Receiving Device Application Control via Network Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital television broadcasting systems lack the capability to provide control information for synchronizing application programs with the progress of a show without using a broadcast signal, especially when introducing sophisticated Internet-based services, which requires modifications to ensure operation and manage limited broadcast bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A receiving device and method that acquire and analyze application control data from a server via a network to control application programs in synchronization with content progress, using an application control descriptor to designate the server providing the necessary data, which includes commands for running, starting, suspending, or ending the application, and metadata like subtitles, without relying on broadcast signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If application control data is transmitted via broadcast signal, then synchronization with show progress is achieved, but broadcast bandwidth is consumed and existing receivers cannot operate independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an application control descriptor as an intermediary element that is transmitted via broadcast signal but contains only reference information (URL, application ID) rather than the actual control data. The real application control data is then retrieved independently from a server via network, achieving synchronization reliability without consuming broadcast bandwidth for the actual control information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control information transmission into two parts: (1) broadcast transmission of application control descriptor containing reference information, and (2) independent network retrieval of actual application control data. This segmentation allows the broadcast signal to serve only as a trigger while the main data flow uses the network infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If application control data is transmitted via broadcast signal, then control information is provided, but existing digital television receivers cannot operate independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the receiving device universal by enabling it to obtain control information through multiple pathways: (1) traditional broadcast signal processing, and (2) independent network access via HTTP or other protocols. The device can function as both a conventional digital television receiver and an intelligent client capable of independent application control data retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadcast signal transmits the application control descriptor in advance, which contains all necessary reference information (URLs, application IDs) before the actual application execution. This preliminary action allows the receiving device to prepare for independent data retrieval without waiting for real-time broadcast transmission of control commands.
3Productivity
If control information is embedded in broadcast signal, then synchronization is achieved, but processing load on receiving device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the actual application control data from the broadcast signal pathway and retrieves it independently from a server via network. The broadcast signal only transmits the compact application control descriptor, while the larger control data is fetched separately, reducing the processing burden on the receiving device during broadcast reception.
Data Source
AI summary
This technique relates to a receiving device, a receiving method, a providing device, a providing method, a program and a broadcasting system that can notify the receiving side of control information such as the timing to synchronize an application program with progress of a show without using a television broadcast signal. When the application control type written in the application control descriptor is 3, the receiving device acquires application control data from a server, and, for example, acquires and starts a new information service application in accordance with the segment data forming the application control data. When an external device is designated as the command destination device, the receiving device generates a command for the external device, and outputs the command to the external device. In accordance with the command from the receiving device, the external device, for example, acquires and starts the new information service application. This disclosure can be applied in a case where the receiving device is controlled from the broadcasting side.