Transmission device, transmission method, reception device, and reception method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a transmission device, a transmission method, a reception device, and a reception method that make it possible to receive a more suitable broadcasting service. Provided is a transmission device comprising: a first generation unit that generates control information including acquirer information indicating an acquirer of transmission station information pertaining to a transmission station; a second generation unit that generates, for each broadcasting service, a broadcast stream including the control information and data constituting the broadcasting service; and a transmission unit that transmits the broadcast stream as a broadcast signal from the transmission station, wherein the transmission station information includes an area code for identifying a broadcast region and / or station selection information pertaining to the station selection for the broadcasting service provided in the broadcast area identified by the area code. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a system compatible with an ISDB-T next-generation broadcasting scheme.

Description

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

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transmitting device, a transmitting method, a receiving device, and a receiving method, and more particularly to a transmitting device, a transmitting method, a receiving device, and a receiving method that enable reception of more appropriate broadcast services.

[0002] When a receiver for terrestrial digital television broadcasting performs an initial scan to acquire a list of broadcast services to receive (service list), it may register unstable signals from outside the broadcast area. Furthermore, when frequency repacking (channel repacking) is performed, this phenomenon is reported as reception interference, and the cost of countermeasures is high.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a technology that, when frequency repacking is performed during the transition from current terrestrial digital television broadcasting to new next-generation terrestrial broadcasting, determines whether a receiver is receiving the same broadcast content on different channels by multiplexing and transmitting area name information, operator information, and version information onto the broadcast content.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-163273

[0005] Previously, terrestrial digital television receivers would prioritize the highest quality broadcast signal in their service list during initial scanning, but there was no information available to identify the broadcast service that should be received within the broadcast area. This meant that there was a risk that the terrestrial digital television receiver would not be able to receive the appropriate broadcast service.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in light of such circumstances, and makes it possible to receive more appropriate broadcast services.

[0007] A transmitting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first generating unit that generates control information including source information indicating where to obtain transmitting station information related to the transmitting station, a second generating unit that generates, for each broadcast service, a broadcast stream including data constituting the broadcast service and the control information, and a transmitting unit that transmits the broadcast stream as a broadcast signal from the transmitting station, wherein the transmitting station information includes at least an area code that identifies a broadcast region and tuning information related to tuning of broadcast services provided within the broadcast area identified by the area code.

[0008] A transmission method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a transmitting device generating control information including source information indicating where to obtain transmitting station information related to the transmitting station, generating a broadcast stream for each broadcast service including data constituting the broadcast service and the control information, and transmitting the broadcast stream as a broadcast signal from the transmitting station, wherein the transmitting station information includes at least an area code that identifies a broadcast region and tuning information related to tuning of a broadcast service provided within the broadcast area identified by the area code.

[0009] In a transmitting device and a transmitting method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, control information is generated that includes source information indicating where to obtain transmitting station information related to the transmitting station, and for each broadcasting service, a broadcast stream is generated that includes data constituting the broadcasting service and the control information, and the broadcast stream is transmitted as a broadcasting signal from the transmitting station, and the transmitting station information includes at least an area code that identifies the broadcasting region and tuning information related to tuning of broadcasting services provided within the broadcasting area identified by the area code.

[0010] A receiving device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a transmitting station, a control unit that controls the operation of each unit based on control information contained in a broadcast stream obtained from the broadcast signal, and a communication unit that communicates with a server via a network, wherein the control information includes source information indicating where to obtain transmitting station information related to the transmitting station, and the transmitting station information includes at least an area code that identifies a broadcast region and tuning information related to tuning of a broadcast service provided within the broadcast area identified by the area code, and the communication unit obtains the transmitting station information from the server based on the source information, and the control unit controls tuning operation based on the tuning information contained in the obtained transmitting station information.

[0011] A receiving method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving device receiving a broadcast signal transmitted from a transmitting station, controlling the operation of each unit based on control information included in a broadcast stream obtained from the broadcast signal, and communicating with a server via a network, wherein the control information includes source information indicating a source from which to obtain transmission station information related to the transmitting station, and the transmission station information includes at least an area code that identifies a broadcast region and tuning information related to tuning of a broadcast service provided within the broadcast area identified by the area code, and the receiving method further includes acquiring the transmission station information from the server based on the source information, and controlling a tuning operation based on the tuning information included in the acquired transmission station information.

[0012] In a receiving device and a receiving method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a broadcast signal transmitted from a transmitting station is received, and the operation of each unit is controlled based on control information included in a broadcast stream obtained from the broadcast signal, and communication is performed with a server via a network. The control information includes source information indicating a source from which to obtain transmitting station information related to the transmitting station, and the transmitting station information includes at least an area code that identifies a broadcast region and channel selection information related to selecting a broadcast service provided in the broadcast area identified by the area code. The transmitting station information is obtained from the server based on the source information, and a channel selection operation is controlled based on the channel selection information included in the obtained transmitting station information.

[0013] The transmitting device and receiving device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be independent devices or may be internal blocks constituting a single device.

[0014] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of an embodiment of a system to which the present disclosure is applied. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an embodiment of a transmitting device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an embodiment of a receiving device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an embodiment of a server of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a TLV-NIT. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of an area network descriptor. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example configuration of an area network descriptor. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example method for distributing transmitting station information for each broadcast area. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of transmitting station information. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of transmitting side processing executed by a transmitting device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of receiving side processing executed by a receiving device. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by a server. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example method for uploading receiver information for each broadcast area. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of receiver information. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a computer.

[0015] <System Configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an embodiment of a system to which the present disclosure is applied. In Fig. 1, the system to which the present disclosure is applied is configured to include a transmitting device 10, a receiving device 20, and a server 30. A system refers to a logical collection of multiple devices.

[0016] The transmitting device 10 transmits broadcast content, such as broadcast programs produced by a broadcast station, as a broadcast signal. The broadcasting method may be a terrestrial digital television broadcasting method, such as the next-generation ISDB-T (Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting - Terrestrial) method. The transmitting device 10 performs necessary processing on control information and broadcast content data, and transmits the resulting broadcast signal from a transmitting antenna installed in the transmitting station.

[0017] The receiving device 20 is a device capable of receiving a broadcast signal, such as a television receiver. The receiving device 20 receives the broadcast signal transmitted from the transmitting station 11 via an antenna. The receiving device 20 performs necessary processing on control information and data obtained from the received broadcast signal (received signal), thereby outputting video and audio of broadcast content such as a broadcast program.

[0018] The receiving device 20 also has a communication I / F (Interface) and can be connected to a network 40 such as the Internet. The receiving device 20 receives control information and data transmitted from the server 30 via the network 40. The receiving device 20 performs various processes using the control information and data received from the server 30.

[0019] The server 30 is a server device connected to the network 40 and provides data and services in response to requests from client devices. The server 30 pre-records control information and data to be provided to the receiving device 20, and transmits the control information and data via the network 40 in response to requests from the receiving device 20.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of the transmission device 10 of Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the transmission device 10 includes a processing unit 101 and a transmission unit 102.

[0021] The processing unit 101 has an encoder 111, a control information generating unit 112, and a multiplexing unit 113. Broadcast content data such as broadcast programs provided as a broadcast service is input to the processing unit 101 from an external server connected via a network, storage built into the transmitting device 10, etc. The encoder 111 encodes the video data and audio data input as data constituting the broadcast content in accordance with a predetermined encoding method, and supplies the encoded video data and audio data to the multiplexing unit 113.

[0022] The control information generator 112 generates control information and supplies it to the multiplexer 113. The control information generated here is control information related to the transmission of broadcast content, and is upper-layer control information (e.g., TLV-SI) used when processing data constituting the broadcast content in an upper layer (e.g., transport layer) that is a layer higher than the physical layer in the protocol stack. The multiplexer 113 multiplexes the video data and audio data supplied from the encoder 111 and the control information supplied from the control information generator 112, and supplies the resulting broadcast stream (e.g., TLV stream) to the transmitter 102.

[0023] The transmitter 102 performs physical layer processing, such as encoding using error correction codes, on the broadcast stream supplied from the processor 101. The transmitter 102 constructs a physical layer frame using the data signal obtained by the physical layer processing and physical layer control information (e.g., TMCC (Transmission and Multiplexing Configuration Control) information, etc.). The transmitter 102 performs necessary processing, such as IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) and GI (Guard Interval) addition, to modulate the physical layer frame and generate a broadcast signal. The broadcast signal is transmitted from a transmitting antenna installed in the transmitting station.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of the receiving device 20 in Fig. 1. In Fig. 3, the receiving device 20 includes a receiving unit 201, a processing unit 202, a control unit 203, a memory 204, and a communication unit 205.

[0025] The receiving unit 201 is composed of a tuner and a demodulation device (e.g., a demodulation LSI). The receiving unit 201 demodulates a physical layer frame by performing necessary processing such as GI removal and FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) on the broadcast signal received via an antenna. The receiving unit 201 acquires a data signal based on physical layer control information included in the physical layer frame, and performs physical layer processing such as error correction using an error correction code. The receiving unit 201 supplies the broadcast stream obtained by the physical layer processing to the processing unit 202.

[0026] The processing unit 202 is composed of a main SoC (System on Chip) and the like. The processing unit 202 has a demultiplexing unit 211, a control information acquisition unit 212, and a decoder 213. The demultiplexing unit 211 separates the input broadcast stream into video data, audio data, and upper layer control information. The demultiplexing unit 211 supplies the video data and audio data to the decoder 213. The control information acquisition unit 212 acquires the upper layer control information separated by the demultiplexing unit 211 and supplies it to the control unit 203.

[0027] The control unit 203 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 203 controls the operation of each unit of the receiving device 20. For example, the control unit 203 controls the channel selection process by the receiving unit 201 and the demultiplexing process by the demultiplexing unit 211 based on upper layer control information supplied from the control information acquisition unit 212. The memory 204 is a non-volatile memory such as an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM). The memory 204 records various data under the control of the control unit 203.

[0028] The video data and audio data are supplied to the decoder 213 from the demultiplexer 211. The decoder 213 decodes the encoded video data and audio data according to a predetermined decoding method and outputs the decoded video data and audio data to downstream circuits. As a result, in the receiving device 20, images corresponding to the video data are displayed on the display and sounds corresponding to the audio data are output from the speaker, allowing the user to watch broadcast content such as a broadcast program.

[0029] The communication unit 205 is configured with a communication I / F circuit and the like for connecting to a network 40 such as the Internet. The communication unit 205 accesses the server 30 via the network 40 under control of the control unit 203, receives control information, data, and the like, and supplies the same to the control unit 203. For example, the communication unit 205 is configured to include a circuit that complies with a communication method such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and can connect to the Internet via a home LAN. The control unit 203 performs various processes and controls based on the control information and data supplied from the communication unit 205.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of the server 30 in Fig. 1. In Fig. 4, the server 30 includes a communication unit 301, a control unit 302, and a storage unit 303.

[0031] The communication unit 301 is composed of a communication I / F circuit or the like for connecting to a network 40 such as the Internet. The communication unit 301 transmits control information and data to the receiving device 20 that accesses it via the network 40 under the control of the control unit 302. The control unit 302 is composed of a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 302 controls the operation of each unit of the server 30. The storage unit 303 is a storage device composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The storage unit 303 pre-records control information and data to be provided to the receiving device 20.

[0032] The control unit 302 has a transmission station information management unit 311 and a monitor unit 312. The transmission station information management unit 311 records and manages transmission station information related to the transmission station in the storage unit 303. When the receiving device 20 accesses the transmission station information management unit 311, the transmission station information management unit 311 acquires transmission station information corresponding to the receiving device 20 from the storage unit 303 and supplies the information to the communication unit 301. The communication unit 301 transmits the transmission station information from the transmission station information management unit 311 to the receiving device 20. The monitor unit 312 monitors receiver information (e.g., information on the quality of the broadcast signal) received by the communication unit 301. The receiver information is information related to the receiver and is information transmitted from the receiving device 20 via the network 40.

[0033] While the configuration of FIG. 1 illustrates a single receiving device 20, in practice, multiple receiving devices 20 may be provided, each receiving and processing a broadcast signal transmitted from the transmitting device 10. Furthermore, while the configuration of FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration in which the transmitting device 10 includes a processing unit 101 having an encoder 111, a control information generating unit 112, and a multiplexing unit 113, and a transmitting unit 102, these components (blocks) do not need to be provided within a single housing. For example, the transmitting device 10 may be configured as a transmission system (broadcast sending system) in which at least one of the components illustrated in FIG. 2 is provided in a separate device (broadcast server). Furthermore, while the configuration of FIG. 1 illustrates a single server 30, the transmitting device 10 may be configured with multiple communication servers.

[0034] <Broadcasting method> In Japan, the ISDB-T method is used as the broadcasting method for terrestrial digital television broadcasting, but studies are being conducted to upgrade it to the next generation, and various technical methods are being considered. Hereinafter, the next generation method of ISDB-T will be referred to as the advanced terrestrial broadcasting method. In the system shown in Figure 1, the advanced terrestrial broadcasting method can be used as the broadcasting method for terrestrial digital television broadcasting.

[0035] The adoption of the TLV (Type Length Value) multiplexing method and MMT (MPEG Media Transport) method is being considered for the advanced terrestrial broadcasting system, and MMT-SI (Signaling Information) and TLV-SI are planned to be used as control information for transmission. MMT-SI is control information related to the configuration of broadcast content, etc. MMT-SI is transmitted in MMTP (MMT Protocol) packets. Broadcast content data (video data, audio data) is packetized into MMTP packets and transmitted in IP packets. IP packets are transmitted in the form of TLV packets over broadcast transmission paths. TLV-SI is control information related to the multiplexing of IP packets. TLV-SI is transmitted in TLV packets.

[0036] TLV-SI includes control information such as TLV-NIT (Network Information Table) and AMT (Address Map Table). TLV-NIT is a table that transmits information that associates transmission path information such as modulation frequency with broadcast programs when transmitting using TLV packets. AMT is a table that transmits information that associates a service identifier that identifies a broadcast program number with an IP packet.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a TLV-NIT. As shown in Fig. 5, the TLV-NIT defines a local network and another network, and a different table identification is assigned to each network.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5A, the TLV-NIT of the local network includes a partial reception descriptor, a second-generation terrestrial distribution system descriptor, etc. The partial reception descriptor is a descriptor related to broadcasting services transmitted in the partial reception layer. In the advanced terrestrial broadcasting standard, broadcasting services are provided through hierarchical transmission using a segment structure in which one channel is divided into segments, as in the current ISDB-T standard, and partial reception of the central segment is possible. The second-generation terrestrial distribution system descriptor is a descriptor related to the physical layer of the transmission path coding method of the advanced terrestrial broadcasting standard.

[0039] As shown in B of Fig. 5, the TLV-NIT of the other network includes an area network descriptor. The area network descriptor describes the transmission station information when the transmission station information is provided via a broadcast transmission path, and describes acquisition source information indicating the source from which the transmission station information is obtained when the transmission station information is provided via a communication transmission path. The transmission station information includes at least an area code that identifies the area (broadcast area) in which the broadcast is performed, and channel selection information related to channel selection of a broadcast service provided within the broadcast area identified by the area code.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an area network descriptor (Area_Network_Descriptor).

[0041] The 8-bit descriptor_tag is a field for identifying the descriptor, and the value of this descriptor tag indicates the area network descriptor. The 8-bit descriptor_length is a field that describes the number of data bytes that follow this field, that is, the descriptor length.

[0042] The 8-bit area_network_service_type field describes a value indicating how the transmitting station information is provided. When the area_network_service_type is 0x00, it indicates that the information is provided via a broadcast transmission path by a broadcast signal, and when the area_network_service_type is 0x01, it indicates that the information is provided from the server 30 via a communication transmission path.

[0043] If area_network_service_type is 0x00, a 12-bit area_code, a 1-bit frequency_offset_flag, a 3-bit number_of_subframe, and an 8-bit number_of_service are arranged.

[0044] The area_code is a field used to identify the broadcast area and contains an area code. The area_code format can be set to bslbf (bit string, left bit first), allowing it to be treated as a bit string. For example, a wide-area code indicating a wide area consisting of an area spanning multiple prefectures, or a regional code corresponding to the prefecture-specific codes indicating the 47 prefectures, can be used as the area code.

[0045] "frequency_offset_flag" is a field used for a flag to switch the unit of the value indicated by the center frequency, and describes the frequency offset flag. Here, when "frequency_offset_flag" is 0, the unit is 1 / 7 MHz, and when "frequency_offset_flag" is 1, the unit is 1 / 18 MHz. "number_of_subframe" is a field that describes a subframe number index corresponding to the number of subframes that make up the signal. A physical layer frame of the advanced terrestrial broadcasting standard is composed of one or more subframe sections.

[0046] The number_of_service field indicates the number of broadcast services provided within the broadcast area identified by the area code. The loop corresponding to the number_of_service field contains a 16-bit frequency, a 3-bit fft_size, a 3-bit guard_interval, a 3-bit transmit_system_identifier, a 3-bit number_of_layer, and a 4-bit reserved field.

[0047] "Frequency" is a field that describes the center frequency of other stations within the broadcast area. The center frequency is the center frequency of the physical channel corresponding to the broadcast service (the center frequency of the frequency band), and a value that expresses the frequency in the unit indicated by the frequency offset flag can be described. By describing the center frequency of other stations here, for example, the area network descriptor transmitted in the TLV stream containing the data that constitutes the broadcast service of broadcast station A includes frequency information of other broadcast stations (such as broadcast station B and broadcast station C) excluding broadcast station A.

[0048] "fft_size" is a field that describes mode information indicating the FFT size according to the transmission mode. For example, FFT sizes are 2k, 4k, 8k, 16k, 32k, etc. "guard_interval" is a field that describes the guard interval ratio that identifies the ratio of the guard interval period length to the effective symbol length. For example, guard interval ratios are 1 / 4, 1 / 8, 1 / 16, 1 / 32, 1 / 64, 1 / 256, etc. "transmit_system_identifier" is a field used to identify the multiplexing method or coding method of the wireless transmission path, and a value according to the wireless transmission system is described. "number_of_layer" is a field that describes a layer number index according to the number of layers that make up the subframe. "reserved" is a field for future expansion.

[0049] If area_network_service_type == 0x01, 8-bit URL_length, 7-bit server_type, and 1-bit server_url_option are placed.

[0050] URL_length is a field that describes the byte length of the server URL indicating the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the server 30. Server_type is a field that describes the server type indicating the type of server 30. For example, if server_type is 0x00, it is a one-way server that performs one-way communication, and if it is 0x01, it is a two-way server that performs two-way communication. Values ​​0x02 to 0x7f are for future expansion.

[0051] The server_url_option field contains a value indicating whether or not to use the URL option. When the server_url_option field is 1, it indicates that the URL option is used, and a 12-bit area_code is placed therein. The area_code field is used to identify the broadcast region, and an area code is written therein. The area_code format is bslbf. Here, an area code in decimal notation (BCD: Binary Coded Decimal) can be added after (at the end of) the server URL as a URL option. Here, a 4-bit reserved field is further provided.

[0052] An 8-bit URL_byte is placed in a loop corresponding to the URL_length. The URL_byte is a field for describing the server URL. For example, the server URL specifies an address indicating the location of resources (control information and data) provided by the server 30, and serves as source information indicating where to obtain the transmission station information. Furthermore, when the URL option is used, the source information is the server URL with an area code added. Therefore, for example, a server may be provided for each broadcast area, and the receiving device 20 may access a different server for each broadcast area.

[0053] 6, when the method of providing the transmitting station information is via a broadcast transmission path, the transmitting station information (such as an area code and tuning information including the center frequency and mode information of each broadcast service) is described, and when the method of providing the transmitting station information is via a communication transmission path, the URL (server URL) of the server 30 that provides the transmitting station information is described as acquisition source information. This allows the receiving device 20 to obtain the transmitting station information (such as information on a list of tuning information for broadcast services) via a broadcast transmission path or a communication transmission path.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the structure of the area network descriptor.

[0055] The descriptor_tag and descriptor_length are fields in which the descriptor tag and descriptor length are written, as in Fig. 6. The 8-bit area_network_service_type is a field in which a value indicating the method of providing the transmitting station information is written, and if it is 0x00 indicating provision via a broadcast transmission path, then a 16-bit broadcast_area_code, a 1-bit frequency_offset_flag, and a 7-bit number_of_service are placed.

[0056] The broadcast_area_code field contains the broadcast area code that identifies the broadcast region. Compared to the area code in Figure 6, the broadcast area code has 16 bits instead of 12. Furthermore, the format is uimsbf (unsigned integer most significant bit first), which allows for bit operations and integer handling, making it possible to specify a more detailed broadcast area. Currently, the nationwide terrestrial digital television broadcasting network (using the current ISDB-T standard) consists of approximately 2,000 transmitting stations. Therefore, while 11 bits are sufficient for the broadcast area code, it is necessary to determine the number of bits required for the broadcast network, and this field can be used to accommodate such cases.

[0057] "frequency_offset_flag" is a field that describes a frequency offset flag, as in Figure 6. "number_of_service" is a field that describes the number of broadcast services provided within a broadcast area, and a 16-bit "frequency" is placed in a loop corresponding to the number of broadcast services. "frequency" is a field that describes the center frequency of other stations within the broadcast area. In the other configuration example shown in Figure 7, compared to the configuration example shown in Figure 6, only center frequency information is described in the loop that describes channel selection information for each broadcast service, and information regarding mode information, guard interval ratio, wireless transmission system, and layer number index is not described.

[0058] When the area_network_service_type is 0x01, which indicates provision via a communication transmission path, an 8-bit URL_length is placed, and an 8-bit URL_byte is placed in a loop corresponding to the URL_length. The URL_byte is a field for describing a server URL, and can specify an address indicating the location of resources (control information and data) provided by the server 30. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7, compared to the configuration example shown in FIG. 6, only server URL information (acquisition source information) is described as information regarding provision via a communication transmission path, and information regarding the server type and URL options is not described.

[0059] As described above, in the area network descriptor of Fig. 7, the center frequency of each broadcast service is described as information relating to provision via a broadcast transmission path, and the server URL is described as information relating to provision via a communication transmission path. In other words, the area network descriptor of Fig. 7 shows a minimum configuration including the minimum center frequency (frequency) required as tuning information, or the minimum server URL (URL_byte) required to acquire tuning information from the server 30. By making the area network descriptor a minimum configuration, the amount of data in the TLV-SI can be reduced. Note that the bit allocation in the area network descriptor of Fig. 7 is an example.

[0060] <Transmitting Station Information Distribution Method> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a transmitting station information distribution method for each broadcast area. In Fig. 8, receiving devices 20-1 to 20-3 exist in broadcast area A of transmitting station A, and receiving devices 20-4 to 20-6 exist in broadcast area B of transmitting station B. Furthermore, transmitting station A broadcasts a broadcast service using frequency f1, and transmitting station B broadcasts the same broadcast service using frequency f2. In other words, transmitting station A and transmitting station B broadcast the same broadcast service (broadcast station program) using different frequencies (physical channels).

[0061] The frequencies f1 and f2 shown on each receiving device 20 represent the frequencies that can be received. For example, in broadcast area A, receiving devices 20-1 to 20-3 can receive broadcast signals of frequency f1, but receiving device 20-2, which is located near the border of the broadcast area, can also receive broadcast signals of frequency f2. In broadcast area B, receiving devices 20-4 to 20-6 can receive broadcast signals of frequency f2, but receiving device 20-4, which is located near the border of the broadcast area, can also receive broadcast signals of frequency f1.

[0062] At this time, receiving device 20-1 receives a broadcast signal of frequency f1 from transmitting station A and acquires a server URL included in the area network descriptor obtained from the received signal. Receiving device 20-1 accesses server 30-1 via network 40 in accordance with the acquired server URL, thereby obtaining transmission station information for transmitting station A. Furthermore, receiving device 20-4 receives a broadcast signal of frequency f2 from transmitting station B and acquires a server URL included in the area network descriptor obtained from the received signal. Receiving device 20-4 accesses server 30-1 via network 40 in accordance with the acquired server URL, thereby obtaining transmission station information for transmitting station B.

[0063] 8 shows a case where receiving device 20-1 in broadcast area A and receiving device 20-4 in broadcast area B both access server 30-1, but by including an area code added to the server URL in the area network descriptor, different servers may be accessed for each broadcast area. For example, by providing server 30-1 for broadcast area A and server 30-2 for broadcast area B and identifying the server to be accessed by the area code added to the server URL, receiving devices 20-1 to 20-3 in broadcast area A may access server 30-1, and receiving devices 20-4 to 20-6 in broadcast area B may access server 30-2. In this way, by changing the server to be accessed for each broadcast area, congestion can be reduced.

[0064] Note that Figure 8 shows an example in which transmission station information for transmitting station A is provided to receiving device 20-1 in broadcast area A, and transmission station information for transmitting station B is provided to receiving device 20-4 in broadcast area B. However, since server 30-1 can manage transmission station information for a wider range of transmitting stations (for example, transmitting stations nationwide), it may also be possible to provide transmission station information for transmitting stations located within a wider range than the broadcast area in which receiving device 20-1 or 20-4 is located.

[0065] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of transmission station information. Fig. 9 shows the structure of transmission station information in XML (Extensible Markup Language) format, and among elements and attributes, attributes are marked with "@". Indented elements and attributes are specified for the element above them.

[0066] The Tuning_info element, which serves as the root element, is the parent element of the txid attribute, area_code attribute, and Transmitter element. The txid attribute specifies a transmitter identification code that indicates the identifier for each transmitter. The area_code attribute specifies a broadcast area code that indicates the regional identification of a prefecture or other area.

[0067] The Transmitter element is a parent element of the Geometry element, Broadcast_Signal element, Status element, and ChannelBonding element, and these elements specify information about the transmitting station. The Geometry element specifies location information using the latitude attribute, which indicates the latitude, the longitude attribute, which indicates the longitude, the height attribute, which indicates the antenna height (above sea level), and the antenna_pattern attribute, which indicates the antenna output pattern.

[0068] The Broadcast_Signal element specifies broadcast signal information using a frequency attribute indicating the frequency (e.g., center frequency), a power attribute indicating the output power, a polarization attribute indicating the polarization plane, a broadcast_system attribute indicating the broadcast system, and a modulation_parameter attribute indicating the modulation parameters. For example, the polarization attribute specifies horizontal or vertical polarization. The broadcast_system attribute specifies SISO (Single Input and Single Output) or MIMO (Multiple Input and Multiple Output). The modulation_parameter attribute specifies modulation parameters such as a modulation method such as 256QAM and a coding rate such as 11 / 16.

[0069] The Status element specifies the status of the transmitting station using the operation_start attribute, which indicates the start date and time of the station, the operation_terminate attribute, which indicates the close date and time of the station, and the Repacking element, which specifies repacking information. The Repacking element specifies the frequency of the new transmitting station using the new_frequency attribute. Repacking information is information about frequency repacking, which assigns another frequency to the frequency of a certain broadcasting station, and corresponds to the information provided by the Engineering Service (ES) in the current ISDB-T system. The Engineering Service is a mechanism for broadcasting the latest versions of receiver software and data common to all receivers. The ChannelBonding element specifies the configuration information of Channel Bonding (CB) using the cb_network_id attribute, which indicates the list of signals that make up the CB.

[0070] In this way, the transmitting station information includes an area code (broadcast area code specified by the area_code attribute) that identifies the broadcast region, and tuning information (such as the frequency specified by the frequency attribute of the Broadcast_Signal element) related to tuning of broadcast services provided within the broadcast area identified by the area code. The tuning information includes, for each broadcast service, frequency information (the frequency specified by the frequency attribute) that indicates the center frequency of the physical channel corresponding to the broadcast service. The transmitting station information further includes position information of the transmitting station (information on the Geometry element), repacking information (information on the Repacking element), and channel bonding information (information on the ChannelBonding element).

[0071] The configuration of the transmission station information shown in Fig. 9 is an example, and it is sufficient if it includes at least an area code and tuning information (frequency information, etc.). Furthermore, new items may be added to the transmission station information shown in Fig. 9. By configuring the transmission station information in XML format, which is an extensible markup language, it becomes possible to define new elements and attributes, and therefore items can be easily added.

[0072] <Processing Flow> FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of transmission-side processing executed by the transmitting device 10.

[0073] In step S11, the control information generator 112 generates a TLV-NIT (other network) including an area network descriptor. If the method of providing the transmission station information is via a broadcast transmission path, the area network descriptor describes transmission station information (area code, channel selection information, etc.), and if the method of providing the transmission station information is via a communication transmission path, the area network descriptor describes acquisition source information (server URL). In addition, the control information generator 112 generates control information such as a TLV-NIT (own network) and a TLV-SI including an AMT.

[0074] In step S12, the multiplexing unit 113 multiplexes the data constituting the broadcast service supplied from the encoder 111 with the control information (TLV-SI including TLV-NIT and AMT) supplied from the control information generation unit 112 to generate a TLV stream. The data constituting the broadcast service is composed of IP packets storing data such as a video component and an audio component. The TLV stream is a series of TLV packets identified by a TLV stream ID, and includes IP packets storing data such as a video component, and TLV-SI such as a TLV-NIT and AMT as TLV packets.

[0075] In step S13, the transmitting unit 102 performs necessary processing on the TLV stream to form a physical layer frame, and transmits the broadcast signal obtained by modulating the physical layer frame from the transmitting antenna of the transmitting station.

[0076] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reception side process executed by the receiving device 20.

[0077] In step S21, the receiving unit 201 receives a broadcast signal via an antenna. The receiving unit 201 demodulates a physical layer frame from the received broadcast signal and outputs a TLV stream obtained by performing necessary processing.

[0078] In step S22, the demultiplexing unit 211 processes the TLV stream to separate the data constituting the broadcast service from control information such as TLV-SI. In step S23, the control information acquisition unit 212 acquires control information such as TLV-SI and supplies it to the control unit 203. The TLV-SI includes a TLV-NIT (own network), a TLV-NIT (other network), and an AMT. The TLV-NIT (other network) includes an area network descriptor.

[0079] In step S24, the control unit 203 determines whether the transmission station information is provided via a communication transmission path based on the area_network_service_type described in the area network descriptor. If it is determined in step S24 that the transmission station information is provided via a communication transmission path, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0080] In step S25, the communication unit 205 accesses the server 30 via the network 40 in accordance with the server URL described in the area network descriptor, and acquires (receives) the transmission station information. As a result, the control unit 203 acquires the transmission station information received by the communication unit 205. In step S26, the control unit 203 generates a service list (channel list) based on the transmission station information acquired from the server 30. The service list is a list that associates broadcast services with frequency information (information indicating center frequencies). Broadcast services correspond to broadcast stations (broadcast programs), and center frequencies correspond to physical channels. The service list is recorded in the memory 204.

[0081] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the transmitting station information is provided via a broadcast transmission path, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the control unit 203 generates a service list based on the tuning information described in the area network descriptor. The service list is recorded in memory 204. Once the service list has been generated and recorded in step S26 or S27, the process proceeds to step S28.

[0082] In step S28, the control unit 203 controls the tuning operation by the receiving unit 201 based on the service list. For example, when a desired broadcast service is selected by the user operating the operation unit, the control unit 203 refers to the service list recorded in the memory 204 and acquires frequency information (information indicating a center frequency) corresponding to the selected desired broadcast service. The control unit 203 controls the tuning operation by supplying a control signal to the receiving unit 201 for tuning to the acquired center frequency and selecting the desired broadcast service. In other words, the control unit 203 can control the tuning operation based on the tuning information acquired from the server 30 or the tuning information included in the area network descriptor.

[0083] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the server 30.

[0084] In step S31, the transmission station information management unit 311 monitors communication by the communication unit 301 to determine whether transmission station information has been requested by the receiving device 20. If it is determined in step S31 that the receiving device 20 has accessed the server 30 via the network 40 and requested transmission station information, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0085] In step S32, the transmission station information management unit 311 acquires transmission station information from the storage unit 303. For example, the storage unit 303 stores transmission station information about a large number of transmission stations, and based on information such as an area code added to the server URL, the transmission station information about the transmission station in the broadcast area where the accessing receiving device 20 is installed can be acquired. In step S33, the communication unit 301 transmits the transmission station information from the transmission station information management unit 311 to the receiving device 20 via the network 40.

[0086] As described above, in a system to which the present disclosure is applied, the receiving device 20 can prioritize reception of broadcast services provided within a broadcast area based on transmission station information (such as tuning information including frequency information) included in an area network descriptor that can be received at a predetermined timing, or transmission station information (such as tuning information including frequency information) acquired from a server according to acquisition source information. In other words, by receiving the area network descriptor, the receiving device 20 can prioritize reception of broadcast services within a more stable broadcast area. Therefore, the receiving device 20 can receive more appropriate broadcast services. Furthermore, by using the transmission station information, the receiving device 20 can reliably receive signals without being affected by the quality of the received signal.

[0087] In particular, when frequency repacking is performed, unstable signals from outside the broadcast area may be registered and reported as reception interference. However, by receiving the area network descriptor, the receiving device 20 can identify the broadcast service that should be received within the broadcast area, and can therefore determine whether the broadcast service received when reception interference occurs is appropriate. Furthermore, by receiving the area network descriptor, the receiving device 20 can easily detect the presence or absence of a broadcast signal, allowing for faster initial scanning. This can speed up the generation of a service list.

[0088] Furthermore, the transmitting station information acquired from the server can include information about frequency repacking (repacking information) provided by the engineering service (ES), so that even when frequency repacking is performed, it is possible to reliably respond and prioritize reception of broadcast services within more stable broadcast areas. In other words, the receiving device 20 can prioritize reception of broadcast services within more stable broadcast areas using the transmitting station information, without relying on the quality of the received signal as in the past.

[0089] <Broadcast signal quality monitoring function> The receiving device 20 uploads receiver information, including information about the receiver, about the broadcast signal received from the transmitting station (e.g., information about the frequency and the quality of the received signal), to the server 30 via the network 40, allowing the server 30 to monitor the quality of the broadcast signal.

[0090] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for uploading receiver information for each broadcast area. In Fig. 13, similar to Fig. 8, receiving devices 20-1 to 20-3 in broadcast area A can receive broadcast signals of frequency f1, and receiving devices 20-4 to 20-6 in broadcast area B can receive broadcast signals of frequency f2. Furthermore, receiving devices 20-2 and 20-4 located near the border of the broadcast area can receive broadcast signals of frequencies f1 and f2.

[0091] At this time, receiving device 20-1 receives a broadcast signal of frequency f1 from transmitting station A and acquires a server URL included in the area network descriptor obtained from the received signal. Furthermore, receiving device 20-1 accumulates receiver information by acquiring frequency information via a broadcast transmission path or a communication transmission path and measuring the quality of the received signal (for example, the Carrier to Noise Ratio (CN ratio)). In accordance with the acquired server URL, receiving device 20-1 uploads the accumulated receiver information to server 30-1 via network 40. Similarly, receiving device 20-4 accumulates frequency information and information related to the quality of the received signal as receiver information, and uploads the accumulated receiver information to server 30-1 in accordance with the acquired server URL.

[0092] As a result, in server 30-1, communication unit 301 receives receiver information transmitted from receiving devices 20-1 and 20-4, and monitor unit 312 can monitor the quality of the broadcast signal based on the received receiver information. For example, the broadcast signal transmitter can use the monitoring results to operate so that the broadcast signal is transmitted more appropriately. The received receiver information and monitoring results may be recorded in storage unit 303 as appropriate.

[0093] 13, similarly to Fig. 8, an area code may be added to the server URL in the area network descriptor to access a different server for each broadcast area. As a result, for example, receiving devices 20-1 to 20-3 in broadcast area A upload the receiver information they have accumulated to server 30-1, and receiving devices 20-4 to 20-6 in broadcast area B upload the receiver information they have accumulated to server 30-2.

[0094] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of receiver information. Fig. 14 shows the structure of receiver information in XML format, and among elements and attributes, attributes are marked with "@".

[0095] The root element, Rx_info, is the parent element of the txid attribute, area_code attribute, and Receiver element. The txid attribute specifies a transmitter identification code that indicates the identifier for each transmitter. The area_code attribute specifies a broadcast area code that indicates the regional identification of a prefecture or other area.

[0096] The Receiver element specifies information about the receiver. For example, the receiver information can include information about the broadcast signal received from the transmitting station. Specifically, by defining a frequency attribute or a CN attribute as attributes of the Receiver element, it is possible to include information about the frequency of the received broadcast signal or information about the CN ratio obtained by measuring the received signal in the receiver information.

[0097] The receiver information may be uploaded at a predetermined timing, such as at a predetermined time each day. Alternatively, uploading of the receiver information may be triggered by the receiving device 20 being unable to receive broadcast signals for some reason. The server that uploads the receiver information may be the same server as the server that distributes the transmitter station information, or a different server.

[0098] The receiving device 20 may identify the upload destination using another URL, not limited to the server URL in the area network descriptor. For example, the upload server URL may be included in other control information transmitted over the broadcast transmission path, or the area network descriptor may include an upload server URL that is different from the server URL for acquiring transmission station information. Alternatively, the upload server URL may be included in the transmission station information acquired via the communication transmission path. The key is that the receiving device 20 is only required to acquire the upload server URL, and the acquisition method is arbitrary.

[0099] <Modifications> In the above description, the next-generation ISDB-T standard (Advanced Terrestrial Broadcasting Standard) has been described as a broadcasting standard for terrestrial digital television broadcasting. However, the present disclosure may be applied to other broadcasting standards. Furthermore, in the above description, the receiving device 20 is a television receiver. However, the fixed receiver may be, for example, an electronic device such as a set-top box (STB), a recorder, a game console, or a personal computer (PC). Furthermore, the receiving device 20 is not limited to a fixed receiver, and may be, for example, a mobile receiver such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet computer. Furthermore, the receiving device 20 may be, for example, an in-vehicle device mounted in a vehicle, such as an in-vehicle television, or a wearable computer, such as a head-mounted display (HMD).

[0100] <Computer Configuration> The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed in a computer. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the above-described series of processes by a program.

[0101] In the computer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003 are interconnected by a bus 1004. An input / output interface 1005 is further connected to the bus 1004. An input unit 1006, an output unit 1007, a storage unit 1008, a communication unit 1009, and a drive 1010 are connected to the input / output interface 1005.

[0102] The input unit 1006 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc. The output unit 1007 includes a display, a speaker, etc. The storage unit 1008 includes a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, etc. The communication unit 1009 includes a network interface, etc. The drive 1010 drives a removable recording medium 1011 such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk.

[0103] In a computer configured as described above, the CPU 1001 loads a program recorded in the ROM 1002 or memory unit 1008 into the RAM 1003 via the input / output interface 1005 and the bus 1004 and executes it, thereby performing the above-mentioned series of processes.

[0104] The program executed by the computer (CPU 1001) can be provided by being recorded on a removable recording medium 1011 such as a package medium, for example. The program can also be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

[0105] In a computer, the program can be installed in the storage unit 1008 via the input / output interface 1005 by inserting the removable recording medium 1011 into the drive 1010. The program can also be received by the communication unit 1009 via a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed in the storage unit 1008. Alternatively, the program can be installed in advance in the ROM 1002 or the storage unit 1008.

[0106] The processing performed by a computer according to a program includes processing that is executed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processing or object-based processing). Furthermore, the program may be processed by a single computer (processor) or may be distributed among multiple computers.

[0107] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0108] The present disclosure can also be configured as follows.

[0109] (1) A transmitting device comprising: a first generating unit that generates control information including source information indicating a source for obtaining transmission station information related to a transmitting station; a second generating unit that generates, for each broadcast service, a broadcast stream including data constituting the broadcast service and the control information; and a transmitting unit that transmits the broadcast stream as a broadcast signal from the transmitting station, wherein the transmission station information includes at least an area code that identifies a broadcast region and channel selection information related to channel selection of a broadcast service provided within the broadcast area identified by the area code. (2) The transmitting device described in (1), wherein the source information is a URL of a server that distributes the transmission station information via a network. (3) The transmitting device described in (1) or (2), wherein the channel selection information includes, for each broadcast service, frequency information indicating a center frequency of a physical channel corresponding to the broadcast service. (4) The transmitting device described in (2), wherein the control information includes the area code, and the source information is information obtained by adding the area code to the URL. (5) The transmitting device described in any of (1) to (4), wherein the transmission station information is configured as information in XML format. (6) The transmitting device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the broadcast stream is a TLV stream, and the control information is included in an area network descriptor placed in a second TLV-NIT out of a first TLV-NIT corresponding to the own network and a second TLV-NIT corresponding to another network. (7) A transmitting method, comprising: a transmitting device generating control information including acquisition source information indicating a source for acquiring transmission station information related to a transmitting station, generating a broadcast stream including data constituting the broadcast service and the control information for each broadcast service, and transmitting the broadcast stream as a broadcast signal from the transmitting station, wherein the transmission station information includes at least an area code that identifies a broadcast region and tuning information related to tuning of a broadcast service provided in the broadcast area identified by the area code.(8) A receiving device comprising: a receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a transmitting station; a control unit that controls operation of each unit based on control information included in a broadcast stream obtained from the broadcast signal; and a communication unit that communicates with a server via a network, wherein the control information includes source information indicating a source for obtaining transmission station information related to the transmitting station, and the transmission station information includes at least an area code that identifies a broadcast region and channel selection information related to channel selection of a broadcast service provided in the broadcast area identified by the area code, wherein the communication unit obtains the transmission station information from the server based on the source information, and the control unit controls a channel selection operation based on the channel selection information included in the obtained transmission station information. (9) The receiving device described in (8), wherein the source information is a URL of a server that distributes the transmission station information via the network, and the communication unit obtains the transmission station information from the server based on the URL. (10) The receiving device described in (8) or (9), wherein the channel selection information includes, for each broadcast service, frequency information indicating a center frequency of a physical channel corresponding to the broadcast service, and the control unit controls a channel selection operation based on the frequency information. (11) The receiving device according to (9), wherein the control information includes the area code, and the communication unit acquires the transmitting station information from a server provided for each broadcast area based on information in which the area code is added to the URL. (12) The receiving device according to any one of (8) to (11), wherein the communication unit uploads receiver information related to the broadcast signal received from the transmitting station to the server. (13) The receiving device according to any one of (8) to (12), wherein the transmitting station information is configured with information in XML format. (14) The receiving device according to any one of (8) to (13), wherein the broadcast stream is a TLV stream, and the control information is included in an area network descriptor placed in the second TLV-NIT of a first TLV-NIT corresponding to the own network and a second TLV-NIT corresponding to another network.(15) A receiving method including a receiving device receiving a broadcast signal transmitted from a transmitting station, controlling the operation of each unit based on control information included in a broadcast stream obtained from the broadcast signal, and communicating with a server via a network, wherein the control information includes source information indicating a source from which to obtain transmission station information related to the transmitting station, and the transmission station information includes at least an area code that identifies a broadcast region and tuning information related to tuning of a broadcast service provided in the broadcast area identified by the area code, and further including: obtaining the transmission station information from the server based on the source information; and controlling a tuning operation based on the tuning information included in the obtained transmission station information.

[0110] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Transmitting device, 20 Receiving device, 30 Server, 40 Network, 101 Processing section, 102 Transmitting section, 111 Encoder, 112 Control information generating section, 113 Multiplexing section, 201 Receiving section, 202 Processing section, 203 Control section, 204 Memory, 205 Communication section, 211 Demultiplexing section, 212 Control information acquiring section, 213 Decoder, 301 Communication section, 302 Control section, 303 Storage section, 311 Transmitting station information managing section, 312 Monitor section

Claims

1. A transmitting device comprising: a first generating unit that generates control information including source information indicating where to obtain transmitting station information related to a transmitting station; a second generating unit that generates, for each broadcast service, a broadcast stream including data constituting the broadcast service and the control information; and a transmitting unit that transmits the broadcast stream as a broadcast signal from the transmitting station, wherein the transmitting station information includes at least an area code that identifies a broadcast region and tuning information related to tuning of broadcast services provided within the broadcast area identified by the area code.

2. The transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the source information is a URL of a server that distributes the transmitting station information via a network.

3. The transmitting device according to claim 2, wherein the channel selection information includes, for each broadcast service, frequency information indicating the center frequency of a physical channel corresponding to the broadcast service.

4. The transmitting device according to claim 2, wherein the control information includes the area code, and the acquisition location information is information in which the area code is added to the URL.

5. The transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting station information is configured as information in XML format.

6. The transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the broadcast stream is a TLV stream, and the control information is included in an area network descriptor placed in a first TLV-NIT corresponding to the own network and a second TLV-NIT corresponding to another network.

7. A transmission method comprising: a transmitting device generating control information including source information indicating where to obtain transmitting station information related to the transmitting station; generating a broadcast stream including data constituting the broadcast service and the control information for each broadcast service; and transmitting the broadcast stream as a broadcast signal from the transmitting station, wherein the transmitting station information includes at least an area code identifying a broadcast region and tuning information related to tuning of broadcast services provided within the broadcast area identified by the area code.

8. A receiving device comprising: a receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a transmitting station; a control unit that controls the operation of each unit based on control information contained in a broadcast stream obtained from the broadcast signal; and a communication unit that communicates with a server via a network, wherein the control information includes source information indicating where to obtain transmitting station information related to the transmitting station, and the transmitting station information includes at least an area code that identifies a broadcast region and tuning information related to tuning of a broadcast service provided within the broadcast area identified by the area code, the communication unit obtains the transmitting station information from the server based on the source information, and the control unit controls tuning operation based on the tuning information contained in the obtained transmitting station information.

9. The receiving device according to claim 8, wherein the acquisition source information is a URL of a server that distributes the transmission station information via the network, and the communication unit acquires the transmission station information from the server based on the URL.

10. The receiving device according to claim 9, wherein the channel selection information includes, for each broadcast service, frequency information indicating the center frequency of a physical channel corresponding to the broadcast service, and the control unit controls the channel selection operation based on the frequency information.

11. The receiving device according to claim 9, wherein the control information includes the area code, and the communication unit acquires the transmitting station information from a server provided for each broadcast area based on information obtained by adding the area code to the URL.

12. The receiving device according to claim 8, wherein the communication unit uploads receiver information relating to the broadcast signal received from a transmitting station to the server.

13. The receiving device according to claim 8, wherein the transmitting station information is configured as information in XML format.

14. The receiving device of claim 8, wherein the broadcast stream is a TLV stream, and the control information is included in an area network descriptor placed in a first TLV-NIT corresponding to the own network and a second TLV-NIT corresponding to another network.

15. A receiving method comprising: a receiving device receiving a broadcast signal transmitted from a transmitting station; controlling the operation of each unit based on control information contained in a broadcast stream obtained from the broadcast signal; and communicating with a server via a network, wherein the control information includes source information indicating where to obtain transmission station information related to the transmitting station, and the transmission station information includes at least an area code identifying a broadcast region and tuning information related to tuning of a broadcast service provided within the broadcast area identified by the area code; and further comprising: obtaining the transmission station information from the server based on the source information; and controlling tuning operation based on the tuning information contained in the obtained transmission station information.

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