Program reception display device and program reception display control method

Abstract

The present invention is a program reception display device adapted to IPTV service. This program reception display device comprises: a program stream acquisition unit which transmits a distribution request to a distribution server in accordance with link information and acquires a program stream from the distribution server; and a main control unit which performs control so that program content based on the program stream is displayed on a screen. The main control unit selects either a first or a second operation mode in accordance with an operation performed by a viewer. In the first operation mode, the program stream acquisition unit transmits an IP distribution request and acquires a first program stream to be IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request. In the second operation mode, the program stream acquisition unit transmits a VoD distribution request and acquires a second program stream to be VoD-distributed from the distribution server in response to the VoD distribution request.

Description

Program receiving and display device and program receiving and display control method

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

[0002] IPTV services (sometimes called "Internet broadcasting services") are becoming increasingly popular, in which viewers watch program content streamed or distributed by Internet service providers (ISPs) or content delivery network (CDN) providers via communication networks such as IP networks on information and communication terminal devices such as smartphones. For example, IP broadcasting services are services that enable viewers to watch program content on various channels using a communication network, based on the concept of channels in which programs are organized along a time axis, similar to conventional television services via broadcast waves.

[0003] In recent years, so-called simultaneous program distribution services, in which program content broadcast by broadcast stations via broadcast waves is simultaneously distributed on a real-time basis via IPTV services, have become popular. Under these circumstances, several program receiving and displaying devices that are compatible with both television broadcasting services and IPTV services have been proposed.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a digital television broadcast receiving device equipped with a tab browser function that switches screens using multiple tabs to play VOD videos or IP broadcast programs distributed from a network. More specifically, the control unit of the broadcast receiving device has a tab screen control function that, when tab #2 is clicked while tab #1 is active, deactivates the screen of tab #1 and switches the screen of tab #2 to active, a content access control function that notifies a content server of information about the position where the screen of tab #1 becomes inactive and video playback stops, and a storage control unit that stores the stop position information in non-volatile memory.

[0005] Furthermore, the following Patent Document 2 discloses a television device in which a decoder decodes a broadcast signal received from a broadcast station and extracts a transport stream specified in a playlist URL. The Patent Document 2 also discloses that when a user selects start playback of a video, the television device plays a video acquired from a server based on the playlist URL, and when the user selects stop playback to return to the live content, the television device returns to the original video.

[0006] JP 2013-153456 A U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0139489

[0007] The technology described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 makes it possible to play video streamed from a network or broadcast video on a screen that is made active by selecting a tab. For example, if a VOD video is being played on the screen of tab #1, when the screen is switched to the screen of tab #2, the playback of the VOD video temporarily stops, and when the screen is switched back to the screen of tab #1, playback of the VOD video resumes from the position where it was stopped.

[0008] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not anticipate switching a video currently being played on the same tab screen via a VOD distribution service to distribution via an IP broadcasting service, or switching a video currently being distributed via an IP broadcasting service to playback via a VOD distribution service, and as a result, such switching is not possible.

[0009] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 was also unable to play video simultaneously distributed in real time via an IP broadcasting service on the tab screen, for example, at a past time on the time axis (time shift playback).

[0010] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 discloses switching between live content via so-called real-time television broadcasting and content related to the live content that is streamed via a network, but it is not possible to switch between streaming-streamed content. Therefore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 does not necessarily include the idea of ​​selecting an optimal streaming format when switching between streaming-streamed content.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to efficiently provide program content in an IP broadcasting service in accordance with the viewing style of the user.

[0012] More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a program receiving and displaying device and a program receiving and displaying method that enable a user to play content being distributed in real time via an IP broadcasting service at a past time on the time axis with a simple operation.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a program receiving and displaying device and a program receiving and displaying method that allow a user to switch content distributed via an IP broadcasting service to distribution via a VOD distribution service with a simple operation.

[0014] In addition, in general, in a VOD distribution service, content (video) is streamed via IP unicast, which requires a large capacity and continuous, stable network bandwidth. On the other hand, in an IP broadcasting service, content is streamed via multicast, which imposes a smaller network load than content distribution via a VOD distribution service. Therefore, if content currently being distributed to specific users via a VOD distribution service can be switched to simultaneous program distribution via an IP broadcasting service, the network load can be reduced.

[0015] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a program receiving and displaying device and a program receiving and displaying method that can switch content being distributed to users via a VOD distribution service to distribution via a simultaneous program distribution service using an IP broadcasting service.

[0016] The present invention, which aims to solve the above problems, comprises the following invention-specific matters or technical features.

[0017] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a program receiving display device adapted for IPTV services. The program receiving display device includes: a program stream acquisition unit that transmits a predetermined distribution request to a distribution server in accordance with predetermined link information and acquires a program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the predetermined distribution request; and a main control unit that controls program content configured based on the acquired program stream to be displayed on a screen. The main control unit performs control to select at least one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in accordance with a viewer's operation. In the first operation mode, the program stream acquisition unit transmits an IP distribution request as the predetermined distribution request and acquires a first program stream that is IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request. In the second operation mode, the program stream acquisition unit transmits a VOD distribution request as the predetermined distribution request and acquires a second program stream that is VOD-distributed from the distribution server in response to the VOD distribution request.

[0018] The program stream acquisition unit may acquire the first program stream corresponding to the program content for the current channel number.

[0019] The program stream acquisition unit may also acquire the second program stream of another program content in a distribution time slot different from the distribution time slot of the program content for the current channel number.

[0020] In the first operation 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 a time axis, and in the second operation 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 playback position on the time axis.

[0021] In addition, in the second operation mode, the main control unit may control the program content to be displayed on the screen based on the second program stream at a playback speed different from the real-time playback speed.

[0022] Furthermore, the main control unit can switch to the first operation mode when the playback position of the program content in the past time reaches the playback position in real time.

[0023] Furthermore, the main control unit switches to the first operation mode when a channel number different from the current channel number is selected.

[0024] Furthermore, the program stream acquisition unit may acquire the second program stream from a past time specified in response to a viewer's operation, in accordance with the predetermined link information associated with the program content.

[0025] The main control unit may also switch to a third operation mode in response to a viewer's operation, and in the third operation mode, the main control unit may 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 the program content based on the second program stream to be displayed in a second frame different from the first frame at a past playback position.

[0026] Furthermore, the program stream acquisition unit can receive the first program stream IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request.

[0027] Furthermore, the program stream acquisition unit can receive the second program stream distributed by VOD from the distribution server in response to the VOD distribution request.

[0028] In addition, when the playback position of the program content based on the second program stream reaches the playback position in real time, the program stream acquisition unit may send an IP distribution request instead of the VOD distribution request, and receive the first program stream that is streamed by IP distribution from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request.

[0029] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a program reception and display control method for a program receiving and displaying device adapted for IPTV services. The program reception and display control method includes: transmitting a predetermined distribution request to a distribution server in accordance with predetermined link information; acquiring a program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the predetermined distribution request; and controlling the display of program content based on the acquired program stream on a screen. The controlling includes selecting at least one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in accordance with a viewer's operation. The acquiring of the program stream includes: in the first operation mode, transmitting an IP distribution request as the predetermined distribution request and acquiring a first program stream IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request; and in the second operation mode, transmitting a VOD distribution request as the predetermined distribution request and acquiring a second program stream VOD-distributed from the distribution server in response to the VOD distribution request.

[0030] Furthermore, the present invention can be understood as an invention relating to a computer program for executing the above method on a computer system or a computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program is non-transitoryly recorded.

[0031] In this disclosure, the term "means" does not simply mean physical means, but also includes cases where the functions of the means are realized by software. Also, 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.

[0032] Furthermore, in this disclosure, a "system" includes a logical collection of multiple devices (or functional modules that realize specific functions), regardless of whether each device or functional module is physically configured as a single entity or as separate entities.

[0033] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new distribution format that effectively combines IP broadcasting services and VOD distribution services for programs that users are viewing. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible for users to play content that is being distributed in real time by IP broadcasting services at a past time on the time axis with a simple operation.

[0034] In particular, according to the present invention, it is possible to switch content distributed to a specific user via a VOD distribution service to distribution via a simultaneous program distribution service via an IP broadcast service.Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to switch content distributed to a user via a VOD distribution service to distribution via a simultaneous program distribution service via an IP broadcast service, thereby reducing the network load.

[0035] Other technical features, objects, effects, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall scheme of a program providing service system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of EPG information applied to a program providing service according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a remote controller adapted to a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating in detail the configuration of a broadcast program receiving and playback unit of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating in detail the configuration of an IPTV program receiving and playback unit of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of time shift playback processing by a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of time shift playback processing by a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of time shift playback by a fast rewind operation on a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of time shift playback by a previous program operation on a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of time shift playback by a fast forward operation on a program receiving display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of time shift playback by a next program operation on a program receiving display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a program receiving display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on a program receiving display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described below. The present invention can be implemented in various modifications (e.g., by combining the various embodiments) without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, in the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions, ratios, etc. Parts in the drawings may have different dimensional relationships or ratios.

[0038] [First Embodiment] This embodiment is characterized in that, when a viewer (user) watching a program broadcasted via an IP broadcasting service selects time-shift playback of the program, the program can be played back in time-shift mode by switching to a VOD distribution service. Prior to a detailed description of this embodiment, the meanings of the main terms used in this disclosure are described below. The meanings of other terms will be indicated appropriately as needed throughout the text.

[0039] "Digital broadcasting service" refers to the conventional digital television broadcasting service in which broadcasters provide viewers with programs in real time using various broadcasting technologies. Known digital broadcasting services include terrestrial digital broadcasting services, satellite broadcasting services such as BS broadcasting services using broadcasting satellites and CS broadcasting services using communication satellites, and cable television broadcasting services using optical cables.

[0040] "IPTV service" refers to a service that streams or distributes programs (hereinafter simply referred to as "distribution" unless otherwise required) via 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 IP broadcasting services (including IP distribution services and IP retransmission services), VOD distribution services, and download services.

[0041] An "IP broadcasting service" is a broadcasting service based on the concept of channels, where programs are organized along a time axis. In the IP broadcasting service, content can be streamed by multicast via a content server. Hereinafter, streaming content delivery by multicast in the IP broadcasting service will be referred to as "IP delivery."

[0042] A "VOD distribution service" is a service in which content streamed from a content server (distribution server) is directly received and played back based on a request from a viewer. Typically, in a VOD distribution service, the content server may stream content by unicast from the beginning or a specified position of the content. Hereinafter, the streaming distribution of content by unicast in a VOD distribution service will be referred to as VOD distribution.

[0043] A "simulcast service" refers to a service that distributes in real time via an IPTV service the same program that is broadcast in real time via a digital broadcast service. If we view digital broadcast services provided by broadcasters as the main service, the simulcast service is considered an ancillary service. In addition, in this disclosure, the simulcast service may include an extended program distribution service that enables time-shift playback of programs via the IPTV service.

[0044] "Program" means a unit organized along a time axis for broadcasting or distribution. "Broadcast program" means a program provided by a digital broadcasting service, and "IPTV program" means a program provided by an IPTV service.

[0045] The term "program content" refers 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 data set of various program material data (monomedia data), such as moving images (video), subtitles (and superimposed text), text, graphic images, and / or audio. Program material data is converted into a multiplexed digital data stream (hereinafter referred to as a "stream") conforming to, for example, the MPEG-2 format, a high-compression 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. In IPTV services, to further reduce communication bandwidth, the MPEG-2 TS is converted into a stream further compressed using, for example, the "H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC" format, a high-compression encoding technology. From the perspective of transmission technology, the multiplexed stream is sometimes referred to as a transmission stream. In this disclosure, streams or data related to program content may be referred to as "program streams" or "program data."

[0046] "Program provision service" refers to a service for providing programs to viewers. The term "program provision service" is used in a broad sense to include the above-mentioned conventional digital broadcasting services, IPTV services, and other distribution services.

[0047] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall scheme of a program providing service system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the diagram, the program providing service system 1 of this embodiment includes, for example, a broadcasting provider system 10, a distribution provider system 20, and a program receiving and displaying device 30. In the program providing service system 1, at least the distribution provider system 20 and the program receiving and displaying device 30 are communicably connected via a communication network 40.

[0048] The broadcaster system 10 may be configured to include broadcasting facilities for providing digital broadcasting services. The broadcaster system 10 is typically, but not limited to, managed and operated by a broadcaster (e.g., a broadcast station) that has been granted a broadcasting license. Although not shown, the broadcaster system 10 broadcasts program content stored in a transmission server over airwaves under the control of an automatic operation device, for example, to broadcast (e.g., terrestrial digital broadcasting).

[0049] That is, the broadcaster system 10 generates a program stream by multiplexing various program material data related to program content with predetermined service information in accordance with program scheduling along a time axis, and further modulates this into a broadcast signal in a predetermined frequency band and transmits it as a broadcast wave from a transmission base station 12 such as a radio tower to a target 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 provider system 20, for example, via a dedicated line. Note that, because the technology according to this disclosure is primarily directed to IPTV services, a description of the digital broadcasting service provided by the broadcaster system 10 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0050] The distributor system 20 may be configured to include a distribution server 22 that distributes program streams provided by broadcasters, production companies, etc. to viewers' program receiving and display devices 30 via a communication network 40. In this embodiment, the distributor system 20 provides IPTV services. The distributor system 20 is managed and operated by, for example, a content distributor (CDN provider) or an Internet provider (ISP), but is not limited to these. Furthermore, one distributor system 20 may include multiple distribution servers 22.

[0051] The distributor system 20 may temporarily store the provided program stream in the distribution server 22 in preparation for the distribution timing, and then, in accordance with the program schedule, may stream the program stream to the viewer's program receiving display device 30 via the communication network 40 using, for example, multicast-based RealTime Streaming Protocol (RTSP) / Reatime Transport Protocol (RTP). Alternatively, the distributor system 20 may stream the program stream to the viewer's program receiving display device 30 via the communication network 40 using unicast-based RTSP / RTP. The program stream may also be streamed to the information communication terminal device 40 using HTTP long polling or another transmission protocol. The distributor system 20 may also distribute data related to part of the program content (e.g., program-related information) and other information (e.g., EPG information and channel allocation information) to the viewer's program receiving display device 30. The distributor system 20 may typically scramble the program stream before distributing it. In the present disclosure, a program stream IP-distributed by the distributor system 20 may be referred to as a first program stream, and a program stream VOD-distributed may be referred to as a second program stream.

[0052] As described below, the distributor system 20 can switch the program stream for the program receiving display device 30 between IP distribution and VOD distribution depending on a predetermined operation by the viewer or the playback status of the program. In this case, the distributor system 20 can include a distribution server 22 for IP distribution and a distribution server 22 for VOD distribution. Alternatively, the distribution server 22 can be configured to operate in an IP distribution mode for IP broadcasting services and a VOD distribution mode for VOD distribution services, and can switch the distribution mode depending on the type of distribution request.

[0053] In the present disclosure, the broadcaster system 10 and the distribution provider system 20 are configured as separate systems, but this is not limiting. For example, the broadcaster system 10 may be configured to include the functions of the distribution provider system 20, or vice versa. Furthermore, the distribution provider system 20 may be managed and operated by the broadcaster.

[0054] The program receiving and displaying device 30 is a terminal device through which viewers (users) view programs provided by a program providing service. The program receiving and displaying device 30 may be, for example, a television receiver or a set-top box, but is not limited to these. Hereinafter, the program receiving and displaying device 30 is described as having the function of receiving broadcast waves related to programs in a digital broadcasting service and playing and displaying the programs, but such a function is not necessarily required for the technology disclosed herein. In other words, the program receiving and displaying device 30 may be any device that is compatible with IPTV services and has the function of allowing viewers to view desired programs. For example, the program receiving and displaying device 30 may be a computing device such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a feature phone, or other intelligent device.

[0055] The program receiving display device 30 of this embodiment is configured to, when receiving a real-time program stream via an IP broadcasting service from the distribution provider system 20 in accordance with a program schedule along a timeline and playing and displaying the program, switch to receiving a program stream via a VOD distribution service in response to a predetermined operation by the viewer and display the program. For example, if the predetermined operation by the viewer is a time-shift playback operation, the program receiving display device 30 requests a program stream via the VOD distribution service corresponding to a time earlier than the real time (current time) on the timeline (hereinafter referred to as "past time") from the distribution provider system 20. In response, the distribution provider system 20 VOD-distributes the program stream corresponding to the past time. As a result, the program receiving display device 30 receives and plays the program from the past time. Furthermore, when playback of a program from the past time has caught up or is about to catch up with real time, for example, through double-speed playback or fast-forwarding, the program receiving display device 30 requests a program stream via the IP broadcasting service from the distribution provider system 20. In response, the distribution provider system 20 switches to real-time IP distribution.

[0056] The communication network 40 may include, for example, an IP-based computer network (hereinafter referred to as an "IP network"). The communication network 4040 may include a form of a content delivery network (CDN). In this disclosure, the communication network 4040 is used in a broad sense to include the Internet constructed by an IP network, but is not limited to an IP network and is not intended to exclude networks of other protocols that enable the distribution of program streams. The communication network 40 may also include a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) constructed by wireless base stations or wireless access points (not shown). The communication network 40 may also include a mobile communication network that complies with mobile communication system standards.

[0057] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the program receiving and displaying device 30 includes, for example, a main control unit 31, a broadcast program receiving and playback unit 32 that receives and processes broadcast programs to play them back, an IPTV program receiving and playback unit 33 that receives and displays and plays IPTV programs, an output control unit 34, and an operation accepting unit 35 that accepts operations by the viewer. Also, as shown in the figure, the program receiving and displaying device 30 may include a display device DSP and a speaker SPK as output devices.

[0058] The main control unit 31 is a component that comprehensively controls the operation of the program receiving display device 30. Although not shown, the main control unit 31 is configured to include a processor module including a CPU, a memory module including various types of memory, and the like. Under the control of the CPU, the main control unit 31 can also control the operation of applications installed in the program receiving display device 30. The applications may be installed in advance in the program receiving display device 30, or may be downloaded and installed via broadcast waves or the communication network 40.

[0059] The main control unit 31 also stores, in memory, for example, channel allocation information, EPG information, and channel selection control information. The channel allocation information defines the allocation of channels in each broadcasting area defined by the reach of broadcast waves. The EPG information is a so-called electronic program guide, and defines the organization of programs by channels and multiple distribution time periods along a time axis. The channel allocation information and EPG information are obtained, for example, as part of predetermined service information from the distribution server 22 via the communication network 40.

[0060] The main control unit 31 also controls the program receiving display device 30 to operate in a predetermined operation mode. The predetermined operation mode includes, for example, a first operation mode for receiving and playing program content from an IP broadcasting service and a second operation mode for receiving and playing program content from a VOD distribution service. The second operation mode may also include an operation mode for performing variable speed playback when receiving and playing program content from a VOD service. As described in other embodiments, the predetermined operation mode may also include a multi-screen mode in which videos related to multiple program contents are displayed in multiple frames within a single screen. The main control unit 31 operates the program receiving display device 30 in accordance with an operation mode selected in response to a viewer's operation.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of EPG information applied to a program providing service according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the diagram, the EPG information includes, 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 a channel number of a broadcasting station defined in so-called channel allocation information. The program ID is an identifier for identifying program content. In the present 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 provider 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 receiving display device 30 requests the distribution server 22 to distribute a program stream in accordance with the link information so that the program content starts to be played from a predetermined playback position.

[0062] The channel selection control information includes, for example, the currently selected channel number. When the program receiving and displaying device 30 is turned on, the main control unit 31 reads the channel selection control information from the memory and starts operation so as to receive and play the broadcast program.

[0063] 2, the broadcast program receiving and reproducing unit 32 is a component that performs processing to reproduce program content selected from the received broadcast waves under the control of the main control unit 31. The configuration of the broadcast program receiving and reproducing unit 32 is shown in, for example, FIG.

[0064] The IPTV program receiving and playing 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 receiving and playing unit 33 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. As will be described later, the IPTV program receiving and playing unit 33 can receive program streams distributed via IP distribution in an IP broadcasting service and via VOD distribution in a VOD distribution service. In the present disclosure, all or part of the configuration of the IPTV program receiving and playing unit 33 is one form of a second program stream acquisition unit.

[0065] The output control unit 34 is a component that controls the display device DSP to display video related to the program content, and also controls the speaker SPK to output audio time-synchronized with the video, under the control of the main control unit 31. For example, the output control unit 34 includes a display control unit 341 that controls output to the display device DSP, and an audio control unit 342 that controls output to the speaker SPK.

[0066] The display control unit 341 selectively superimposes subtitle data and the like onto the input video data, converts the data into a video signal using a display driver (not shown), and outputs the video signal to a display device DSP. The display device displays video related to the program 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.

[0067] The audio control unit 342 also converts the input audio data into an audio signal and outputs it to the speaker SPK, which outputs audio (voice) in the audible range based on the audio signal.

[0068] As described in other embodiments, the output control unit 34 may also perform control so that images related to multiple program contents are respectively displayed in multiple frames formed on the screen of the display device DSP. A technique for displaying images related to program contents in multiple frames on one screen is known as multi-screen display. In the present disclosure, under the control of the main control unit 31, the output control unit 34 performs control so that program content from an IP broadcasting service is displayed in a first frame on one screen, and so that program content from a VOD distribution service is displayed in a second frame on the same screen.

[0069] The operation reception unit 35 is a component that receives operational instructions from a viewer to the program receiving display device 30. For example, the viewer can provide various instructions to the program receiving display device 30 by operating various buttons on a remote controller RC as shown in FIG. 4. The operation reception unit 35 outputs the received operational instructions to the main control unit 31. In the present disclosure, among the various buttons on the remote controller RC, a channel selection button group CH_B and a time shift playback button group T-SHIFT_B are particularly used. The main control unit 31 can function as a channel selection unit that selects a channel number in accordance with an operation on any of the channel selection buttons CH_B. Note that, if the program receiving 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.

[0070] Operations performed by viewers include, for example, channel (broadcast station) switching operations (tuning operations), volume adjustment operations, display / hide operations for data broadcasting program content, display / hide operations for subtitles, audio mode switching operations, time shift playback operations, and variable speed playback operations.

[0071] Time-shift playback refers to the playback of past program content on a time axis. In other words, time-shift playback refers to the playback of program content that would normally be broadcast or distributed in real time at a time difference going back in time. Time-shift playback is also sometimes referred to as time-shift viewing or catch-up playback. Variable-speed playback refers to a type of catch-up playback in which the playback speed of a program is increased (speed playback) or decreased (slow playback) relative to the standard speed. In variable-speed playback, the audio of the program content may typically be played back in synchronization with the playback speed of the video of the program content. If speed playback of program content during time-shift playback is continued, the playback position of the program content will catch up with the real-time playback position. In the present disclosure, the time-shift playback operation uses the time-shift playback button group T-SHIFT_B on the remote controller RC. Furthermore, in time-shift playback, the program content viewed by the user is switched to program content from a VOD distribution service.

[0072] In the present disclosure, the fast rewind button FR of the remote controller RC is a button for moving the playback start position of program content in the past. The fast forward button FF is a button for moving the playback start position of program content in the present direction, with the real-time playback start position as the limit. The previous button PC is a button for moving (jumping) the playback start position of program content in the past to the start position of the most recent program content. Each time the previous button PC is pressed repeatedly, the playback start position moves to the start position of the previous program content. The next button NC is a button for moving (jumping) the playback start position of program content being time-shift played back to the start position of the most recent program content in the present direction, with the real-time program content as the limit. Each time the next button PC is pressed repeatedly, the playback start position moves to the start position of the next program content.

[0073] The pause button PA is a button for temporarily stopping playback of program content that is currently being played and for resuming playback of the paused program content. The stop button ST is a button for stopping playback of program content that is currently being played. Furthermore, the play button PL is a button for resuming playback of program content that is paused or stopped.

[0074] The slow play button LS is a button for slowing down the playback speed of program content. Each time the slow play button LS is pressed, the playback speed changes, for example, from 0.75x speed to 0.5x speed to 0.25x speed to 1x speed. The fast play button HS is a button for slowing down the playback speed of program content. Each time the slow play button LS is pressed, the playback speed changes, for example, from 1.25x speed to 1.5x speed to 1.75x speed to 2x speed to 1x speed. Note that the playback speed is not limited to these and may be adjusted to any value. The program receiving display device 30 operates in a variable speed playback mode by operating the slow play button LS or the fast play button HS.

[0075] 5 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of a portion of a program receiving and displaying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of understanding, the diagram illustrates an example of the detailed configuration of the broadcast program receiving and displaying unit 32 of the program receiving and displaying device 30, along with other related components. Note that, in the technology according to the present disclosure, the configuration of the broadcast program receiving and displaying unit 32 may be omitted, and detailed description of the broadcast program receiving and displaying unit 32 will be omitted. A so-called tunerless television device is an example of a program receiving and displaying device 30 according to the present invention.

[0076] 6 is a block diagram for explaining the details of the configuration of a portion of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. For ease of understanding, the diagram shows an example of the details of the configuration of the IPTV program receiving and playing unit 33 of the program receiving and displaying device 30 together with other components related thereto.

[0077] As shown in the figure, the IPTV program receiving and playing unit 33 includes, 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 including the streaming request unit 332 and the streaming reception processing unit 333 is one aspect of a program stream acquisition unit. The configuration of the IPTV program receiving and playing unit 33 is basically equivalent to the configuration of the broadcast program receiving and playing unit 32, except that the program stream is received via the communication network 40. In other words, IPTV services share the content layer in the protocol stack with digital broadcast services. In the figure, the configuration of the output control unit 34 includes a synthesis unit 3411, a display driver 3412, an audio driver 3421, and a buffer unit 3413 in relation to the IPTV program receiving and playing unit 33. The configuration including the synthesis unit 3411 and the display driver 3412 is one aspect of the display control unit 341, and the configuration including the audio driver 3421 is one aspect of the audio control unit 24b.

[0078] As shown in the figure, the communication interface unit 331 is a component that enables computer communication via the communication network 40. In the present disclosure, the communication interface unit 331 is mainly used for communication with the distributor system 20 via the communication network 40 (e.g., streaming distribution).

[0079] Under the control of the main control unit 31, the streaming request unit 332 transmits a distribution request for program content via an IPTV service based on a URL associated with a channel number according to the channel selection control information. For example, the streaming request unit 332 is configured to selectively transmit either an IP distribution request via an IP broadcasting service or a VOD distribution request via a VOD distribution service, depending on the viewer's operation or the playback status of the program content. In response to the distribution request, the distribution provider system 20 starts streaming distribution (IP distribution or VOD distribution) of the program content.

[0080] The streaming reception processing unit 333 decodes a transmission stream in, for example, 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 demultiplexing unit 334.

[0081] The separation unit 334 separates the multiplexed program stream into each stream. The separation unit 334 separates the generated multiplexed program stream into each stream. A demultiplexer is one form of the separation unit 334. The separation unit 334 outputs each stream separated from the multiplexed program stream to the decoding unit 335 and the main control unit 31, respectively. For example, the separation unit 334 outputs the video stream, audio stream, and subtitle stream separated from the program stream to the decoding unit 335, while outputting the separated predetermined service information to the main control unit 31.

[0082] The decoding unit 335 decodes each stream to generate program material data that constitutes the program content. The decoding unit 335 includes, for example, a video decoding unit 3351, a subtitle decoding unit 3352, and an audio decoding unit 3353.

[0083] The video decoding unit 3352 decodes the video stream using a codec conforming to the MPEG-2 video standard, for example, to generate video data, and outputs the generated video data to the output control unit 34.

[0084] The subtitle decoding unit 3352 decodes the subtitle stream in accordance with, for example, a broadcast subtitle file interchange format, thereby generating subtitle data. The subtitle decoding unit 3352 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.

[0085] The audio decoding unit 3353 decodes the audio stream according to, for example, the MPEG-2 audio standard, thereby generating audio data. For example, in the case of multiplexed audio broadcasting, the audio stream may include a main audio stream and a secondary audio stream. The audio decoding unit 3353 outputs the generated audio data to the output control unit 34.

[0086] The buffer unit 3413 temporarily buffers each piece of decoded program material data. Each piece of 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 in accordance with a specified playback speed.

[0087] The synthesizer 3411 superimposes other program material data (e.g., subtitle data) related to display onto the video data to generate display data. The data synthesis is performed by, for example, alpha blending using a transparency information coefficient (alpha value). The synthesizer 3411 outputs the generated display data to the display driver 3412.

[0088] The display driver 3412 converts the input display data into a video signal suitable for the display device DSP and outputs it to the display device DSP, whereby the video of the broadcast program is displayed on the display device DSP.

[0089] The audio driver 3421 converts 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, audio is output from the speaker SPK in time synchronization with the video of the broadcast program.

[0090] In the present disclosure, the broadcast program receiving / playback unit 32 and the IP broadcast program receiving / playback unit 33 are each configured to include a separation unit and a decoding unit, but this is not limited thereto and they may be configured to share the separation unit and the decoding unit. In this case, for example, either the program stream of the digital broadcast service or the program stream of the IPTV service is selected by a selector under the control of the main control unit 31 and input to the separation unit.

[0091] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Such processing can be realized, for example, by cooperative operations between various components in accordance with the execution of a predetermined control program under the control of the processor of the main control unit 31.

[0092] As shown in the figure, for example, when the program receiving display device 30 is powered on, it reads channel selection control information stored in memory as part of its startup process (S701), 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 (S702). Next, the program receiving display device 30 transmits a distribution request for the program stream via IP multicast (i.e., an IP distribution request) to the distribution server 22 according to the URL stored in memory (S703). In response to the IP distribution request, the distribution server 22 begins IP distribution of the program content according to RTSP via multicast. The program receiving display device 30 receives the program stream distributed from the distribution server 22 and begins playing the program content based on the program stream (S704). In other words, the program receiving display device 30 operates in a first operating mode in which it receives and plays program content in real time. As a result, video related to the program content is displayed on the display device DSP, and audio synchronized with the video is output from the speaker SPK.

[0093] During playback of the real-time program content, the program receiving and displaying device 30 monitors whether or not various operations have been performed by the viewer (S705). In the present disclosure, only the channel selection operation and the time shift playback operation are described, but the present disclosure is not limited to these.

[0094] When the program receiving display device 30 determines that it has received a channel selection operation by the viewer, it updates the channel number in accordance with the channel selection operation (S706) and returns to the processing step of S702 described above. As a result, the program receiving display device 30 receives program content by IP distribution in accordance with the updated channel number while remaining in the first operation mode, and starts playback.

[0095] On the other hand, when the program receiving display device 30 determines that it has received a predetermined time shift playback operation from the viewer, it starts time shift playback processing (S707). That is, the program receiving display device 30 switches the operation mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. Note that the time shift playback operation here is a time shift operation for going back in time, and is performed, for example, by the viewer pressing the fast rewind button FR or the previous button PC on the remote controller RC.

[0096] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the time shift playback process of a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. This figure is a flowchart showing details of S706 shown in Fig. 7. Also, details of the processing step S801 shown in Fig. 8 are shown in Fig. 9.

[0097] As shown in the figure, the program receiving 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 real-time program content in an IP distribution service, the case where the fast rewind button FR or previous button PC is pressed will be described.

[0098] 9, the program receiving display device 30 determines whether the viewer has pressed either the fast reverse button FR or the previous button PC of the remote controller RC (S901). If the program receiving display device 30 determines that the viewer has pressed the fast reverse button FR of the remote controller RC, it moves the playback start position backward in accordance with the length of time the button was pressed, and determines the playback start position (S902).

[0099] For example, when the fast-rewind button FR on the remote controller RC is pressed, the program receiving display device 30 displays a seek bar SKB superimposed on a screen 1000 of the program content displayed on the display device DSP, as shown in FIG. 10 . The seek bar SKB is an icon indicating the time axis of the program content from start to end, and includes a slider SL indicating the current playback position. For example, the viewer can move the slider to a desired position in the past from the current position by repeatedly pressing and holding the fast-rewind button FR on the remote controller RC. This causes the program receiving display device 30 to determine the playback start position corresponding to the position of the slider moved by the viewer's operation. The seek bar SKB may also be displayed as a pop-up window.

[0100] The program receiving display device 30 determines whether or not the determined playback start position exceeds the time frame of the program content currently being played back (S903). In other words, the program receiving display device 30 determines whether or not the determined playback start position is on the time axis of the previous program content.

[0101] If the program receiving display device 30 determines that the playback start position does not exceed the time frame of the program content currently being played back (No in S903), the program receiving display device 30 proceeds to S802 shown in FIG. 8 . That is, the program receiving display device 30 transmits a VOD distribution request for the program stream specifying the determined playback start position to the distribution server 22 in accordance with the URL stored in memory (S802). In response to the VOD distribution request, the distribution server 22 starts VOD distribution of the program stream. As a result, the program receiving display device 30 receives the program stream distributed via VOD from the distribution server 22 and starts playback (S803). That is, the program receiving display device 30 selectively switches the program stream to be received from the IP distribution service to the VOD distribution service. Therefore, the program receiving display device 30 operates in a second operation mode in which it receives and plays back program content distributed via VOD. As a result, the display device DSP displays video of the program content progressing along the time axis from the past playback start position, and the audio is output from the speaker SPK.

[0102] On the other hand, referring to Figure 9, if the program receiving display device 30 determines that the playback start position has exceeded the time frame of the program content currently being played back (Yes in S903), it refers to the EPG information and updates the URL stored in memory to the URL corresponding to the previous program content (S905).

[0103] For example, if a viewer continues to press and hold the fast-rewind button FR on the remote controller RC, the playback start position on the timeline of the previous program content will be displayed. When the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that the viewer's continued pressing of the fast-rewind button FR has resulted in a switch to the timeline of the previous program content, it updates the seek bar SKB displayed on the screen to that of the previous program content and also updates the URL.

[0104] Furthermore, if the program receiving display device 30 determines that the viewer has pressed the previous button PC on the remote controller RC, it identifies the beginning position of the most recent program content in the past direction and determines this as the playback start position (S904). For example, if the previous button PC is pressed only once, the beginning position of the most recent program content in the past direction becomes the beginning position of the program content currently being played. Next, the program receiving display device 30 refers to the EPG information and updates the URL stored in memory to the URL corresponding to the previous program content (S905).

[0105] After updating the URL of the program content to be received and played back, the program receiving display device 30 proceeds to S802 shown in FIG. That is, as described above, the program receiving display device 30 transmits a VOD distribution request for the program stream, specifying the determined playback start position, to the distribution server 22 in accordance with the URL stored in memory (S802). In response to the VOD distribution request, the distribution server 22 starts distribution of the program stream. As a result, the program receiving display device 30 receives and starts playback of the program stream distributed via VOD from the distribution server 22, instead of the program stream provided by the IP distribution service (S803). That is, the program receiving display device 30 acquires and plays back the program stream of the other program content in accordance with link information for the other program content in a past distribution time period different from the distribution time period of the real-time program content. As a result, the display device DSP displays video of the previous program content, and the speaker SPK outputs audio.

[0106] For example, as shown in Figure 11(a), program contents L, M, and N are organized along the time axis, and the program receiving display device 30 is playing back the video / audio of program content N in real time via IP distribution at playback position P. If the viewer presses and holds the fast-rewind button FR for a certain period of time, as shown in Figure 11(b), the playback position P moves backward, and the position where the fast-rewind button FR is released becomes the playback start position P11. In other words, program content N in the VOD distribution service is played back on the time axis with a time difference D = P - P11.

[0107] Furthermore, if the viewer presses the fast-rewind button FR for a longer period of time, program content M, which was broadcast before program content N, will be played back from playback start position P12, as shown in FIG. 1(c).

[0108] As described above, when the fast-rewind button FR or the previous button PC is operated while real-time program content is being played back on the IP distribution service, the program content is switched to program content from the past on the VOD distribution service, thereby realizing time-shift playback of the program content.

[0109] On the other hand, if the viewer presses the previous button PC once while the video / audio of real-time broadcast program content N is being played back at playback position P (see FIG. 11(a)), the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P21 of the currently played program content N, as shown in FIG. 12(a), and playback of program content N starts from there.

[0110] Furthermore, if the viewer presses the previous button PC twice in succession, as shown in Fig. 1(b), the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P22 of the previous program content M, and playback of the program content M begins. Similarly, if the viewer presses the previous button PC three times in succession, as shown in Fig. 1(c), the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P23 of the second previous program content L, and playback of the program content L begins.

[0111] Returning to FIG. 8 , during playback of program content in the VOD distribution service (i.e., during time-shift playback), the program receiving display device 30 monitors whether various operations have been performed by the viewer, as in the case of an IP distribution service (S804). In this disclosure, viewer operations are described 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 VOD distribution service is in the past relative to the playback position of real-time program content in the IP distribution service. Therefore, during the time-shift playback operation, in addition to operation instructions using the fast-rewind button FR and previous button PC, operation instructions using the fast-forward button FF and next button NC are valid.

[0112] First, when the program receiving display device 30 determines in S804 that it has received a channel selection operation by the viewer, it stops receiving and playing back program content via the VOD distribution service (S805) and returns to the processing step of S706 shown in FIG. 7 (terminal A). That is, upon receiving a channel selection operation by the viewer, the program receiving display device 30 switches from the VOD distribution service to the IP distribution service. As a result, the program receiving display device 30 updates the channel selection control information with the channel number according to the channel selection operation by the viewer (S706) and returns to the processing of S702. That is, the program receiving display device 30 acquires a URL corresponding to the program ID of the channel number according to the EPG information and stores it in memory (S702), and then transmits an IP distribution request for the program stream to the distribution server 22 according to the URL (S703). As a result, in response to the IP distribution request, the distribution server 22 starts IP distribution of the program content according to RTSP via multicast, and the program receiving and displaying device 30 receives the program stream via IP distribution and starts playing the program content based on the program stream (S704).

[0113] 8, if the program receiving display device 30 determines that a further time shift playback operation has been received 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 described above with reference to FIG. 9. Note that if the viewer presses either the fast reverse button FR or the previous button PC on the remote controller RC, the processing steps are the same as those of S901 to S905 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0114] 9, when a viewer presses the fast-forward button FF on the remote controller RC, the program receiving display device 30 advances the playback start position on the time axis toward the present in accordance with the length of time the button was pressed, and determines the playback start position (S906). Subsequently, the program receiving display device 30 determines whether the determined playback start position has reached the real-time playback position (S907).

[0115] When the program receiving 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 the program content through the VOD distribution service (S908), and then returns to the processing step of S702 in Fig. 7 (terminal B). As a result, the program receiving display device 30 switches from the second operation mode to the first operation mode, as described above, receives the program stream distributed from the distribution server 22 in response to the IP distribution request based on the URL according to the current channel number, and starts receiving and playing back the program content (S702 to S704).

[0116] On the other hand, if the program receiving display device 30 determines that the determined playback start position has not reached the real-time playback position (No in S907), it further determines whether or not the determined playback start position has exceeded the time frame of the program content currently being played back (S909). In other words, the program receiving display device 30 determines whether or not the determined playback start position is on the time axis of the next program content. If the program receiving display device 30 determines that the playback start position has not exceeded the time frame of the program content currently being played back (No in S909), it proceeds to S802 in FIG. 8 described above.

[0117] On the other hand, if the program receiving display device 30 determines that the playback start position has exceeded the time frame of the program content currently being played back (Yes in S909), it refers to the EPG information, updates the URL stored in memory to the URL corresponding to the next program content (S912), and proceeds to 802 in Figure 8 described above.

[0118] Furthermore, when the viewer presses the next button NC on the remote controller RC, the program receiving display device 30 determines whether the program content currently being played back is an earlier program content than the real-time program content (S910).

[0119] If the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that the program content currently being played is not program content that precedes the real-time program content (i.e., it is real-time program content) (No in S910), it stops receiving and playing the program content via the VOD distribution service (S908), and then returns to the processing step of S702 shown in Figure 7 (terminal B).

[0120] On the other hand, if the program receiving display device 30 determines that the program content currently being played back is the program content that precedes 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 receiving display device 30 refers to the EPG information, updates the URL stored in the memory to the URL corresponding to the next program content (S912), and proceeds to S802 in Fig. 8 described above.

[0121] 13(a), program contents L, M, and N are organized along a time axis, and the video / audio of program content N is played back in real time at playback position P, while the video / audio of program content L is played back by time-shift playback at playback position P31. If a viewer presses and holds the fast-forward button FF for a certain period of time, as shown in FIG. 13(b), playback position P31 moves toward the present, and the position where the fast-forward button FF is released becomes playback start position P32, and the video / audio of program content L is played back from playback start position P32.

[0122] Furthermore, if the viewer presses and holds the fast-forward button FF for a longer period of time, as shown in Fig. 1C, playback will begin from playback start position P33 of program content N, for example. Note that if the viewer presses and holds the fast-forward button FF until playback position P is reached, the VOD distribution service will be switched to the IP distribution service.

[0123] On the other hand, if the viewer presses the next button NC once while the video / audio of program content L is being played back at playback position P31 using time-shift playback (see Figure 13(a)), the playback start position of the program content will move to the beginning position P32 of the next program content M, as shown in Figure 14(a), and playback of program content M will begin from there.

[0124] Furthermore, if the viewer presses the next button NC twice in succession, as shown in Fig. 1(b), the playback start position of the program content moves to the beginning position P32 of the next program content N, and playback of program content N begins. Note that even if the viewer presses the next button NC from the state shown in Fig. 1(b), the real-time playback position P will not be exceeded, and the service will switch from the VOD distribution service to the IP distribution service, and the video / audio of program content N will be played back from playback position P.

[0125] As described above, when real-time program content is being played back on the IP distribution service, by operating the fast-rewind button FF or the next button NC in addition to the fast-rewind button FR or the previous button PC, the service switches to the VOD distribution service, and time-shift playback of the program content at any desired playback start position is realized.

[0126] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the program receiving display device 30 can accept an instruction to perform variable speed playback during playback of program content from a VOD distribution service.

[0127] 8, when it is determined that a variable speed playback operation by the viewer has been received, the program receiving display device 30 receives and plays back the program content according to the specified playback speed (S807). Playback speeds that can be specified include, for example, 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x, 1.25x, 1.5x, 1.75x, and 2x. The viewer can change the playback speed of the program content by pressing the slow playback button LS or the fast playback button HS.

[0128] Note that when the program receiving display device 30 plays back program content at high speed from a past time, the playback position of the program content may catch up with or reach the real-time position. Therefore, the program receiving display device 30 monitors whether the playback position of the program content has caught up with the real-time position. If the program receiving display device 30 determines that the playback position of the program content has caught up with the real-time position, it terminates or cancels variable-speed playback. As a result, the reception and playback of program content in the IPTV service is substantially the same as that in the digital broadcasting service, that is, a program simultaneous distribution service. Alternatively, if the program receiving display device 30 determines that the playback position of the program content has caught up with the real-time position, it may terminate or cancel variable-speed playback and switch to receiving and playing program content in the digital broadcasting service.

[0129] As described above, according to this embodiment, a viewer watching a real-time program on an IP distribution service can switch to a VOD distribution service that provides simultaneous program distribution by operating a remote controller RC to select time-shift playback of the program. Therefore, with a very simple operation, the viewer can view past video / audio of the program they are watching in real time. In particular, time-shift playback allows the viewer to arbitrarily select and view various past scenes of the program content, or to view them using irregular playback that suits their preferences.

[0130] In this embodiment, the program receiving display device 30 performs control to return to the digital broadcasting service when it receives a channel selection operation from a viewer or when the playback position of the program content in the VOD distribution service catches up with the real-time playback position, but this is not limited to this. For example, the program receiving display device 30 may also perform control to return to the IP distribution broadcasting service when it receives an operation of the back button, end button, or the like from a viewer.

[0131] [Second embodiment] This embodiment is characterized in that, when the program receiving and displaying device 30 receives a time-shift playback operation, the operating mode is set to a third operating mode (multi-screen display mode), and control is performed so that real-time program content from a digital broadcasting service is displayed in a first frame of the display device DSP, and so that program content for time-shift playback from an IPTV service is displayed in a second frame of the display device DSP. Note that, although a two-screen display mode (2-in-1 screen display mode) is exemplified below as the multi-screen display mode, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0132] For example, as shown in Fig. 7, suppose that the program receiving display device 30 receives a time-shift playback operation from a viewer while playing back real-time program content (S707 in Fig. 7). In this embodiment, when the program receiving display device 30 receives the time-shift playback operation, under the control of the main control unit 31, the program receiving display device 30 switches the screen mode from normal mode to dual-screen display mode, and receives and plays back real-time program content from the IP distribution service, while also receiving and playing back time-shift program content from the VOD distribution service. In the dual-screen display mode, for example, the output control unit 34 performs rendering / layout processing so that video images related to program content based on two program streams are respectively displayed in two frames on one screen.

[0133] 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a program receiving and displaying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a screen 1500 in dual-screen display mode on the display device DSP of this embodiment is configured to include a first frame 1501 and a second frame 1502. For example, real-time program content from an IP distribution service is displayed in the first frame 1501, while time-shifted program content from a VOD distribution service is displayed in the second frame 1502.

[0134] The screen 1500 may also include, for example, an audio output icon 1503. The audio output icon 1503 indicates whether the audio (sound) synchronized with the currently played program content is from the real-time program content or the time-shifted program content. In the same figure, the audio output icon 1503 indicates that the audio of the real-time program content is off and the audio of the time-shifted program content is being output. The main control unit 31 may perform control such that the frame to be operated is selectively switched by the viewer operating a switching button (e.g., an arrow button) on the remote controller RC, for example.

[0135] More specifically, in such a dual-screen display mode, the viewer can instruct the program receiving and displaying device 30 to perform the above-mentioned channel selection operation, further time-shift playback operation, variable-speed playback operation, etc. As one example, when the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that it has accepted a channel selection operation by the viewer, it updates the channel number in accordance with the channel selection operation, ends the dual-screen display mode, and returns to receiving and playing real-time program content via the digital broadcasting service. As another example, when the program receiving and displaying device 30 determines that it has accepted a time-shift playback operation by the viewer, it performs time-shift playback processing in accordance with the operated button.

[0136] As described above, this embodiment can provide the same advantages as the above-described embodiments. In particular, this embodiment allows viewers to simultaneously watch a real-time program on an IP distribution service and a time-shifted program on a VOD distribution service in dual-screen display mode. For example, a viewer watching a soccer match can enjoy a viewing style in which, when they want to see a goal again, they can check the real-time game situation while watching past goal scenes. This allows viewers to enjoy watching the program without missing any of the more interesting scenes during the match in real time.

[0137] In addition, in current digital broadcasting services, data broadcasting programs are linked to real-time programs. Therefore, viewers cannot enjoy information provided by data broadcasting programs unless they are watching the real-time programs. However, according to this embodiment, the real-time programs are displayed in one frame, so that viewers can enjoy information provided by data broadcasting program content even while watching time-shifted programs.

[0138] [Third embodiment] This embodiment is characterized in that, when the program receiving and displaying device 30 receives a time-shift playback operation, the program content of the time-shifted VOD distribution service is displayed on the display device DSP, and an indicator indicating that it is a VOD distribution service is displayed.

[0139] 16 is a diagram illustrating another example of a screen displayed on a program receiving display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a screen 1600 of the display device DSP of this embodiment displays program content being played back in time-shift playback, along with an indicator 1601. For example, as described above, assume that the program receiving display device 30 receives a time-shift playback operation from a viewer while playing back real-time program content (first program). In this embodiment, upon receiving the time-shift playback operation, the program receiving display device 30 receives and plays back time-shift program content (second program) from a VOD distribution 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 an indicator 1601 indicating that the time-shift program content is an IPTV service is superimposed on the time-shift program content.

[0140] Furthermore, when any button of the time shift playback button group T-SHIFT_B of the remote controller RC is pressed, the program receiving display device 30 can display a seek bar SKB as shown in FIG. 10 superimposed on the program content screen 1600.

[0141] The program receiving display device 30 may perform control not only when playing back time-shifted program content in the IPTV service, but also when playing back real-time program content in the digital broadcasting service so as to display an indicator that is visually different from the indicator 1601. Alternatively, instead of displaying an indicator on the screen of the display device DSP, the program receiving display device 30 may use, for example, an LED or the like provided in the program receiving display device 30 as an indicator.

[0142] As described above, this embodiment can provide the same advantages as the above-described embodiment. In particular, this embodiment allows the viewer 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 operations occupies a relatively large area at the bottom of the screen, and therefore, if it is displayed constantly, it can be a hindrance to viewing. However, the indicator 1601 of this example can be displayed constantly without interfering with viewing.

[0143] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. The present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0144] For example, in the methods disclosed herein, steps, operations, or functions may be performed in parallel or in a different order unless the results are inconsistent. The steps, operations, and functions described are provided merely as examples, and some of the steps, operations, and functions may be omitted or combined into one, or other steps, operations, or functions may be added, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0145] Furthermore, although various embodiments are disclosed in this specification, specific features (technical matters) in one embodiment can be added to or substituted for specific features in other embodiments, with appropriate modifications, and such forms are also included in the spirit of the present invention.

[0146] 1...Program providing service system 10...Broadcasting provider system 20...Distribution provider system 30...Program receiving and displaying device 31...Main control unit 32...Broadcast program receiving and playing unit 321...Tuner / modulation unit 322...Descrambling unit 323...Separating unit 324...Decoding unit 3241...Video decoding unit 3242...Subtitle decoding unit 3243...Audio decoding unit 33...IPTV program receiving and playing unit 331...Communication interface unit 332...Streaming request unit 333...Streaming reception processing unit 334...Separating unit 335...Decoding unit 3351...Video decoding unit 3352...Subtitle decoding unit 3353...Audio decoding unit 34...Output control unit 341...Display control unit 3411...Synthesizing unit 3412...Display driver 3413...Buffer unit 342...Audio control unit 3421...Audio driver 35...Operation reception unit DSP...display device SPK...speaker RC...remote controller 40...communication network

Claims

1. A program receiving display device adapted for IPTV services, comprising: a program stream acquisition unit that transmits a predetermined distribution request to a distribution server in accordance with predetermined link information, and acquires a program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the predetermined distribution request; and a main control unit that controls program content constructed based on the acquired program stream to be displayed on a screen, wherein the main control unit selects at least one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in accordance with a viewer's operation, and the program stream acquisition unit: in the first operation mode, transmits an IP distribution request as the predetermined distribution request, and acquires a first program stream corresponding to the program content for a current channel number according to EPG information, which is IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request; and in the second operation mode, transmits a VOD distribution request as the predetermined distribution request, and acquires a second program stream which is VOD-distributed from the distribution server in response to the VOD distribution request. a program receiving and displaying device, wherein the program stream acquisition unit acquires the second program stream of another program content having a distribution time period different from a distribution time period of the program content for the current channel number according to the EPG information in response to an operation of the viewer to move a playback start position toward the present or past.

2. A program receiving and displaying device as described in claim 1, wherein the main control unit controls, in the first operating mode, the program content based on the first program stream to be displayed on the screen at a real-time playback position on a time axis, and controls, in the second operating mode, 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.

3. The program receiving and displaying device according to claim 2, wherein in the second operating mode, the main control unit controls so that the program content is displayed on the screen based on the second program stream at a playback speed different from the real-time playback speed.

4. The program receiving and displaying device according to claim 3, wherein the main control unit switches to the first operation mode when the playback position of the program content in the past time reaches the playback position in real time.

5. The program receiving and displaying device according to claim 1, wherein said main control section switches to said first operation mode when a channel number different from said current channel number is selected.

6. A program receiving and displaying device according to claim 1, wherein the program stream acquisition unit acquires the second program stream from a past time specified in response to a viewer's operation in accordance with the predetermined link information associated with the program content.

7. A program receiving and displaying device as described in claim 1, wherein the main control unit switches to a third operating mode in accordance with a viewer's operation, and in the third operating mode, controls so that the program content based on the first program stream is displayed in a first frame on the screen at a real-time playback position, and controls so that the program content based on the second program stream is displayed in a second frame different from the first frame at a past playback position.

8. A program receiving and displaying device as described in claim 1, wherein the program stream acquisition unit transmits an IP distribution request instead of the VOD distribution request when the playback position of the program content based on the second program stream reaches the real-time playback position, and receives the first program stream IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request.

9. A program reception and display control method by a program receiving and displaying device adapted for IPTV services, comprising: sending a predetermined distribution request to a distribution server in accordance with predetermined link information; acquiring a program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the predetermined distribution request; and controlling so that program content constructed based on the acquired program stream is displayed on a screen, wherein the controlling comprises selecting at least one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in accordance with a viewer's operation, and acquiring the program stream comprises: in the first operation mode, sending an IP distribution request as the predetermined distribution request, and acquiring a first program stream corresponding to the program content for a current channel number according to EPG information, which is IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request; and in the second operation mode, sending a VOD distribution request as the predetermined distribution request, and acquiring a second program stream which is VOD-distributed from the distribution server in response to the VOD distribution request. acquiring the second program stream of another program content having a distribution time period different from the distribution time period of the program content for the current channel number according to the EPG information in response to the viewer's operation of moving a playback start position toward the present or past.

10. A machine-readable recording medium having a computer program non-temporarily recorded thereon for causing a computing device to execute a method for controlling the display of a program stream distributed by an IPTV service, the method comprising: sending a predetermined distribution request to a distribution server according to predetermined link information; acquiring a program stream distributed from the distribution server in response to the predetermined distribution request; and controlling so that program content configured based on the acquired program stream is displayed on a screen, the controlling including selecting at least one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in accordance with a viewer's operation, and acquiring the program stream including: in the first operation mode, sending an IP distribution request as the predetermined distribution request, and acquiring a first program stream corresponding to the program content for a current channel number according to EPG information, which is IP-distributed from the distribution server in response to the IP distribution request; and in the second operation mode, sending a VOD distribution request as the predetermined distribution request, and acquiring a second program stream which is VOD-distributed from the distribution server in response to the VOD distribution request. acquiring the second program stream of another program content having a distribution time period different from the distribution time period of the program content for the current channel number according to the EPG information in response to the viewer's operation of moving a playback start position toward the present or past.

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