Program reception display device and program reception display control method

Abstract

To provide a program receiving and display device and a program receiving and display control method that provide a new viewing style for conventional digital broadcasting services.SOLUTION: A program receiving and displaying device adapted for digital broadcasting services and IPTV services includes a broadcast program receiving and reproducing unit that acquires a first program stream constituting a program content on the basis of a broadcast signal selected according to a channel number from a received broadcast wave, an IPTV program receiving and reproducing unit that requests a specific distribution server to distribute a second program stream equivalent to the first program stream via a communication network according to link information associated with the channel number, and acquires the second program stream distributed from the specific distribution server in response to the request, and a main control unit that selects at least one of the first program stream and the second program stream, and controls such that the program content based on the selected program stream is displayed on a screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program reception display device and a program reception display control method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a digital television broadcast service in which viewers receive broadcast waves transmitted from a radio tower or the like using a program reception display device such as a television receiver and view program content selected therefrom has been widely popularized. In addition, in the digital television broadcast service, program content related to data broadcast associated with program content (main program content) broadcast in real time is provided.

[0003] In addition, an IPTV service (sometimes referred to as an "Internet broadcast service") in which viewers view program content streamed or distributed from an Internet service provider (ISP) or a content delivery network (CDN) provider via a communication network such as an IP network using an information communication terminal device such as a smartphone is becoming popular. For example, the IP broadcast service is a service that allows viewers to view program content of various channels using a communication network based on the channel concept with program scheduling along the time axis as in the conventional television service.

[0004] Furthermore, in recent years, a so-called program simultaneous distribution service in which a broadcasting station simultaneously distributes program content being broadcast by radio waves also in the IPTV service has been provided. Therefore, several program reception display devices compatible with both the television broadcast service and the IPTV service have been proposed.

[0005] <00**********8>For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an uplink device that ensures rapid broadcast viewing when broadcast reception becomes impossible. This uplink device comprises a simultaneous distribution receiving unit that receives a simultaneous distribution signal distributed over the internet when broadcast reception is impossible, a re-encoding unit that re-encodes the simultaneous distribution signal according to a method compliant with the encoding method of television broadcasting, and a transmitting unit that performs modulation processing on the signal re-encoded by the re-encoding unit to generate a modulated signal, and transmits a signal based on the modulated signal to a re-broadcasting device.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 below discloses a broadcast receiver capable of simultaneous viewing and recording in an environment that receives both radio wave broadcasts and IP broadcasts. This broadcast receiver includes a viewing and recording management unit and a viewing and recording path selection unit. The viewing and recording management unit performs channel selection control on the tuner unit and the communication interface unit to receive radio wave broadcasts and IP broadcasts broadcast by the same broadcast operator, respectively, based on information for selecting the same broadcast operator. The viewing and recording path selection unit outputs one of the radio wave broadcasts and IP broadcasts to a signal path leading to a video and audio output unit that outputs video and audio, and outputs the other to a signal path leading to a stream storage unit that stores video and audio signals. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-108067 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-57690 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In recent years, with the accelerating trend of young people moving away from television, securing opportunities for as many viewers as possible to access program content has become an urgent issue for broadcasters. IP broadcasting services make it possible to provide program content to viewers via information and communication terminal devices such as smartphones that do not have the function of receiving and selecting broadcast waves, and further spread of simultaneous program distribution services using both conventional broadcasting and IP broadcasting is expected.

[0009] Furthermore, if we can appeal to viewers with new viewing styles using program receiving and display devices such as television receivers, it will lead to securing a larger audience.

[0010] However, while simultaneous broadcasting services are becoming more widespread, the current situation is that only a few application examples, such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, have been proposed. This is not necessarily sufficient to provide viewers with new viewing styles that take advantage of the characteristics of simultaneous broadcasting services.

[0011] Furthermore, in digital broadcasting services, program content related to data broadcasting is linked to the main program content in real time. Therefore, viewers cannot access program content related to data broadcasting during recorded playback, such as so-called time-shift playback.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a program reception display device and a program reception display control method that can provide a new viewing style different from conventional digital television broadcasting services by effectively utilizing simultaneous program distribution services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is comprised of the following inventive features or technical characteristics.

[0014] In other words, the present invention, in accordance with a certain view, is a program reception display device adapted to digital broadcasting services and IPTV services. The program reception display device comprises: a first program stream acquisition unit that acquires a first program stream based on a broadcast signal selected from a received broadcast wave according to a channel number; a second program stream acquisition unit that sends a distribution request for a second program stream to a distribution server according to specific link information and acquires the second program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the distribution request; and a main control unit that selects at least one of the first program stream and the second program stream and controls the display of program content configured based on the selected program stream on the screen.

[0015] The main control unit can switch to at least one of a first operating mode and a second operating mode in accordance with the viewer's operation. Furthermore, the main control unit can select the first program stream in the first operating mode and the second program stream in the second operating mode.

[0016] Furthermore, the second program stream acquisition unit may acquire the program stream corresponding to the program content for the current channel number. Alternatively, the second program stream acquisition unit may acquire the program stream of other program content for a different distribution time slot than the distribution time slot of the program content for the current channel number.

[0017] Furthermore, in the first operating mode, the main control unit may control the program content based on the first program stream to be displayed on the screen at a real-time playback position on the time axis. Furthermore, in the second operating mode, the main control unit may control the program content based on the second program stream to be displayed on the screen at a past time playback position on the time axis.

[0018] Furthermore, in the second operating mode, the main control unit may control the display of the program content on the screen based on the second program stream at a playback speed different from the real-time playback speed.

[0019] Furthermore, the main control unit may switch to the first operating mode when the playback position of the program content in the past time reaches the playback position in real time.

[0020] Furthermore, the main control unit may switch to the first operating mode when a channel number different from the current channel number is selected.

[0021] Furthermore, the second program stream acquisition unit acquires the second program stream from a past time identified in response to viewer operations, according to the specific link information associated with the program content.

[0022] Furthermore, the main control unit can switch to a third operating mode in accordance with the viewer's operation. In the third operating mode, the main control unit can control the program content based on the first program stream to be displayed in a first frame on the screen at a real-time playback position, and can also control the program content based on the second program stream to be displayed in a second frame different from the first frame at a past time playback position.

[0023] Furthermore, the main control unit may control the program content based on the selected second program stream in the second operating mode so that an indicator indicating that it is an IPTV service is superimposed on it.

[0024] Further, the second program stream acquisition unit may transmit a VOD delivery request and receive the second program stream that is unicast-streamed from the delivery server in response to the VOD delivery request. As a result, the main control unit may control so that the program content based on the second program stream by the VOD delivery service is displayed on the screen.

[0025] Also, when the playback position of the program content based on the second program stream reaches the real-time playback position, the second program stream acquisition unit transmits an IP delivery request instead of the VOD delivery request, and may receive the second program stream that is multicast-streamed from the delivery server in response to the IP delivery request. As a result, the main control unit may control so that the program content based on the second program stream by the IP delivery service is displayed on the screen.

[0026] Furthermore, according to another aspect, the present invention is a program reception display control method by a program reception display device adapted to a digital broadcast service and an IPTV service. The program reception display control method includes acquiring a first program stream based on a broadcast signal selected according to a channel number from a received broadcast wave, transmitting a delivery request for a second program stream to a delivery server indicated by specific link information, and acquiring the second program stream delivered from the delivery server in response to the delivery request, and selecting at least one of the first program stream and the second program stream, and controlling so that program content configured based on the selected program stream is displayed on the screen. And the controlling includes selecting the first program stream in a first operation mode and selecting at least the second program stream in a second operation mode.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention can also be understood as an invention related to a computer program for executing the above method in a computer system or a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records the same.

[0028] In this disclosure, "means" does not merely mean physical means, but also includes cases where the functions of those means are realized by software. Furthermore, the functions of one means may be realized by two or more physical means, or the functions of two or more means may be realized by one physical means.

[0029] Furthermore, in this disclosure, "system" includes a logical collection of multiple devices (or functional modules that perform a specific function), regardless of whether each device or functional module is physically a single entity or separate entities. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, simultaneous program distribution services can be effectively utilized, and viewers will be able to enjoy a new viewing style that differs from conventional digital television broadcasting services.

[0031] Other technical features, objectives, and effects or advantages of the present invention will be illustrated by the following embodiments described with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall scheme of a program provision service system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a program receiving and display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of EPG information applied to a program provision service according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a remote controller adapted to a program reception display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a block diagram for detailing the configuration of the broadcast program receiving and playback unit of a program receiving and display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram for detailing the configuration of the IPTV program receiving and playback unit of a program receiving and display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a program receiving display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of time-shift playback processing by a program receiving and display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of time-shift playback processing by a program receiving and display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a program reception display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of time-shift playback by fast-forwarding on a program receiving display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of time-shift playback by fast-forwarding on a program receiving and display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of time-shift playback by fast-forwarding operation on a program receiving display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of time-shift playback by operating the next program on a program receiving display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a program reception display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a program reception display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of time-shift playback processing by a program receiving and display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of program content reception and playback processing in an IP broadcasting service using a program reception display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated below. The present invention can be implemented by various modifications (for example, by combining each embodiment) without departing from its spirit. In the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions or proportions. There may be parts in the drawings where the dimensional relationships and proportions differ from those of other parts.

[0034] [First Embodiment] This embodiment is characterized in that, when a viewer (user) watching a program being broadcast in real time via a digital broadcasting service selects to play the program back at time, the system enables time-shift playback of the program by switching to an IPTV service that provides simultaneous program distribution. Prior to a detailed description of this embodiment, the meanings of the main terms used in this disclosure are given below. The meanings of other terms will be given as appropriate in the text as needed.

[0035] "Digital broadcasting service" refers to the conventional digital television broadcasting service in which broadcasters provide programs to viewers in real time using various broadcasting technologies. Examples of digital broadcasting services include terrestrial digital broadcasting services, satellite broadcasting services such as so-called BS broadcasting services using broadcasting satellite S and CS broadcasting services using communication satellites, and cable television broadcasting services using optical cables, etc. (not shown).

[0036] "IPTV service" refers to a service that streams or distributes (hereinafter simply referred to as "distribution" unless otherwise specified) programs over an IP (Internet Protocol) based network, and is technically distinct from conventional digital broadcasting services. IPTV services can take the form of content distribution services such as VOD (distribution) services, download services, and IP broadcasting services (including IP distribution services and IP retransmission services).

[0037] A "VOD (Video on Demand) service" is a service that directly receives and plays content streamed from a content server based on a request from the viewer. Typically, in a VOD service, the content server (distribution server) can also stream the content via unicast from the beginning or a specified location.

[0038] An "IP broadcasting service" is a broadcast-type service based on the channel concept, where programs are scheduled along a timeline. In an IP broadcasting service, streaming can be transmitted via multicast through a distribution server. However, even in an IP broadcasting service, streaming can be distributed from the beginning of any content or from a predetermined point.

[0039] A "simultaneous program distribution service" refers to a service that distributes the same program being broadcast in real time via digital broadcasting services to IPTV services in real time as well. From the perspective of broadcasters' digital broadcasting services, simultaneous program distribution services are positioned as an ancillary service. Furthermore, in this disclosure, simultaneous program distribution services may include extended program distribution services that enable time-shifted playback of programs on IPTV services.

[0040] A "program" refers to a unit organized along a timeline for broadcasting or distribution. Furthermore, a "broadcast program" refers to a program provided through a digital broadcasting service, while an "IPTV program" refers to a program provided through an IPTV service.

[0041] The term "program content" is used to refer to a package of information that constitutes the content of a program. However, depending on the context, "program," "program content," and "content" may be used interchangeably. Program content may consist of a package or dataset of various program material data (monomedia data), such as moving images (video), subtitles (and text overlays), character graphics, and / or audio. Program material data is converted into a multiplexed digital data stream (hereinafter referred to as "stream") according to the MPEG-2 format, a highly compressed encoding technology, and transmitted, but is not limited to this. An MPEG-2 transport stream (MPEG-2 TS) is a form of stream consisting of a series of TS packets. Furthermore, in IPTV services, in order to further reduce communication bandwidth, the MPEG-2 TS is converted into a stream that is further compressed by the "H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC" format, a highly compressed encoding technology, for example. From the perspective of transmission technology, a multiplexed stream is sometimes called a transmission stream. In this disclosure, the stream or data related to program content may be referred to as "program stream" or "program data."

[0042] "Program provision service" refers to a service for providing programs to viewers. The term "program provision service" is used as a broad concept encompassing the aforementioned conventional digital broadcasting services, IPTV services, and simultaneous program distribution services.

[0043] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall scheme of a program provision service system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the program provision service system 1 of this embodiment is configured to include, for example, a broadcasting operator system 10, a distribution operator system 20, and a program reception display device 30. In addition, in the program provision service system 1, at least the distribution operator system 20 and the program reception display device 30 are connected to each other via a communication network 40 so as to be able to communicate.

[0044] The broadcaster system 10 may include broadcasting equipment for providing digital broadcasting services. The broadcaster system 10 is typically managed and operated by a licensed broadcaster (e.g., a broadcasting station), but is not limited to this. Although not shown in the diagram, the broadcaster system 10, for example, transmits program content stored on a transmission server via broadcast waves (e.g., terrestrial digital broadcasting) under the control of an automated operation device.

[0045] In other words, the broadcaster system 10 generates a program stream by multiplexing various program material data related to program content together with predetermined service information, in accordance with a program schedule along a time axis. Furthermore, it modulates this into a broadcast signal in a predetermined frequency band and transmits it as a broadcast wave from a transmitting base station 12, such as a radio tower, toward the broadcast area. For the sake of simplicity, in this disclosure, the program material data is assumed to be video data, subtitle data, and audio data. The predetermined service information includes, for example, EPG information. The broadcaster system 10 transmits the generated program stream to the distribution system 20, for example, via a dedicated line. In this disclosure, the program stream provided by the broadcaster system 10 may be referred to as the first program stream.

[0046] The distribution provider system 20 may include a distribution server 22 that distributes program streams provided by broadcasters, production companies, etc., to viewers' program receiving display devices 30 via a communication network 40. In this embodiment, the distribution provider system 20 provides a simultaneous program distribution service via IPTV service (i.e., IP broadcasting service in the narrow sense). The distribution provider system 20 is managed and operated by, for example, a content distribution provider (CDN provider) or an Internet service provider (ISP), etc. Furthermore, a single distribution provider system 20 may include multiple distribution servers 22.

[0047] The distribution system 20 may temporarily store the provided program stream in the distribution server 22 in preparation for its distribution timing, and then, according to the program schedule, stream it to the viewer's program receiving and display device 30 via the communication network 40 using, for example, IP multicast-based RTSP (RealTime Streaming Protocol) / RTP (RealTime Transport Protocol). Alternatively, the distribution system 20 may stream it to the viewer's program receiving and display device 30 via the communication network 40 using IP unicast-based RTSP / RTP. The program stream may also be streamed to the information and communication terminal device 40 using HTTP long polling or other transmission protocols. Furthermore, the distribution system 20 may distribute data related to a part of the program content (e.g., program-related information, etc.) and other information (e.g., EPG information and channel allocation information) to the viewer's program receiving and display device 30. Typically, the distribution system 20 may scramble the program stream before distribution. In this disclosure, the program stream provided by the distribution system 20 may be referred to as the second program stream. Furthermore, the second program stream may include a multicast program stream on an IP broadcasting service (e.g., an IP distribution service) and a unicast program stream on a VOD distribution service.

[0048] As described in other embodiments, the distribution provider system 20 may switch the program stream to the program receiving and display device 30 between an IP broadcasting service and a VOD distribution service depending on a predetermined operation by the viewer or the playback status of the program. In this case, the distribution provider system 20 may include a distribution server 22 for the IP broadcasting service and a distribution server 22 for the VOD distribution service. Alternatively, the distribution server 22 may be configured to operate in multicast distribution mode for the IP broadcasting service and unicast distribution mode for the VOD distribution service, and may switch between distribution modes in response to distribution requests.

[0049] Furthermore, although the broadcaster system 10 and the distribution system 20 are configured as separate systems in this disclosure, the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the broadcaster system 10 may include the functions of the distribution system 20, or vice versa. Also, the distribution system 20 may be managed and operated by the broadcaster.

[0050] The program reception and display device 30 is a terminal device for viewers (users) to view programs provided in a program provision service. The program reception and display device 30 is typically a television receiver or set-top box, but is not limited to these. In other words, the program reception and display device 30 can be any device compatible with digital broadcasting services and IPTV services that has the functionality to allow viewers to watch their desired programs. Other examples of the program reception and display device 30 include computing devices such as desktop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, smartphones, feature phones, and other intelligent devices.

[0051] The program reception display device 30 of this embodiment is configured to receive broadcast waves related to a program broadcast from the broadcaster system 10 according to a program schedule along the time axis and to play and display the program, and then, upon receiving a predetermined operation from the viewer, to switch to the distribution of a program from the distribution provider system 20 that provides IPTV broadcasting services and to display the program. For example, if the predetermined operation from the viewer is a time-shift playback operation, the program reception display device 30 requests a program stream corresponding to a time earlier than real time on the time axis (hereinafter referred to as "past time") from the distribution provider system 20, and upon receiving this, the distribution provider system 20 distributes a program stream corresponding to past time. As a result, the program reception display device 30 receives and plays the program from past time.

[0052] The communication network 40 may include, for example, an IP-based computer network (hereinafter referred to as "IP network"). The communication network 40 may include a content delivery network (CDN). In this disclosure, the communication network 40 is used as a broad concept that includes the Internet built by IP networks, but it is not intended to exclude networks of other protocols that enable the distribution of program streams, not limited to IP networks. Furthermore, the communication network 40 may include a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi®) built by wireless base stations or wireless access points not shown. In addition, the communication network 40 may include a mobile communication network compliant with mobile communication system standards.

[0053] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a program reception display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the program reception display device 30 is configured to include, for example, a main control unit 31, a broadcast program reception and playback unit 32 that performs processing for receiving and playing back broadcast programs, an IPTV program reception and playback unit 33 for receiving, displaying and playing back IPTV programs, an output control unit 34, and an operation reception unit 35 that receives operations from viewers. Also, as shown in the figure, the program reception display device 30 may include a display device DSP and a speaker SPK as output devices.

[0054] The main control unit 31 is a component that comprehensively controls the operation of the program reception display device 30. Although not shown in the diagram, the main control unit 31 is composed of a processor module including a CPU and a memory module including various types of memory. Furthermore, under the control of the CPU, the main control unit 31 can control the operation of applications implemented on the program reception display device 30. The applications may be pre-implemented on the program reception display device 30, or they may be downloaded and implemented via broadcast waves or the communication network 40.

[0055] Furthermore, the main control unit 31 stores, for example, channel allocation information, EPG information, and channel selection control information in memory. The channel allocation information defines the channel allocation in each broadcast area demarcated by the reach of the broadcast wave. The EPG information is a so-called electronic program guide, which defines the program lineup by channels and multiple distribution time slots along the time axis. The channel allocation information and EPG information are obtained from the broadcast wave as part of predetermined service information, for example.

[0056] Furthermore, the main control unit 31 controls the program reception display device 30 to operate in a predetermined operating mode. The predetermined operating mode includes, for example, a first operating mode for receiving and playing program content from a digital broadcasting service, and a second operating mode for receiving and playing program content from an IPTV service. The second operating mode may also include an operating mode for variable-speed playback when receiving and playing program content from an IPTV service. Moreover, as described in other embodiments, the predetermined operating mode may include a third operating mode for displaying video related to multiple program contents in multiple frames within a single screen. The main control unit 31 operates the program reception display device 30 according to the operating mode selected in response to the viewer's operation.

[0057] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of EPG information applied to a program provision service according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the EPG information consists of, for example, a channel ID, a program ID, a transmission time, an event period, a program name, and a program description. The channel ID is the channel number of the broadcasting station as defined in so-called channel allocation information. The program ID is an identifier for identifying program content. In this disclosure, the EPG information further includes link information. The link information is file location information of the program content. That is, the link information indicates the network location information of the distribution server 22 of the distribution carrier system 20 that distributes the program content indicated by the program ID, and the file path of the program content. A URL is one form of link information. The program reception display device 30 requests the distribution server 22 to distribute the program stream so that the program content starts playback from a predetermined playback position, according to the link information.

[0058] The channel selection control information includes, for example, the currently selected channel number. When the power to the program reception display device 30 is turned ON, the main control unit 31 reads the channel selection control information from memory and starts operating so that broadcast programs can be received and played back.

[0059] The broadcast program reception and playback unit 32 is a component that performs processing for reproducing program content selected from the received broadcast wave under the control of the main control unit 31. An example of the configuration of the broadcast program reception and playback unit 32 is described with reference to Figure 5. In this disclosure, the configuration of all or part of the broadcast program reception and playback unit 32 is one form of the first program stream acquisition unit.

[0060] The IPTV program reception and playback unit 33 is a component that performs processing for playing program content based on a program stream received from the distribution provider system 20 via the communication network 40, under the control of the main control unit 31. An example of the configuration of the IPTV program reception and playback unit 33 is described with reference to Figure 6. As will be described later, the IPTV program reception and playback unit 33 can receive program streams via multicast distribution in IP broadcasting services and unicast distribution in VOD distribution services. In this disclosure, the configuration of all or part of the IPTV program reception and playback unit 33 is one form of the second program stream acquisition unit.

[0061] The output control unit 34 is a component that, under the control of the main control unit 31, controls the display device DSP so that video related to the program content is displayed on it, and also controls the output of time-synchronized audio from the speaker SPK to match the video. For example, the output control unit 34 includes a display control unit 341 that controls the output to the display device DSP, and an audio control unit 342 that controls the output to the speaker SPK.

[0062] The display control unit 341 selectively and superimposes subtitle data and other elements onto the input video data, converts it into a video signal using a display driver (not shown), and outputs it to the display device DSP. The display device displays the video content based on the video signal. The display device DSP is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, but is not limited to these.

[0063] Furthermore, the audio control unit 342 converts the input audio data into an audio signal and outputs it to the speaker SPK. The speaker SPK outputs audible audio (speech) based on the audio signal.

[0064] Furthermore, as described in other embodiments, the output control unit 34 may control the display so that video related to multiple program contents is displayed in multiple frames formed within the screen of the display device DSP. The technique of displaying video related to program contents in each of multiple frames within a single screen is known as multi-screen display. In this disclosure, the output control unit 34, under the control of the main control unit 31, controls the display so that program content from a digital broadcasting service is displayed in a first frame within a single screen, and program content from an IPTV service is displayed in a second frame.

[0065] The operation reception unit 35 is a component that receives operation instructions from viewers for the program reception display device 30. For example, viewers can give various instructions to the program reception display device 30 by operating various buttons on the remote controller RC as shown in Figure 4. The operation reception unit 35 outputs the received operation instructions to the main control unit 31. In this disclosure, among the various buttons on the remote controller RC, the channel selection button group CH_B and the time shift playback button group T-SHIFT_B are used in particular. The main control unit 31 can function as a channel selection unit that selects a channel number according to the operation of any of the channel selection button group CH_B. When the program reception display device 30 is connected to or equipped with a recorder (program recording device), the time shift playback button group T-SHIFT_B is used as a recording playback button group.

[0066] Viewer actions include, for example, switching channels (broadcasting stations), adjusting the volume, showing / hiding data broadcasting program content, showing / hiding subtitles, switching audio modes, time-shift playback, and variable-speed playback.

[0067] Time-shift playback refers to the playback of past program content on the timeline. In other words, time-shift playback means that program content that would normally be broadcast in real time is played back with a time lag in the past. Time-shift playback is sometimes also called time-shift viewing or catch-up playback. Variable-speed playback refers to catch-up playback, where the playback speed of the program is made faster (speed playback) or slower (slow playback) compared to the standard speed. In variable-speed playback, the audio of the program content may typically be played in sync with the playback speed of the video. If speed playback is continued for program content during time-shift playback, the playback position of the program content will catch up to the real-time playback position. In this disclosure, the time-shift playback button group T-SHIFT_B of the remote controller RC is used for time-shift playback operation. In addition, in time-shift playback, the program content viewed by the user will switch to program content from, for example, a VOD distribution service, but the form of the distribution service is not limited to this.

[0068] In this disclosure, the rewind button FR of the remote controller RC is a button for moving the playback start position of the program content in the past. The fast forward button FF is a button for moving the playback start position of the program content in the present direction, up to the limit of the real-time playback start position. The previous button PC is a button for moving (jumping) the playback start position of the program content to the beginning of the most recent program content in the past direction. Each time the previous button PC is pressed consecutively, the playback start position moves to the beginning of the previous program content. The next button NC is a button for moving (jumping) the playback start position of the program content during time-shift playback to the beginning of the most recent program content in the present direction, up to the limit of the real-time program content. Each time the next button PC is pressed consecutively, the playback start position moves to the beginning of the next program content.

[0069] The pause button (PA) temporarily stops playback of the currently playing program content, and also resumes playback of program content that was paused. The stop button (ST) stops playback of the currently playing program content. Furthermore, the play button (PL) resumes playback of program content that was paused or stopped.

[0070] The slow playback button LS is used to slow down the playback speed of the program content. Each time the slow playback button LS is pressed, the playback speed changes, for example, from 0.75x speed → 0.5x speed → 0.25x speed → 1x speed. The fast playback button HS is also used to slow down the playback speed of the program content. Each time the slow playback button LS is pressed, the playback speed changes, for example, from 1.25x speed → 1.5x speed → 1.75x speed → 2x speed → 1x speed. Note that the playback speed is not limited to these values ​​and may be adjusted to any arbitrary value. The program reception display device 30 operates in variable speed playback mode by operating the slow playback button LS or the fast playback button HS.

[0071] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating some of the configuration details of a program receiving display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. For ease of understanding, the figure shows an example of the configuration details of the broadcast program receiving and playback unit 32 of the program receiving display device 30, along with other related components.

[0072] As shown in the figure, the broadcast program reception and playback unit 32 is configured to include, for example, a tuner / modulation unit 321, a descramble unit 322, a separation unit 323, a decoding unit 324, and a data broadcasting engine 325. Also in the figure, the configuration of the output control unit 34 is shown in relation to the broadcast program reception and playback unit 32 to include a synthesis unit 3411, a display driver 3412, and an audio driver 3421. The configuration including the synthesis unit 3411 and the display driver 3412 is one embodiment of the display control unit 341, and the configuration including the audio driver 3421 is one embodiment of the audio control unit 24b.

[0073] The tuner / modulator unit 321 tunes (selects) the broadcast wave received by the antenna, etc., to extract the desired broadcast signal, and then demodulates it to obtain the program stream. At this stage, the program stream is in a scrambled state. The tuner / modulator unit 321 may also perform error correction processing when demodulating the program stream. In this example, the tuner / modulator unit 321 is configured as a single component, but it is not limited to this, and each component may be configured as a separate component. The tuner / modulator unit 321 outputs the demodulated program stream to the descramble unit 322.

[0074] The descrambling unit 322 descrambles (decodes) the demodulated program stream using the decryption key and restores it to the original multiplexed program stream. The decryption key is read, for example, from an IC card called a CAS card (not shown) installed in the broadcast receiving terminal device. The descrambling unit 322 outputs the descrambled multiplexed program stream to the separation unit 323.

[0075] The separation unit 323 separates the multiplexed program stream, which is in a descrambled state, into individual streams. A demultiplexer is one form of the separation unit 323. The separation unit 323 outputs to the decoding unit 324, the data broadcasting engine 325, and the main control unit 31, respectively, according to each stream separated from the multiplexed program stream. For example, the separation unit 323 outputs the video stream, audio stream, and subtitle stream separated from the program stream to the decoding unit 324, while outputting the stream for data broadcasting to the data broadcasting engine 325. The separation unit 323 also outputs predetermined separated service information to the main control unit 31.

[0076] The decoding unit 324 decodes each stream to generate program material data that constitutes the program content. The decoding unit 324 is composed of, for example, a video decoding unit 3242, an audio decoding unit 3243, and a subtitle decoding unit 3244.

[0077] The video decoding unit 3241 decodes the video stream using a codec that conforms to, for example, the MPEG-2 video standard, thereby generating video data. The video decoding unit 3241 outputs the generated video data to the output control unit 34.

[0078] The audio decoding unit 3242 decodes the audio stream according to, for example, the MPEG-2 audio standard, thereby generating audio data. The audio stream may include, for example, a main audio stream and a secondary audio stream in the case of multiplex audio broadcasting. The audio decoding unit 3242 outputs the generated audio data to the output control unit 34.

[0079] The subtitle decoding unit 3243 decodes the subtitle stream according to, for example, a broadcast subtitle file exchange format, thereby generating subtitle data. The subtitle decoding unit 3243 outputs the generated subtitle data to the output control unit 34. The subtitle data output to the output control unit 34 is selectively superimposed on the video data to form part of the video content of the program.

[0080] The data broadcasting engine 325 decodes the separated data broadcasting stream, thereby generating display data and display control signals for data broadcasting. The data broadcasting engine 325 analyzes the display control signals and, based on the analysis results, controls the output control unit 34 so that the display data for data broadcasting is displayed.

[0081] The compositing unit 3411 superimposes other program material data related to display (e.g., subtitle data) onto the video data to generate display data. Data compositing is performed, for example, by alpha blending using a transparency information coefficient (alpha value). The synthesis unit 3411 outputs the generated display data to the display driver 3412.

[0082] The display driver 3412 converts the input display data into a video signal compatible with the display device DSP and outputs it to the display device DSP. As a result, the display device DSP displays the video of the broadcast program.

[0083] The audio driver 3421 converts the input audio data into an audio signal and outputs it to the speaker SPK. The audio data is converted into an audio signal in time synchronization with the display data. As a result, the speaker SPK outputs audio that is time-synchronized with the video of the broadcast program.

[0084] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating some of the configuration details of a program receiving display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. For ease of understanding, the figure shows an example of the configuration details of the IPTV program receiving and playback unit 33 of the program receiving display device 30, along with other related components.

[0085] As shown in the figure, the IPTV program reception and playback unit 33 is configured to include, for example, a communication interface unit 331, a streaming request unit 332, a streaming reception processing unit 333, a separation unit 334, and a decoding unit 335. The configuration of the IPTV program reception and playback unit 33 is basically equivalent to that of the broadcast program reception and playback unit 32, except that it receives program streams via the communication network 40. In other words, the IPTV service shares the same content layer in the protocol stack as the digital broadcast service. The figure also shows the configuration of the output control unit 34, in relation to the IPTV program reception and playback unit 33, as a synthesis unit 3411, a display driver 3412, an audio driver 3421, and a buffer unit 3413.

[0086] In other words, as shown in the figure, the communication interface unit 331 is a component that enables computer communication via the communication network 40. In this disclosure, the communication interface unit 331 is mainly used for communication with the distribution carrier system 20 via the communication network 40 (e.g., streaming distribution).

[0087] The streaming request unit 332, under the control of the main control unit 31, transmits a request for the distribution of program content on the IPTV service (e.g., a VOD distribution request) based on a URL associated with a channel number according to the channel selection control information. In response, the distribution operator system 20 starts VOD streaming distribution of the program content, for example, according to RTSP via unicast. The program content streamed by the distribution operator system 20 is substantially equivalent to the program content broadcast on the digital broadcasting service. In other embodiments, the streaming request unit 332 is configured to selectively transmit either a distribution request via IP multicast on the IP broadcasting service (IP distribution request) or a distribution request via unicast on the VOD distribution service (VOD distribution request), depending on the viewer's operation or the playback status of the program content.

[0088] The streaming reception processing unit 333 decodes a transmission stream, for example in H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format, distributed from the distribution provider system 20, and generates a multiplexed program stream in MPEG-2 TS format. The streaming reception processing unit 333 outputs the generated multiplexed program stream to the separation unit 334.

[0089] The separation unit 334 separates the multiplexed program stream into individual streams. The separation unit 334 may have the same configuration as the separation unit 323 of the broadcast program reception and playback unit 32 described above. In this example, the separation unit 334 outputs to the decoding unit 335 and the main control unit 31, respectively, according to each stream separated from the multiplexed program stream.

[0090] The decoding unit 335 decodes each stream to generate program material data that constitutes the program content. The decoding unit 335 may also have the same configuration as the decoding unit 334 of the broadcast program reception and playback unit 32 described above.

[0091] The buffer unit 3413 temporarily buffers each of the decoded program material data. Each of the buffered program material data is output to the display control unit or the audio control unit under the control of the main control unit 31. In the case of variable speed playback, the program material data is read out according to the specified playback speed.

[0092] In this disclosure, the broadcast program receiving and playback unit 32 and the IP broadcast program receiving and playback unit 33 are configured to each have a separation unit and a decoding unit, respectively, but are not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to share a separation unit and a decoding unit. In this case, for example, either a program stream from a digital broadcasting service or a program stream from an IPTV service is selected by a selector under the control of the main control unit 31 and input to the separation unit.

[0093] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a program reception display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Such processing can be realized, for example, by the coordinated operation of various components in accordance with the execution of a predetermined control program under the control of the processor of the main control unit 31.

[0094] As shown in the figure, for example, when the program reception display device 30 is powered on, it starts up by setting to the first operating mode and reading the channel selection control information stored in memory (S701). Subsequently, the program reception display device 30 extracts a program stream from the received broadcast wave according to the channel number indicated by the channel selection control information, and then starts playing the program content based on the extracted program stream (S702). In other words, the program reception display device 30 operates in the first operating mode, which selects a digital broadcasting service to receive and play program content. As a result, the display device DSP displays video related to the program content, and the speaker SPK outputs audio synchronized with it.

[0095] Furthermore, the program reception display device 30 obtains a URL corresponding to the program ID of the channel number indicated by the channel selection control information, according to the EPG information, and stores it in memory (S703). As will be described later, when there is a switch to the IPTV service, the program reception display device 30 receives and plays the program stream distributed from the distribution provider system 20 according to the obtained URL. In this embodiment, the distribution provider system 20 distributes the program stream by unicast. In order to suppress playback delay when switching to the IPTV service, the program reception display device 30 may, for example, perform a pre-processing step to establish a communication session by performing a handshake with the distribution server 22 of the distribution provider system 20 according to the obtained URL.

[0096] The program reception display device 30 monitors whether or not various operations have been performed by the viewer while real-time program content is being played (S704). In this disclosure, only channel selection operations and time-shift playback operations are described, but the invention is not limited to these.

[0097] In other words, when the program reception display device 30 determines that it has received a channel selection operation from a viewer, it updates the channel number according to the channel selection operation (S705) and returns to the processing step S702 described above. As a result, the program reception display device 30 switches from the second operating mode to the first operating mode, starts playing the program content according to the updated channel number (S702), and further obtains the URL corresponding to the channel number indicated by the channel selection control information according to the EPG information and stores it in memory (S703).

[0098] On the other hand, when the program reception display device 30 determines that it has received a predetermined time-shift playback operation from a viewer, it starts the time-shift playback process (S706). That is, the program reception display device 30 switches its operating mode from the first operating mode to the second operating mode. The time-shift playback operation here is a time-shift operation to go back in time, and is performed, for example, by the viewer pressing the fast-forward button FR or the forward button PC on the remote controller RC.

[0099] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of time-shift playback processing for a program receiving and display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The same figure is a flowchart detailing step S706 shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, details of the processing step S801 shown in Figure 8 are shown in Figure 9.

[0100] As shown in the figure, the program reception display device 30 determines the playback start position on the time axis of the program content based on the viewer's time-shift playback operation (S801). Here, since this is time-shift playback processing for program content in a digital broadcasting service, the case when the rewind button FR or the forward button PC is pressed is explained.

[0101] In other words, as shown in Figure 9, the program reception display device 30 determines whether the viewer has pressed the rewind button FR or the forward button PC on the remote controller RC (S901). If the program reception display device 30 determines that the viewer has pressed the rewind button FR on the remote controller RC, it moves the playback start position back in time according to the length of time the button was pressed, and determines the playback start position (S902).

[0102] For example, when the rewind button FR of the remote controller RC is pressed, the program reception display device 30 superimposes a seek bar SKB onto the program content screen 1000 displayed on the display device DSP, as shown in Figure 10. The seek bar SKB is an icon that indicates the start and end of the program content on the time axis and includes a slider SL that indicates the current playback position. The viewer can move the slider to a position that indicates a desired past position from the current position by, for example, continuously pressing and holding the rewind button FR of the remote controller RC. As a result, the program reception display device 30 determines the playback start position corresponding to the slider position moved by the viewer's operation. The seek bar SKB may also be displayed as a pop-up window.

[0103] The program reception display device 30 determines whether the determined playback start position has exceeded the time frame of the currently playing program content (S903). In other words, the program reception display device 30 determines whether the determined playback start position is on the time axis of the previous program content.

[0104] If the program reception display device 30 determines that the playback start position does not exceed the time frame of the currently playing program content (No. in S903), it proceeds to S802 in Figure 8. That is, the program reception display device 30 sends a program stream distribution request (VOD distribution request) to the distribution server 22 specifying the determined playback start position according to the URL held in memory (S802). The distribution server 22 responds to the distribution request and starts distributing the program stream. As a result, the program reception display device 30 receives the program stream distributed from the distribution server 22 and starts playback (S803). At this time, the program reception display device 30 stops playing the program based on the broadcast wave. In other words, the program reception display device 30 selectively switches the program stream to be received from the digital broadcasting service to the IPTV service. The program reception display device 30 operates in a second operating mode in which it selects the IPTV service to receive and play program content. As a result, the DSP display device shows the video of the program content progressing along the timeline from the previous playback start position, while the audio is output from the SPK speaker.

[0105] On the other hand, referring to Figure 9, if the program reception display device 30 determines that the playback start position has exceeded the time frame of the currently playing program content (Yes in S903), it refers to the EPG information and updates the URL held in memory to the URL corresponding to the previous program content (S905).

[0106] For example, if a viewer continues to press and hold the rewind button FR on the remote controller RC, the playback will start at the previous program content's timeline. When the program reception display device 30 determines that the timeline has switched to the previous program content as a result of the viewer continuing to press and hold the rewind button FR, it updates the seek bar SKB displayed on the screen to that of the previous program content and also updates the URL.

[0107] Furthermore, if the program reception display device 30 determines that a viewer has pressed the front button PC on the remote controller RC, it identifies the starting position of the most recent program content in the past and sets this as the playback start position (S904). For example, if the front button PC is pressed only once, the starting position of the most recent program content in the past becomes the starting position of the program content currently being played. Subsequently, the program reception display device 30 refers to the EPG information and updates the URL held in memory to the URL corresponding to the previous program content (S905).

[0108] When the program reception display device 30 updates the URL of the program content to be received and played back, it proceeds to S802 in Figure 8. That is, as described above, the program reception display device 30 sends an IP distribution request for the program stream to the distribution server 22, specifying the determined playback start position according to the URL held in memory (S802). The distribution server 22 responds to the distribution request and starts distributing the program stream, and as a result, the program reception display device 30 receives the program stream distributed from the distribution server 22 instead of the program stream based on the broadcast wave in the digital broadcasting service and starts playback (S803). In other words, the program reception display device 30 acquires and plays the program stream of other program content according to the link information of other program content, which has a distribution time different from the distribution time of the real-time program content. As a result, the display device DSP displays the video of the previous program content, and the speaker SPK outputs audio.

[0109] For example, as shown in Figure 11(a), program content L, M, and N are arranged along the time axis, and the program reception display device 30 plays the video / audio of program content N in real time at playback position P. Now, if the viewer presses and holds the rewind button FR for a certain amount of time, as shown in Figure 11(b), the playback position P moves in the past, and the position where the rewind button FR is released becomes the playback start position P11. In other words, the program content N in the IPTV service is played back on the time axis with a time difference D = P - P11.

[0110] Furthermore, if the viewer presses and holds the rewind button FR for a longer period of time, as shown in Figure (c), program content M, which was broadcast before program content N, will be played back from the playback start position P12.

[0111] As described above, when program content is being played on a digital broadcasting service, operating the rewind button (FR) or forward button (PC) switches to program content on an IPTV service, enabling time-shifted playback of the program content.

[0112] On the other hand, if the video / audio of the real-time broadcast program content N is playing at playback position P1 (see Figure 11(a)), and the viewer presses the front button PC once, as shown in Figure 12(a), the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P21 of the currently playing program content N, and playback of program content N begins from there.

[0113] Furthermore, if the viewer presses the forward button PC twice in succession, as shown in Figure (b), the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P22 of the previous program content M, and playback of program content L begins. Similarly, if the viewer presses the forward button PC three times in succession, as shown in Figure (c), the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P23 of the program content L two episodes prior, and playback of program content L begins.

[0114] Returning to Figure 8, the program reception display device 30 monitors whether any operations have been performed by the viewer during playback of program content in the IPTV service (i.e., during time-shift playback), similar to the case of digital broadcasting services (S804). In this disclosure, viewer operations are described only as channel selection, time-shift playback, and variable-speed playback, but are not limited to these. Note that the playback position on the time axis of program content in the IPTV service is in the past relative to the real-time playback position of program content in the digital broadcasting service. Therefore, in time-shift playback operations here, in addition to operation instructions by the fast-forward button FF and the next button NC, operation instructions by the fast-forward button FF and the next button NC are also effective.

[0115] In other words, when the program reception display device 30 determines in S804 that it has received a channel selection operation from a viewer, it stops receiving and playing program content on the IPTV service (S805) and returns to the processing step S705 shown in Figure 7 (terminal A). That is, when it receives a channel selection operation from a viewer, the program reception display device 30 switches from the IPTV service to the digital broadcasting service. As a result, the program reception display device 30 updates the channel number according to the channel selection operation from the viewer (S705), and the program reception display device 30 starts playing the program based on the program stream extracted from the received broadcast wave according to the channel number indicated by the channel selection control information (S702).

[0116] Furthermore, if the program reception display device 30 determines in S804 that it has received a further time-shift playback operation from the viewer, it determines the playback start position on the time axis of the program content in accordance with the time-shift playback operation (S806). The process of determining the playback start position is explained in Figure 9 above. Note that if the viewer presses either the fast-forward button FR or the forward button PC on the remote controller RC, the process is the same as steps S901 to S905 above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0117] Referring to Figure 9, when a viewer presses the fast-forward button FF on the remote controller RC, the program reception display device 30 advances the playback start position on the time axis in the current direction according to the length of time the button is pressed, and determines the playback start position (S906). Subsequently, the program reception display device 30 determines whether the determined playback start position has reached the real-time playback position (S907).

[0118] If the program reception display device 30 determines that the determined playback start position has reached the real-time playback position (Yes in S907), it stops receiving and playing back program content on the IPTV service (S908), and then returns to the processing step S702 shown in Figure 7 (terminal B). As a result, as described above, the program reception display device 30 switches from the second operating mode to the first operating mode, starts receiving and playing back program content on the digital broadcasting service according to the current channel number (S702), and further obtains the URL corresponding to the channel number indicated by the channel selection control information according to the EPG information and stores it in memory (S703).

[0119] On the other hand, if the program reception display device 30 determines that the determined playback start position has not reached the real-time playback position (No. S907), it further determines whether the determined playback start position has exceeded the time frame of the currently playing program content (S909). In other words, the program reception display device 30 determines whether the determined playback start position is on the time axis of the next program content. If the program reception display device 30 determines that the playback start position has not exceeded the time frame of the currently playing program content (No. S909), it proceeds to S802 in Figure 8 described above.

[0120] On the other hand, if the program reception display device 30 determines that the playback start position has exceeded the time frame of the currently playing program content (Yes in S909), it refers to the EPG information, updates the URL held in memory to the URL corresponding to the next program content (S912), and proceeds to S802 in Figure 8 described above.

[0121] Furthermore, when a viewer presses the next button NC on the remote controller RC, the program reception display device 30 determines whether the program content currently being played is earlier than the real-time program content (S910).

[0122] If the program reception display device 30 determines that the program content currently being played is not program content prior to the real-time program content (i.e., it is real-time program content) (No. in S910), it stops receiving and playing the program content on the IPTV service (S908), and then returns to the processing step S702 shown in Figure 7 (terminal B).

[0123] On the other hand, if the program reception display device 30 determines that the program content currently being played is earlier than the real-time program content (Yes in S910), it sets the beginning position of the next program content as the playback start position (S911). Subsequently, the program reception display device 30 refers to the EPG information and updates the URL held in memory to the URL corresponding to the next program content (S912), and then proceeds to S802 in Figure 8 described above.

[0124] For example, as shown in Figure 13(a), program contents L, M, and N are arranged along the time axis, with the video / audio of program content N being played at playback position P during real-time broadcast, while the video / audio of program content L is being played at playback position P31 via time-shift playback. If the viewer then presses and holds the rewind button FF for a certain amount of time, as shown in Figure 13(b), the playback position P31 moves in the current direction, the position where the rewind button FF is released becomes the playback start position P32, and the video / audio of program content L is played from the playback start position P32.

[0125] Furthermore, if the viewer presses and holds the rewind button FF for a longer period of time, playback will resume from, for example, the start position P33 of program content N, as shown in Figure (c). When the viewer reaches playback position P by pressing and holding the rewind button FF, the service will switch from IPTV to digital broadcasting.

[0126] On the other hand, if the viewer presses the next button NC once while the video / audio of program content L is being played at playback position P31 via time-shift playback (see Figure 13(a)), then, as shown in Figure 14(a), the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P32 of the next program content M, and playback of program content M begins from there.

[0127] Furthermore, if the viewer presses the next button NC twice in a row, as shown in Figure (b), the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P22 of the program content N two segments ahead, and playback of program content N begins. Note that even if the viewer presses the next button NC from the state shown in Figure (b), the playback position will not exceed the real-time playback position P, and the service will switch from IPTV to digital broadcasting, with the video / audio of program content N being played from playback position P.

[0128] As described above, during playback of program content on an IPTV service, operating the rewind button FF or next button NC, in addition to the rewind button FR and previous button PC, enables time-shifted playback of the program content from any desired starting point.

[0129] Furthermore, this disclosure indicates that the program reception display device 30 can receive operation instructions for variable speed playback while program content is being played back on an IPTV service.

[0130] In other words, when the program reception display device 30 determines in S804 of Figure 8 that it has received a change-speed playback operation from the viewer, it receives and plays the program content according to the specified playback speed (S807). The selectable playback speeds include, for example, 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x, 1.25x, 1.5x, 1.75x, or 2x. Viewers can change the playback speed of the program content by pressing the low-speed playback button LS or the high-speed playback button HS.

[0131] Furthermore, when the program reception display device 30 plays program content at high speed from a past time, the playback position of the program content may catch up to or reach the real-time position. Therefore, the program reception display device 30 monitors whether the playback position of the program content has caught up to the real-time position. If the program reception display device 30 determines that the playback position of the program content has caught up to real-time, it terminates or cancels variable-speed playback. As a result, the reception and playback of program content in the IPTV service becomes substantially the same as in the digital broadcasting service, that is, a simultaneous program distribution service. Alternatively, if the program reception display device 30 determines that the playback position of the program content has caught up to real-time, it may terminate or cancel variable-speed playback and switch to the reception and playback of program content in the digital broadcasting service.

[0132] As described above, according to this embodiment, viewers watching a program in real time on a conventional digital broadcasting service can switch to an IPTV service that provides simultaneous program distribution by selecting time-shift playback of the program using the remote controller RC. Therefore, viewers can view past video / audio of the program they are watching in real time with very simple operation. In particular, previously, time-shift playback of a program required the television receiver to be equipped with a large-capacity hard disk, but according to this embodiment, the program reception display device 30 can achieve time-shift playback of a program without being equipped with such a large-capacity hard disk.

[0133] In this embodiment, the program reception display device 30 was controlled to return to the digital broadcasting service when it received a channel selection operation from a viewer or when the playback position of the program content in the IPTV service caught up to the real-time playback position, but it is not limited to this. For example, the program reception display device 30 may also be controlled to return to the digital broadcasting service when it receives an operation from a viewer such as pressing the back button or the end button.

[0134] [Second Embodiment] This embodiment is characterized in that, when the program reception display device 30 receives a time-shift playback operation, it sets the operation mode to a third operation mode (multi-screen display mode), controls the display device DSP to display real-time program content from digital broadcasting services in the first frame, and controls the display device DSP to display program content for time-shift playback from IPTV services in the second frame. In the following, a two-screen display mode (2-in-1 screen display mode) is given as an example of the multi-screen display mode, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0135] For example, as shown in Figure 7, suppose a viewer performs a time-shift playback operation while the program reception display device 30 is playing real-time program content (S704 in Figure 7). In this embodiment, when the program reception display device 30 receives a time-shift playback operation, under the control of the main control unit 31, it switches the screen mode from normal mode to two-screen display mode and receives and plays real-time program content from the digital broadcasting service, while simultaneously receiving and playing time-shifted program content from the IPTV service. In two-screen display mode, for example, the output control unit 34 performs rendering / layout processing so that the video related to the program content based on the two program streams is displayed in two frames within a single screen.

[0136] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a program receiving display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the screen 1500 in the two-screen display mode of the display device DSP of this embodiment is composed of a first frame 1501 and a second frame 1502. For example, the first frame 1501 displays real-time program content from a digital broadcasting service, while the second frame 1502 displays time-shifted program content from an IPTV service.

[0137] Furthermore, screen 1500 may include, for example, an audio output icon 1503. The audio output icon 1503 indicates whether the audio (sound) synchronized with the currently playing program content is from real-time program content or from time-shifted program content. In the figure, the audio output icon 1503 indicates that the audio for real-time program content is off and the audio for time-shifted program content is being output. The main control unit 31 can, for example, control the system so that the target frame is selectively switched when the viewer operates a switch button (for example, an arrow button) on the remote controller RC.

[0138] More specifically, in this dual-screen display mode, viewers can instruct the program reception display device 30 to perform channel selection operations, further time-shift playback operations, variable-speed playback operations, etc. For example, when the program reception display device 30 determines that it has received a channel selection operation from the viewer, it updates the channel number according to the selection operation, exits the dual-screen display mode, and returns to receiving and playing real-time program content from the digital broadcasting service. As another example, when the program reception display device 30 determines that it has received a time-shift playback operation from the viewer, it performs time-shift playback processing according to the button pressed.

[0139] As described above, this embodiment offers the same advantages as the above embodiment. In particular, this embodiment allows viewers to simultaneously watch real-time programs on digital broadcasting services and time-shifted programs on IPTV services in dual-screen display mode. For example, a viewer watching a soccer match can enjoy a viewing style where they can check the real-time match situation while watching past goal scenes when they want to see a goal scene again. This allows viewers to enjoy watching programs without missing any further highlights during the match in real time.

[0140] Furthermore, in current digital broadcasting services, data broadcasting programs are linked to real-time programs. Therefore, viewers cannot enjoy the information provided by data broadcasting programs unless they are watching the real-time program. However, according to this embodiment, since the real-time program is displayed in one frame, viewers can enjoy the information provided by data broadcasting program content even while watching a time-shifted program.

[0141] [Third Embodiment] This embodiment is characterized in that, when the program reception display device 30 receives a time-shift playback operation, it displays the time-shifted program content from the IPTV service on the display device DSP, and also displays an indicator to show that it is an IPTV service.

[0142] Figure 16 illustrates another example of a screen displayed on a program reception display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the screen 1600 of the display device DSP of this embodiment displays the program content being played back via time shift, as well as the indicator 1601. For example, as described above, suppose a viewer performs a time shift playback operation while the program reception display device 30 is playing back real-time program content (the first program). In this embodiment, when the program reception display device 30 receives a time shift playback operation, it receives and plays back the time shift program content (the second program) from the IPTV service under the control of the main control unit 31. At this time, for example, the output control unit 34 performs rendering / layout processing so that the indicator 1601 indicating that it is an IPTV service is superimposed on the time shift program content.

[0143] Furthermore, when any of the time-shift playback buttons in the T-SHIFT_B group on the remote controller RC are pressed, the program reception display device 30 may superimpose a seek bar SKB, as shown in Figure 10, onto the program content screen 1600.

[0144] Furthermore, the program reception display device 30 may be controlled to display an indicator visually different from the indicator 1601 not only when playing time-shifted program content on IPTV services, but also when playing real-time program content on digital broadcasting services. Alternatively, instead of displaying an indicator on the screen of the display device DSP, the program reception display device 30 may use, for example, an LED provided on the program reception display device 30 as an indicator.

[0145] As described above, this embodiment offers the same advantages as the above embodiment. In particular, this embodiment allows viewers to easily recognize that the program they are currently watching is a time-shifted program on an IPTV service. Furthermore, the seek bar SKB used in time-shift playback occupies a relatively large area at the bottom of the screen, and if it is displayed at all times, it can interfere with viewing. However, an indicator 1601 like the one in this example can be displayed at all times without interfering with viewing.

[0146] [Fourth Embodiment] This embodiment is characterized in that when the program reception display device 30 receives and plays back program content via time-shift playback on a VOD distribution service, it switches from the VOD distribution service to an IP broadcasting service (e.g., an IP distribution service) when the playback position of the program content reaches (catches up to) the real-time position.

[0147] In this embodiment, the distribution server 22 of the distribution provider system 20 is configured to operate in multicast distribution mode for IP broadcasting services and unicast distribution mode for VOD distribution services. Furthermore, the IPTV program reception and playback unit 33 of the program reception and display device 30 can selectively switch to either an IP distribution request for IP broadcasting services or a VOD distribution request for VOD distribution services, depending on a predetermined operation by the viewer or the playback status of the program content, and receive the program stream.

[0148] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of time-shift playback processing by a program receiving and display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the figure shows the process by which the program receiving and display device 30 determines the playback start position on the time axis of the program content in response to a time-shift playback operation by the viewer. Note that this figure differs from Figure 9 in that it switches from the VOD distribution service to the IP broadcasting service when the playback position of the program content reaches the real-time playback position due to a predetermined time-shift playback operation, but the rest is the same as Figure 9, so the explanation of the same parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0149] More specifically, as shown in the figure, when a viewer presses the fast-forward button FF on the remote controller RC, the program reception display device 30 advances the playback start position on the time axis in the current direction according to the length of time the button is pressed, and determines the playback start position (S1706). Subsequently, the program reception display device 30 determines whether the determined playback start position has reached the real-time playback position (S1707).

[0150] If the program reception display device 30 determines that the determined playback start position has reached the real-time playback position (Yes in S1707), it switches from receiving and playing program content from the VOD distribution service to receiving and playing program content from the IP broadcasting service (1708). Details of the processing step in S1708 are shown in Figure 18.

[0151] Furthermore, when a viewer presses the next button NC on the remote controller RC, the program reception display device 30 determines whether the program content currently being played is earlier than the real-time program content (S1710).

[0152] If the program reception display device 30 determines that the program content currently being played is not program content older than the real-time program content (i.e., it is real-time program content) (No. in S1710), it switches from receiving and playing program content from the VOD distribution service to receiving and playing program content from the IP broadcasting service (1708).

[0153] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of program content reception and playback processing in an IP broadcasting service using a program reception display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] As shown in the figure, the program reception display device 30 sends a program stream distribution request (i.e., an IP distribution request) to the distribution server 22, specifying the determined playback start position according to the URL stored in memory (S1801). At this time, the program reception display device 30 stops receiving program streams from previous VOD distribution requests. The distribution server 22 responds to the new distribution request and starts distributing the program stream. As a result, the program reception display device 30 receives the program stream distributed from the distribution server 22 and starts playback (S1802). In other words, the program reception display device 30 selectively switches the distribution service from a VOD distribution service to an IP broadcasting service.

[0155] The program reception display device 30 monitors whether or not various operations have been performed by the viewer while real-time program content is being received and played back (S1803). In this disclosure, only channel selection operations and time-shift playback operations are described, but the invention is not limited to these.

[0156] When the program reception display device 30 determines that it has received a channel selection operation from a viewer, it updates the channel number according to the selection operation (terminal A; S705 in Figure 7) and returns to the processing step S702 described above. As a result, the program reception display device 30 switches from the second operating mode to the first operating mode and starts receiving and playing program content according to the updated channel number (S702). In other words, the program reception display device 30 selectively switches the program stream to be received to that of a digital broadcasting service.

[0157] Furthermore, when the program reception display device 30 determines that it has received a predetermined time-shift playback operation from a viewer, it starts the time-shift playback process (S1804). Since the time-shift playback operation here is performed while receiving and playing back real-time program content on the IP broadcasting service, it is a time-shift operation to go back to a past time, and is performed, for example, by the viewer pressing the fast-forward button FR or the forward button PC on the remote controller RC. The process of determining the playback start position is explained in Figure 9 above, so that explanation is omitted here.

[0158] As described above, according to this embodiment, the program reception display device 30 can switch from the VOD distribution service to the IP broadcasting service when the playback position of the program content being played back via time-shift playback on the VOD distribution service reaches the real-time position. This allows viewers to watch the program content on the IP broadcasting service as if it were real-time program content on the digital broadcasting service.

[0159] In this embodiment, the example described is a configuration in which the system switches from a VOD distribution service to an IP broadcasting service when the playback position of the program content reaches the real-time position due to a time-shift playback operation by the viewer. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, as described above, the program reception display device 30 may be configured to switch from a VOD distribution service to an IP broadcasting service when the playback position of the program content catches up to the real-time position due to variable-speed playback during time-shift playback of the program content on the VOD distribution service.

[0160] The embodiments described above are illustrative examples for illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments only. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit.

[0161] Furthermore, in the methods disclosed herein, steps, operations, or functions may be performed in parallel or in different orders, provided that this does not result in inconsistent outcomes. The steps, operations, and functions described are provided merely as examples, and some of them may be omitted, combined with others, or added, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0162] Furthermore, although various embodiments are disclosed herein, specific features (technical matters) in one embodiment can be added to or replaced in other embodiments, with appropriate improvements, and such forms are also included in the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0163] 1…Program provision service system 10… Broadcasting System 20…Distribution provider system 30...Program reception display device 31...Main Control Unit 32…Broadcast program reception and playback unit 321...Tuner / Modulation Unit 322...Desk Scramble Department 323…Separation part 324...Decoding section 3241...Video Decoding Unit 3242... Subtitle Decoding Department 3243...Audio Decoding Section 33…IPTV program receiving and playback unit 331...Communication Interface Unit 332... Streaming request section 333...Streaming reception processing unit 334…Separation part 335...Decoding section 3351...Video Decoding Unit 3352... Subtitle Decoding Department 3353...Audio Decoding Unit 34…Output control unit 341...Display Control Unit 3411...Synthesis part 3412…Display driver 3413... Buffer section 342...Voice Control Unit 3421…Audio driver 35... Operation reception section DSP…display device SPK...Speaker RC…Remote Controller 40…Communication Networks

Claims

1. A program receiving and display device compatible with IPTV services that can provide digital broadcasting services and simultaneous program distribution, A first program stream acquisition unit acquires a first program stream based on a broadcast signal selected according to the channel number from a received broadcast wave, A second program stream acquisition unit that sends a distribution request for a second program stream to a distribution server according to specific link information, and acquires the second program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the distribution request, A main control unit that controls the system to select at least one of the first program stream and the second program stream according to the viewer's operation, An output control unit that controls the display of program content on the screen, which is composed of at least one of the selected first program stream and the second program stream. The system includes a data broadcasting engine that generates display data for data broadcasting based on a data broadcasting stream separated from the first program stream, The main control unit, while controlling the display of the program content configured based on the first program stream and generating the data broadcasting display data, accepts a viewer's time shift operation and switches to a two-screen display mode, controlling the program content based on the first program stream to be displayed in the first frame on the screen at the real-time playback position, and controlling the program content based on the second program stream corresponding to the program content based on the first program stream to be displayed in a second frame different from the first frame at the playback position in the past time. The main control unit controls the display of the program content linked to the program content, which is configured based on the first program stream, in the first frame, based on the data broadcasting display data, while the program content based on the first program stream is displayed in the first frame. Program receiving device.

2. A program reception display control method using a program reception display device that is compatible with an IPTV service that can provide digital broadcasting services and simultaneous program distribution, Obtaining a first program stream based on a broadcast signal selected according to the channel number from the received broadcast wave, Based on the data broadcasting stream separated from the first program stream by the data broadcasting engine of the program receiving display device, data broadcasting display data is generated. Sending a distribution request for a second program stream to a distribution server according to specific link information, and obtaining the second program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the distribution request, Controlling the system to select at least one of the first program stream and the second program stream according to the viewer's actions, The process includes controlling the output so that program content, which is composed of at least one of the selected first program stream and the second program stream, is displayed on the screen. The aforementioned control involves, while the program content configured based on the first program stream is being displayed and the data broadcasting display data is being generated, accepting a viewer's time-shift operation and switching to a two-screen display mode, controlling the program content based on the first program stream to be displayed in the first frame on the screen at the real-time playback position, and controlling the program content based on the second program stream corresponding to the program content based on the first program stream to be displayed in a second frame different from the first frame at the playback position in the past time. While the program content based on the first program stream is displayed in the first frame, the system controls the display of program content related to data broadcasting linked to the program content, which is configured based on the first program stream, in the first frame based on the data broadcasting display data. Program reception display control method.

Images