Communication device, communication method, and communication program

Abstract

A communication device according to the present disclosure is provided with a communication unit and a control unit. The control unit receives, via the communication unit, broadcast data that are periodically transmitted from a first communication device and that include streaming data and metadata related to the streaming data. The control unit determines whether preset conditions are satisfied on the basis of the metadata included in the broadcast data, and plays back the streaming data if the conditions are satisfied.

Description

Communication device, communication method, and communication program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a communication program.

[0002] When it comes to communicating information through voice announcements in public spaces, there are very few cases where they are delivered to a specific target audience. For example, at airports, announcements such as flight delays from airlines and facilities are not delivered to a specific target audience, but are instead delivered to an unspecified number of people, including those outside the target audience, using speakers within the facility. Such voice announcements have many drawbacks, such as the mixing of multiple target information as the number of announcements increases, and the longer intervals between announcements, which increases the chance of users missing the announcement.

[0003] In a data distribution announcement, for example, a distribution device distributes data to multiple devices, allowing multiple users to share the data. A known prior art technology for data distribution is a system in which a casino server indicates to a mobile gaming device a predetermined location where an opportunity to present an advertisement may arise in the future, and the advertisement is then sent to the mobile gaming device.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-73718

[0005] However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, the distributed data can be played back without any particular restrictions in a predetermined location, and therefore there is a problem in that the data cannot be played back for a specific target audience.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a communication device, a communication method, and a communication program that enable data playback targeted at a specific target person.

[0007] It should be noted that the above problem or object is merely one of multiple problems or objects that can be solved or achieved by multiple embodiments disclosed in this specification.

[0008] A communication device according to the present disclosure includes a communication unit and a control unit. The control unit receives broadcast data, which is periodically transmitted from a first communication device and includes streaming data and metadata related to the streaming data, via the communication unit. The control unit determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the metadata included in the broadcast data, and plays the streaming data if the condition is satisfied.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of audio playback using a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of pre-setting. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of audio playback. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a distribution device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a distribution device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a playback device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a playback device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, similar components of the embodiments may be distinguished by adding at least one different alphabet and / or number after the same reference numeral. However, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between similar components, the same reference numeral will be used. For example, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished as necessary, such as distribution device 10_A and distribution device 10_B. For example, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between distribution device 10_A and distribution device 10_B, they will simply be referred to as distribution device 10.

[0012] One or more embodiments (including examples, modifications, and application examples) described below can be implemented independently. However, at least a portion of the embodiments described below may be implemented in appropriate combination with at least a portion of another embodiment. These embodiments may include novel features that are different from each other. Therefore, these embodiments may contribute to solving different purposes or problems and may produce different effects from each other.

[0013] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of audio playback using a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a distribution device 10, a communication device 30, and a playback device 40.

[0014] The distribution device 10 is an information processing device that distributes broadcast data including streaming data related to announcements by broadcast communication.

[0015] The communication device 30 is a terminal device such as a smartphone used by the user 20, and receives broadcast data distributed by the distribution device 10 via broadcast communication. The communication device 30 controls the playback device 40 to play back streaming data included in the received broadcast data.

[0016] The playback device 40 is a terminal device having a communication function that enables communication with the distribution device 10 and the communication device 30, and a playback function that enables playback of streaming data received via the communication function. As an example, the playback device 40 is a headphone that the user 20 wears on their ears.

[0017] In the system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as an example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used for communication between the distribution device 10, the communication device 30, and the playback device 40.

[0018] Conventional Bluetooth communication is based on one-to-one communication. Therefore, when transmitting streaming data or the like from one distribution device 10 to multiple communication devices 30 or playback devices 40, the distribution device 10 needs to establish a connection (pair) with each of the playback devices 40 or the like.

[0019] In response to this, a new Bluetooth LE Audio Broadcast function has been proposed, which periodically broadcasts to multiple targets at once. By using this Bluetooth LE Audio Broadcast function, audio streaming over communication can be delivered to multiple targets at once. Unlike typical broadcasting technologies, Bluetooth LE Audio can achieve communication within a certain range due to the characteristics of its standardized transmission output. However, in recent years, playback devices 40 and the like have become smaller, becoming small enough to fit in the ears of users 20, making it difficult to provide users 20 with a sufficient user interface (UI).

[0020] In response to this, there is a function called Broadcast Assistant that provides viewing assistance from communication device 30 with a rich UI, but the standard only provides basic search and setting functions and does not take into account cases where you want to automatically limit reception to specific target users. For example, when distribution devices 10_A and 10_B each broadcast communication using the Bluetooth LE Audio Broadcast function, all devices within the range that can receive the broadcast communication are targeted. Therefore, there is no way for the sender to intentionally limit the target users.

[0021] In the system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the distribution device 10 distributes broadcast data including metadata related to audio streaming data using the Bluetooth LE Audio Broadcast function. The communication device 30 determines whether a predetermined condition is met based on the metadata included in the broadcast data, and if the condition is met, controls the playback device 40 to play the audio streaming data included in the broadcast data. This allows the system 1 to play audio streaming data targeted to a specific target audience.

[0022] As an example of the system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an application example will be described in which announcements are made exclusively to flight passengers at an airport, such as delay information regarding flights of a specific airline, personal calls (e.g., to individual customers who have purchased tickets), and directions to the gate.

[0023] In this application example, distribution devices 10_A and 10_B are placed near airport gates and lounges. This allows the system 1 to play streaming data related to delay information, personal calls, and directions to gates, etc., for specific flight passengers who satisfy the metadata conditions, limited to the vicinity of airport gates and lounges.

[0024] First, the distribution device 10 performs pre-settings for the broadcast data to be distributed (S1), and then starts distributing the broadcast data (S2). Similarly, the communication device 30 acquires in advance personal behavior information including flight details, the user's planned activities, and information about the playback device 40 (S4, S5).

[0025] 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the pre-setting. As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution device 10 receives a setting operation by a user (administrator) and acquires and stores transmission condition information to be assigned as metadata for each piece of streaming data related to announcements such as delay information, gate information, and customer calls for passengers of the flight (S21).

[0026] The transmission condition information to be added as metadata includes identification information such as the information type of the announcement (streaming data), flight number, gate number, etc. The transmission condition information may also include the status (position, direction, etc.) of the device that is to play back the streaming data. For example, the transmission condition information may include information that allows playback when the device is located near the gate and facing in a predetermined direction of desired transmission. Similarly, the transmission condition information may include information that allows playback when the device is located in a predetermined condition (near the gate, near the counter, etc.).

[0027] Next, the distribution device 10 sets broadcast streaming that includes the transmission condition information as metadata along with the streaming data (S22). Specifically, the distribution device 10 sets broadcast streaming so that when a distribution announcement defined in the Public Broadcast Profile (Table 4.1: Broadcast Source advertising data format for the Public Broadcast Announcement) that uses the Broadcast function of LE Audio is made using an Advertising packet defined by LE, the distribution device 10 distributes the announcement with the transmission condition information added as additional Metadata (LTV format).

[0028] The communication device 30 detects whether the user has set a schedule, whether an email about the flight has been received, etc. (S23). For example, if the communication device 30 is a smartphone with an assistant function, when the communication device 30 receives an email indicating the completion of the flight reservation procedure, the email is synchronized with the smartphone's internal calendar function. The support function module for this assistant function can obtain information about the flight for which the reservation procedure has been completed (flight number, flight name, date and time, gate number, etc.) using a calendar provider API provided by the OS (operating system).

[0029] The communication device 30 acquires personal behavior information based on the information acquired by the schedule setting and detection in S23 (S24). Next, the communication device 30 detects the playback device 40 by Bluetooth LE Scan (S25). Next, the communication device 30 establishes a GATT connection with the detected playback device 40 and acquires PACS (Published Audio Capabilities) (S26).

[0030] Next, the communication device 30 acquires the location information and playback type information of the playback device 40 (S27), and stores the acquired information in a memory or the like (S28).

[0031] 1 , after S2, the distribution device 10 distributes broadcast data including, as metadata, transmission condition information preset for each piece of streaming data (also referred to as distribution information) (S3). Specifically, the distribution device 10 periodically distributes each piece of streaming data and the metadata corresponding to that streaming data at predetermined time intervals.

[0032] The communication device 30 searches for a nearby distribution device 10 that distributes broadcast data by scanning using the Assistant support function, etc. Next, the communication device 30 receives the broadcast data and extracts metadata (transmission condition information) such as the transmission type included in the broadcast data (S6).

[0033] Next, the communication device 30 determines whether the distribution information (streaming data) satisfies preset conditions based on the transmission condition information (S7). If the distribution information satisfies the preset conditions, the communication device 30 performs distribution settings for the playback device 40 to play the streaming data (S8). Having received the distribution settings, the playback device 40 receives and decodes the distribution information (streaming data), and plays the decoded distribution information (S10).

[0034] 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of audio playback. Specifically, when distribution starts, the distribution device 10 distributes broadcast data that includes streaming data and transmission condition information (such as type information of the distribution content and location information and direction of terminals that can receive the data) as metadata (S31).

[0035] The communication device 30 receives the distribution information from the distribution device 10 (S32). Next, the communication device 30 acquires the standby state of the playback device 40 (S33).

[0036] Next, the communication device 30 determines whether the distribution information (streaming data) satisfies preset conditions based on the transmission condition information included as metadata for the streaming data (S34).

[0037] Specifically, the communication device 30 determines whether the flight details, etc., included in the transmission condition information are included in the pre-set personal behavior information. If the flight details, etc., are included in the pre-set personal behavior information as a result of this determination, the communication device 30 determines that the distribution information (streaming data) satisfies the pre-set conditions.

[0038] The communication device 30 may also determine whether identification information (flight number, flight name, gate number, customer number, etc.) included in the transmission condition information matches identification information such as pre-set personal behavior information, user setting information, etc. The communication device 30 may also determine whether the state (position, direction, etc.) of the device that should play the streaming data included in the transmission condition information matches the state of the communication device 30 or the playback device 40 detected by a position or direction sensor, etc. If the results of these determinations match, the communication device 30 determines that the distribution information (streaming data) satisfies the pre-set conditions.

[0039] If it is determined that the distribution information (streaming data) satisfies a preset condition, the communication device 30 controls the playback device 40 to share and play the distribution information (streaming data). Specifically, the communication device 30 uses a sound source addition command defined as an Assistant function in Spec (BASS version 1.0, etc.) to set the playback device 40 to receive the shared distribution information (streaming data) (S35).

[0040] Upon receiving the instruction to set up reception, the playback device 40 detects the streaming data based on the details of the distribution information included in the instruction and decodes the data. If the streaming data is encrypted, the playback device 40 requests key information (a common key) for decrypting the encrypted information from the communication device 30 (S36).

[0041] Upon receiving the request for key information, the communication device 30 acquires the key information from the distribution device 10 (S37). Next, the communication device 30 transmits the acquired key information to the playback device 40 to perform decryption settings (S38). The playback device 40 starts receiving the distribution information (streaming data) (S39), and decrypts and plays back the received distribution information (streaming data) based on the key information acquired through the decryption settings.

[0042] (Distribution Device) The distribution device 10 is a communication device that performs broadcast communication. The distribution device 10 is an information processing device that performs various processes, such as encryption of audio data. The distribution device 10 may be a mobile terminal such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, a smart device (smartphone or tablet), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a notebook PC. The distribution device 10 may also be a device equivalent to a wireless base station or a wireless access point. The distribution device 10 may also be a wireless relay station.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the distribution device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the distribution device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input / output unit 13, and a control unit 14. Note that the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the distribution device 10 may be statically or dynamically distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated components. The distribution device 10 may also be configured by multiple information processing devices.

[0044] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for wireless communication with other devices, and communicates with other devices using a wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth.

[0045] The communication unit 11 may be configured to be able to use wireless access technologies (wireless communication methods) other than Bluetooth, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), New Radio (NR), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. For example, the distribution device 10 may be configured to be able to use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

[0046] The communication unit 11 functions as a communication means of the distribution device 10. The communication unit 11 communicates with other devices and performs broadcast communication under the control of the control unit 14.

[0047] The storage unit 12 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 12 stores distribution information 121 to be distributed by broadcast communication. The storage unit 12 also stores, for example, key information related to encryption and decryption of the distribution information 121. The storage unit 12 functions as a storage means of the distribution device 10.

[0048] The input / output unit 13 is a user interface for exchanging information with a user. For example, the input / output unit 13 is an operation device such as a keyboard, a mouse, operation keys, or a touch panel that allows a user to perform various operations. Alternatively, the input / output unit 13 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED). The input / output unit 13 may be an audio device such as a speaker or a buzzer. Alternatively, the input / output unit 13 may be a lighting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp. The input / output unit 13 functions as an input / output means (input means, output means, operation means, or notification means) of the distribution device 10.

[0049] The control unit 14 is a controller that controls each unit of the distribution device 10. The control unit 14 is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). For example, the control unit 14 is realized by the processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the distribution device 10 using a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like as a working area.

[0050] The control unit 14 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). A CPU, an MPU, an ASIC, and an FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0051] The control unit 14 includes a presetting unit 141 and a distribution unit 142. Each block constituting the control unit 14 (the presetting unit 141 and the distribution unit 142) is a functional block that indicates a function of the control unit 14.

[0052] These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks may be a software module implemented by software (including a microprogram), or may be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The functional blocks may be configured in any manner. Note that the control unit 14 may be configured by functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks.

[0053] The presetting unit 141 is a processing unit that performs the above-mentioned presetting-related processing. The distribution unit 142 is a processing unit that performs the above-mentioned distribution-related processing.

[0054] Here, a description will be given of the processing operations of the distribution device 10 by the presetting unit 141 and the distribution unit 142. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the distribution device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] 5, when the process starts, the presetting unit 141 sets distribution conditions (transmission condition information) for each streaming data item based on the user (administrator)'s operation via the input / output unit 13. Specifically, the presetting unit 141 sets transmission condition information corresponding to each streaming data item along with the streaming data item. For example, the presetting unit 141 sets the distribution content, identification information (flight number, flight name, gate number, customer number, etc.) as the transmission condition information. The presetting unit 141 also sets the direction and position range of the device that should play the streaming data.

[0056] Next, the distribution unit 142 receives a data distribution operation from the user (administrator) via the input / output unit 13 to start distribution of broadcast data (S42).

[0057] When the data distribution operation is received, the distribution unit 142 determines whether or not distribution conditions (transmission condition information) have been set (S43). In this determination, if the transmission condition information has been set, it is determined that the information has been set, and if the transmission condition information has not been set, it is determined that the information has not been set.

[0058] If no transmission condition information is attached, the distribution unit 142 constructs audio distribution data (streaming data) to be broadcast without including the transmission condition information as metadata (S44).

[0059] If yes, the distribution unit 142 sets the distribution details so that the transmission condition information is included as metadata together with the streaming data (S45). Next, the distribution unit 142 constructs data for broadcasting the audio data (streaming data) and the distribution details (S46).

[0060] Following S44 and S46, the distribution unit 142 starts broadcasting (distribution) of the constructed data (S47).

[0061] (Communication Device) The communication device 30 is an information processing device that controls the playback device 40 that receives broadcast data to play streaming data included in the broadcast data. The communication device 30 can be a device such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, a smart device (smartphone or tablet), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a notebook PC. Note that, in the present disclosure, an example configuration is given in which the communication device 30 controls the playback device 40 to play streaming data included in the broadcast data, but it goes without saying that the communication device 30 itself may play the streaming data.

[0062] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a communication device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 6, the communication device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input / output unit 33, and a control unit 34. Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 6 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the communication device 30 may be statically or dynamically distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated configurations. The communication device 30 may also be configured by multiple information processing devices.

[0063] The communication unit 31 is a communication interface for wireless communication with other devices (e.g., the distribution device 10 and the playback device 40). The communication unit 31 communicates with other devices using a wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth.

[0064] The communication unit 31 may be configured to be able to use wireless access technologies (wireless communication methods) other than Bluetooth, such as LTE, NR, Wi-Fi, etc. For example, the communication device 30 may be configured to be able to use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

[0065] The communication unit 31 functions as a communication means of the communication device 30. The communication unit 31 communicates with other devices and receives broadcast data under the control of the control unit 34.

[0066] The storage unit 32 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 32 stores personal behavior information 321 indicating a user's predetermined behavior schedule. The storage unit 32 also stores, for example, key information (a common key) related to decryption of the distribution information 121 distributed by the distribution device 10. The storage unit 32 functions as a storage means of the communication device 30.

[0067] The input / output unit 33 is a user interface for exchanging information with the user. For example, the input / output unit 33 is an operation device such as a keyboard, a mouse, operation keys, or a touch panel that allows the user to perform various operations. Alternatively, the input / output unit 33 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input / output unit 33 may be an acoustic device such as a speaker or a buzzer. The input / output unit 33 may also be a lighting device such as an LED lamp. The input / output unit 33 functions as input / output means (input means, output means, operation means, or notification means) of the communication device 30.

[0068] The control unit 34 is a controller that controls each unit of the communication device 30. The control unit 34 is realized by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. For example, the control unit 34 is realized by the processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the communication device 30 using a RAM or the like as a working area.

[0069] The control unit 34 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. A CPU, an MPU, an ASIC, and an FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0070] The control unit 34 includes a presetting unit 341 and a distribution setting unit 342. Each block (the presetting unit 341 and the distribution setting unit 342) constituting the control unit 34 is a functional block indicating a function of the control unit 34.

[0071] These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks may be a software module implemented by software (including a microprogram), or may be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The functional blocks may be configured in any manner. Note that the control unit 34 may be configured as functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks.

[0072] The presetting unit 341 is a processing unit that performs processing related to the presetting described above. The distribution setting unit 342 is a processing unit that performs processing related to the distribution setting described above.

[0073] Here, a description will be given of the processing operations of the communication device 30 by the presetting unit 341 and the distribution setting unit 342. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, when the process starts, the control unit 34 activates the assistant support function (S51).

[0075] Next, the control unit 34 determines whether the event is a schedule setting, detection of an incoming mail (S52), detection of a broadcast (S55), or connection to a playback device (S58).

[0076] If the detected event is a schedule setting or an incoming email (S52), the presetting unit 341 determines whether the detected schedule setting or incoming email includes the personal behavior information 321 (S53). If the detected event is not the personal behavior information 321 (S53: No), the presetting unit 341 returns the process to S52.

[0077] If the personal behavior information 321 is included (S53: Yes), the presetting unit 341 stores the personal behavior information 321 included in the schedule setting and the incoming mail in the storage unit 32 (S54), and returns the process to S52.

[0078] If the detection is a broadcast (S55), the distribution setting unit 342 acquires detailed information (metadata) of the distribution content (S56). Next, the distribution setting unit 342 determines whether the acquired detailed information of the distribution content matches the personal behavior information 321 (S57).

[0079] If the determination in S57 is negative (No), the distribution setting unit 342 returns the process to S55. If the determination in S57 is positive (Yes), the distribution setting unit 342 determines whether or not to start distribution based on whether or not the status (position, direction, etc.) of the device that is to play the streaming data, which is included in the detailed information of the distribution content, matches the sensor information (device status) acquired by the distribution setting unit 342 (S61).

[0080] If distribution is not to start, the distribution setting unit 342 returns the process to S55. If distribution is to start, the distribution setting unit 342 instructs the playback device 40 to set up reception using a sound source addition command defined as an Assistant function (S62), and ends the process.

[0081] If the playback device is connected (S58), the presetting unit 341 acquires PACS information of the playback device 40 (S59). Next, the presetting unit 341 acquires location information of the playback device 40, and the process proceeds to S61.

[0082] (Playback Device) The playback device 40 is an information processing device that receives broadcast data and plays back streaming data included in the broadcast data. The playback device 40 is an audio device that plays back audio streaming data included in the broadcast data.

[0083] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the streaming data included in the broadcast data is audio streaming data, but it goes without saying that the streaming data may be video streaming data such as moving images. When video streaming data is played back, the playback device 40 may be an audio-visual device that plays back video streaming data.

[0084] For example, the playback device 40 may be a device such as earphones, headphones, a headset, an audio speaker, smart glasses, a head-mounted display (HMD), a smart device (a smartphone or a tablet), or a notebook PC.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a playback device 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the playback device 40 includes a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, an output unit 43, and a control unit 44. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 8 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different. Furthermore, the functions of the playback device 40 may be statically or dynamically distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated configurations. The playback device 40 may also be configured by multiple information processing devices.

[0086] The communication unit 41 is a communication interface for wireless communication with other devices (e.g., the distribution device 10 and the communication device 30). The communication unit 41 communicates with other devices using a wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth.

[0087] The communication unit 41 may be configured to be able to use wireless access technologies (wireless communication methods) other than Bluetooth, such as LTE, NR, Wi-Fi, etc. For example, the playback device 40 may be configured to be able to use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

[0088] The communication unit 41 functions as a communication means of the playback device 40. The communication unit 41 communicates with other devices and receives broadcast data under the control of the control unit 44.

[0089] The storage unit 42 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 42 stores, for example, key information (a common key) related to decryption of the distribution information 121 distributed by the distribution device 10. The storage unit 42 functions as a storage means of the playback device 40.

[0090] The output unit 43 is a user interface for outputting information to the user. For example, the output unit 43 is an audio device such as a speaker or a buzzer. The output unit 43 may also be a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The output unit 43 may also be a lighting device such as an LED lamp. The output unit 43 functions as output means (or notification means) of the playback device 40.

[0091] The control unit 44 is a controller that controls each unit of the playback device 40. The control unit 44 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. For example, the control unit 44 is realized by the processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the playback device 40 using a RAM or the like as a working area.

[0092] The control unit 44 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. A CPU, an MPU, an ASIC, and an FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0093] The control unit 44 includes a distribution setting unit 441 and a distribution receiving unit 442. Each block constituting the control unit 44 (the distribution setting unit 441 and the distribution receiving unit 442) is a functional block that indicates the function of the control unit 44.

[0094] These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks may be a software module implemented by software (including a microprogram), or may be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The functional blocks may be configured in any manner. Note that the control unit 44 may be configured as functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks.

[0095] The distribution setting unit 441 is a processing unit that performs processing related to the above-mentioned advance setting. The distribution receiving unit 442 is a processing unit that performs processing related to the above-mentioned reproduction of the distribution information.

[0096] Here, a description will be given of the processing operations of the playback device 40 by the distribution setting unit 441 and the distribution receiving unit 442. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the playback device 40 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] 9, when the process starts, the distribution setting unit 441 establishes a connection with the communication device 30 (S71). Next, the distribution setting unit 441 deploys (outputs) the PACS information to the communication device 30 in response to a request from the communication device 30 (S72).

[0098] Next, in response to a request from the communication device 30, the distribution setting unit 441 expands (outputs) the location information of the playback device 40 detected by a location sensor or the like to the communication device 30 (S73).

[0099] Next, the distribution receiving unit 442 determines whether or not the distribution information (streaming data) broadcast by the distribution device 10 has been received, based on whether or not the communication device 30 has been set up to receive the data (S74). If the communication device 30 has not been set up to receive the data and the distribution information (streaming data) has not been received (S74: No), the distribution receiving unit 442 waits for processing.

[0100] If the communication device 30 is set up to receive the distribution information (streaming data) (S74: Yes), the distribution receiving unit 442 checks the data of the distribution information (streaming data) broadcast by the distribution device 10 and detects the BIS (S75).

[0101] Next, the delivery receiving unit 442 checks whether the delivery information (streaming data) is encrypted (S76). If the delivery information (streaming data) is encrypted, the delivery receiving unit 442 acquires an encryption key for decryption via the communication device 30 (S77), decrypts the received delivery information (streaming data) based on the acquired encryption key, and plays it back from the output unit 43.

[0102] If not encrypted, the distribution receiving unit 442 decodes the received data (streaming data) and reproduces it from the output unit 43 (S78).

[0103] (Application Examples) In the embodiments according to the present disclosure, application examples have been described for cases in which announcements are made exclusively to flight users at airports, such as delay information regarding flights of a specific airline, personal calls (for example, individual customers who have purchased tickets), and directions to the gate, etc. However, application examples of the embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above cases.

[0104] For example, examples of application of the embodiments of the present disclosure include screen advertisements on the street, announcements at sports gyms and sports bars, and the like.

[0105] Conventionally, when providing multiple streaming contents within a specific area on the street, it would be impossible to ensure a comfortable viewing environment for users, so measures such as muting the sound would be taken. In contrast, in an embodiment according to the present disclosure, streaming contents can be played back from the playback device 40 when preset conditions based on metadata included in the broadcast data are met, so that streaming contents can be provided accurately to specific users.

[0106] For example, a sports gym can provide audio guidance and instructional videos tailored to each member's training menu, while a sports bar can select the video to watch from multiple simultaneous broadcasts of games, or switch between streaming streams for each team.

[0107] (Effect) As described above, the communication device 30 includes the communication unit 31 and the control unit 34. The control unit 34 receives broadcast data, which is periodically transmitted from the first communication device (distribution device 10) and includes streaming data and metadata related to the streaming data, via the communication unit 31. The control unit 34 determines whether a predetermined condition is met based on the metadata included in the broadcast data, and plays the streaming data if the condition is met. This allows the communication device 30 to play the streaming data for a specific target audience who meets the predetermined condition.

[0108] The control unit 34 also determines whether the content included in the metadata is included in a pre-set schedule, so that the communication device 30 can play back the streaming data if the content matches the pre-set schedule.

[0109] The control unit 34 also determines whether or not the streaming data is played back based on the identification information, which is included in the metadata and is set in advance.

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit 34 determines whether the state of the device that is to play back the streaming data included in the metadata matches the state of the communication device 30. This allows the communication device 30 to control whether or not to play back the streaming data based on the state of the communication device 30.

[0111] Furthermore, if the conditions are met, the control unit 34 causes the second communication device (playback device 40) capable of receiving the broadcast data to play the streaming data, thereby enabling the communication device 30 to play the streaming data from the second communication device (playback device 40) for specific targets who meet the preset conditions.

[0112] Furthermore, the streaming data is encrypted, and when the control unit 34 causes the second communication device (playback device 40) to play back the streaming data, the control unit 34 transmits key information for decrypting the encrypted streaming data to the second communication device, thereby enabling the communication device 30 to play back the encrypted streaming data on the second communication device.

[0113] The streaming data is audio data, and the control unit 34 plays audio based on the streaming data when a condition is satisfied, thereby enabling the communication device 30 to play audio based on the streaming data for a specific target person who satisfies a preset condition.

[0114] (Hardware Configuration Example) Information devices such as the distribution device 10, communication device 30, and playback device 40 according to the above-described embodiments are realized by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 10, for example. Fig. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the computer 1000. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1300, an SSD (Solid State Drive) 1400, a communication interface 1500, and an input / output interface 1600. The components of the computer 1000 are connected by a bus 1050.

[0115] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each component based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the SSD 1400. For example, the CPU 1100 loads the programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the SSD 1400 into the RAM 1200 and executes processing corresponding to the various programs.

[0116] The ROM 1300 stores boot programs such as a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) that is executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started, and programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000 .

[0117] The SSD 1400 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records programs executed by the CPU 1100 and data used by such programs. Specifically, the SSD 1400 is a recording medium that records a communication program according to the present disclosure, which is an example of the program data 1450. The SSD 1400 may be another non-temporary recording medium, such as a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0118] The communication interface 1500 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to an external network 1550 (e.g., the Internet). For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from other devices and transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication interface 1500.

[0119] The input / output interface 1600 is an interface for connecting the input / output device 1650 and the computer 1000. For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from input devices such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, microphone, and camera via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also transmits data to output devices such as a display, speaker, and printer via the input / output interface 1600. The input / output interface 1600 may also function as a media interface for reading programs and the like recorded on a predetermined recording medium. Examples of media include optical recording media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) and PDs (Phase Change Rewritable Disks), magneto-optical recording media such as MOs (Magneto-Optical Disks), tape media, magnetic recording media, and semiconductor memories.

[0120] For example, when computer 1000 functions as distribution device 10, communication device 30, or playback device 40 according to the embodiment, CPU 1100 of computer 1000 executes a communication program loaded onto RAM 1200 to realize functions of control unit 14, control unit 34, control unit 44, etc. Also, SSD 1400 stores the communication program according to the present disclosure and data in RAM 1200. Note that CPU 1100 reads and executes program data 1450 from SSD 1400, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from another device via external network 1550.

[0121] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) A communication device comprising: a communication unit; and a control unit that receives, via the communication unit, broadcast data that is periodically transmitted from a first communication device and includes streaming data and metadata related to the streaming data; determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the metadata included in the broadcast data; and plays the streaming data if the condition is satisfied. (2) The communication device described in (1), wherein the control unit determines, as the condition, that content included in the metadata is included in a predetermined scheduled activity. (3) The communication device described in (1) or (2), wherein the control unit determines, as the condition, that identification information related to the streaming data included in the metadata matches predetermined identification information. (4) The communication device described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit determines, as the condition, that a state of a device that should play the streaming data, included in the metadata, matches a state of the communication device. (5) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit causes a second communication device capable of receiving the broadcast data to play the streaming data when the condition is satisfied. (6) The communication device according to (5), wherein the streaming data is encrypted, and wherein the control unit transmits key information for decrypting the encrypted streaming data to the second communication device when playing the streaming data in the second communication device. (7) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the streaming data is audio data, and wherein the control unit plays audio based on the streaming data when the condition is satisfied. (8) The communication device according to (4), wherein the state of the device relates to the position of the device. (9) The communication device according to (4), wherein the state of the device relates to the direction in which the device is facing.(10) A communication method in which a computer executes the following process: receives, via the communication unit, broadcast data that is periodically transmitted from a first communication device and includes streaming data and metadata related to the streaming data, and controls whether or not to play the streaming data based on whether or not the metadata included in the broadcast data satisfies a preset condition. (11) A communication program in which a computer executes the following process: receives, via the communication unit, broadcast data that is periodically transmitted from a first communication device and includes streaming data and metadata related to the streaming data, and controls whether or not to play the streaming data based on whether or not the metadata included in the broadcast data satisfies a preset condition.

[0122] 1...System 10, 10_A, 10_B...Distribution device 11...Communication unit 12...Storage unit 13...Input / output unit 14...Control unit 20...User 30...Communication device 31...Communication unit 32...Storage unit 33...Input / output unit 34...Control unit 40...Playback device 41...Communication unit 42...Storage unit 43...Output unit 44...Control unit 121...Distribution information 141, 341...Presetting unit 142...Distribution unit 321...Personal behavior information 342, 441...Distribution setting unit 442...Distribution receiving unit 1000...Computer 1050...Bus 1100...CPU 1200...RAM 1300...ROM 1400...SSD 1450...Program data 1500...Communication interface 1550...External network 1600...Input / output interface 1650...Input / output device

Claims

1. A communication device comprising: a communication unit; and a control unit that receives broadcast data, which is periodically transmitted from a first communication device, via the communication unit and includes streaming data and metadata related to the streaming data; determines whether or not a predetermined condition is met based on the metadata included in the broadcast data; and plays the streaming data if the condition is met.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the condition is that the content included in the metadata is included in a pre-set action plan.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the condition is that identification information relating to the streaming data included in the metadata matches predetermined identification information.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the condition is that the state of the device that is to play back the streaming data included in the metadata matches the state of the communication device.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, when the condition is satisfied, the control unit causes a second communication device capable of receiving the broadcast data to reproduce the streaming data.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the streaming data is encrypted, and when the control unit plays back the streaming data in the second communication device, it transmits key information for decrypting the encrypted streaming data to the second communication device.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the streaming data is audio data, and the control unit reproduces audio based on the streaming data when the condition is satisfied.

8. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the state of the device relates to the location of the device.

9. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the state of the device relates to a direction in which the device is facing.

10. A communication method in which a computer receives broadcast data, which is periodically transmitted from a first communication device and includes streaming data and metadata related to the streaming data, via a communication unit, and controls whether or not to play the streaming data based on whether or not the metadata included in the broadcast data satisfies a preset condition.

11. A communication program that causes a computer to execute a process of receiving, via a communication unit, broadcast data that is periodically transmitted from a first communication device and includes streaming data and metadata related to the streaming data, and controlling whether or not to play the streaming data based on whether or not the metadata included in the broadcast data satisfies a preset condition.

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