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of a receiving system 3 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a receiving system 3 according to this embodiment. The receiving system 3 includes one relay device 30, and is connected to at least one receiving device 40 so as to be able to transmit and receive various data to and from each other. The relay device 30 receives a group of content from the broadcast device 10 and the distribution device 20. The group of content includes multiple types of content. The multiple types of content include one type of common content and at least one type of individual content. The relay device 30 is capable of providing the common content and the individual content to the receiving device 40 connected to the relay device 30.

[0011] The receiving device 40 receives the shared content and identifies the viewing environment of the receiving device. The receiving device 40 determines whether the shared content was received via the relay device 30. If the shared content was not received via the relay device 30, the receiving device 40 selects the shared content. If the shared content was received via the relay device 30, the receiving device 40 identifies its own device type and selects one of the individual contents based on the identified viewing environment and device information. The receiving device 40 presents the selected content.

[0012] A group of content refers to a unit of content provided at one time, and corresponds to one package, or program. Packages have a one-to-one correspondence with broadcast services. Common content is content that is common to receiving devices that can provide television broadcast services. In other words, common content is content that can be presented regardless of the viewing environment of the receiving device. Common content can be the minimum content in a program. Similar to traditional television broadcasts, common content includes video and audio as media elements. Common content may also include data broadcasting content. Data broadcasting content may be a digital document written in a markup language such as HTML (Hypertext Modeling Language) or a scripting language. Data broadcasting content describes the temporal and spatial arrangement of the text, images, and other materials that make up the document.

[0013] Individual content is content that can be presented or is suitable for presentation in a specific listening environment. For example, the screen configuration for presentation may differ depending on the type of individual content. The screen configuration of individual content is also different from that of common content. Content having a screen configuration corresponding to the size of the display unit (display) and the device type may be selected as an indicator of presentation capabilities indicating the listening environment. Device types include, for example, dedicated television receivers (televisions), personal computers (PCs), and multi-function mobile phones (including so-called smartphones). Depending on the device type, the preferred layout and visibility of content may differ even if the size is the same. Therefore, it is expected that the configuration of individual content will be differentiated depending on the device type.

[0014] The receiving device 40 receives the common content from the broadcasting device 10 or the relay device 30. When receiving the common content from the relay device 30, the receiving device 40 may receive individual content from the relay device 30 based on the viewing environment and device type of the receiving device itself, or may select the individual content from a group of previously acquired individual contents. The receiving device 40 may be any type of device, such as a television receiving device, a PC, a tablet terminal device, or a multi-function mobile phone. The viewing environment of the receiving device 40 may vary depending on the model and usage mode.

[0015] 5 shows an example of a group of contents provided in one program. Of these, video, audio, and data broadcasting content (common) correspond to common content. The common content is provided to receiving device 40 via broadcast transmission path BT. Data broadcasting content (individual 1) and data broadcasting content (individual 2) correspond to individual content. Data broadcasting content (individual 1) and data broadcasting content (individual 2) are provided to receiving devices 40-A and 40-B, respectively, via relay device 30.

[0016] In this application, "viewing" refers to either or both of visual recognition and listening. "Viewing" also includes the meaning of presenting something so that it can be recognized by the user. In other words, "viewing" refers to presenting something to the user, that is, displaying something so that it can be seen by the user, or emitting sound so that it can be heard. The viewing environment includes the content presentation capabilities that can be realized by the receiving device itself or in cooperation with other devices. Elements of the viewing environment include, for example, the size of the display unit that displays the content (screen size, resolution) and the type of browser used for presentation. The size is specified by the number of horizontal and vertical pixels.

[0017] The broadcasting device 10 multiplexes a portion of a group of content items to generate multiplexed data. The broadcasting device 10 modulates the generated multiplexed data and transmits a broadcast signal carrying the multiplexed data to the broadcast transmission path BT. The content transmitted from the broadcasting device 10 includes common content. The broadcasting device 10 acquires at least the common content. The common content includes instructions for the receiving device 40, which is the final destination, to identify the viewing environment of the receiving device 40 itself and instructions for acquiring individual content corresponding to that viewing environment. The instructions written in the data broadcasting content that constitutes the common content will be described later. The content transmitted from the broadcasting device 10 may or may not include individual content. The multiplexed data is composed of content items as well as control information. The control information indicates the organization of the group of content items. The control information includes information constituting a package containing the group of content items. Such information includes a list of assets and location information indicating their locations. An asset refers to a component that constitutes a package.

[0018] The distribution device 20 distributes a group of contents in cooperation with the broadcast device 10. The distribution device 20 transmits distribution content data including individual contents from the group of contents and configuration information indicating the configuration of each individual content to the communication transmission path CT using a predetermined distribution method. The distribution device 20 may transmit the distribution content data in response to a content request received from the receiving system 3, or may transmit the distribution content data at a time specified in a predetermined distribution schedule. The distribution device 20 is, for example, a web server.

[0019] The broadcasting device 10 and the distribution device 20 can use, for example, MPEG-DASH (MPEG Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) as a distribution method. According to MPEG-DASH, players can be multiplexed and transmitted in association with one or more element contents. The player configures presentation content to be presented, including the element contents, and includes a program and parameter set for presenting the target content. The player may have a script document format written in a predetermined scripting language. The player configures presentation content for different viewing environments and screen configurations, and is instructed to present the configured presentation content. In other words, the receiving device 40 can execute a player adapted to the viewing environment of the device itself to configure presentation content and present the configured presentation content. The screen configuration is specified by the set of element contents included in the target content and the arrangement of each element content, i.e., the display size and position. The element content is not limited to content multiplexed with the player and transmitted, but may also include other content available along the path from transmission to reception. Other content may include broadcast programs broadcast on other broadcast channels, video distributed via communication, content such as documents, and display screens generated by executing application programs (hereinafter referred to as "apps").

[0020] The above-mentioned multiple types of content may be represented using different players, and may be configured as data broadcasting content in which instructions for realizing the player functions are written. Multiple types of content may be transmitted by associating a set of elemental content and a player corresponding to each type. That is, each type of content may be regarded as a program, and by executing it, it may cooperate with the hardware resources of each device to realize its function. Some or all of the elemental content may be common between different types of content. Elemental content common to different types of content may be shared without being transmitted in duplicate. Note that in this application, executing a process indicated by instructions written in a player, app, or other program may be referred to as "executing a program," "program execution," etc.

[0021] The broadcast transmission path BT is a transmission path that can simultaneously transmit broadcast signals (mainly carrying content) to an unspecified number of relay devices 30 or receiving devices 40 in one direction. The broadcast transmission path BT includes broadcast waves in a predetermined frequency band. Part of the broadcast transmission path BT may include communication networks such as the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), or a dedicated line. The communication transmission path CT is a transmission path that allows various data to be transmitted bidirectionally to a specific receiving system or device. The communication transmission path CT may include a communication network such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, or a dedicated line. The communication transmission path CT may be wireless, wired, or a combination of both.

[0022] The broadcasting device 10 and the distribution device 20 constitute equipment that is primarily used or managed by content providers such as broadcasters. Note that in this embodiment, the distribution device 20 and the communication transmission path CT may be omitted. A combination of the broadcasting device 10 and the receiving system 3 or at least one receiving device 40 can also be considered a broadcasting system. A combination of the broadcasting device 10, the distribution device 20, and the receiving system 3 or at least one receiving device 40 can also be considered a broadcasting-communication integrated system.

[0023] In contrast, the receiving system 3 is mainly composed of devices used or managed by viewers. There are generally multiple receiving systems 3 to which a group of content is sent. Each receiving system 3 is composed of one relay device 30 and one or more receiving devices 40 in a certain area. A certain area corresponds to the entire or partial area of ​​a structure (building, house, etc.), various facilities, etc. A certain area typically corresponds to the living space of one household.

[0024] In the example of FIG. 1, the receiving system 3 includes a relay device 30 and two receiving devices 40. The relay device 30 is connected to the two receiving devices 40 via a communication network LN. The two receiving devices 40 are distinguished by symbols such as A and B. In this application, matters common to the multiple receiving devices 40 will be described without distinguishing between the individual receiving devices 40. The number of receiving devices 40 connected to the relay device 30 is not limited to two, and can be one, three, or more. The relay device 30 may be configured as a dedicated home gateway device, or may be configured as a device primarily performing other functions, such as a television receiving device, a recording device, or a set-top box.

[0025] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the relay device 30 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the relay device 30 according to this embodiment. The relay device 30 includes a broadcast receiving unit 312, a demodulating unit 314, a separating unit 316, a first communication unit 322, a second communication unit 324, and a content relay unit 330.

[0026] The broadcast receiving unit 312 receives a broadcast signal transmitted via the broadcast transmission path BT and outputs the received broadcast signal to the demodulation unit 314. The broadcast receiving unit 312 is, for example, a tuner and is connected to an antenna. The broadcast receiving unit 312 receives, as a broadcast signal, a broadcast wave received by the antenna and having a frequency corresponding to the broadcast channel specified by the content relay unit 330. The demodulation unit 314 demodulates the broadcast signal input from the broadcast receiving unit 312 using a predetermined demodulation method and converts it into multiplexed data. The demodulation unit 314 outputs the converted multiplexed data to the separation unit 316. The demodulation method used is a method corresponding to the modulation method used to modulate the transmitted multiplexed data (e.g., QPSK: Quadrature Phase Shift Keying, 16QAM: Quadrature Amplitude Modulation, 256QAM, 1024QAM, 4096QAM, etc.). The multiplexing method that can be used is, for example, the MMT-TLV (MPEG Media Transport Type Length Value) method. When the MMT-TLV method is used, the multiplexed data becomes a TLV stream. The TLV stream is a data stream including a series of TLV packets multiplexed using the MMT-TLV method.

[0027] The demultiplexer 316 demultiplexes the multiplexed data input from the demodulator 314 into content provided by the broadcasting service and control information related to the broadcasting. The demultiplexer 316 outputs the demultiplexed content and control information to the content relay unit 330. The demultiplexed content includes at least common content. The demultiplexed content may also include individual content. The control information describes the configuration of a package provided by the broadcasting service as a table or message. In the MMT method, the control information is described in an MMT Package Table (MPT). The MPT includes a list of assets that make up the package in the service being provided at that time, location information indicating their location, etc.

[0028] The first communication unit 322 receives content data transmitted from the distribution device 20 via the communication transmission path CT. An address indicating the location of the distribution content data is instructed by the content relay unit 330. The first communication unit 322 outputs the received distribution content data to the content relay unit 330. The second communication unit 324 is connected to the receiving device 40 wirelessly or via a wired connection via the communication network LN. The second communication unit 324 uses a wireless communication method such as a LAN (Local Area Network) defined in IEEE802.11 or a PAN (Personal Area Network) defined in IEEE802.15.1. The second communication unit 324 transmits and receives various data between the content relay unit 330 and the receiving device 40. The transmitted and received data will be described together with the functions of the content relay unit 330. The second communication unit 324 discovers a receiving device 40 that can communicate with itself according to a procedure defined in a predetermined communication method, and establishes a connection with the discovered receiving device 40. The second communication unit 324 notifies the content relay unit 330 of connection information indicating the connected receiving device 40.

[0029] The first communication unit 322 and the second communication unit 324 are each configured to include, for example, a communication interface. The first communication unit 322 and the second communication unit 324 do not necessarily have to be configured separately, and may be configured as a single integrated communication unit. The broadcast receiving unit 312 and the first communication unit 322 can also be considered as a receiving unit CR that receives a group of content.

[0030] The content relay unit 330 executes processing related to relaying content provided from one or both of the broadcast device 10 and the distribution device 20 to the receiving device 40 connected to the content relay unit 330. The content relay unit 330 includes a content acquisition unit 332 and a content provision unit 334.

[0031] The content acquisition unit 332 identifies the receiving device 40 connected to its own device based on the connection information input from the second communication unit 324. When the content acquisition unit 332 receives channel selection information indicating a broadcast channel from the connected receiving device 40, it notifies the broadcast receiving unit 312 of the broadcast channel indicated by the channel selection information. The content acquisition unit 332 identifies the location of each asset by referring to the control information input from the separation unit 316. In the MMT system, location information indicating the location of each asset is described, for example, in the location information descriptor (MMT_general_location_info) of the MPT. In the location information descriptor, the location of an asset transmitted over the broadcast transmission path BT is specified by the packet ID of an MMTP (MMT Protocol) packet that forms a data flow multiplexed together with control information including the MPT. The MMTP packet stores multiplexed data multiplexed using the MMT system. The MMTP packet is stored in an IP packet, and the IP packet is further stored in a TLV packet for transmission. The type of content or other data to be transmitted is specified using the packet ID. The location of an asset transmitted over the communication transmission path CT is specified by the source IP address of the distribution device 20 that is the sender and the packet ID of the MMTP packet that forms the data flow from that source IP address.

[0032] The content acquisition unit 332 acquires assets from the location indicated by the identified location information. For shared content transmitted over the broadcast transmission path BT, the content acquisition unit 332 identifies the assets of the individual media elements that make up the shared content input from the separation unit 316 based on the packet IDs of those assets, and stores them in association with the specified broadcast channel. The content acquisition unit 332 can identify attribute information for each piece of content by referring to the MPT. For example, video attribute information is described using a video component descriptor. Audio attribute information is described using an MH-audio component descriptor.

[0033] For content transmitted over the communication transmission path CT, the content acquisition unit 332 identifies the distribution device 20 as the sender indicated by the source IP address. The content acquisition unit 332 receives distribution content data indicating individual content from the distribution device 20 using the first communication unit 322 and stores the received distribution content data in association with the specified broadcast channel. The content acquisition unit 332 can identify the distribution content data based on the packet ID of the packet used for transmission. The content acquisition unit 332 may wait for distribution content data transmitted from the distribution device 20, or may send a content request indicating a request for distribution content to the distribution device 20 and receive distribution content from the distribution device 20 in response. When MPEG-DASH is used as the distribution method, the distribution content includes a player that indicates the configuration of each type of individual content and a set of element content. Therefore, the content acquisition unit 332 can acquire common content and individual content that make up a group of content for each broadcast channel and store the acquired content. Note that the control information multiplexed with the group of content may include, for each individual content, device type information indicating a device type that can present or is suitable for presenting the individual content and viewing environment information indicating the viewing environment. The content acquisition unit 332 may store a pair of the device type information and the viewing environment information in association with each individual content.

[0034] The content providing unit 334 executes processing related to providing content to the receiving device 40 connected to the content providing unit 334. The content providing unit 334 waits to receive channel selection information from the receiving device 40. When the content providing unit 334 receives the channel selection information from the receiving device 40, it identifies the broadcast channel indicated in the channel selection information. The content providing unit 334 extracts at least individual content from the group of contents associated with the identified broadcast channel from the content acquiring unit 332, and transmits the extracted individual content to the receiving device 40 that is the sender of the channel selection information. At this point, the content providing unit 334 may or may not transmit the group of contents to the receiving device 40 all at once.

[0035] When receiving an individual content request from the receiving device 40, the content providing unit 334 may transmit the individual content specified in the individual content request to the receiving device 40 in response to the request. Furthermore, if the individual content request does not specify individual content but includes device type information and viewing environment information for the receiving device 40, the content providing unit 334 may specify individual content corresponding to the device information and viewing environment information stored in the content acquiring unit 332. The location of the individual content stored in the content acquiring unit 332 or provided to the receiving device 40 may be specified by a URL. Specifying the URL facilitates access to the individual content from the receiving device 40. Furthermore, the location of the individual content may be specified by a URL, indicating a device connected from the distribution device 20 or the receiving device 40 via the communication transmission path CT. Information indicating the location of the individual content may be described in the control information and provided to the receiving device 40 in association with the common content.

[0036] The data broadcasting content included in the shared content may contain a command (hereinafter referred to as a "relay reception determination command") to cause the receiving device 40 to determine whether the content is being received via the relay device 30 without using the broadcast receiving unit 412 and to acquire the device type. If the data broadcasting content is written in a markup language, a command to call an API (Application Programming Interface) function that issues a relay reception determination command may be written prior to the presentation of the shared content. For example, a method defined in the ReceiverDevice object of ARIB STD-B62 may be used as such an API function. The ReceiverDevice object provides a means of accessing the application engine and functions provided in the receiver (receiving device) platform.

[0037] The method illustrated in FIG. 6 has the method name "getKindOfSystemInformation." The type of the argument "query" is a String array. Exception conditions include an abnormal argument, no API usage authorization, and other errors. That is, this method includes a process for determining whether the exception conditions are met. For example, the property of the argument of the receiving device is determined by determining whether the argument conforms to a specified type. For example, the API usage authorization is determined by determining whether pre-set authentication information and authentication information provided by the receiving device 40 match. Values ​​of the code property associated with each exception condition are defined as "INVALID_PARAM_ERR," "NOT_AUTHORIZED_ERR," and "MISC_ERR." When an abnormality is detected due to the satisfaction of any of the exception conditions, the value of the corresponding code property is returned. In this embodiment, null (an empty string) may be specified as the value of "query."

[0038] The type of the return value indicating the execution result is a "KindOfSystemInformation" object. FIG. 7 illustrates properties (variables) of the "KindOfSystemInformation" object. The "KindOfSystemInformation" object includes properties "throughHomegateway" and "deviceType". The type of "throughHomegateway" is Boolean (Boolean variable), that is, an integer whose value is 1 or 0. The values ​​1 and 0 indicate that the content is being received via the relay device 30 and that the content is not being received via the relay device 30, respectively. The type of "throughHomegateway" is String (character type), and the device type is represented by the character string. The device type is indicated as, for example, a television, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. By describing the relay reception determination command prior to the presentation of the common content, the receiving device 40 can determine whether the reception has been via the relay device 30 and the device type of its own device before presenting the common data broadcasting content.

[0039] The broadcast receiving unit 312 is not limited to receiving one channel, and may have the capability to simultaneously receive broadcast waves from multiple broadcast channels. In this case, the broadcast receiving unit 312 accepts broadcast channels specified by multiple receiving devices 40 via the content relay unit 330 and receives the reception signals transmitted on each broadcast channel. The demodulation unit 314 demodulates the reception signal received for each broadcast channel, and the separation unit 316 can separate the content and control information from the multiplexed data obtained by demodulation. The content providing unit 334 transmits, to each receiving device 40, common content or individual content related to the broadcast channel indicated in the notified channel selection information. However, there may be cases where the number of broadcast channels currently being received by the broadcast receiving unit 312 exceeds the number of receivable broadcast channels, and channel selection information indicating a broadcast channel different from the currently being received broadcast channel is received from the receiving device 40. In this case, the broadcast receiving unit 312 transmits a reception impossible message to the receiving device 40 that sent the channel selection information, indicating that the requested broadcast channel cannot be received. Receiving device 40 that has received the reception impossible message continues to receive and present the shared content via the broadcast transmission path BT.

[0040] Note that a player included in an individual content may be instructed to present content (e.g., secondary audio, video from a different viewpoint, commentary text, etc.) separate from the content transmitted in association with it. In this case, the content acquisition unit 332 may acquire the instructed separate content and store the acquired separate content as part of the individual content. The content provision unit 334 transmits the individual content, including the stored separate content as part of it, all at once. The separate content may be, for example, content transmitted on another broadcast channel being received, content distributed from another web server connected to the communication transmission path CT, or a combination of these. More specifically, the content transmitted on another broadcast channel may be designated using the channel number of a specific broadcast channel and a URL indicating the location of the designated content.

[0041] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the receiving device 40 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the receiving device 40 according to this embodiment. The receiving device 40 includes a broadcast receiving unit 412 , a demodulating unit 414 , a separating unit 416 , a communicating unit 422 , a receiving processing unit 430 , a presenting unit 440 , and an input unit 450 .

[0042] The broadcast receiving unit 412 receives the broadcast signal transmitted via the broadcast transmission path BT and outputs the received broadcast signal to the demodulating unit 414. A broadcast wave of a frequency corresponding to the broadcast channel specified by the reception processing unit 430 is received as the broadcast signal. The demodulation unit 414 demodulates the broadcast signal input from the broadcast receiving unit 412 using a predetermined demodulation method and converts it into multiplexed data. The demodulation unit 414 outputs the converted multiplexed data to the separation unit 416. The demodulation method used is a method corresponding to the modulation method used to modulate the multiplexed data. The demultiplexer 416 demultiplexes the multiplexed data input from the demodulator 414 into content provided by the broadcasting service and control information related to the broadcasting. The demultiplexer 416 outputs the demultiplexed content and control information to the reception processor 430. For details of the functions and configurations of broadcast receiving unit 412, demodulating unit 414, and separating unit 416, the explanations of broadcast receiving unit 312, demodulating unit 314, and separating unit 316 of relay device 30 are cited.

[0043] The communication unit 422 is connected to the second communication unit 324 of the receiving device 40 via the communication network LN, either wirelessly or via a wire. The communication unit 422 transmits and receives various data to and from the relay device 30. The transmitted and received data will be described together with the functions of the reception processing unit 430. The communication unit 422 discovers the relay device 30 according to a predetermined communication method and establishes a connection with the relay device 30. For example, the communication unit 422 receives a beacon (annual beacon) transmitted from the second communication unit 324 of the relay device 30 at predetermined time intervals, detects identification information (e.g., SSID: Service Set Identifier) ​​extracted from the received beacon, and identifies the identification information of the relay device as the sender. The communication unit 422 transmits a connection request to the relay device 30 in response to the beacon. The second communication unit 324 of the relay device 30 performs authentication processing using the authentication information of the receiving device 40 included in the connection request within a predetermined time period after the transmission of the beacon. When the authentication process of the receiving device 40 is successful, the second communication unit 324 transmits a connection permission to the receiving device 40. The communication unit 422 of the receiving device 40 receives the connection permission from the relay device 30, thereby establishing a connection with the relay device 30. The communication unit 422 notifies the reception processing unit 430 of connection information indicating the connected relay device 30.

[0044] The reception processing unit 430 receives broadcast content in response to various commands instructed by operation signals input from the input unit 450. The reception processing unit 430 includes a content acquisition unit 432, a presentation processing unit 434, and a viewing environment management unit 436. The function of the reception processing unit 430 may be realized by executing a predetermined broadcast reception application on a browser executed by the receiving device 40.

[0045] The content acquisition unit 432 acquires content broadcast on a broadcast channel designated by an operation signal input from the input unit 450. The content acquisition unit 432 can acquire content using either the broadcast transmission path BT or the relay device 30. However, when a connection with the relay device 30 has not been established, the content acquisition unit 432 receives the shared content using the broadcast transmission path BT, without going through the relay device 30. The content acquisition unit 432 can determine whether or not there is a connection with the relay device 30 based on the connection information notified from the communication unit 422. Even if the content acquisition unit 432 can connect to the relay device 30, the content acquisition unit 432 receives the shared content using the broadcast transmission path BT when the content acquisition unit 432 is started up, when a new broadcast channel is instructed (when selecting a channel), or the like.

[0046] When receiving content using the broadcast transmission path BT, the content acquisition unit 432 notifies the broadcast receiving unit 412 of the designated broadcast channel. The content acquisition unit 432 may acquire common content transmitted over the broadcast transmission path BT from the separation unit 416. In this case, the content acquisition unit 432 outputs the acquired common content to the presentation processing unit 434.

[0047] The content acquisition unit 432 determines whether the shared content has been received via the relay device 30. As described above, the determination of whether the shared content has been received via the relay device 30 is instructed by a relay reception determination command described in the shared content. The content acquisition unit 432 determines the device type of its own device. When acquiring information on the device type of its own device, the content acquisition unit 432 reads out, for example, information on the device type set in the content acquisition unit 432 or another functional unit. The content acquisition unit 432 acquires audio-visual environment information indicating the audio-visual environment of its own device from the audio-visual environment management unit 436, and identifies the audio-visual environment of its own device.

[0048] When connected to the relay device 30, the content acquisition unit 432 receives at least the common content via the relay device 30. The content acquisition unit 432 receives the common content via the relay device 30 in the following cases, for example: (1) when reception of the common content is started when not connected to the relay device 30 and then connected to the relay device 30, or (2) when an operation signal input from the input unit 450 instructs reception via the relay device 30 or when reception of individual content is instructed. The content acquisition unit 432 may or may not have received a group of contents including the common content from the relay device 30 up to this point.

[0049] When content acquisition unit 432 receives a group of contents, it selects, from the group of contents, individual content corresponding to the device type and viewing environment indicated in the acquired information as content for its own device. Content acquisition unit 432 may identify individual content corresponding to the device type and viewing environment as content for its own device without receiving a group of contents, and transmit an individual content request indicating a request for the identified individual content to relay device 30. Instead of identifying individual content, content acquisition unit 432 may transmit an individual content request to relay device 30 including device type information indicating the identified device type and viewing environment information indicating the viewing environment. The content acquisition unit 432 receives the individual content from the relay device 30 as a response to the individual content request.

[0050] The content acquisition unit 432 may specify the location of the individual content by using, for example, a URL described in the control information acquired in association with the shared content. The location of the individual content is not limited to the receiving device 40 or the relay device 30, but may also be the distribution device 20 or other devices connected to the communication transmission path CT. In that case, the content acquisition unit 432 may transmit an individual content request to the specified device via the communication transmission path CT, and receive the individual content via the communication transmission path CT in response. The content acquisition unit 432 outputs the acquired individual content to the presentation processing unit 434. If there is no acquired individual content, the content acquisition unit 432 may select a common content.

[0051] The presentation processing unit 434 executes processing for presenting various types of content. The various types of content include common content and individual content acquired by the content acquisition unit 432. For example, if the acquired content includes a player, the presentation processing unit 434 extracts the acquired player and starts (launches) the execution of the extracted player. The presentation processing unit 434 parses (parses) various commands written in the player and detects commands related to the presentation of elemental content. The presentation processing unit 434 extracts a set of elemental content specified by the detected command, and arranges the extracted elemental content according to the specified position and size, thereby reconstructing the presentation content to be presented. The presentation processing unit 434 outputs to the presentation unit 440 display screen data of a display screen that conveys visually recognizable information such as video, text, symbols, and patterns from the reconstructed content. The presentation processing unit 434 outputs to the presentation unit 440 audio data of the reconstructed content, which is audio that conveys audible information such as speech, music, noise, and warning sounds.

[0052] The viewing environment management unit 436 manages the viewing environment of the receiving device 40. The viewing environment management unit 436 stores, as elements of viewing environment information, the type of application for functioning as the reception processing unit 430, and information on devices available as the presentation unit 440 used to present content and their presentation capabilities. The viewing environment management unit 436 may, for example, pre-store, as the type of application, a character string indicating the name of a browser installed in the receiving device 40. The type of browser is not limited to the name alone, and may be identified using a combination of the name and version, a product code, or the like. The viewing environment management unit 436 also pre-stores, as information on presentation capabilities, information on the size of a display used as the presentation unit 440 as an element of viewing environment information. The size may be indicated by the number of pixels or length in the horizontal and vertical directions, or by the length, or by a character string indicating a screen mode (e.g., VGA, FHD, etc.).

[0053] The viewing environment may change depending on usage conditions, such as the physical attachment / detachment of devices and their connection status. Therefore, the viewing environment management unit 436 may use a predetermined input / output method to detect the connection status of each device at predetermined time intervals (e.g., several seconds to several minutes) and identify the presentation capabilities of connected devices capable of presenting content. For example, the viewing environment management unit 436 may transmit a predetermined notification signal via wired or wireless connection and determine whether a response signal to the notification signal is received within a predetermined time period from the transmission. The viewing environment management unit 436 may also pre-configure a viewing environment table indicating presentation capabilities for each model information item, thereby identifying the presentation capabilities corresponding to the model information transmitted in the response signal. The model information may be any one of a product name, model number, product code, etc., or a combination thereof. For example, a standardized method such as PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) or USB (Universal Serial Bus) may be used as the input / output method. The viewing environment management unit 436 reads the saved viewing environment information from the content acquisition unit 432. The viewing environment management unit 436 may output the updated viewing environment information to the content acquisition unit 432 every time at least a part of the viewing environment is updated.

[0054] The presentation unit 440 includes a device for presenting various contents input from the reception processing unit 430. The presentation unit 440 includes, for example, a display and a speaker. The display functions as a display unit that displays a display screen based on display screen data input from the presentation unit 440. The speaker functions as a playback unit that plays back audio based on audio data input from the presentation unit 440. The presentation unit 440 may include an output interface instead of or in addition to the display and speaker. One or both of another display and speaker may be further connected to the output interface.

[0055] The input unit 450 receives a user operation and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the received operation to the reception processing unit 430. The input unit 450 may include, for example, a general-purpose component such as a mouse or a touch panel, or may include a dedicated component such as a button, a lever, or a knob. The touch sensor used as the input unit 450 and the display used as the presentation unit 440 may be integrated so as to overlap each other and configured as a touch panel. The input unit 450 may include an operation signal sensor that detects an operation signal from another device (for example, a remote control device (remote controller), a smartphone, etc.). The operation signal sensor outputs the detected operation signal to the reception processing unit 430.

[0056] Note that receiving device 40 does not necessarily have the ability to receive broadcast waves. Receiving device 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a communication unit 422, a reception processing unit 430, a presentation unit 440, and an input unit 450, and does not include broadcast receiving unit 412, demodulation unit 414, and separation unit 416. Broadcast content is provided to such receiving device 40 via relay device 30 connected using communication unit 422. After acquiring the shared content, content acquisition unit 432 identifies the viewing environment of its own device, determines whether the shared content was received via relay device 30, and acquires individual content.

[0057] Next, an example of the configuration of a content display screen will be described. FIG. 8 shows an example of a display screen for individual content. This individual content is received and displayed by a television serving as a receiving device 40 via a relay device 30. The display screen illustrated in FIG. 8 occupies a horizontally long rectangular area as a whole, and images of currently broadcast programs, images of currently streamed programs, images of currently received programs on other receiving devices, an SNS execution screen, a program guide button, and setting buttons (for various settings) are arranged across two rows. The images of currently broadcast programs and images of currently streamed programs are arranged on the top row, while other images and buttons are arranged on different rows. The images of currently broadcast programs are images provided on a broadcast channel selected in response to an operation from the receiving device 40. The images of programs being received on other receiving devices are images provided on a broadcast channel selected in response to an operation from the other receiving devices 40. The images of currently streamed programs are images streamed from a predetermined distribution server via a communication transmission path CT. The SNS execution screen is an execution screen of an SNS service provided by a predetermined web server. The program guide button is a button for instructing the display of a program guide screen when pressed. When an operation signal instructing the display of a program guide screen is input from the input unit 450, the presentation processing unit 434 of the receiving device transmits a program guide request to the receiving device 40. In response to the program guide request, the presentation processing unit 434 receives program guide screen data from the receiving device 40 and outputs the input program guide screen data to the presentation unit 440. The setting button is a button for instructing the display of a setting screen that guides various setting items when pressed. When an operation signal instructing the display of a setting screen is input from the input unit 450, the presentation processing unit 434 of the receiving device outputs setting screen data indicative of a preset setting screen to the presentation unit 440.

[0058] FIG. 9 shows an example of a program guide screen. This program guide screen is provided from relay device 30 to a stationary television serving as receiving device 40, and is displayed on presentation unit 440 by presentation processing unit 434. The program guide screen shown in FIG. 9 displays display information for programs currently being broadcast by each broadcast station and video content distributed via communication, as well as the usage status of broadcast receiving unit 312. Broadcast stations A to D are displayed as broadcast stations, and X-Z Net is displayed as the source of the video content and as a transmission path. As the usage status of broadcast receiving unit 312, "Tuner 2 / 3 in use" indicates that broadcast receiving unit 312 can receive content from up to three channels, and that content from two of those channels is currently being received.

[0059] The program guide screen is displayed by executing the following procedure. When a program guide request is input from the content acquisition unit 432 of the receiving device 40, the content providing unit 334 of the relay device 30 obtains the control information separated by the separation unit 316 and extracts event information from the control information indicating events currently being provided or scheduled to be provided, including that time. In the MMT system, event information is described in an MH-EIT (Event Information Table) in the MPT. The event information includes information such as the content provision time, name, provider (broadcast station name, service name, broadcast channel, etc.), and other attributes for each content provider. The content provider is described as the broadcast channel and a URL on the network. The content providing unit 334 references the extracted event information and can generate a program guide screen including at least content display information for each piece of content currently being broadcast or distributed. The content providing unit 334 can identify the usage status of the broadcast receiving unit 312 by identifying the broadcast channel currently receiving the content. Furthermore, the content providing unit 334 can identify a broadcast channel that is instructed by tuning information already received from another receiving device 40 and is being continuously received at that time, thereby identifying that broadcast channel as the channel being received by the other receiving device 40. The content providing unit 334 transmits the generated program guide screen to the receiving device 40 as a response to the program guide request.

[0060] Next, another example of the configuration of the content display screen will be described. FIG. 10 shows another example of the display screen for individual content. This individual content is received and displayed by a smartphone acting as the receiving device 40 via the relay device 30. The display screen illustrated in FIG. 10 occupies a vertically long rectangular area as a whole. The size of the display screen illustrated in FIG. 10 is smaller than those illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. On the display screen illustrated in FIG. 10, a video of the program currently being broadcast, an execution screen of the SNS, and two selection buttons are arranged. The video of the program currently being broadcast and the execution screen of the SNS are arranged in a row in that order, and the two selection buttons are arranged in the top row.

[0061] Of the two selection buttons, the button bearing the word "Internet" (hereinafter referred to as the "Internet button") is a button for requesting video of a program currently being distributed online when pressed. The presentation processing unit 434 of the receiving device 40 monitors the operation signal input from the input unit 450, and when detecting a press of the Internet button, replaces the video of the program currently being broadcast arranged in the first row with the video of the program currently being distributed online in that position and area. The button bearing the word "Other" (hereinafter referred to as the "Other button") is a button for requesting other content when pressed. When detecting a press of the Other button, the presentation processing unit 434 replaces the video of the program currently being broadcast arranged in the first row with video distributed separately from the currently being broadcast program and the SNS execution screen in that position and area. The presentation processing unit 434 outputs display screen data indicating a display screen reconfigured with the new video arrangement to the presentation unit 440. The presentation unit 440 displays a display screen reconfigured based on the display screen data output from the presentation processing unit 434.

[0062] FIG. 11 shows yet another example of a display screen for individual content. The display screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed in response to pressing of the net button shown in FIG. 10. The size of the display screen shown in FIG. 11 is the same as that shown in FIG. 10. The display screen shown in FIG. 11 displays a video of a program currently being streamed online, an SNS execution screen, and two selection buttons. The video currently being streamed online and the SNS execution screen are arranged in a row in that order, with the two selection buttons arranged in the top row. The display position and size of the video currently being streamed online are the same as those of the video of the program currently being broadcast shown in FIG. 10. Of the two selection buttons, the button with the word "broadcast" displayed (hereinafter referred to as the "broadcast button") is a button for requesting a video of the program currently being broadcast when pressed. When the presentation processing unit 434 detects pressing of the broadcast button, it replaces the video of the program currently being streamed online arranged in the first row and places the video of the program currently being broadcast in that position and area.

[0063] FIG. 12 shows an example of a display screen for shared content. This shared content is directly received and displayed by a television as receiving device 40 via broadcast transmission path BT. The display screen illustrated in FIG. 12 has a configuration similar to that provided by conventional terrestrial digital broadcasting. The display screen illustrated in FIG. 12 displays video of the program currently being broadcast in most of the display area, and along the bottom edge are arranged a news button, a weather button, and a settings button in that order. The news button is a button for instructing the display of news text when pressed. The weather button is a button for instructing the display of weather forecast text when pressed.

[0064] Next, an example of the reception process according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Step S102) The receiving device 40 starts a predetermined broadcast receiving application and starts the function of the reception processing unit 430. (Step S104) The content acquisition unit 432 acquires common content from the plurality of types of content broadcast on the designated broadcast channel. (Step S106) The content acquisition unit 432 acquires the viewing environment information from the viewing environment management unit 436 and identifies the viewing environment of its own device.

[0065] (Step S108) The content acquisition unit 432 determines whether the shared content was received via the relay device 30. If it is determined that the shared content was received via the relay device 30 (YES in step S108), the process proceeds to step S110. If it is determined that the shared content was not received via the relay device 30 (NO in step S108), the process proceeds to step S116. (Step S110) The content acquisition unit 432 refers to its own setting information and identifies the device type of its own device.

[0066] (Step S114) The content acquisition unit 432 acquires information about the viewing environment indicating the identified viewing environment and individual content for its own device corresponding to the device type. For example, when receiving a group of contents including common content from the relay device 30, the content acquisition unit 432 selects individual content corresponding to the viewing environment and device type from the received group of contents. The content acquisition unit 432 may transmit an individual content request indicating a request for individual content corresponding to the viewing environment and device type to the relay device 30, and receive the corresponding individual content in response. (Step S116) The presentation processing unit 434 causes the presentation unit 440 to present the acquired content. The presentation processing unit 434 extracts element content and a player from the acquired content, and executes the player to reconstruct presentation target content from the element content. The presentation processing unit 434 outputs display screen data representing the reconstructed presentation target content to the presentation unit 440. Thereafter, the processing illustrated in FIG. 13 ends.

[0067] 13, the order of steps S106 to S110 may be any order, or may be simultaneous, as long as they follow step S104 and precede step S114. For example, step S106 may precede step S110.

[0068] Next, an example of relay processing according to this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating relay processing according to this embodiment. (Step S202) The broadcast receiving unit 312 of the relay device 30 receives the broadcast signal transmitted via the broadcast transmission path BT on the broadcast channel designated by the content relay unit 330. (Step S204) The demultiplexer 316 demultiplexes the multiplexed data obtained by demodulating the received broadcast signal into a plurality of types of content and control information.

[0069] (Step S206) The content providing unit 334 waits for channel selection information from the receiving device 40 connected to the content providing unit 334. If channel selection information is received (step S206 YES), the process proceeds to step S208. If channel selection information is not received (step S206 NO), the process of step S206 is repeated. (Step S208) The content providing unit 334 transmits at least the common content to the receiving device 40 that is the source of the channel selection information. At this point, the content providing unit 334 may transmit a group of contents including the common content to the receiving device 40, or may wait for an individual content request from the receiving device 40. When receiving the individual content request, the content providing unit 334 identifies individual content that corresponds to the viewing environment and device type specified in the individual content request, and transmits the identified individual content to the receiving device 40.

[0070] As described above, the receiving device 40 according to this embodiment acquires common content, which is broadcast common content. When the common content is acquired via the relay device 30, the receiving device 40 identifies the viewing environment of the receiving device itself and acquires at least the individual content corresponding to the viewing environment from among the individual content related to the common content. The relay device 30 according to this embodiment includes a receiving unit TR that receives a group of broadcast contents, including common content and at least one type of individual content. The relay device 30 also includes a content relay unit 330 that can provide the common content and the individual content to the receiving device 40. According to this configuration, individual content corresponding to the viewing environment of the receiving device 40 is provided from multiple types of broadcast content without any user operation. This improves user convenience in providing broadcast services according to the viewing environment. Also, it solves the problem of individual content not being used due to a lack of motivation for users to switch screens.

[0071] Furthermore, the reception processing unit 430 may further identify the device type of its own device and acquire individual content that corresponds to the device type and the viewing environment. According to this configuration, individual content is provided from among the multiple types of content broadcast, which is also compatible with the device type of the receiving device 40. This improves user convenience when providing broadcast services that are also compatible with device types.

[0072] In addition, the receiving processing unit 430 may determine whether the shared content is acquired via the relay device 30, and when the shared content is acquired via the relay device 30, may acquire viewing environment information indicating the viewing environment from the viewing environment management unit. In addition, the receiving device 40 is equipped with a communication unit 422 and a broadcast receiving unit 412, and the receiving processing unit 430 may receive the common content via the broadcast receiving unit 412 when not connected to the relay device 30, and may receive the common content via the relay device 30 when connected to the relay device 30. According to this configuration, when there is a possibility that individual content can be acquired via the relay device 30, it is possible to acquire viewing environment information that serves as a clue for selecting individual content.

[0073] Also, a different screen configuration may be set for each type of content, and the reception processing unit 430 may cause the presentation unit 440 to present the acquired content using the set screen configuration. According to this configuration, individual contents with different screen configurations are provided depending on whether or not the content is received via relay device 30, or depending on the viewing environment. Therefore, the difference in screen configuration allows the user to realize the added value of the broadcast service received via relay device 30.

[0074] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention also includes designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. The configurations described in the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner.

[0075] For example, the presentation unit 440 and input unit 450 of the receiving device 40 do not necessarily have to be configured integrally with other parts of the receiving device 40, and may be separate units as long as they are capable of transmitting and receiving various types of data. The processing of step S110 in Fig. 12 may be omitted. In that case, information about the viewing environment is notified in step S112, but the device type is not notified. In steps S210 and S212 in Fig. 13, the device type is not taken into consideration. That is, in step S210, it is determined whether or not information about the viewing environment is notified, and in step S212, individual content corresponding to the viewing environment is selected.

[0076] Alternatively, a program for implementing the functions of a part of the relay device 30, such as the content relay unit 330, may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to implement the functions of the content relay unit 330. Similarly, a program for implementing the functions of a part of the receiving device 40, such as the reception processing unit 430, may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to implement the functions of the reception processing unit 430. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" herein includes hardware such as a processor, memory, and peripheral devices. The "computer system" may also include multiple computers connected via a network, including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, or other communication lines. The program for implementing the functions of the reception processing unit 430 may be a browser. Some or all of the common content and individual content may be configured as markup documents written in a markup language. The receiving processor 430 may realize the function of the presentation processor 434 by analyzing the description of the markup document and executing the processing instructed by the described command.

[0077] Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Recording media also include internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the program code in a format executable by a terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server is not important, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable by a terminal device.

[0078] The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then integrated on a terminal device, or each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a storage medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (e.g., RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a program that realizes part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 3...receiving system, 10...broadcasting device, 20...distribution device, 30...relay device, 40...receiving device, 312...broadcast receiving unit, 314...demodulation unit, 316...separation unit, 322...first communication unit, 324...second communication unit, 330...content relay unit, 332...content acquisition unit, 334...content providing unit, 412...broadcast receiving unit, 414...demodulation unit, 416...separation unit, 422...communication unit, 430...reception processing unit, 432...content acquisition unit, 434...presentation processing unit, 436...viewing environment management unit, 440...presentation unit, 450...input unit

Claims

1. Obtaining common content, which is common content to be broadcast; When the shared content is acquired via a relay device, Identify the viewing environment of your device, a reception processing unit that acquires at least individual content corresponding to the viewing environment from among individual content related to the common content; The reception processing unit determining whether the shared content is acquired via a relay device; When the shared content is acquired via a relay device, audio-visual environment information indicating the audio-visual environment is acquired from an audio-visual environment management unit. Receiving device.

2. Obtaining common content, which is common content to be broadcast; When the shared content is acquired via a relay device, Identify the viewing environment of your device, a reception processing unit that acquires at least individual content corresponding to the viewing environment from among individual content related to the common content; At least one type of individual content is associated with the common content, Different screen configurations are set for each type of content, The reception processing unit The acquired content is displayed on the display unit using the screen layout set for the content. Receiving device.

3. Obtaining common content, which is common content to be broadcast; When the shared content is acquired via a relay device, Identify the viewing environment of your device, a reception processing unit that acquires at least individual content corresponding to the viewing environment from among individual content related to the common content; A communication unit and a broadcast receiving unit are provided, the reception processing unit receives the shared content via the broadcast receiving unit when the communication unit is not connected to the relay device; When the communication unit connects to the relay device, the shared content is received via the relay device. Receiving device.

4. The reception processing unit Furthermore, the device type of the device itself is identified, Acquire the individual content corresponding to the device type and the viewing environment The receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. To the computer A device for functioning as the receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. program.

6. A receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; A receiving system comprising: The relay device a receiving unit for receiving a group of broadcast contents; The group of contents includes a content relay unit that can provide the common content and at least one type of individual content to the receiving device. Receiving system.

7. A broadcasting system comprising: a receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and a broadcasting device; The broadcasting device transmitting a broadcast signal in which the common content, which is at least the common content to be broadcast, and control information are multiplexed; the control information indicates a package configuration of a group of contents including the common content and at least one type of individual content; The common content includes instructions for causing the receiving device to identify a viewing environment of the receiving device and to acquire individual content corresponding to the viewing environment. Broadcasting system.

8. A broadcasting system comprising: the broadcasting system according to claim 7; and a distribution device that transmits at least one type of individual content via communication. Broadcasting and communications integration system.

9. The receiving device Obtaining common content, which is common content to be broadcast; When the shared content is acquired via a relay device, Identify the viewing environment of your device, executing a receiving process step of acquiring at least individual content corresponding to the viewing environment from among individual content related to the common content; The receiving processing step includes: determining whether the shared content is acquired via a relay device; When the shared content is acquired via a relay device, the method includes acquiring audio-visual environment information indicating the audio-visual environment from an audio-visual environment management unit. Receiving method.

10. The receiving device Obtaining common content, which is common content to be broadcast; When the shared content is acquired via a relay device, Identify the viewing environment of your device, executing a receiving process step of acquiring at least individual content corresponding to the viewing environment from among individual content related to the common content; At least one type of individual content is associated with the common content, Different screen configurations are set for each type of content, The receiving processing step includes: a step of causing a presentation unit to present the acquired content using a screen configuration set for the content; Receiving method.

11. A receiving device comprising a communication unit and a broadcast receiving unit, Obtaining common content, which is common content to be broadcast; When the shared content is acquired via a relay device, Identify the viewing environment of your device, executing a receiving process step of acquiring at least individual content corresponding to the viewing environment from among individual content related to the common content; the receiving processing step receives the shared content via the broadcast receiving unit when the communication unit is not connected to the relay device; receiving the shared content via the relay device when the communication unit connects to the relay device; Receiving method.

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