Transmitting device, transmitting method, receiving device, and receiving method

Abstract

To more flexibly operate a broadcast service.SOLUTION: There is provided a transmission device including a generation unit configured to generate additional information including at least one of a plurality of types of control information or data, and a transmission unit configured to transmit a physical layer frame including the additional information and transport multiplexing control information as a broadcast signal, in which the additional information is included in a signal to be transmitted on a predetermined channel defined in a next-generation system of ISDB-T and is transmitted on the basis of a band use system defined in the transport multiplexing control information. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a transmission system corresponding to a broadcasting scheme of terrestrial digital television broadcasting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transmission device, a transmission method, a reception device, and a reception method, and particularly to a transmission device, a transmission method, a reception device, and a reception method that enable more flexible operation of broadcast services.

Background Art

[0002] Consideration is being given to the advancement of terrestrial digital television broadcasting towards the next generation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When formulating the next-generation broadcast system, there has been a demand for a proposal for more flexible operation of broadcast services.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and enables more flexible operation of broadcast services.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A transmission device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a generation unit that generates additional information including at least any one of a plurality of types of control information or data, and a transmission unit that transmits a physical layer frame including the additional information and transmission multiplex control information as a broadcast signal. The additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel defined by the next-generation system of ISDB-T, and is transmitted based on a bandwidth usage method defined in the transmission multiplex control information.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a transmission method comprising a transmitting device generating additional information including at least one of a plurality of types of control information or data, and transmitting a physical layer frame including the additional information and transmission multiplex control information as a broadcast signal, wherein the additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel defined in the next-generation ISDB-T system, and is transmitted based on a bandwidth usage scheme defined in the transmission multiplex control information.

[0008] In a transmitting device and a transmitting method relating to one aspect of this disclosure, additional information including control information or data of at least one of a plurality of types of control information is generated, and a physical layer frame including the additional information and transmission multiplexing control information is transmitted as a broadcast signal. Furthermore, the additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel as defined in the next-generation ISDB-T system and is transmitted based on a bandwidth usage method defined in the transmission multiplexing control information.

[0009] A receiving device according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a receiving unit that receives a physical layer frame transmitted as a broadcast signal, and a processing unit that performs predetermined processing based on additional information including at least one of a plurality of types of control information or data contained in the physical layer frame, wherein the additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel as defined in the next-generation ISDB-T system, and is transmitted based on a bandwidth usage method defined in the transmission multiplexing control information contained in the physical layer frame.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is a receiving method which includes a receiving device receiving a physical layer frame transmitted as a broadcast signal, and performing predetermined processing based on at least one of a plurality of types of control information or additional information including data contained in the physical layer frame, wherein the additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel as defined in the next-generation ISDB-T system and is transmitted based on a bandwidth usage method defined in the transmission multiplexing control information contained in the physical layer frame.

[0011] In a receiving device and receiving method relating to one aspect of this disclosure, a physical layer frame transmitted as a broadcast signal is received, and predetermined processing is performed based on at least one of several types of control information or additional information including data contained in the physical layer frame. Furthermore, the additional information is included in a signal transmitted on a predetermined channel defined in the next-generation ISDB-T system and is transmitted based on a bandwidth usage method defined in the transmission multiplexing control information contained in the physical layer frame.

[0012] The transmitting device and the receiving device in one aspect of this disclosure may be independent devices or internal blocks constituting a single device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of one embodiment of a transmission system to which the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a data processing device and a transmission device. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the receiving device in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the structure of the current physical layer frame. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the structure of a next-generation physical layer frame. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the hierarchical structure of the next-generation system. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of LLch syntax. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows an example of the semantics of LLch. [Figure 9] The figure shows an example of a descriptor_tag. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of LLch syntax when placing a single data item. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the relationship between frames and packets when a single piece of data is placed within them. [Figure 12]A diagram showing an example of the syntax of LLch when arranging multiple data. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of the semantics of LLch in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the relationship between frames and packets when arranging multiple data. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of the syntax of LLch when arranging a single control information. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of the syntax of LLch when arranging multiple control information. [Figure 17] A diagram showing an example of the semantics of LLch in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] A block diagram showing a configuration example of a transmission system including a relay device. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of the syntax of LLch when arranging relay device control information. [Figure 20] A diagram showing an example of the semantics of LLch in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] A flowchart explaining the processing flow on the transmission side and the reception side. [Figure 22] A block diagram showing a configuration example of a computer.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] <1. Embodiments of the Present Disclosure>

[0015] (System Configuration Example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a transmission system to which the present disclosure is applied.

[0016] In FIG. 1, the transmission system includes data processing devices 10-1 to 10-N (N is an integer of 1 or more) installed in facilities related to each broadcasting station, a transmission device 20 installed in a transmission station, and reception devices 30-1 to 30-M (M is an integer of 1 or more) owned by end users.

[0017] The data processing devices 10-1 to 10-N and the transmitting device 20 are connected via communication lines 12-1 to 12-N. These communication lines 12-1 to 12-N are, for example, dedicated lines.

[0018] The data processing device 10-1 performs the necessary processing on the data of content such as broadcast programs produced by broadcasting station A, and transmits the resulting transmission data to the transmission device 20 via the communication line 12-1.

[0019] In data processing devices 10-2 to 10-N, similar to data processing device 10-1, data of content such as broadcast programs produced by each broadcasting station, such as broadcasting station B and broadcasting station Z, is processed, and the resulting transmission data is transmitted to the transmission device 20 via communication lines 12-2 to 12-N. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between data processing devices 10-1 to 10-N, they will be referred to as data processing device 10.

[0020] The transmitting device 20 receives transmission data from data processing devices 10-1 to 10-N via communication lines 12-1 to 12-N. The transmitting device 20 performs the necessary processing on the transmission data from data processing devices 10-1 to 10-N and transmits the resulting broadcast signal from a transmitting antenna installed at the transmitting station.

[0021] As a result, the broadcast signal from the transmitting device 20 is transmitted to the receiving devices 30-1 through 30-M.

[0022] The receiving devices 30-1 to 30-M are fixed receivers such as television receivers, set-top boxes (STBs), recording devices, game consoles, and network storage devices, or mobile receivers such as smartphones, mobile phones, and tablet computers. Alternatively, the receiving devices 30-1 to 30-M may be in-vehicle devices such as car televisions, or wearable computers such as head-mounted displays (HMDs).

[0023] The receiving device 30-1 receives the broadcast signal transmitted from the transmitting device 20 and performs the necessary processing to play back content such as broadcast programs in accordance with the channel selection operation by the end user.

[0024] In receiving devices 30-2 to 30-M, the broadcast signal from the transmitting device 20 is processed in the same manner as in receiving device 30-1, and content corresponding to the end user's channel selection operation is played back.

[0025] Furthermore, in a transmission system, the broadcast transmission path for transmitting broadcast signals may be terrestrial broadcasting, satellite broadcasting using broadcasting satellites (BS: Broadcasting Satellite) or communications satellites (CS: Communications Satellite), or cable broadcasting (CATV: Common Antenna Television).

[0026] (Example of a transmitting device configuration) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the data processing device 10 and transmission device 20 shown in Figure 1.

[0027] In Figure 2, the data processing device 10 consists of an information generation unit 111, a data processing unit 112, and a communication unit 113.

[0028] The information generation unit 111 generates control information used when performing demodulation and decoding processes on the receiving side, based on the information input thereto, and supplies it to the data processing unit 112.

[0029] Hereinafter, control information used in physical layer processing will be referred to as physical layer control information, and control information used in upper layers, which are layers above the physical layer, will be referred to as upper layer control information. Physical layer control information includes transmission multiplexing control information such as TMCC, which will be described later.

[0030] Furthermore, the information generation unit 111 generates additional broadcast-related information based on the information input thereto and supplies it to the data processing unit 112. The additional information is the information contained in LLch, which will be described later.

[0031] The data processing unit 112 is supplied with data for components that make up content such as broadcast programs, as well as control information and additional information from the information generation unit 111. The component data includes video, audio, subtitles, and other similar data.

[0032] The data processing unit 112 generates a multiplexed stream by encoding the component data and multiplexing it with upper-layer control information. The data processing unit 112 generates packets of a predetermined format from the multiplexed stream.

[0033] The data processing unit 112 supplies the generated packet and the transmission data, which includes physical layer control information and additional information, to the communication unit 113.

[0034] The communication unit 113 transmits the transmission data supplied from the data processing unit 112 to the transmission device 20 via the communication line 12, in accordance with a predetermined communication method.

[0035] In Figure 2, the transmitting device 20 consists of a communication unit 211, a data processing unit 212, and a transmitting unit 213.

[0036] The communication unit 211 receives transmission data sent from the data processing device 10 via the communication line 12 in accordance with a predetermined communication method and supplies it to the data processing unit 212.

[0037] The data processing unit 212 performs the necessary processing on the packets, physical layer control information, and additional information contained in the transmission data supplied from the communication unit 211 to generate a physical layer frame compliant with a predetermined broadcasting system, and supplies it to the transmission unit 213.

[0038] The transmitting unit 213 performs necessary processing, such as modulation, on the physical layer frame supplied by the data processing unit 212, and transmits the resulting broadcast signal from the transmitting antenna installed at the transmission station.

[0039] In Figure 2, the transmitting device is shown to consist of a data processing device 10 and a transmitting device 20. However, in reality, it consists of multiple devices having the functions of each block shown in Figure 2, and the system composed of these devices can be considered as the transmitting device.

[0040] (Example of receiving device configuration) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the receiving device 30 in Figure 1.

[0041] In Figure 3, the receiving device 30 consists of a receiving unit 311 and a data processing unit 312.

[0042] The receiving unit 311 consists of, for example, a tuner and a demodulation LSI (Large Scale Integration). The receiving unit 311 performs necessary processing, such as demodulation, on the broadcast signal received via the antenna 321, and supplies the resulting packets to the data processing unit 312. For example, in demodulation processing, necessary processing is performed on the physical layer frame based on physical layer control information or additional information to obtain packets in a predetermined format.

[0043] The data processing unit 312 is composed of, for example, a main SoC (System On Chip). The data processing unit 312 performs necessary processing, such as decoding and playback, on packets supplied from the receiving unit 311. For example, in decoding and playback processing, the decoding and playback of component data are performed based on the higher-layer control information contained in the packet.

[0044] The video, audio, subtitles, and other data obtained through processing such as decoding and playback are output to a subsequent circuit. As a result, the receiving device 30 plays back the content, such as a broadcast program, and outputs its video and audio.

[0045] (Overview of broadcasting methods) The transmission system shown in Figure 1 can employ broadcasting methods such as ISDB-T (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting - Terrestrial). For example, in Japan, ISDB-T is used as the broadcasting method for terrestrial digital television broadcasting, but next-generation methods for terrestrial digital television broadcasting are being considered. Hereafter, the current ISDB-T will be referred to as the current method to distinguish it from the next-generation method.

[0046] The current system employs frequency division multiplexing (FDM) as the multiplexing method for broadcast signals, and the next-generation system is also planned to adopt frequency division multiplexing.

[0047] When a frequency division multiplexing scheme is employed, a predetermined frequency band (e.g., 6 MHz) is divided into multiple segments, and hierarchical transmission is performed using the bandwidth of one or more segments. For example, data for different services can be transmitted for each hierarchical layer consisting of one or more segments.

[0048] In other words, each layer is a unit consisting of one or more segments. In the current system, OFDM segments are used. In OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing), a large number of orthogonal subcarriers are provided within the transmission bandwidth, and digital modulation is performed.

[0049] In the current system, there are two main types of broadcasting: high-definition broadcasting using 12 segments, primarily for fixed receivers, and "one-segment partial reception service for mobile phones and mobile terminals" (One-Seg broadcasting), which uses 1 segment and is primarily for mobile receivers.

[0050] In the current system, TMCC (Transmission Multiplexing Configuration Control) is defined as transmission multiplexing control information, which is physical layer control information. The adoption of TMCC is also planned for the next-generation system. TMCC is defined, for example, in the following reference 1.

[0051] Reference 1: ARIB STD-B31 Version 2.2, Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB)

[0052] The current system uses the MPEG2-TS (Transport Stream) transmission method, but the next-generation system is planned to adopt the IP method. The IP method applies IP (Internet Protocol) packets, which are used in the field of communications, to digital television broadcasting with the aim of coordinating broadcasting and communications. It is expected that introducing the IP method will enable the provision of more advanced services.

[0053] When using the IP protocol, Type Length Value (TLV) packets can be used to transmit IP packets over broadcast transmission lines. TLV packets are variable-length packets, for example, ranging in size from 4 to 65536 bytes. TLV packets store IP packets.

[0054] Furthermore, when adopting the IP system, MMT (MPEG Media Transport) can be used as the media transport method for transmitting multimedia content using various networks such as broadcasting and telecommunications.

[0055] In other words, using MMT, data such as video, audio, subtitles, control information, applications, and content are stored in IP packets, and these IP packets are further encapsulated in TLV packets. The resulting TLV stream is then transmitted as a broadcast wave. The media transport method using MMT is described, for example, in document 2 below.

[0056] Reference 2: ARIB STD-B60 Version 1.6, Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB)

[0057] As described above, while the current system is being considered as a next-generation system to expand and enhance it, this expansion has led to a demand for proposals that allow for more flexible operation of digital television broadcasting. This disclosure provides a proposal for more flexible operation of digital television broadcasting in order to meet such demands. The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below.

[0058] (Frame structure of the physical layer) For comparison purposes, the structure of the current physical layer frame will be described first, followed by the structure of the next-generation physical layer frame. Figure 4 shows the structure of the current physical layer frame.

[0059] Figure 4 shows the structure of an OFDM segment when the horizontal direction represents the carrier number corresponding to the frequency direction and the vertical direction represents the symbol number corresponding to the time direction. In the current system, the symbol number in the vertical direction is the OFDM symbol number. Transmission parameters differ depending on the mode, but for example, the number of symbols per frame is 204, and the carrier number is 0 to 107.

[0060] In Figure 4, the OFDM segment includes TMCC and AC. TMCC is transmission multiplex control information. AC (Auxiliary Channel) is additional information related to broadcasting. The same number of ACs exist in all segments. For example, ACs are used for specific purposes such as earthquake early warnings.

[0061] Although not shown in the diagram, in the OFDM segment, pilot signals such as carrier symbols and SP (Scattered Pilot) are placed in the parts other than TMCC and AC. The structure of the current physical layer frame is specified in "3.12 Frame Configuration" of the above-mentioned reference 1, so a detailed explanation of its contents is omitted here. Hereafter, the physical layer frame composed of OFDM segments will also be referred to as the OFDM frame.

[0062] Figure 5 shows an example of the structure of a next-generation physical layer frame. In Figure 5, as in Figure 4, the horizontal direction represents the carrier number corresponding to the frequency direction, and the vertical direction represents the OFDM symbol number corresponding to the time direction, showing the configuration of the OFDM segment. Transmission parameters differ depending on the mode, but for example, the number of symbols per frame is 204, and the carrier number is 0 to 431.

[0063] In Figure 5, the next-generation physical layer frame includes TMCC and LLch. Hereafter, the next-generation TMCC will also be referred to as next-generation TMCC to distinguish it from the current TMCC. The next-generation AC is called LLch (Low Latency Channel).

[0064] The next-generation TMCC contains information related to transmission multiplexing control for processing such as demodulation and decoding at the receiving end in hierarchical transmission where multiple transmission parameters (modulation parameters) are mixed. The next-generation TMCC is defined as variable-length information. For example, by defining fixed-length TMCC length information and including information on the length of the variable-length next-generation TMCC, the receiving device 30 can acquire the next-generation TMCC. Parity can be appropriately added to the next-generation TMCC and TMCC length information.

[0065] LLch includes additional information related to the broadcast. LLch is considered to be variable-length information. For example, by defining fixed-length LLch length information and including information about the length of the variable-length LLch, the receiving device 30 can acquire LLch. Parity can be added to LLch and LLch length information as appropriate.

[0066] Furthermore, in the physical layer frame, if the lengths of data including next-generation TMCC and TMCC length information, or LLch and LLch length information need to be matched, padding can be performed or other data can be inserted.

[0067] (Hierarchical structure) Figure 6 shows an example of the hierarchical structure of the next-generation system.

[0068] Figure 6 shows that when frequency division multiplexing is used as the multiplexing method for broadcast signals, the hierarchy is formed by the segments represented by rectangles in the figure, with the horizontal direction representing frequency f (MHz).

[0069] When a frequency division multiplexing scheme is employed, a predetermined frequency band (e.g., 6 MHz) is divided into multiple segments. In Figure 6, however, it is divided into 35 segments. In other words, while the current system divides it into 13 segments, the next-generation system divides it into 35 segments.

[0070] Here, out of the 35 segments, the central segment in the diagram is designated as segment #0, the segments to its left and right are designated as segments #1 and #2, and so on, until the leftmost segment in the diagram becomes segment #33, and the rightmost segment becomes segment #34.

[0071] Furthermore, a hierarchy is formed by combining one or more segments. In Figure 6, Hierarchy 1 is formed by three segments, #0 through #2. Hierarchy 2 is formed by six segments, #3, #5, #7 and #4, #6, #8. In Figure 6, the descriptions of segments #11 through #28 are omitted, but Hierarchy 3 is formed by 26 segments, #9, #11, ..., #31, #33 and #10, #12, ..., #32, #34.

[0072] Thus, the 35 segments are divided into three layers, with the 9 segments of Layer 1 and Layer 2 designated as the partial reception band, and the 26 segments of Layer 3 designated as the non-partial reception band. In other words, the receiving device 30 can perform partial reception, receiving only the 9 segments of Layer 1 and Layer 2.

[0073] When the LLch in the partial reception band is referred to as L0 and the LLch in the non-partial reception band is referred to as L1, it is possible to choose whether to use the entire band of L0 and L1 LLch as a single unit, or to use the respective bands of L0 and L1 independently. In other words, each OFDM segment contains a next-generation TMCC and an LLch, but the LLch of the 9 segments in the partial reception band (L0) and the LLch of the 26 segments in the non-partial reception band (L1) can be used either together or separately.

[0074] In this case, by including information indicating the transmission method of additional information, such as information that L0 and L1 are used together or separately, in the next-generation TMCC, the receiving device 30 can recognize that L0 and L1 are used together or separately and perform processing using the additional information included in LLch.

[0075] For example, in next-generation TMCCs, the reserve bit can be used to define information (a new flag) indicating whether L0 and L1 are used in a non-separated manner or in a separated manner. Specifically, if the new flag defined in the reserve bit is set to "1", it indicates that L0 and L1 are used in a non-separated manner, and if it is set to "0", it indicates that L0 and L1 are used in a separated manner.

[0076] Furthermore, if a flag is defined in the next-generation TMCC to indicate whether or not data transmission is taking place in a partial receiving band, this flag may be used to determine whether or not L0 and L1 are being used separately.

[0077] In this way, L0 and L1 can be used either together or separately, enabling a more flexible and efficient broadcasting service. For example, when partial reception is performed by the receiving device 30, by placing highly important additional information (such as highly important control information) in the LLch (L0) of the partial reception band and other additional information (such as less important control information or data) in the LLch (L1) of the non-partial reception band, a more flexible and efficient broadcasting service can be realized.

[0078] (LLch configuration) Figure 7 shows an example of LLch syntax. The semantics will be explained with reference to Figure 8 as needed.

[0079] The 4-bit descriptor_tag indicates a tag that identifies the type of LLch data. Figure 9 shows an example of descriptor_tag.

[0080] The 12-bit descriptor_length indicates the length of the subsequent LLch data.

[0081] The 8-bit LLch_data represents LLch data. LLch data includes additional information such as earthquake warning information, time information, data, control information, and private area information.

[0082] Earthquake warning information is information related to earthquake warnings, and is generally referred to as an emergency earthquake warning. Details regarding earthquake warning information are specified in section 3.16.6, "Earthquake Warning Information," of the above-mentioned reference 1. As shown in Figure 9, when earthquake warning information is placed as LLch data, the value of descriptor_tag is "0".

[0083] Time information is information about a time specified in a predetermined format. For example, time information can include information in the NTP (Network Time Protocol) format.

[0084] Specifically, as defined in "3.1 NTP Format Configuration" of the above-mentioned reference 2, a total of 72 bits of information consisting of a 2-bit leap_indicator (leap second indicator), a 3-bit version (version number), a 3-bit mode (operating mode), and a 64-bit transmit_timestamp (transmission timestamp) can be placed. As shown in Figure 9, when time information is placed as LLch data, the value of descriptor_tag will be "1".

[0085] The data is data in a predetermined format. For example, the data consists of TLV packets. As shown in Figure 9, when the data is placed as LLch data, the value of descriptor_tag will be "2".

[0086] Control information is various types of control information used in the processing of the receiving device 30 that receives the broadcast signal. Different types of control information can be assigned to each descriptor_tag. In the example in Figure 9, when there are two types of control information, control information A and control information B, as LLch data, the descriptor_tag value for control information A will be "3" and the descriptor_tag value for control information B will be "4". Note that there are not limited to two types of control information, but can be three or more, in which case reserve values ​​from "5" to "14" can be used as descriptor_tags.

[0087] The private area is an area used by broadcasters, and they can specify their own information. For example, information used by broadcasters to control repeaters (repeater control information) can be placed in the private area. As shown in Figure 9, when repeater control information, etc., is placed in the private area as LLch data, the value of descriptor_tag will be "15".

[0088] Thus, in this disclosure, by enabling the placement of LLch data using a section structure for LLch, whose data structure is undefined in the next-generation system, it becomes possible to transmit at least one of several types of control information, or additional information such as data. As a result, it becomes possible to appropriately transmit various types of control information and additional information such as data using LLch, which has the characteristic of low latency, and broadcast services can be operated flexibly.

[0089] For example, by using the LLch(L0) of a partial receiving band to transmit time information, the receiving device 30 can acquire time information as quickly as possible, thereby shortening the station selection time and improving synchronization accuracy. At the same time, even when it is necessary to transmit earthquake motion warning information, it can be transmitted with low latency. Furthermore, because the LLch data can be arranged using a section structure, it is highly expandable, and it is easy to add new LLch data.

[0090] In Figure 7, uimsbf (unsigned integer most significant bit first) is specified as the Mnemonic, meaning that bitwise operations will be performed and the result will be treated as an integer.

[0091] Next, we will explain specific examples of syntax depending on the type of LLch data.

[0092] (Example 1) Figure 10 shows an example of LLch syntax when a single data item is placed in each physical layer frame.

[0093] In the syntax of Figure 10, descriptor_tag, descriptor_length, and data are placed, but the explanation of the parts that overlap with the syntax of Figure 7 will be omitted.

[0094] The 8-bit data indicates that the data will be placed as LLch data. This data consists of TLV packets.

[0095] Figure 11 shows the relationship between frames and data when a single piece of data is placed in each physical layer frame.

[0096] In Figure 11, OFDM frame #1 and OFDM frame #2 are temporally consecutive, with OFDM frame #1 containing TLV packet #0 and OFDM frame #2 containing TLV packet #1. That is, TLV packet #1 is the TLV packet following TLV packet #0, and OFDM frame #1 and OFDM frame #2 each contain one TLV packet as LLch data.

[0097] In this way, LLch can be used to place a single data packet, such as a TLV packet, for each physical layer frame, such as an OFDM frame.

[0098] (Second example) Figure 12 shows an example of LLch syntax when multiple data are placed in each physical layer frame. The semantics will be explained with reference to Figure 13 as appropriate.

[0099] In the syntax of Figure 12, descriptor_tag, descriptor_length, pointer, and data are placed, but the explanation of the parts that overlap with the syntax of Figure 7 will be omitted.

[0100] The 8-bit pointer indicates the starting position of the packet. This starting position indicates the position of the first packet (such as a TLV packet) in the physical layer frame containing the LLch in which it is placed. The 8-bit data indicates that data such as a TLV packet is placed as LLch data.

[0101] For example, when using LLch to place multiple TLV packets in each OFDM frame, a variable-length TLV packet may span multiple OFDM frames. In order for the receiving device 30 to process the data contained in the OFDM frame on a TLV packet basis, it is necessary to identify the boundaries (breaks) of TLV packets within the OFDM frame. Therefore, a pointer is used to indicate the starting position of a TLV packet that spans multiple OFDM frames.

[0102] Figure 14 illustrates the relationship between frames and packets when multiple data are placed in each physical layer frame. In Figure 14, OFDM frame #1 contains TLV packet #0, TLV packet #1, and part of TLV packet #2, while OFDM frame #2 contains the remaining part of TLV packet #2, TLV packet #3, and TLV packet #4. In other words, TLV packet #2 is placed across OFDM frame #1 and OFDM frame #2.

[0103] In OFDM frame #2, the starting position of TLV packet #3 is indicated by a pointer. Therefore, even when receiving from OFDM frame #2, the receiving device 30 can identify the boundary between TLV packet #2 and TLV packet #3, and format the data contained in the OFDM frame into TLV packet units for output.

[0104] In this way, LLch can be used to place multiple data, such as multiple TLV packets, into each physical layer frame, such as an OFDM frame.

[0105] (Third example) Figure 15 shows an example of LLch syntax when a single piece of control information is placed within it.

[0106] In the syntax of Figure 15, descriptor_tag, descriptor_length, and control_info are placed, but the explanation of the parts that overlap with the syntax of Figure 7 will be omitted.

[0107] The 8-bit control_info indicates that control information will be placed as LLch data. This control information can be various types of control information used in processing by the receiving device 30.

[0108] In this way, LLch can be used to place a single piece of control information for each physical layer frame, such as an OFDM frame.

[0109] (Fourth example) Figure 16 shows an example of LLch syntax when multiple control information is arranged. The semantics will be explained with reference to Figure 17 as appropriate.

[0110] In the syntax of Figure 16, descriptor_tag, descriptor_length, num_of_control_info, control_info_tag, control_info_length, and control_info are placed, but the explanation of the parts that overlap with the syntax of Figure 7 will be omitted.

[0111] The 8-bit value num_of_control_info indicates the number of control information items to be placed. The 8-bit value control_info_tag indicates a tag that identifies the type of control data. The 8-bit value control_info_length indicates the length of the control information.

[0112] The 8-bit control_info indicates that control information will be placed as LLch data. This control information can be various types of control information used in processing by the receiving device 30, and the number of control information items indicated by num_of_control_info can be placed.

[0113] In this way, LLch can be used to place multiple pieces of control information for each physical layer frame, such as an OFDM frame. Specifically, by using LLch, as shown in Figure 9, it is possible to place multiple types of control information according to the descriptor_tag value (such as "3" or "4"), and as shown in Figures 16 and 17, when placing control information, it is possible to place multiple types of control information according to the control_info_tag value.

[0114] (Example 5) Figure 18 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a transmission system including a relay device.

[0115] In Figure 18, a relay device 40 installed at the relay station is added compared to the configuration in Figure 1. The relay device 40 receives the broadcast signal transmitted from the transmitting device 20 installed at the transmitting station (master station), performs predetermined processing, and transmits the resulting broadcast signal from the transmitting antenna installed at the relay station.

[0116] As a result, the broadcast signal from the relay station's relay device 40 is transmitted to the receiving devices 30-1 to 30-M.

[0117] Figure 19 shows an example of LLch syntax when repeater control information is placed as LLch data. The semantics will be explained with reference to Figure 20 as appropriate.

[0118] In the syntax of Figure 19, descriptor_tag, descriptor_length, transmit_frequency, transmit_power, transmission_mode, guard_interval, modulation, code_rate, and time_interleaving are placed, but the explanation of the parts that overlap with the syntax of Figure 7 will be omitted.

[0119] The 16-bit `transmit_frequency` indicates the output frequency. The 12-bit `transmit_power` indicates the output power. The 3-bit `transmission_mode` indicates the transmission mode. For example, the FFT size can be specified as the transmission mode.

[0120] The 3 bits `guard_interval` indicate the guard interval length. The 3 bits `modulation` indicate the carrier modulation scheme. The 3 bits `code_rate` indicate the coding rate. The 3 bits `time_interleaving` indicate the time interleaving length.

[0121] In this way, by transmitting repeater control information using LLch, the repeater 40 transmits the broadcast signal from the transmitting antenna based on the parameters included in the repeater control information. This makes it possible to remotely control the repeater 40 installed at the repeater station from the transmitting station (master station). Here, the repeater 40 can be considered as a receiving device that receives the broadcast signal from the transmitting device 20. The repeater 40 may change the parameters included in the repeater control information (for example, output power) as needed.

[0122] (Processing flow between the sender and receiver) Next, the processing flow on the transmitting and receiving sides will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 21. The transmitting and receiving devices are next-generation compatible devices, and processing compatible with the next-generation system is performed.

[0123] First, we will explain the processes performed by the transmitting device in steps S11 to S13.

[0124] In step S11, the information generation unit 111 generates additional information. For example, additional information such as control information, TLV packet data, earthquake warning information, time information, and repeater control information is generated.

[0125] In step S12, the data processing unit 212 generates a physical layer frame containing additional information and the next-generation TMCC. In the physical layer frame, the additional information is included in LLch.

[0126] In step S13, the transmitting unit 213 transmits the physical layer frame as a broadcast signal. The broadcast signal from the transmitting device 20 may be transmitted via the relay device 40.

[0127] Next, the processes performed by the receiving device in steps S31 to S33 will be described.

[0128] In step S31, the receiving unit 311 receives the broadcast signal transmitted from the transmitting device 20 or the relay device 40.

[0129] In step S32, the receiving unit 311 processes the physical layer frame obtained from the broadcast signal. By processing the physical layer frame, additional information contained in the LLch and the next-generation TMCC are obtained.

[0130] In step S33, the data processing unit 312 performs predetermined processing based on the additional information. For example, additional information such as control information, TLV packet data, earthquake warning information, and time information is acquired, and the data processing unit 312 performs the necessary processing using this additional information.

[0131] As described above, in the processing on both the transmitting and receiving sides, LLch data is arranged using a section structure to transmit multiple types of additional information such as control information and data, even though the data structure of LLch is undefined in the next-generation system. This makes it possible to appropriately transmit various types of additional information such as control information and data using LLch, which has the characteristic of low latency, and enables flexible operation of broadcast services.

[0132] <2. Variant>

[0133] (Other broadcasting methods) The above description explains the next-generation ISDB-T system, which is used in Japan and other countries as a broadcasting system for digital television broadcasting. However, this disclosure may also be applied to other broadcasting systems. Furthermore, the above description explains the broadcasting system for terrestrial digital television broadcasting. However, this disclosure may also be applied to broadcasting systems such as satellite broadcasting using broadcasting satellites (BS) and communications satellites (CS), and wired broadcasting such as cable television (CATV).

[0134] (Names of packets and frames) Furthermore, the names of packets, frames, and control information mentioned above are merely examples, and other names may be used. However, these differences in names are merely formal differences and do not indicate any difference in the substantive content of the packets, frames, or control information in question. For example, a TLV packet may also be referred to as an ALP (ATSC Link-layer Protocol) packet or a Generic packet. Also, the terms frame and packet may be used interchangeably. In this specification, a system refers to a logical collection of multiple devices.

[0135] (Other time information) The above explanation described the case where time information defined by NTP is used as time information. However, it is not limited to this, and any time information can be used, such as time information defined by PTP (Precision Time Protocol) or 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project), time information included in GPS (Global Positioning System) information, or time information in any other independently determined format.

[0136] (Other configurations of the receiving device) In the above explanation, the receiving device 30 was given as an example of a device capable of receiving broadcast signals via an antenna, such as a television receiver or a set-top box. However, it may also have a communication function that enables communication via communication lines (communication networks) such as the Internet or a telephone network. In this case, the receiving device 30 will perform bidirectional communication with the server via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0137] (Computer configuration) The series of processes on the transmitting and receiving sides described above can be executed by hardware or by software. When the series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on the computer. Figure 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the series of processes described above by program.

[0138] In a computer, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003 are interconnected by a bus 1004. An input / output interface 1005 is further connected to the bus 1004. An input / output interface 1005 is connected to an input unit 1006, an output unit 1007, a storage unit 1008, a communication unit 1009, and a drive 1010.

[0139] The input unit 1006 consists of a keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc. The output unit 1007 consists of a display, speaker, etc. The storage unit 1008 consists of a hard disk, non-volatile memory, etc. The communication unit 1009 consists of a network interface, etc. The drive 1010 drives a removable recording medium 1011 such as semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, or magneto-optical disk.

[0140] In a computer configured as described above, the CPU 1001 loads programs stored in the ROM 1002 and memory unit 1008 into the RAM 1003 via the input / output interface 1005 and bus 1004, and executes them, thereby performing the series of processes described above.

[0141] The program executed by the computer (CPU 1001) can be provided by recording it on a removable recording medium 1011, such as a packaged media. The program can also be provided via wired or wireless transmission media, such as a local area network, the internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

[0142] In a computer, a program can be installed in the storage unit 1008 via the input / output interface 1005 by inserting the removable recording medium 1011 into the drive 1010. Alternatively, a program can be received by the communication unit 1009 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the storage unit 1008. Furthermore, programs can be pre-installed in the ROM 1002 or the storage unit 1008.

[0143] In this specification, the processes performed by a computer according to a program do not necessarily have to be performed chronologically in the order described in the flowchart. That is, the processes performed by a computer according to a program include processes that are executed in parallel or individually (e.g., parallel processing or object-based processing). Furthermore, the program may be processed by one computer (processor) or it may be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers.

[0144] The embodiments described herein are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also occur.

[0145] Furthermore, this disclosure can take the following form.

[0146] (1) A generation unit that generates additional information including at least one of several types of control information, or data, A transmitting unit that transmits a physical layer frame containing the aforementioned additional information as a broadcast signal. A transmitting device equipped with the following features. (2) The additional information includes one or more pieces of control information. The transmitting device described in (1) above. (3) The aforementioned additional information includes one or more data points. The transmitting device described in (1) or (2) above. (4) The aforementioned data is a variable-length packet, If the additional information includes multiple packets, it includes a pointer indicating the starting position of the packets. The transmitting device described in (3) above. (5) The additional information includes earthquake warning information, time information, or information related to the control of relay devices. A transmitting device as described in any of (1) to (4) above. (6) The aforementioned broadcast signal is transmitted using a frequency division multiplexing scheme. The aforementioned additional information is transmitted using the entire bandwidth of the partial and non-partial reception bands as a whole, or it is transmitted using the bandwidths of the partial and non-partial reception bands independently. A transmitting device according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) The transmission method for the additional information is defined in the transmission multiplexing control information included in the physical layer frame. The transmitting device described in (6) above. (8) The aforementioned additional information is variable-length information, The physical layer frame includes information indicating the length of the additional information. A transmitting device as described in any of (1) to (7) above. (9) The aforementioned additional information is information included in LLch as defined in the next-generation ISDB-T format. A transmitting device as described in any of (1) to (8) above. (10) The transmitting device, Generate additional information including at least one of several types of control information, or data. The physical layer frame containing the aforementioned additional information is transmitted as a broadcast signal. Sending method. (11) A receiving unit that receives physical layer frames transmitted as broadcast signals, A processing unit performs predetermined processing based on additional information, including at least one of several types of control information or data, included in the physical layer frame. A receiving device equipped with the following features. (12) The additional information includes one or more pieces of control information. The receiving device described in (11) above. (13) The aforementioned additional information includes one or more data points. The receiving device described in (11) or (12) above. (14) The aforementioned data is a variable-length packet, If the additional information includes multiple packets, it includes a pointer indicating the starting position of the packets. The receiving device described in (13) above. (15) The additional information includes earthquake warning information, time information, or information related to the control of relay devices. A receiving device as described in any of (11) to (14) above. (16) The aforementioned broadcast signal is transmitted using a frequency division multiplexing scheme. The aforementioned additional information is transmitted using the entire bandwidth of the partial and non-partial reception bands as a whole, or it is transmitted using the bandwidths of the partial and non-partial reception bands independently. The receiving device described in any of (11) to (15) above. (17) The transmission method for the additional information is defined in the transmission multiplexing control information included in the physical layer frame. The receiving device described in (16) above. (18) The aforementioned additional information is variable-length information, The physical layer frame includes information indicating the length of the additional information. The receiving device described in any of (11) to (17) above. (19) The aforementioned additional information is information included in LLch as defined in the next-generation ISDB-T format. The receiving device described in any of (11) to (18) above. (20) The receiving device, Receiving the physical layer frame transmitted as a broadcast signal, Based on at least one of the control information or additional information including data from among the multiple types of control information included in the physical layer frame, predetermined processing is performed. Reception method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0147] 10,10-1 to 10-N data processing devices, 20 transmitting devices, 30,30-1 to 30-M receiving devices, 40 relay devices, 111 information generation unit, 112 data processing unit, 113 communication unit, 211 communication unit, 212 data processing unit, 213 transmitting unit, 311 receiving unit, 312 data processing unit

Claims

1. A generation unit that generates additional information including at least one of several types of control information, or data, A transmitting unit transmits a physical layer frame containing the aforementioned additional information and transmission multiplexing control information as a broadcast signal. Equipped with, The aforementioned additional information is included in the signal transmitted on a predetermined channel as defined in the next-generation ISDB-T system, and is transmitted based on the bandwidth usage method defined in the transmission multiplex control information. Transmitter.

2. The additional information includes one or more pieces of control information. The transmitting device according to claim 1.

3. The additional information includes one or more data points. The transmitting device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned data is a variable-length packet, If the additional information includes multiple packets, it includes a pointer indicating the starting position of the packets. The transmitting device according to claim 3.

5. The additional information includes earthquake warning information, time information, or information related to the control of relay devices. The transmitting device according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned broadcast signal is transmitted using a frequency division multiplexing scheme. The aforementioned additional information is transmitted using either a non-separated method that uses the entire bandwidth of the partial and non-partial reception bands as a single unit, or a separated method that uses the respective bandwidths of the partial and non-partial reception bands independently. The transmitting device according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned transmission multiplex control information includes information indicating that it will be used in the non-separated method or the separated method. The transmitting device according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned additional information is variable-length information, The physical layer frame includes information indicating the length of the additional information. The transmitting device according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned predetermined channel is Lch as defined in the next-generation ISDB-T scheme. The transmitting device according to claim 1.

10. The transmitting device, To generate additional information including at least one of several types of control information, or data, The physical layer frame, which includes the aforementioned additional information and transmission multiplex control information, is transmitted as a broadcast signal. Includes, The aforementioned additional information is included in the signal transmitted on a predetermined channel as defined in the next-generation ISDB-T system, and is transmitted based on the bandwidth usage method defined in the transmission multiplex control information. Sending method.

11. A receiving unit that receives physical layer frames transmitted as broadcast signals, A processing unit performs predetermined processing based on additional information, including at least one of several types of control information or data, included in the physical layer frame. Equipped with, The aforementioned additional information is included in the signal transmitted on a predetermined channel as defined in the next-generation ISDB-T system, and is transmitted based on the bandwidth usage method defined in the transmission multiplexing control information included in the physical layer frame. Receiving device.

12. The additional information includes one or more pieces of control information. The receiving device according to claim 11.

13. The additional information includes one or more data points. The receiving device according to claim 11.

14. The aforementioned data is a variable-length packet, If the additional information includes multiple packets, it includes a pointer indicating the starting position of the packets. The receiving device according to claim 13.

15. The additional information includes earthquake warning information, time information, or information related to the control of relay devices. The receiving device according to claim 11.

16. The aforementioned broadcast signal is transmitted using a frequency division multiplexing scheme. The aforementioned additional information is transmitted using either a non-separated method that uses the entire bandwidth of the partial and non-partial reception bands as a single unit, or a separated method that uses the respective bandwidths of the partial and non-partial reception bands independently. The receiving device according to claim 11.

17. The aforementioned transmission multiplex control information includes information indicating that it will be used in the non-separated method or the separated method. The receiving device according to claim 16.

18. The aforementioned additional information is variable-length information, The physical layer frame includes information indicating the length of the additional information. The receiving device according to claim 11.

19. The aforementioned predetermined channel is Lch as defined in the next-generation ISDB-T scheme. The receiving device according to claim 11.

20. The receiving device, Receiving physical layer frames transmitted as broadcast signals, Based on at least one of the control information or additional information including data from among the multiple types of control information included in the physical layer frame, a predetermined process is performed. Includes, The aforementioned additional information is included in the signal transmitted on a predetermined channel as defined in the next-generation ISDB-T system, and is transmitted based on the bandwidth usage method defined in the transmission multiplexing control information included in the physical layer frame. Reception method.

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