JP2002135219A - Broadcasting station system, receiver and broadcasting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To establish a distribution system of content independent of authoring tool. SOLUTION: A distribution system, which is independent on an authoring tool 101, is provided by handling monomedia data constituting a content as a file through a broadcasting station system for distributing data constituting a content, comprising a content DB 102 for containing a content, a content transmission protocol generating section 106 for converting a content registered in the content DB 102 into a transmission format, and a unit 108 for delivering generated information, and a receiver comprising a section for receiving data broadcast from a broadcasting station, a filtering function for taking the broadcast data selectively into the receiver, and a function for converting a file transmitted in transmission format into an original file format and storing it in a storage device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to data broadcasting in digital broadcasting, and handles monomedia data constituting a content unifiedly as a file to distribute monomedia data independent of an authoring tool and to a receiver. The present invention relates to a broadcasting station system and a receiver capable of automatically updating stored monomedia data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional services and transmission protocols in the data broadcasting field will be described. Data broadcasting is
It distributes contents other than a broadcast program to a receiver by using a broadcast, and examples of services include homepage distribution and electronic newspapers. In analog broadcasting, some broadcasting stations have already started homepage distribution services and information provision services using dedicated receivers. Also,
The method of producing multimedia applications (hereinafter abbreviated as MM applications) distributed by data broadcasting is Java
(Registered trademark), HTML, MHEG, etc.

As a conventional technique of a data transmission protocol in digital broadcasting, there is a DSM-CC data carousel (hereinafter abbreviated as a data carousel) defined in ISO13818-6. The data carousel groups data in logical units called modules and repeatedly transmits the data in physical transmission units called blocks. The receiving side receives the data in block units, assembles them, and reconstructs the module. The data carousel defines two tables, DownloadDataIndication (hereinafter abbreviated as DII) and DownloadDataBlock (hereinafter abbreviated as DDB), to realize such a transmission system. With a pointer. The module to be transmitted is divided into a certain size (block size), packed in the DDB and transmitted. DDB is sent over and over again. Fig. 25 shows DII and DDB specified in ISO13818-6.
Shows the relationship between the tables. Table_id_extensio of DDB
Since a moduleID for identifying a module is used as n, in the data carousel, the receiver can easily receive data in module units by filtering with the moduleID.

[0004]

However, since the platform is not shared in the conventional data broadcasting system, it is necessary to prepare dedicated receivers on the receiver side.

[0005] Further, in a conventional system such as homepage distribution, there is no system for linking an MM application and a broadcast program, and thus there is a problem that an MM application linked to a broadcast program cannot be created.

Further, since the data carousel system alone cannot instruct the receiver which module to take from the center, the receiver receives only necessary data from data to be distributed. There is a problem that it is difficult to efficiently perform differential content distribution.

[0007] Further, since the unit of filtering of the receiver is a module, there is a problem that the receiver cannot efficiently acquire only specific data in the module. In fact, DII is sent in one section, so you can only send up to about 100 modules. This is too small compared to the data size to be transferred in consideration of future data broadcasting. However, the maximum size of one module is 256 Mbytes, which will be large enough for data broadcasting in the future. Therefore,
If filtering in units smaller than modules becomes possible, DII and DDB alone as transmission protocols should be able to realize sufficiently practical data broadcasting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a broadcasting station system for performing digital data broadcasting, in which mono-media data constituting a content is treated as a file in a unified manner. Is to establish a content distribution system that does not depend on the content.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a broadcasting station system and a receiver which can automatically update mono-media data transmitted as broadcast data and stored in the receiver.

[0010]

[MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] A content DB for storing content created by an authoring tool, a delivery schedule creating section for formulating a schedule for delivering content, and a program scheduling management section for managing broadcast time of broadcast programs. Content distribution information generation that generates information related to content distribution used when the SI generation unit that generates program additional information (SI information) related to the content distribution service, content transmission protocol generation unit, and receiver performs content acquisition and automatic update And a center system (broadcasting station) composed of a transmitting device for transmitting the generated information, a receiving unit for receiving data broadcasted from the broadcasting station, and only the broadcasting data to be taken into the receiver. Automatically update content with filtering function to select and import Converting a file update management function to be executed, a timer reservation function to notify that it is now in the specified time, the transmission format files sent in a transmission format into the original file format,
Content is configured by a receiver consisting of a file storage management function that stores this in a storage device, and a file name management function that manages the relationship between file names and file locations and provides a general-purpose interface to upper-level applications. By transmitting data to be transmitted in file units and providing an interface for accessing mono-media data as a file on the receiver side, a content distribution method independent of an authoring tool is made possible.

[0011] Further, by notifying the receiver in advance of the time at which the content is to be updated using the content distribution information table, the content can be automatically updated. This method can cope with power saving.

Furthermore, by defining information necessary for linking to a broadcast program as a file, it is possible to easily link a broadcast program from an MM application on a receiver.

Further, when the data carousel protocol is used as a content transmission protocol, the receiver is informed in advance whether the update is performed in units of modules or in units of files in the contents distribution information table. ID is added to the content distribution information table.
By adding the file update information to the receiver, the receiver can receive only necessary modules or only necessary files.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is a broadcast station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein the broadcast station system includes a content, a version of the content, A content DB for storing and managing a content identifier for identifying the content,
A content transmission protocol generation unit for converting the content registered in the content DB into a transmission format, a transmission device for transmitting the generated information, and a content used when the receiver acquires and automatically updates the content. A content distribution information generating section for generating a version information transmission format of the script file, and further transmitting version information of the script file constituting the content. By transmitting and distributing the list using a transmission protocol, it is possible for the receiver to reconstruct data in content units without depending on the type of content (HTML, MHEG, etc.). To know the current content version It has the effect that the function.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broadcast station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein the broadcast station system identifies a content, a version of the content, and the content. A content DB that stores and manages the content identifier, a content transmission protocol generation unit that converts the content registered in the content DB into a transmission format, a transmission device that transmits the generated information, and a receiver that acquires and manages the content. A content distribution information generation unit that generates a version information transmission format of the script file that configures the content used for automatic updating, and further distributes all the files that configure the content as the distribution type or distributes only the difference Delivery schedule creator to decide And, if only the distributing difference as the distribution type, the content distribution information generation unit along with the content delivery type information indicating a distribution type of the content,
A broadcast station system characterized by generating and transmitting difference information indicating which of the version information transmission formats of the script file is a difference, and improving transmission efficiency by performing difference distribution. it can. In addition, by broadcasting the type of distribution (whole distribution or differential distribution) to the receiver in advance, it is possible to make the receiver select whether to receive differential distribution or all distribution. The device can determine whether or not the content is the difference information of the content managed and managed by the device only by referring to the difference information, and has an effect that the processing can be simplified.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broadcast station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein the broadcast station system identifies a content, a version of the content, and the content. A content DB that stores and manages the content identifier, a content transmission protocol generation unit that converts the content registered in the content DB into a transmission format, a transmission device that transmits the generated information, and a receiver that acquires and acquires the content. A content distribution information generation unit that generates a version information transmission format of a script file that configures the content used when performing automatic updating, and further distributes all the files that configure the content as the distribution type or distributes only the difference Delivery schedule creator to decide And, if only the distributing difference as the distribution type, the content distribution information generation unit along with the content delivery type information indicating a distribution type of the content,
Among the version information transmission formats of the script files constituting the content, difference information indicating which of the formats is the difference is generated, and the difference information corresponds to only the version of the script file constituting the specific content. This is a broadcast station system characterized by generating and transmitting difference additional information indicating whether the content is for a version of a script file constituting a plurality of contents, and improving transmission efficiency by performing difference distribution. be able to. Also, by broadcasting the type of distribution (whole distribution or differential distribution) to the receiver in advance, it is possible to make the receiver select whether to receive differential distribution or all distribution. The device can determine whether or not the content is the difference information for the content managed and managed by the device itself only by referring to the difference information, thereby simplifying the processing. This has the effect of not only determining whether or not the content can be adapted to the content, but also compressing the difference information to be transmitted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broadcast station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein the broadcast station system identifies a content, a version of the content, and the content. A content DB that stores and manages the content identifier, a content transmission protocol generation unit that converts the content registered in the content DB into a transmission format, a transmission device that transmits the generated information, and a receiver that acquires and manages the content. A content distribution information generation unit that generates a version information transmission format of a script file that configures the content to be used when performing the automatic update.The content distribution information generation unit also generates the next update schedule information of the content. Broadcast station system for transmitting By transmitting and distributing the list of data that composes the content using a transmission protocol, the receiver can reconstruct the data in content units without depending on the content type (HTML, MHEG, etc.) In addition, the receiver has the effect of knowing the current content version and notifying the receiver of the next update schedule in advance.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broadcast station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein the broadcast station system identifies a content, a version of the content, and the content. A content DB that stores and manages the content identifier, a content transmission protocol generation unit that converts the content registered in the content DB into a transmission format, a transmission device that transmits the generated information, and a receiver that acquires and manages the content. A content distribution information generation unit that generates a version information transmission format of the script file that configures the content used for automatic updating, and further distributes all the files that configure the content as the distribution type or distributes only the difference Delivery schedule creator to decide And, further, the content distribution information generation unit also generates next updating schedule information of the content, a broadcasting station system, characterized by sending,
By performing the differential distribution, the transmission efficiency can be increased.
Also, by broadcasting the type of distribution (whole distribution or differential distribution) to the receiver in advance, it is possible to make the receiver select whether to receive differential distribution or all distribution,
Further, the receiver can determine whether or not the received information is the difference information of the content managed and managed by the own device only by referring to the difference information, thereby simplifying the processing, and
This has the effect of enabling the receiver to be notified of the next update schedule in advance.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving section for receiving data broadcast from the broadcast station system, and selecting and capturing only data to be captured by a receiver among the broadcasted data. It consists of a filtering function and a file storage management function of converting a file transmitted in the transmission format from the transmission format to the original file format and storing this in a storage device or a storage device. In addition to the correspondence between the identifier and the location of the broadcast program corresponding to the broadcast program stored in the program recording device, by managing the program additional information of the program, when the application requests acquisition by the link data identifier, If the broadcast program is being recorded, the program recording device corresponding to the link data identifier A receiver for tuning a broadcast program to a broadcasting channel by using program additional information instead of reproducing a set, reconstructing data from a received transmission format, and storing the data in a storage device or a storage device. In addition, the application can store the broadcast program, which is one of the data constituting the content, in the same manner as ordinary data, without being aware of whether the broadcast program is already recorded or currently being broadcast. It has the effect of enabling handling.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the receiver according to the sixth aspect, the version of the content in the receiver is managed, and when the content version information is received from the broadcasting station, the content is automatically updated. A receiver equipped with a file update management function that compares the version of the content held by the user with the current version being broadcast, and if the version of the content held is older, automatically receives the new version of the content Has the effect of making it possible to perform

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the receiver according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the receiver is provided with a timer reservation function for notifying that a designated time has come, and is distributed from a broadcasting station. A receiver that makes a timer reservation for content reception using the content distribution schedule information.Even if the power of the receiver is turned off due to power saving, the timer starts the receiver when the content distribution time comes, This has the effect of enabling execution of content reception processing.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the receiver according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, an identifier for identifying received data and a location of the stored data are managed, The receiver is equipped with a file name management function that allows the application to acquire the data only by using the data identifier without being aware of the location of the data.If the application that uses the content is the data actually stored in the storage Has the effect that data can be obtained without being conscious of whether the data is stored in the memory.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiver according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, wherein:
This is a receiver that receives expiration date information, manages the expiration date of content or files stored in the receiver, and automatically deletes expired content. This has the effect of enabling an application using information that is meaningless unless it is the latest.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the receiver according to the eighth aspect, the next content update schedule information is received, and a timer reservation for content reception is automatically performed according to the scheduled time. Even if the power of the receiver is turned off due to power saving, the receiver starts up by the timer when the content update time comes and the content reception process is executed, so the latest content is always stored in the receiver. It has the effect of making it possible.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the receiver according to any one of the sixth to eleventh aspects, when link data transmitted from a broadcast station is received,
The receiver refers to the program identifier, channel identifier, program start time, and program duration described therein, and executes program recording reservation using the program identifier. The viewer is conscious of the broadcast program related to the content. This has the effect of enabling automatic recording without the need to perform recording.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the receiver according to any one of the sixth to twelfth aspects, the broadcast program corresponding to the identifier of the link data received from the broadcast station is stored in the program recording device. Is a receiver that manages the correspondence relationship of where it is stored, and when the application requests data acquisition by link data name, plays back the program in the program recording device instead of returning the data. Broadcast programs also have the effect of enabling them to be handled as one of the data that constitutes the content.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the receiver according to any one of the sixth to thirteenth aspects, the receiver is provided with a file update management function, and uses the distribution type information of the received data. This has the effect of controlling whether to rewrite all or the difference of previously distributed data.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the receiver according to any one of the sixth to twenty-fourth aspects, data distributed in advance is managed using difference additional information of received data. The file update management function has a function of controlling file update based on the information.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiver according to any one of the sixth to fifteenth aspects, wherein the received version additional information is used to manage a file distributed in advance. The management function has a function of managing data differences even for data having the same version number.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the receiver according to any one of the sixth to sixteenth aspects, when using the received content, the receiver refers to the content distribution information table and uses the validity period information. During that period, the content is used.

An invention according to claim 18 of the present invention is a broadcasting method of a broadcasting station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein when broadcasting the broadcasting station system, a content and the content are transmitted. Storing and managing the version of the content and a content identifier for identifying the content, converting the content into a transmission format, transmitting the generated information, and the receiver acquiring and automatically updating the content. Generating a version information transmission format of a script file constituting the content used at the time of transmission, and further comprising a step of transmitting the version information of the script file constituting the content. Is the method by which the content By distributing sends out a list of data in a transmission protocol, type of content (HTML, MH
EG, etc.), it is possible to reconstruct data on a content basis at the receiver, and to have the receiver know the current content version.

[0032] The invention according to claim 19 of the present invention is a broadcasting method of a broadcasting station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein when broadcasting the broadcasting station system, the contents and the contents are transmitted. Storing and managing the version of the content and a content identifier for identifying the content, converting the content into a transmission format, transmitting the generated information, and the receiver acquiring and automatically updating the content. Generating a version information transmission format of a script file constituting the content to be used at the time of distribution, and determining whether to distribute all the files constituting the content or only the difference as the distribution type. When only the difference is delivered as the delivery type, A step of generating difference information indicating which of the version information transmission formats of the script file is a difference together with the content distribution type information indicating the distribution type of the script file, and transmitting the difference information. This is a broadcast method, and transmission efficiency can be increased by performing differential distribution. Also, by broadcasting the type of distribution (whole distribution or differential distribution) to the receiver in advance, it is possible to make the receiver select whether to receive differential distribution or all distribution,
Further, the receiver can determine whether or not the received information is the difference information for the content managed and managed by the receiver only by referring to the difference information, and has an effect of simplifying the processing.

An invention according to claim 20 of the present invention is a broadcasting method of a broadcasting station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein when broadcasting the broadcasting station system, contents and the contents are transmitted. Storing and managing the version of the content and a content identifier for identifying the content, converting the content into a transmission format, transmitting the generated information, and the receiver acquiring and automatically updating the content. Generating a version information transmission format of a script file constituting the content to be used at the time, and determining whether to distribute all the files constituting the content or only the difference as the distribution type. When the difference is distributed only as the distribution type Along with the content distribution type information indicating the distribution type of the content, difference information indicating which of the version information transmission formats of the script files constituting the content is a difference is generated. Broadcasting characterized in that it has a step of generating and sending difference additional information indicating only the version of the script file constituting the content or the version of the script file constituting a plurality of contents. This is a broadcasting method of a station system, and transmission efficiency can be improved by performing differential distribution. Also, by broadcasting the type of distribution (whole distribution or differential distribution) to the receiver in advance, it is possible to make the receiver select whether to receive differential distribution or all distribution. The device can determine whether or not the content is the difference information for the content managed and managed by the device itself only by referring to the difference information, thereby simplifying the processing. This has the effect of not only determining whether or not the content can be adapted to the content, but also compressing the difference information to be transmitted.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broadcasting method for a broadcasting station system for transmitting and receiving data by using a transmission path, wherein a content version and Storing and managing a content identifier for identifying the content;
Converting the content into a transmission format, transmitting the generated information, and generating a version information transmission format of a script file constituting the content used when the receiver performs content acquisition and automatic update And,
A broadcasting method for a broadcasting station system, which further comprises a step of generating and transmitting next update schedule information of the content, wherein a list of data constituting the content is transmitted and transmitted by a transmission protocol, thereby transmitting the content. It enables the receiver to reconstruct data on a content-by-content basis without depending on the type (HTML, MHEG, etc.), and this receiver knows the current content version, and informs the receiver in advance. To notify the next update schedule.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a broadcasting method of a broadcasting station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein when broadcasting the broadcasting station system, the content and the content are transmitted. Storing and managing the version of the content and a content identifier for identifying the content, converting the content into a transmission format, transmitting the generated information, and the receiver acquiring and automatically updating the content. Generating a version information transmission format of a script file constituting the content to be used at the time of distribution, and determining whether to distribute all the files constituting the content or only the difference as the distribution type. In addition, it also generates the next scheduled update information of the content, A broadcasting method of a broadcasting station system, characterized by the step of leaving, it is possible to increase the transmission efficiency by performing the differential distribution. In addition, by broadcasting the type of distribution (whole distribution or differential distribution) to the receiver in advance, it is possible to make the receiver select whether to receive differential distribution or all distribution. The device can determine whether or not the content is the difference information for the content managed and managed by the device only by referring to the difference information, thereby simplifying the processing. This has the effect of enabling notification of an update schedule.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) The content handled by the content distribution system of the present invention does not depend on a specific authoring tool but is intended for a wide range of general contents. Before describing an embodiment of the system, a general content structure will be described.

Content is generally composed of a plurality of monomedia files. A mono-media file is a file of mono-media such as text data and still image data constituting a content so as to be movable using a medium, and is an output of an authoring tool. The content is reproduced by a multimedia player (hereinafter abbreviated as MM player). At that time, the MM player accesses the file using the file name to identify the file. In the case of broadcasting, the MM player exists on the receiver.

Here, for convenience of explanation, a case where an application called “weather anytime” is distributed will be described as an example of the content to be distributed. “Always Weather” is an application that uses the content stored in the receiver, and is an application that allows the user to know the latest weather at any time.

FIG. 2 shows a screen image displayed by operating the “always weather” application in the present embodiment. "Always Weather"
It consists of a map showing a specific area (for example, the Kanto region), text showing weather information, and a button for selecting the area you want to see, and the viewer can get the latest weather information by pressing the button of the area you want to see. (Weather information is updated periodically. In this example, it is assumed that the information is rewritten every 30 minutes).

FIG. 3 is an example showing the general structure of a content. The content is composed of a still image file, a text file, and a monomedia file such as a script necessary for the MM player to reproduce the content.
In FIG. 3, as an example of “always weather”, an image such as a map or a button representing weather information (bitmap file), a text representing weather information (text file), and a process when a viewer presses a button on the screen Is described as a content structure, and each file is given a file name necessary for the MM player to access the MM player on the receiver when the MM player plays the file. Further, the content is given a title name representing the content. The file name and the title name are automatically named by the content creator or the authoring tool using the authoring tool.

The present invention is a distribution system for general contents composed of a plurality of files having such title names and file names.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one form of the content distribution center system. In FIG.
Reference numeral 01 denotes an authoring tool for creating general content as described above. Reference numeral 102 denotes a content DB (database) that stores content created by the authoring tool. Reference numeral 103 denotes a distribution schedule creation unit that formulates a schedule for distributing contents. According to the schedule created here, the content is distributed from the center. A program management unit 104 manages programs. Content distribution is managed by the program management unit 104 as a type of program. The program scheduling management unit 104 uses the SI generation unit 105 to add the program additional information (SI
Information). Reference numeral 106 denotes a content transmission protocol generation unit, which converts the content into a format in which the content can be distributed. 107 is a content distribution information generation unit,
Generate information related to content distribution to be broadcast to the receiver. This information is used when the receiver acquires and automatically updates the content. Reference numeral 108 denotes a transmission device, which transmits information generated by the SI generation unit 105, the content transmission protocol generation unit 106, and the content distribution information generation unit 107 to the receiver.

FIG. 4 is an example of a content management table managed by the content DB 102. The title 41 is a name given to identify the content created by the authoring tool 101. An example of a title is "Always Weather". The content ID 42 is an identifier uniquely assigned to the content by the content DB 102. In the content distribution system, the content is identified by the content ID 42. The content version 43 is a version of the content, and is managed by the content DB 102. The content version 43 is updated by the content DB 102 each time the authoring tool 101 re-registers the content having the same title. The file name 44 is the name of a monomedia file, and is a file name given by the authoring tool 101. This name is used when the MM player plays the content. The file version 45 is the version of the file, and is also managed by the content DB 102 similarly to the content version 43. The content DB 102 has a content ID 42 and a file name 4
4. The file entity is stored using the file version 45 as a key so that the file entity can be obtained. The date 46 is the date and time when the file was stored or updated. The file size 47 is the size of the file to be stored.
The file size 47 indicates that the file entity is the content DB10.
2, the content DB 102 measures and registers the size.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, two versions of the application “weather anytime” are registered. When at least one file constituting the content is updated (in the case of "always weather", the weather information is updated every 30 minutes), the version of the content is also increased.

The authoring tool 101 uses a list of the title 41 of the content, the files constituting the content and the file name 44 as parameters,
The content is registered in the DB 102. When the authoring tool 101 registers the content for the first time,
The list of all files and file names that make up the content must be parameters. When the authoring tool 101 changes the content already registered, a list of changed files and file names is used as a parameter (files not changed are not included in the list). For example, in the case of "weather at any time", a basic bitmap image file such as a button is not changed, but a text file in which the latest weather information is written is frequently updated. When registering "weather anytime" for the first time, all files including bitmap image files are registered. May be registered in the content DB 102. When the content DB 102 updates the content,
Merge the contents of the previously registered contents with the updated contents,
The content version 43 and the updated file version 45 are updated and registered as a new version. Date 4
Since 6 is the date when the file was stored, only the updated file has the new date. In version 2 of “Always Weather” in the example of FIG. 4, Tokyo.txt, C
hiba.txt has been updated, so the date is new,
Since Button10.script has not been updated, the date remains as before.

To delete a file constituting the content, a command name indicating the deletion and a list of file names to be deleted are added to the registration parameters. content
Upon receiving the delete command, the DB 102 excludes the file corresponding to the file name and merges the contents of the previously registered contents with the updated contents.

As described above, the interface between the authoring tool 101 and the content DB 102 is a general-purpose interface using the title name, the files constituting the content and the list of the file names as parameters, and does not depend on the authoring tool. When "always weather" broadcasts the latest weather every 30 minutes, a new content version 43 is generated in the content management table every 30 minutes as shown in FIG. 4, and a text file containing the latest weather information is written. Only updated.

The program scheduling management unit 104 manages broadcast program scheduling information and physical transmission information. The organization information is information on a schedule on which a broadcast program is broadcast and a channel on which the broadcast program is broadcast. ETS 300 468 `` Digital Video B
roadcasting (DVB); Specification for Service Inform
ation (SI) in DVB systems ”, the broadcast channel is serv
It is identified by the identifier ice_id. The physical transmission information is information for composing a PSI necessary for broadcasting in the MPEG2 transport stream, and includes a transponder identifier (TS_id) and a PID of the transmission stream.
The program management unit 104 allocates a broadcast time zone for content distribution (information on when to distribute the content from what time to time), a channel, and a PID, and notifies the distribution schedule creation unit 103 of this. The distribution schedule creation unit 103 determines on what schedule the content is to be distributed during the broadcast time zone.

FIG. 5 is a content schedule table managed by the distribution schedule creation unit 103. 51 is a content ID for identifying the content, 52 is a content version, 53 is a time for distributing the content, that is, a distribution schedule, and 54 is a PSI (Program Specific Information ISO) required for distributing the content using broadcasting.
13818-1) Information for generation, 55 is an update flag indicating whether to distribute all the files constituting the content or only updated files when distributing the content, and 56 is the content distribution Transmission speed,
57 is a servic for distributing content using broadcasting
e_id (SI information: channel identifier). From the programming information acquired from the programming management unit 104, the operator
Distribution schedule 53, PSI information 54, transmission speed 56, s
ervice_id 57 is determined. The content schedule table is created by an operation terminal of a broadcasting station (not shown) based on the data input to the distribution schedule creating unit 103.

FIG. 5 is a content schedule table for the “always weather” application. Here, as an example, content distribution is performed for 10 minutes every 10 minutes,
The distribution schedule is set so that the weather is updated every 30 minutes. In addition, as the distribution schedule, an operation may be considered in which an update flag is used to distribute all data every X times and distribute only a difference during that time. For example, "always weather" is distributed three times an hour, and all are distributed every six times, but the difference distribution of only the changed file may be performed thereafter. In this case, the receiver has to wait for at least two hours at the worst to obtain the “always weather” application. However, once it has been obtained, the files stored in the receiver can be efficiently distributed by differential file distribution. Can be overwritten.

A process when the content transmission protocol generation unit 106 creates a content transmission data format will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
Here, a description will be given of processing when a file group constituting a certain content (identified by a content ID and a content version) is converted into a transmission format. (Step 61) Distribution schedule information is acquired from the content schedule table of the distribution schedule creation unit 103 using the content ID and the content version. (Step 62) From the content management table managed by the content DB 102, a distribution file list (a file having a file name, a file version, a file entity, and a date as an element) constituting the content by the content ID and the content version is obtained. (Step 63) It is checked whether the transmission type in the content schedule table is “all” or “difference”. In the case of "all", the process goes to step 65. (Step 64) If the type of transmission is “difference”, the version of the file in the distribution file list acquired in step 72 and the contents of the previous version (the version recently transmitted by the content transmission protocol generation unit 106) are configured. The file versions are compared, only the files having different versions are extracted, and a new distribution file list (a list including a file name, a file version, a file entity, and a date) is generated. The content transmission protocol generation unit 106 has a transmission log of each content, and manages what version was recently transmitted. (Step 65) The distribution file list is converted into a transmission format using the PSI information and the transmission speed in the content schedule table. DVB SI-DAT has been studied as a format for data transmission, and includes a DSM-CC data carousel (ISO 13818-6) and an object carousel (ISO 13818-6). (Step 66) The distribution file list converted into the transmission format (hereinafter referred to as a distribution file list transmission format) and the corresponding distribution time and transmission speed described in the content schedule table are passed to the transmission device 108.

In step 66, depending on the specifications of the transmission device 108, the content transmission protocol generation unit 106 holds the distribution file list transmission format until the distribution time comes, and sends the distribution file list transmission format to the transmission device when the distribution time comes. There is also a method of handing over to the device 108. Also, generation of a PMT (Program Mapping Table) corresponding to the distribution file list transmission format is possible if the PID, TS_id, and transmission schedule of the stream are known, and can be generated by the content transmission protocol generation unit. The information can also be generated by another subsystem of the broadcast station that acquires information from the program management unit 104.

FIG. 7 shows content distribution information constituting a content distribution information table generated by the content distribution information generation unit 107. The content distribution information table is a list having content distribution information as an element. The content distribution information table is a table for notifying the receiver of content distribution or content change, and is regularly broadcasted constantly. 701 is an identifier for identifying the content. Reference numeral 702 denotes a content version. A service_id 703 indicates a broadcast channel on which the content is broadcast. Reference numeral 704 denotes a time (schedule) for distributing the content. An update flag 705 indicates whether the content distribution is a distribution that broadcasts all files constituting the content (“all”) or a differential distribution that broadcasts only changed files (“difference”).
Since the above information is passed from the content schedule table managed by the distribution schedule management unit 103, the content distribution information generation unit 107 composes the content distribution information table based on this.

Reference numeral 706 denotes the type of content. Contents are roughly divided into two types. One is packaged content, which is not updated once stored in the receiver. The other is update type content, which is updated with update information from a broadcasting station even after being stored in a receiver. Since the attributes relating to the subsequent contents relate to the update type contents, the subsequent contents can be omitted in the case of the package type contents. Reference numeral 707 denotes a scheduled time at which the content will be updated next time (the version of the content will increase).
Reference numeral 708 denotes a content validity period. After this period, all files constituting the content stored in the receiver are deleted by the receiver. Reference numeral 709 denotes a file name, and reference numeral 710 denotes a validity period of the file.
This indicates how long the mono-media data (file) stored in the receiver may be stored in the receiver. The receiver sees the validity period of this file and automatically deletes the expired file. These pieces of information are input by the operator from an operation terminal (not shown).

The SI generation unit 105 generates SI information from the program information managed by the program management unit. At this time, if a service or event is content distribution,
A content ID for identifying the content is added to the SI table. For example, in the case of DVB, a content ID and a content size are added to the service (or event) identified by the service ID (or EIT) in the SDT (or EIT) table. Since the content size is the total size of the files to be distributed, the total of the file sizes to be distributed can be calculated by referring to the content management table of the content DB 102 and the distribution schedule creation unit 103.

In this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, “always weather” is defined as a program, and the program information table (DVB EIT) of the SI information includes a content ID and a content ID “always weather”. A content size is added.

By creating information to be distributed according to the above-described procedure, as shown in FIG.
The information passed from the SI generation unit 105 to the transmission device 108 has a reference relationship. The receiver receives the content using this reference relationship.

FIG. 9 shows the configuration of a receiver for receiving distributed contents. Reference numeral 901 denotes a table broadcasted from a broadcasting station or content converted to a transmission protocol (hereinafter, referred to as a transmission protocol).
These are collectively called data). Reference numeral 902 denotes a filtering function of selecting only data to be taken into the receiver from the data being broadcast and taking in the data. A file update management function 903 executes an automatic content update process. A timer reservation function 904 notifies that the designated time has come. 90
Reference numeral 5 denotes a file storage management function for converting a file transmitted in the transmission format from the transmission format to the original file format and storing the converted file in the storage device. 9
Reference numeral 06 denotes a file name management function for managing the relationship between the file name and the location of the file and providing a general-purpose interface to a higher-level application. Reference numerals 907 and 908 denote MM players and EPGs, which are one type of higher-order application.

The behavior until the receiver stores the content “always weather” will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, as an example, the EPG application requests storage, but it is of course possible for an application other than the EPG application to acquire SI information and request storage using this information. (Step 1001) The SI processing unit of the receiver (not shown) obtains the SI table and passes it to the EPG application 908. (Step 1002) The EPG application 908 executes S
Request the file name management function 906 by referring to the “always weather” in the I information, and using the title name “always weather”, the content ID, and the location in the storage device that stores the content ID as parameters. I do. The application determines where to store the content in the storage device. (Step 1003) The file name management function 906 passes the content ID to the filtering function 902, obtains the content distribution information table, and
Requests that only the content distribution information corresponding to the ID be returned. (Step 1004) The filtering function 902 selects a content distribution information table from the data received by the receiving unit 901, obtains content distribution information corresponding to the content ID by using the content ID, and uses the obtained information as a file name management function. Return to 906. (Step 1005) The file name management function 906 determines the current content ID from the acquired content distribution information.
Check whether the content corresponding to is broadcast. If it is distributed, the process goes to step 1008. (Step 1006) If the content corresponding to the content ID is not currently distributed, one is selected from the distribution schedule described in the content distribution information,
Timer reservation function 90 to notify when the time has come
4 is reserved for a timer. EPG application 9
07 is notified that the reservation has been made. Depending on the GUI of the EPG application 907, it is possible for the viewer to select at what time the content is to be received. (Step 1007) Until the reservation time comes, the process related thereto is not performed and the process waits. During the waiting time,
Even when the timer is turned off, only the timer is running, and the receiver starts up when the timer reservation time comes. (Step 1008) The file name management function 906 sends the file storage management function 905 a step 1001
Is passed the location in the storage device that is passed from the EPG application for storage, and instructs to store the content. (Step 1009) Using the service_id described in the content distribution information, the file name management function 906 requests the filtering function 902 to acquire the corresponding distribution file list transmission format. (Step 1010) The filtering function 902 sets the
By using the rvice_id, a distribution file list transmission format constituting the corresponding content is acquired from the reception unit 901 and passed to the file storage management function 905. (Step 1011) The file storage management function 905 converts the obtained distribution file list transmission format into the original distribution file list format. The distribution file list is a list having file name, file version, file entity, and date as elements. In step 1008, all the acquired files are stored in the storage location in the storage device designated by the file name management function 906. After the storage, the distribution file list is passed to the file name management function 906. (Step 1012) File name management function 906
Is the content ID corresponding to the file update management function 903 when the type of the content is “update type” content by looking at the content distribution information acquired in step 1005.
And the content version, and instruct to perform automatic update management. When the scheduled update time is described in the content distribution information, it is also passed to the file update management function 903. When RAM is specified as the storage location in step 1001, the file is stored on the memory. For applications that require real-time access,
By specifying memory as a storage location, applications can access monomedia data quickly.

The file name management function 906 performs step 1
In step 010, a file location management table that holds the correspondence between title names, file names, and storage locations in the receiver is managed using the distribution file list passed from the file storage management function 905. The file name management function 906 also manages the validity period of the content and the file acquired by the content distribution information. The content or file whose validity period has passed is deleted by the file name management function 906 from the storage device in the receiver. By using the content ID in this way, a file constituting the content can be obtained, and the transmission method is hidden from the application. The behavior when the MM player plays the content “always weather” will be described using the flow of FIG. (Step 1101) The MM player requests the file name management function 906 to acquire monomedia data using the title name and the file name. (Step 1102) The file name management function 906 searches the storage location of the file entity from the title name and file name using the file location management table, and acquires the file entity. (Step 1103) The file name management function 906 returns the acquired file entity to the MM player. (Step 1104) The MM player reproduces the obtained monomedia data. In the present embodiment, the acquisition of content and the reproduction of content are separated, but it is also possible to acquire content by the procedure shown in FIG. 10 when reproducing content. As described above, the MM player can acquire mono-media data based on the title name and the file name.

The behavior of the receiver when the content of the content “always weather” (for example, a weather information file) is updated will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. As described in FIG. 10, for the update type content, the file name management function 906 sends the file update management function 9
03, a content ID and a content version are passed. The file update management function 903 holds these correspondences in an update type content management table and manages them. (Step 1201) The filtering function 902 periodically acquires the content distribution information table and passes it to the file update management function 903. (Step 1202) The file update management function 903 checks whether the content ID sent in the content distribution information is registered in the update type content management table.
If not registered, the process jumps to step 1201. (Step 1203) Next, the version of the content ID is compared, and it is checked whether the version sent in the content distribution information is the same as the version held in the update type content management table. If they are the same, step 1201
Hetobu. (Step 1204) With reference to the distribution schedule sent in the content distribution information, one of the distribution schedules described in the content distribution information is selected, and a timer reservation is made to the timer reservation function so as to notify when the time has come. (Step 1205) Until the reservation time comes, the process waits without performing any processing related to this. During the waiting time,
Even when the timer is turned off, only the timer is running, and the receiver starts up when the timer reservation time comes. (Step 1206) The file update management function 903 acquires the content distribution information again from the filtering function 902, and uses the service_id described therein to
It requests the filtering function 902 to acquire the distribution file list transmission format. (Step 1207) The filtering function 902 is
Using the rvice_id, a stream of the transmission file list transmission format is selected from the reception unit 901,
This is passed to the file storage management function 905. (Step 1208) The file storage management function 905 converts the acquired transmission format into the format of the original file name and the delivery file list of the file entity,
All the acquired files are stored in the storage location in the storage device. After the storage, the distribution file list is passed to the file name management function 906. (Step 1209) The file update management function 903 increments the version of the content written in the update type content management table by one. If the version of the content described in the content distribution information and the version of the content held by the file update management function 903 are one older than the current version, a download schedule whose download type is “difference” is selected from the content distribution information. Then, efficient download can be realized. Otherwise, a download schedule whose download type is “all” is selected. If the scheduled update time is not empty even if the content version has not been updated yet in step 1203, the time may be reserved in the timer reservation function, and the update process may be resumed when the time expires. It is possible. If the scheduled update time has been acquired from the content name management function 906, a timer reservation is made at that time,
When the timer reservation time has come, the processing is continued from step 1206.

The "every weather" application can be realized by automatically updating the weather information file by using this update function. The MM player running the "always weather" application does nothing with automatic updates, just reads and executes the weather information file.
The above-mentioned update function of the content distribution can always obtain the latest weather information by rewriting the contents of the weather information file. Since the content distribution of the present invention updates a file or the like, the application creator may create an application like an ordinary packaged application even when creating an update type application.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 13 shows a content DB.
The content management table managed by 102 is extended so that a broadcast program can be handled as a file. Reference numeral 1301 denotes a transmission type. Content transmission protocol generator 10
The transmission type of the file transmitted according to the protocol generated by 6 is “content distribution”, and the stream transmitted as a normal broadcast program is “broadcast program”. FIG.
Then, from "Always Weather" version 2 to "Daytime Weather"
Is registered as a file.

FIG. 14 is a processing flow when a broadcast program is registered in the content DB 102. Broadcast programs are identified by SI information. In this example, the broadcast program is identified by a service (service_id) and a program (event_
id), program start time (start_time), program duration (d
uration) will be described. In the present invention, a broadcast program is treated as one type of a file constituting a content. (Step 1401) For the content DB 102,
Title name, file name, service_id, event_id, st
Register art_time and duration. The title name is the title name of the content having the broadcast program as a component, and the file name is the name used when the MM application on the receiver handles the broadcast program. In the example of FIG. 13, the title name is “always weather” and the file name is “daytime weather”. (Step 1402) The content DB 102 is servic
Create a file describing e_id, event_id, start_time, and duration. This file is used when the receiver automatically stores (records) a broadcast program, and is called a stream reference file. (Step 1403) The content DB 102 registers the file name of the broadcast program and the stream reference file created in step 1402 in the content entity corresponding to the title name. The transmission type is “broadcast program”. The stream reference file is converted into a transmission format by the content transmission protocol generator 106 and broadcast in the same manner as a normal file. At this time, the transmission type is added as an element of the file list described in the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart relating to the processing performed by the file storage management function 905 after receiving the broadcasted stream reference file. (Step 1501) The file storage management function 905 refers to the transmission type and checks whether there is a “broadcast program” in the received file. If it exists, the following processing is performed. (Step 1502) The file storage management function 105 reads the contents of the stream reference file and makes a program recording reservation based on this description. At this time, the storage location of the program in the program storage (recording) device (or the ID assigned to the program stored by the program storage device) is acquired from the program storage (recording) device. (Step 1503) The file accumulation management function 905 passes the file name, the transmission type, the program storage position acquired in Step 1502, and the contents of the stream reference file to the file name management function 906. (Step 1504) The file name management function 905 holds the relationship between the file name and the program storage position. As described in step 1504, the file name management function 905 has a stream file management table for managing broadcast programs.

FIG. 16 is a stream file management table for the file name management function 905 to manage the stream reference file. 1601 is the title of the content, 1602 is the file name, 1603 is the SI information, service_id, event_id, start_time, duration
Is stored. Reference numeral 1604 denotes a program storage position. MM
The request from the player to access the broadcast program is the title name,
When the file name management function 905 is reached using the file name, the file name management function 905 reproduces the stream existing at the program storage position corresponding to the file name in the program storage device. Also, if a broadcast program is currently being broadcast and is being stored (recorded) in the storage device, the channel is tuned to the program using the SI information, and the currently broadcast stream is reproduced instead of the stored stream. . In addition, the broadcast start time of the broadcast program (start_tim
e) In the previous case, return an error that playback is not possible. This makes it possible to easily link to a broadcast program from the MM player.

In the present invention, since the stream can be handled as a file, the “always weather” application can be used as a “daytime weather forecast” that is actually broadcast as a program.
It is possible to link with. The application creator simply assigns a file name to the program and registers its SI information in the content management DB. The receiver automatically stores the broadcast program related to the application and links the application with the broadcast program. It is possible to provide.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a content distribution center system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This content distribution center system has basically the same configuration as that of the system in the first embodiment. , SI generation unit 105, content distribution information generation unit 107, and transmission device 108. Also, in FIG.
01 is a data carousel generation device. A data carousel is a data transmission protocol in a one-way network defined by ISO13818-6, and this device formats input data into a data carousel protocol. Reference numeral 1702 denotes a filtering information adding unit that adds filtering information to the data carousel protocol and transfers the content of the added information to the content distribution information generation unit 107.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a format when files are packed in a module. The data carousel module contains multiple files. 1801
Denotes a file header indicating a file break, and 1802 denotes a file body. The file header is a file name, a file version, a relative start position of the file in the module, and a file size. This format is called a data carousel distribution file list. When a broadcast program is also handled as a file as in the second embodiment, a transmission type is added to the file header.

FIG. 19 is an extension of the content distribution information table to enable filtering on a module basis and filtering on a file basis. 19
01 is an update type indicating “update in module units” or “update in file units”. When the content is normally distributed using the data carousel, the update type is “normal”. Reference numeral 1902 denotes update information. When the update type is “update in module units”, a list of module IDs to be updated is entered. In the case of "update in file units", file information is stored as update information. The contents of the file information include a file name, a file version, a file size, and a file storage location. The file storage position is composed of the head position (block number and offset from the block head) of the file in the block of the data carousel, and the file end position in the block.

Next, processing of the data carousel generation device 1701, the filtering information addition unit 1702, and the content distribution information generation unit 107 in content distribution using the data carousel module will be described.
Here, the case of delivering the “always weather” application is taken as an example, and as an updated file, the latest weather information text file tokyo.txt, iba
A case will be described in which raki.txt, saitama.txt, and chiba.txt are sent as one module, and other non-updated files (bitmap files, other text files, script files) are also delivered as another module. (1) The filtering information adding unit 1702 has four updated text files tokyo.txt, ibaraki.txt, and sait
A request is made to the data carousel generation device 1701 to make ama.txt and chiba.txt into a data carousel distribution file list, and to format the data carousel as one module. Information (file name, file version, file size) necessary for creating a data carousel distribution file list can be acquired from the content management table of the content DB 102 as in the first embodiment. The filtering information adding unit 1202 can know which file has been updated in the same manner as in the first embodiment. (2) The data carousel generation device 1701 converts the received data into a module, and returns a module ID. (3) The filtering information adding unit 1702 requests the data carousel generation device 1701 to create a data carousel distribution file list for the remaining files and to format the data carousel as a module. If the number of files or the file size is large and the module size is large, the filtering information adding unit 1702 appropriately groups the files, creates a data carousel distribution file list for each group, and separates each file into another module. To be stored. (4) The data carousel generation device 1701 also modularizes the remaining data received. (5) The filtering information adding unit 1702 acquires the PSI information and the distribution schedule necessary for data transmission from the content schedule table of the distribution schedule creation unit 103 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and sends them to the data carousel generation device 1701. hand over. (6) The data carousel generation device 1701 creates a DII and DDB transmission format, and passes it to the transmission device 109 so as to be broadcast as scheduled. (7) Filtering information adding section 1702 performs step 2
The module ID acquired in 002 is passed to the content distribution information generation unit 107. (8) The content distribution information generation unit 107 obtains the acquired modu
The content distribution information table shown in FIG. 19 is generated using leID. At this time, the type of update is “update in module units”. The generated content distribution information table is passed to the transmitting device 108 so as to be periodically broadcast at all times.

As described above, the update file is collectively modularized, and the module ID is added to the content distribution information, so that the receiver obtains only the module with the module ID written in the content distribution information, and Can be obtained.

Next, processing of the data carousel generation device 1201, the filtering information addition unit 1202, and the content distribution information generation unit 107 in content distribution using file information will be described. Here, a case where the “always weather” application is distributed will be described as an example, and a case where the update file is only the weather information text file tokyo.txt in the Kanto region will be described. In this case, the method using the above-described module is also effective (only tokyo.txt is inserted in one module), but if the total number of files constituting the content is large, it may be necessary to pack a plurality of files in the module. In such a case, the content distribution using the file information becomes effective.
In this example, other files (bitmap files, other text files, script files) are also delivered as separate modules, as in the above-described example. (1) The filtering information adding unit 1702 creates a distribution file list for the data carousel of files constituting “always weather”. If the number of files and file size are large and module size is large,
The filtering information adding unit 1702 groups the files appropriately, creates a data carousel distribution file list for each group, and stores each in a separate module. (2) The data carousel generation device 1701 modularizes the received data. (3) Filtering information adding section 1702 performs distribution schedule creating section 103 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
PS required for data transmission from the content schedule table
The I information and the distribution schedule are obtained, and are passed to the data carousel generation device 1701. (4) The data carousel generation device 1701 creates a DII and DDB transmission format and passes it to the transmission device 108 so as to be broadcast as scheduled. DII, D generated
The DB copy is stored in the storage device in the data carousel generation device 1701. (5) The filtering information adding unit 1702 searches the DDB stored in the data carousel device 1701 and finds the location of the file tokyo.txt in the block (from what block and from what block). Check the result and the file name (tokyo.tx
t), the version, and the file size are passed to the content distribution information generation unit 107. (6) The content distribution information generation unit 107 acquires the acquired toky
Using the location information in the DDB of o.txt, the content distribution information table shown in FIG. 15 is generated. At this time, the type of update is “update in file units”. The generated content distribution information table is passed to the transmitting device 108 so as to be periodically broadcast at all times.

In this example, the filtering information adding unit 1702 searched for the location of the file tokyo.txt in the DDB.
First, the filtering information adding unit 17 determines that a file called tokyo.txt is to be filtered in advance.
02, the data carousel generation device 170
1. When creating a DDB, the location of the file tokyo.txt (starting from which module, in which block,
It is also conceivable to store information as to which block in which position ends and inform the filtering information adding unit 1702 of this. In the present embodiment, file information is distributed in a content distribution information table.
It is also possible to put the file information in the moduleInfo area of the DII of the M-CC carousel and distribute it.

At the time of content distribution, whether to perform distribution using a module, distribution using file information, or broadcasting using a normal data carousel without using these, the filtering information adding unit 17
The operator who operates 02 with an operation terminal (not shown) is determined. Which method is more efficient to send depends on the application.

FIG. 20 is a processing flow diagram in which the receiver performs an updating process after receiving the content distribution information table. As described in FIG. 12, the content ID and the content version are passed from the file name management function 906 to the file update management function 903 for the update type content. The file update management function 903 holds these correspondences in an update type content management table and manages them. (Step 2001) The filtering function 902 periodically acquires the content distribution information table and passes it to the file update management function 903. (Step 2002) The file update management function 903 checks whether the content ID sent in the content distribution information is registered in the update type content management table.
If not registered, the process jumps to step 2001. (Step 2003) Next, the version of the content ID is compared, and it is checked whether the version sent in the content distribution information is the same as the version held in the update type content management table. If they are the same, step 2001
Hetobu. (Step 2004) With reference to the distribution schedule sent in the content distribution information, one is selected from the distribution schedules described in the content distribution information, and a timer reservation is made to the timer reservation function so as to notify when the time has come. (Step 2005) Until the reservation time comes, the process waits without performing any processing related to this. During the waiting time,
Even when the timer is turned off, only the timer is running, and the receiver starts up when the timer reservation time comes. (Step 2006) The file update management function 903 checks the update type described in the content distribution information. If the update type is “update in module units”, the process jumps to step 2010. If the update type is “update in file units”, the process jumps to step 2013. (Step 2007) When the update type is “normal”, the file update management function 903 uses the service_id described in the content distribution information to acquire a stream in which a file constituting the transmission-formatted content flows. To the filtering function 902. (Step 2008) The filtering function 902 is
Using the rvice_id, a stream of a transmission format in which a file constituting the corresponding content is stored is selected from the receiving unit 901, and this is stored in the file storage management function 9
Hand over to 05. (Step 2009) The file accumulation management function 905 converts the acquired transmission format into the original distribution file list format, and accumulates all the acquired files in the storage location in the accumulation device. After the storage, the distribution file list is passed to the file name management function 906. (Step 2010) Update type is “module unit”
, The service_id described in the content distribution information and the module ID described in the update information of the content distribution information are filtered by the filtering function 902.
To request filtering by module. (Step 2011) The filtering function 902 is
After acquiring the DII using rvice_id, only the DDB constituting the corresponding module is acquired by filtering using the module ID. Filtering function 902 is D
The DB is assembled, a module is configured, and the module is transferred to the file storage management function 905. (Step 2012) The file storage management function 905 extracts the original file name and file entity list from the obtained module, and stores all the obtained files in the storage location in the storage device. After the storage, the distribution file list is passed to the file name management function 906. (Step 2013) When the update type is “file unit”, it is described in the content distribution information.
The service_id and the file information described in the update information of the content distribution information are passed to the filtering function 902, and a request is made for filtering in module units. (Step 2014) The filtering function 902 is
After acquiring the DII using the rvice_id, filtering is performed using the module ID and the block number of the file information, and only the block having the necessary block number is acquired from the DDBs constituting the corresponding module. The filtering function 902 passes the acquired DDB group and file information to the file storage management function 905. (Step 2015) The file accumulation management function 905 extracts a file from the DDB group based on the file information, and accumulates the acquired file in a storage location in the storage device. After the storage, the file information is stored in the file name management function 90.
6 (the file information replaces the file distribution list). (Step 2016) The version of the content in the update type content management table is incremented.

As described above, by adding the information for filtering to the content distribution information, it is possible to cut out only necessary parts on the receiver side without performing differential distribution from the center side. In the present embodiment,
It is fast because it filters the sections.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 21 shows an example in which the content schedule information (shown in FIG. 5) managed by the distribution schedule creation unit 103 in the first embodiment is expanded by adding difference information 58. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention having a data structure shown in FIG. In the schedule information of FIG. 5, since only “all” and “difference” exist for the update flag 55, it is impossible for the terminal (that is, the receiver) to know which content version 52 is the difference. . On the other hand, by adding the difference information 58, in the case of FIG. 5, the receiver is always turned on and all the content information has to be received, whereas the difference information 58 is checked. Accordingly, the receiver can determine whether or not the received information is the difference information for the content managed by the receiver itself. The difference information 58 flows while the power of the receiver is turned off, and the terminal cannot receive the information. However, when the difference information 58 flows next, the receiver can determine whether or not the difference information 58 can be adapted to the managed content by looking at the difference information 58.

However, with only the difference information 58, it is necessary to send the difference information 58 to each content version 52. In this case, the difference information 58 becomes large, and there is a problem that the band of the transmission path is widely used. Further, depending on the difference information, there is also difference information that can be applied to all versions after a certain version. FIG. 22 shows a data structure in which the content schedule information is expanded by further adding difference addition information 59 in addition to the difference information 58 to cope with such a situation. Because the content schedule information has such a data structure,
The receiver adapts to the content being managed by sending from the broadcasting station whether the difference information is limited to a specific version or whether it is applicable to any version after that version. Not only can it be determined whether the difference information can be transmitted, but also the difference information to be transmitted can be compressed. The processing of the difference information 58 is the same as in the first embodiment.

The content version 52 is not limited to an infinite increase. There may be cases where only versions within a certain range are assigned due to system restrictions.
In the difference additional information of FIG. 22, a feature specifying a range is added to the difference information 58. However, if the content version exceeds a certain range and a repeated version number is added, the feature is added first. When the receiver receives the difference additional information, the “more” processing cannot be performed. For example, if the content version is limited to 1 to 8, the version following version 8 is 1. Thereafter, if the difference information 58 is version 8 or more, the receiver managing the version 1 content cannot apply the difference information 58. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23, the content schedule information has a data structure in which version addition information 510 is further added to the above-described difference information 58 and difference addition information 59 to extend the content schedule information. The content schedule information having such a data structure is referred to as version additional information 5.
When the version number is changed from 8 to 1 by sending "ON" to the version additional information 510, for example, when the version number is changed from 8 to 1, the version number is set to "1" at the receiver. , But it can be determined that it is actually equal to “9”, and it becomes possible to adapt the difference information to the next version 8 or higher.

(Embodiment 5) A content distribution information table having a data structure shown in FIG. 7 is transmitted simultaneously with content transmitted from a broadcasting station. When this content is used by the receiver, the content can be used within the expiration date in the example of FIG. However, depending on the content, storage is possible up to the expiration date, but when the content is used in the receiver, some content can be used only for a specific period. FIG. 24 shows a data structure obtained by adding usage valid period information 711 to a content distribution information table generated by the content distribution information generation unit 107 and extending the content distribution information generation unit 107 in order to clarify the usage period of the content. In the content distribution information table having such a data structure, in addition to the file name information 709 and the expiration date information 710, the use validity period information 712 is additionally described for the file attribute of the content. The use validity period can be set to, for example, every Sunday only, every day from 12:00 to 13:00, or every Monday from 17:00 to 18:00 on the first day of every month. Also, as another form, within 1 day after receiving at the receiver, use time within 1 hour after receiving at the receiver,
Alternatively, it is possible to set, for example, a broadcast time of a specific program.

The determination of the valid use period is performed by the file storage management function 905 or the file name management function 906 in FIG.
To judge. The processing other than the processing of the effective use period is the same as the processing in the second or third embodiment.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention, mono-media data and content are unifiedly managed as a file and a grouping of a plurality of files by the center and the receiver, so that content distribution independent of an authoring tool can be achieved. It was made possible. As a result, when changing the authoring tool in the center system, the content distribution unit does not need to be changed,
In the construction of data broadcasting systems that can be changed at minimum cost and will change with development in the future,
It is an effective technology.

Further, since the content distribution of the present invention does not depend on an authoring tool, it is possible to distribute contents created by a plurality of types of authoring tools at the same time.

Also, since the content distribution of the present invention supports an automatic file update function, an application such as "always weather" that always provides the latest weather information is created, and the content of which is changed with time is created. Even in such a case, the “Always Weather” application itself is created in the same way as a normal packaged application (an application that is not updated), and after the application is delivered, the authoring tool updates the updated file (a text describing the latest weather information). Files, etc.)
Just by registering the content in the content DB, the content distribution broadcasts the updated file according to the schedule, and the receiver automatically updates it, so the content creator changes over time with the know-how of the ordinary packaged application It is possible to create a broadcast type application.

In the present invention, when a data carousel is used as a transmission method, a receiver can receive only necessary files from broadcast data by using filtering information newly added in the present invention. Efficient content reception can be realized.

Therefore, the present invention has expandability as compared with a conventional data broadcast system in which the authoring and the content distribution system are closely related to each other and has low expandability. Broadcast-type contents whose contents change over time can be easily created.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a broadcast station system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[Figure 2] Screen image diagram of the MM application "Always Weather"

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the contents of the MM application “Always Weather”

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing content management information managed by a content DB 102;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing content schedule information managed by a distribution schedule creation unit 103;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart describing a process in which a content transmission protocol generation unit creates a content transmission data format.

FIG. 7 is a data structure diagram of content distribution information constituting a content distribution information table generated by a content distribution information generation unit 107;

FIG. 8 is a data structure diagram showing a link relationship between an SI table, a content distribution information table, and a distribution file list transmission format.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a receiver according to the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing processing from reception of a content to storage of the content by the receiver.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart describing processing when an MM player plays back content stored in a receiver.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart describing an automatic update process performed by the receiver when content is updated.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing content management information managed by a content DB 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart describing processing when registering content in the content DB 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a file storage management function 90 of a receiver when a broadcast program is received as one data constituting a content.
5 describing the processing of 5

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing stream file management information managed by the file name management function 906 of the receiver.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a broadcast station system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a format structure of file transmission.

FIG. 19 is a data structure diagram showing a link relationship between a content distribution information table and a DSM-CC data carousel.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart when the receiver performs an update process using filtering information.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing content schedule information including difference information managed by the distribution schedule creation unit 103;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing content schedule information including difference additional information managed by the distribution schedule creation unit 103.

FIG. 23 is a view showing content schedule information including version additional information managed by the distribution schedule creation unit 103;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a data structure of content distribution information including usage period information constituting a content distribution information table generated by a content distribution information generation unit 107;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional broadcasting station system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 Authoring tool 102 Content DB 103 Distribution schedule creation unit 104 Program scheduling management unit 105 SI generation unit 106 Content transmission protocol generation unit 107 Content distribution information generation unit 108 Sending device 901 Receiving unit 902 Filtering function 903 File update management function 904 Timer reservation function 905 File storage management function 906 File name management function 907 EPG 908 MM player 1701 Data carousel generation device 1702 Filtering information adding unit

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A broadcast station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein the broadcast station system stores and manages content, a version of the content, and a content identifier for identifying the content. A content transmission protocol generation unit that converts the content registered in the content DB into a transmission format, a transmission device that transmits the generated information, and a content that is used when the receiver acquires and automatically updates the content. A broadcast station system, comprising: a content distribution information generation unit that generates a version information transmission format of a script file to be configured; and further transmits version information of a script file to configure the content. 2. A broadcasting station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein the broadcasting station system stores and manages content, a version of the content, and a content identifier for identifying the content. A content transmission protocol generation unit for converting the content registered in the content DB into a transmission format, a transmission device for transmitting the generated information, and a content used when the receiver performs content acquisition and automatic update. A content distribution information generation unit that generates a version information transmission format of a script file to be configured, and a distribution schedule creation unit that determines whether to distribute all files constituting the content or only the difference as a distribution type. Only the difference is distributed as the distribution type. When transmitting, the content distribution information generation unit generates and transmits difference information indicating which of the version information transmission formats of the script file is the difference, together with the content distribution type information indicating the distribution type of the content. A broadcasting station system characterized by the above. 3. A broadcast station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein the broadcast station system stores and manages content, a version of the content, and a content identifier for identifying the content. A content transmission protocol generation unit for converting the content registered in the content DB into a transmission format, a transmission device for transmitting the generated information, and a content used when the receiver performs content acquisition and automatic update. A content distribution information generation unit that generates a version information transmission format of a script file to be configured; Only the difference is distributed as the distribution type. The content distribution information generating unit, together with the content distribution type information indicating the distribution type of the content, and among the version information transmission formats of the script files constituting the content,
Generate difference information indicating which is the difference with respect to, and, for the difference information, whether it is only for the version of the script file constituting the specific content,
Alternatively, a broadcast station system characterized in that it also generates and sends difference additional information indicating whether it is for a version of a script file constituting a plurality of contents. 4. A broadcast station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein the broadcast station system stores and manages content, a version of the content, and a content identifier for identifying the content. A content transmission protocol generation unit that converts the content registered in the content DB into a transmission format, a transmission device that transmits the generated information, and a content that is used when the receiver acquires and automatically updates the content. A content distribution information generating unit that generates a version information transmission format of a script file to be configured, and further, the content distribution information generating unit generates and transmits next update schedule information of the content, system. 5. A broadcast station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein the broadcast station system stores and manages content, a version of the content, and a content identifier for identifying the content. A content transmission protocol generation unit that converts the content registered in the content DB into a transmission format, a transmission device that transmits the generated information, and a content that is used when the receiver acquires and automatically updates the content. A content distribution information generation unit that generates a version information transmission format of a script file to be configured; Have, and
The broadcast station system, wherein the content distribution information generation unit also generates and sends next update schedule information of the content. 6. A receiving unit for receiving data broadcasted from the broadcast station system, a filtering function for selecting and capturing only data to be captured by a receiver among broadcasted data, and a filtering function for transmitting data in a transmission format. A file storage management function for converting a file from a transmission format to an original file format and storing the converted file in a storage device or a storage device, and a broadcast program corresponding to an identifier of link data received from a broadcasting station is stored in a program recording device. In addition to the correspondence relationship of where the program is stored, and by managing the program additional information of the program, when the application requests acquisition by the link data identifier, if the broadcast program is just being recorded, the link Instead of playing the program in the program recorder corresponding to the data identifier, A receiver which tunes a broadcast program to a channel being broadcast using additional information. 7. A file update management function according to claim 6, further comprising a file update management function of managing a version of the content in the receiver and executing an automatic content update process when content version information is received from a broadcast station. Receiving machine. 8. A timer reservation function for notifying that a designated time has been reached, wherein timer reservation for content reception is performed using content distribution schedule information distributed from a broadcasting station. A receiver according to claim 6 or claim 7. 9. It further comprises an identifier for identifying the received data and a file name management function for managing the location of the stored data, so that the upper application can acquire the data only by using the data identifier without being conscious of the location of the data. The receiver according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the receiver is configured as described above. 10. A file expiration date management function for receiving expiration date information and managing an expiration date of content or a file stored in a receiver, wherein an expired content is automatically deleted. The receiver according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein 11. The receiver according to claim 8, wherein, as a timer reservation function, content next update schedule information is received, and a timer reservation for content reception is automatically performed according to the scheduled time. 12. When receiving link data transmitted from a broadcasting station, the program refers to a program identifier, a channel identifier, a program start time, and a program duration described in the link data.
The receiver according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein a program recording reservation is executed using the program. 13. A program for managing a correspondence relationship between an identifier of link data received from a broadcasting station and a location where a corresponding broadcast program is stored in a program recording apparatus, and when an application requests data acquisition by a link data name. 13. The receiver according to claim 6, wherein the receiver reproduces a program in the program recording device instead of returning data. 14. A file update management function according to claim 6, further comprising a file update management function for controlling whether to rewrite all data or a difference with respect to previously distributed data using distribution type information of the received data. Receiver according to any of the above. 15. A file update management function for managing data distributed in advance by using difference additional information of received data, the file update management function having a function of controlling file update based on the information. 36. The receiver according to any one of claims 24, or 35. 16. Using the received version additional information,
16. The file update management function for managing data distributed in advance has a function for managing data differences even for data having the same version number.
The receiver according to any one of the above. 17. When using received content,
17. The receiver according to claim 6, wherein the receiver refers to the content distribution information table and uses the content for a period of use validity period information. 18. A broadcasting method for a broadcasting station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein when broadcasting the broadcasting station system, a content, a version of the content, and a content identifier for identifying the content are provided. Storing and managing the content, converting the content into a transmission format, transmitting the generated information, and a script file configuring the content used when the receiver acquires and automatically updates the content. Generating a version information transmission format, and further comprising transmitting version information of a script file constituting the content. 19. A broadcasting method for a broadcasting station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein when broadcasting the broadcasting station system, a content, a version of the content, and a content identifier for identifying the content are provided. Storing and managing the content, converting the content into a transmission format, transmitting the generated information, and a script file configuring the content used when the receiver acquires and automatically updates the content. Generating a version information transmission format, and deciding whether to distribute all files constituting the content or only the difference as the distribution type, and distribute only the difference as the distribution type. If the content delivery type indicates the content delivery type A broadcasting method for a broadcasting station system, comprising: generating and transmitting difference information indicating which of the version information transmission formats of the script file is a difference together with the type information. 20. A broadcasting method for a broadcasting station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein when broadcasting the broadcasting station system, a content, a version of the content, and a content identifier for identifying the content are provided. Storing and managing the content, converting the content into a transmission format, transmitting the generated information, and a script file configuring the content used when the receiver acquires and automatically updates the content. Generating a version information transmission format, and determining whether to distribute all the files constituting the content as the distribution type or to distribute only the difference, further comprising:
In the case of distributing only the difference as the distribution type, together with the content distribution type information indicating the distribution type of the content, difference information indicating which of the version information transmission formats of the script files constituting the content is the difference is generated. Also, with respect to the difference information, difference additional information indicating whether it is only for a version of a script file constituting specific content or a version of a script file constituting a plurality of contents is also generated and transmitted. A broadcasting method for a broadcasting station system. 21. A broadcasting method for a broadcasting station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein when broadcasting the broadcasting station system, a version of a content and a content identifier for identifying the content are stored. ,
Managing, converting the content to a transmission format, transmitting the generated information, and transmitting version information of a script file constituting the content used when the receiver acquires and automatically updates the content. Generating a format, and further generating and sending next update schedule information of the content, the method for broadcasting a broadcast station system. 22. A broadcasting method of a broadcasting station system for transmitting and receiving data using a transmission path, wherein, when broadcasting the broadcasting station system, a content, a version of the content, and a content identifier for identifying the content. Storing and managing the content, converting the content into a transmission format, transmitting the generated information, and a script file configuring the content used when the receiver acquires and automatically updates the content. Generating a version information transmission format, and determining whether to distribute all the files constituting the content or only the difference as the distribution type, further comprising: Also has a step of generating and sending The broadcasting method of the broadcasting station system.