JP2002271285A - Method for providing digital broadcasting program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid a connection disabling state to a server computer due to a jam in an up line, without reinforcing facilities in broadcasting services utilizing bidirectional services, so that stress is not given to viewers. SOLUTION: When a viewer inputs information on specified information, constituted by this editing broadcasting program and a first data broadcasting program interlocked therewith and the input information cannot be transmitted to a server computer on the side of a broadcasting station by the use of the first data broadcasting program, the input information has been stored temporarily in a memory of a broadcasting terminal as information to be transmitted, and input data stored in the memory are transmitted to the server computer on a side of the broadcasting station by the use of a transmitting second data broadcasting program which was switched with an arbitrary timing by the viewer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a method for providing a digital broadcast program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A broadcast service using an interactive service that allows a viewer watching a program provided by a broadcast station to transmit certain information to the broadcast station (hereinafter referred to as an "interactive program"). It has been known. Such interactive programs include, for example, a television shopping program, a viewer participation type quiz program, and the like. In this interactive program, when a viewer operates a so-called television remote control to give an instruction to a broadcast terminal device, the broadcast terminal device connects to a server computer of a broadcast station via a telephone line and follows a predetermined communication protocol. Submit information. At this time, the server computer receives each connection request (access) from the broadcast terminal device through a number of access ports, and establishes communication. In such an interactive program, distribution (broadcasting) from a broadcasting station to each broadcasting terminal device is generally called a downlink, and transmission from each broadcasting terminal device to a broadcasting station (server computer) is called an uplink line. In.

[0003]

The recording of a program is usually
Since it is performed much earlier than the actual broadcast date, it is difficult to predict the number of accesses by the viewer from the broadcast terminal device on the broadcast day. On the other hand, in interactive programs,
The program creator has produced the program in consideration of the time required for the transmission between the broadcast terminal device and the server computer to be completed, a countermeasure when the transmission fails, and the like.

However, even in consideration of such circumstances,
In an interactive program, the access from the broadcast terminal device is concentrated in a specific time zone (that is, a certain time zone during or immediately after the program is broadcast). The inconvenience that the terminal device cannot be connected (busy) frequently occurs. For this reason, a viewer who cannot be connected as busy speaks of the stress on the interactive program and causes a decrease in the rating of the interactive program.

[0005] Such a problem is also observed in connection to the Internet, reservation of a concert ticket by telephone reception, and the like. In particular, in a television broadcasting service, the timing at which a transmission button (function) is displayed on a screen is limited. Since it is the same nationwide, there is a possibility that tens or hundreds of times more accesses than the ticket reservation and the like will be made in the same time zone.

In order to avoid such inconveniences, measures such as adding an access port can be considered. However, adding an access port requires enormous cost and increases the capacity of the server computer accompanying the addition of the access port. And there was a problem in terms of cost.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to avoid an inability to connect to a server computer due to traffic congestion in an up-link program without increasing equipment, thereby reducing the stress on the 2-way program for viewers. It is not to give.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The gist of the present invention is that input information given by a viewer to a specific program constituted by a main broadcast program and a first data broadcast program interlocked with the main broadcast program is obtained. The input information is temporarily stored in the memory of the broadcast terminal device as information to be transmitted, and is stored in the memory using the second data broadcast program for transmission, which is switched at an arbitrary timing by the viewer. Transmission of input data to a server computer on the broadcast station side.

[0009] More specifically, the present invention is to broadcast a specific program composed of a main broadcast program and a first data broadcast program linked to the main broadcast program in a predetermined time zone, A method of providing a digital broadcast program for broadcasting a second data broadcast program independent of a broadcast program, wherein the second data broadcast program broadcasts predetermined information stored in a broadcast terminal device on the viewer side. A method for providing a digital broadcast program characterized by having a function for transmitting to a station-side server computer.

[0010] Here, the first data broadcast program has a function of receiving a transmission instruction from the viewer, and at the time of receiving the transmission instruction, obtains first time information on the reception time of the specific program. Together with a function of acquiring second time information relating to the reproduction time of the specific program, wherein when a difference value between the first time information and the second time information is within a predetermined range, Preferably, control is performed so that the predetermined information can be transmitted.

[0011] It is preferable that the second data broadcast program is broadcast at least in a time zone other than the predetermined time zone.

Further, the first data broadcast program has a function of transmitting input information given by a viewer to the specific program to a server computer on a broadcast station side, and the first data broadcast program When the input information cannot be transmitted to the broadcast station server computer by a program, it is preferable that the input information be stored in the broadcast terminal device.

[0013] The present invention is also a method for providing a data broadcast program for realizing a predetermined function to a broadcast terminal device for viewing a digital broadcast program, wherein the data broadcast program is a first program linked to a main program broadcast program. A data broadcast program and a second data broadcast program independent of the main broadcast program;
The first data broadcast program has a function of receiving input information based on a viewer's operation, and a function of transmitting the received input information to an external server computer. And a function of transmitting input information stored in the broadcast terminal device to an external server computer.

Further, the present invention relates to a method for converting input information given by a viewer to a specific program constituted by a main broadcast program and a first data broadcast program linked therewith from the first data broadcast program. When the input information cannot be transmitted to the broadcasting station server computer using the first data broadcast program, the input information is temporarily stored in the memory of the broadcast terminal device, and the input information stored in the memory is transmitted using the second data broadcast program. An input information transmitting method, wherein the input information is transmitted to the broadcast station server computer.

[0015] In this specification, the term "means" does not simply mean a physical means, but also includes a case where the function of the means is realized by software. Further, the function of one unit may be realized by two or more physical units, or the function of two or more units may be realized by one physical unit.

[0016]

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

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a system for realizing a digital broadcasting service according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a broadcasting station 1 includes a broadcasting device (not shown), and a television broadcasting program (main broadcast program).
And digital data (content data) constituting a data broadcast program can be transmitted to the broadcast terminal device 2 of each viewer (user). In the present embodiment, MP
It is assumed that various digital data is transmitted as a stream using EG2-TS. The broadcast terminal device 2 has a function of receiving and demodulating digital data carried as broadcast radio waves and providing it to a viewer as a broadcast program, and has a communication modem (not shown). Side server computer 3
And is configured to be able to communicate according to a predetermined communication protocol. As a communication line, typically, a telephone line or the like can be applied. The broadcast terminal device 2 typically corresponds to a set-top box (STB) used together with a television receiver, but may be a television receiver having a function according to the present invention. The server computer 3 has a plurality of access ports (not shown), and connects to the broadcast terminal device 2 that has made a connection request at each access port, and communicates with the broadcast terminal device 2.
The server computer 3 performs predetermined information processing, for example, data aggregation, analysis, database management, and the like, according to data transmitted from the broadcast terminal device 3.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a broadcasting station according to the present embodiment. The video / audio production apparatus 201 converts digital video data (video data) and audio data (audio data) relating to a certain main broadcast program transmitted from a video camera, a video server, or the like (not shown) into a video / audio data encoder (hereinafter, referred to as “video / audio data encoder”). Video and audio data encoder ”). Here, unless otherwise specified, the video data and the audio data are handled as one data, which is referred to as video and audio data.

The data broadcast production device 202 outputs content data for data broadcast (hereinafter referred to as “data broadcast data”) to the data broadcast data encoder 205. The data broadcast data includes text data, image data (still image / moving image data), audio data, a script (control program), display object data, and the like. The script is, for example, BML
And B-XML. Note that moving image data is synonymous with video data, but is used in such a way that it is distinguished from video data in television broadcasting. The data broadcast data is created based on video / audio data and other digital data using an authoring terminal device (not shown), and is stored in a file server or the like. The data broadcast data in the present embodiment is configured to include a script for the broadcast terminal device 2 to realize communication with the server computer 3.

The broadcast management apparatus 203 instructs the video / audio production apparatus 201 and the data broadcast production apparatus 202 to transmit video / audio data and data broadcast data in accordance with the information on program scheduling. The broadcast management device 203 also sends out various kinds of information necessary for the operation of the program providing service to the control information sending device 207.

The video / audio data encoder 204 compression-codes video / audio data transmitted from the video / audio production device 201 under the control of the broadcast management device 204 in accordance with MPEG2 video and MPEG2 audio to generate a video / audio stream. Video / audio data encoder 20
4 sends the generated video / audio stream to the multiplexing unit 208 in the PES format. Data broadcast data encoder 2
In the step 05, the data broadcast data transmitted from the data broadcast production device 202 is compression-encoded under the control of the broadcast management device 203 to generate a data broadcast stream. The data broadcast data encoder 205 sends the generated data broadcast data to the multiplexing unit 208 in a section format.

The event message sending unit 206 sends an event message related to data broadcast data sent from the data broadcast production device 202 to the control information sending device 17.
To send to. The event message is data interpreted by the viewer's broadcast terminal device,
Performs processing according to this event message. That is, from the broadcast station side, the broadcast station 1 can control the broadcast terminal device 2 of the viewer using the event message. The control information transmission device 207 generates control information based on various information transmitted from the broadcast management device 203 and the event message transmitted from the event message transmission unit 206. The control information is PS
I / SI (Program Specific Information / Service Inf
ormation). Control information sending device 207
Sends control information to the multiplexer 208 in section format.

The multiplexer 208 multiplexes the PES format video / audio stream and data broadcast stream and section format control information to form an MPEG2-transport stream (MPEG2-TS; hereinafter, referred to as a "multiplexed stream"). Generate. Multiplexer 208
When generating a multiplexed stream, time management information and the like are further superimposed as necessary, and scramble is performed on information to be concealed. Multiplexer 208
Transmits the generated multiplexed stream to the digital modulator 20.
9

The digital modulator 209 digitally modulates the multiplexed stream by a predetermined modulation method,
Send this to As the predetermined modulation method, for example,
An 8PSK method, an OFDM method, and the like can be given. The transmission device 210 transmits the digitally modulated stream as a broadcast wave signal to a relay station, for example, a broadcast satellite.

FIG. 3 shows a broadcast terminal device 2 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a receiving system configured to include a. This system includes an antenna 30 for receiving a broadcast wave transmitted from a broadcast station 1 shown in FIG. 1 via a broadcast satellite.
1, a set-top box 302 for selecting and decoding the received stream, an output device 303 for outputting video and audio based on the decoded video and audio data, and a set-top box 302 or output device 303. A remote controller 304 operated by a user
It comprises a modem 305 for communicating with an external server computer via a communication line such as a telephone line.

The broadcast terminal device 2 shown in FIG. 1 has the set-top box 302, the output device 303, and the modem 305 separately, but may be configured as an integrated broadcast terminal device 2. Output device 303
Typically corresponds to a television receiver, and outputs video and audio based on a video / audio signal input from the outside via an input terminal. Remote controller 304
For example, a power ON / OFF button, a channel selection button, and the like are provided, and the operation receiving unit of the set-top box 302 receives an infrared signal corresponding to a button pressed by the user. Further, instead of the remote controller 304, an operation panel may be provided on a front portion or the like of the device.

FIG. 4 shows a broadcast terminal device 2 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the first embodiment. The broadcast terminal device 2 typically has a reception function, a storage function, a communication function, and a presentation function.

Referring to FIG.
A PU 4011, a RAM 4012, a ROM 4013, and a flash memory 4014 are provided, and these are interconnected via a bus. This controller 401
It controls the overall operation of the broadcast terminal device 2 and realizes various functions in combination with other hardware components.

The tuner 402 selects a broadcast wave signal corresponding to a specific transponder from broadcast wave signals supplied from an antenna (not shown), and a digital demodulation unit 403
To send to. The digital demodulation unit 403 demodulates the broadcast wave signal selected and transmitted by a predetermined demodulation method, performs a predetermined error correction process, and then transmits the signal to the TS decoder 404. The signal transmitted from the digital demodulation circuit 202 corresponds to the multiplexed stream described above.
The TS decoder 404 separates the multiplexed stream to be transmitted into individual streams, and
05. This stream can be viewed as a series of TS packets. MEPG-AV decoder 405
Decodes the transmitted video / audio stream according to MPEG2 video and MPEG2 audio, and outputs it to an output device.

The sound control unit 406 includes the controller 4
Under the control of 01, an additional sound is generated based on various sound data. The generated additional sound is superimposed (synthesized) on the audio data sent from the MPEG2-AV decoder 405 and output from an output device (speaker).

The OSD control unit 407 includes a controller 40
Under the control of (1), text data and image data based on the data broadcast data are generated. These generated data are superimposed on the video data sent from the MPEG2-AV decoder 405.

The external recording device I / F 408 is an interface for connecting to an external recording device (not shown). The external recording device is typically a hard disk device, a DVD-RW (DVD-RAM) device, a solid-state memory (for example, “smart media” or “memory stick”), or the like.

The IC card I / F 410 is an interface for connecting to an IC card storing predetermined information. The IC card stores, for example, personal information of the viewer, a descrambling key, and the like.

The modem 305 provides a bidirectional communication function with an external server connected via a communication line in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. Modem 305
Is connected to the server computer 3 by a PPP connection via a telephone line to perform communication.

The digital broadcasting system configured as described above provides the following digital broadcasting services. That is, the broadcasting station 1 broadcasts a specific program integrally configured by a main broadcast program and a data broadcast program linked thereto. The viewer selects a specific program on the broadcast terminal device 2 and views it. The viewer interactively operates the remote controller 304 at hand and inputs predetermined information while watching the specific program, and transmits the input information to the server computer 3 on the broadcast station side. The broadcasting station 1 performs various types of information processing such as counting and analysis based on information transmitted from each viewer.

For example, it is assumed that the specific program is a viewer participation type quiz program. This viewer participation type quiz program is configured as one screen by a main program broadcast program and a data broadcast program. The main broadcast program provides viewers with images and sounds of the moderator and answerer in the studio. On the other hand, the data broadcast program provides viewers with screens and functions that are linked to the main broadcast program. More specifically, on the screen corresponding to the data broadcast program, an option button object for the quiz presented by the moderator is displayed, and the viewer performs a selection operation using a corresponding button provided on the remote controller 304 at hand. You can enter quiz answers. The viewer can also submit to the broadcasting station 1 information such as the time required for answering or answering the quiz by selecting and operating the transmission button object displayed on the data broadcast screen.

In this embodiment, the broadcasting station 1 broadcasts a transmission-only data broadcasting program for the viewer to transmit information to the broadcasting station 1 separately from the main program and the data broadcasting program linked thereto. Keep it. If the viewer cannot transmit the input information to the broadcast station server computer 3 using the data broadcast program linked to the main broadcast program, the viewer will be able to use the data broadcast program dedicated to the transmission regardless of the broadcast time zone of the main broadcast program. Then, the input information is transmitted to the server computer 3.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts for explaining the interactive service according to the present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 5 shows an interactive service realized by a data broadcast program linked to a main broadcast program.
Is an interactive service realized by a transmission data broadcast program independent of the main broadcast program. The transmission data broadcast program is switched automatically from the linked data broadcast program or by the viewer's selection.

As shown in FIG. 5, a viewer watching a specific program first receives a remote controller 304 at hand.
To input predetermined information to the broadcast terminal device 2 (S
TEP501). Here, the predetermined information is, for example, an answer selected by the viewer for the quiz. And
When the viewer selects the send button at the stage when the specific program has progressed and the send button is displayed on the screen, the broadcast terminal device 2
Will transmit the information entered so far and any other necessary information (hereinafter "the information to be transmitted")
Attempt to connect to server computer 3 (STEP 50)
2). As a result, when the broadcast terminal device 2 succeeds in connecting to the server computer 3 (O in STEP 503).
K), the broadcast terminal device 2 transmits the input information and the like to the server computer 3 (STEP 504), and when the transmission is completed, displays that the transmission is completed on the screen (STEP 50).
5).

On the other hand, if the broadcast terminal device 2 fails to connect to the server computer 3 (N in STEP 503)
G), information to be transmitted is stored in an untransmitted box realized in a memory (for example, flash memory 4014) (STEP 506). The connection failure to the server computer 3 includes, for example, a state where all the access ports are in use (line congestion). In this case, the broadcast terminal device 2 displays on the screen that the information to be transmitted has not been transmitted (STEP 507), and prompts the viewer to select whether to return to the main broadcast program or shift to the transmission menu. Prompt (STEP 508). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen example of the broadcast terminal device 2 at this time. When the viewer operates the remote controller 304 and selects “return to program”, the broadcast terminal device 2 returns to the original main program, and when the “transmit menu” is selected, The broadcast terminal device 2 switches from the current channel of the linked data broadcast program to the channel of the transmission-only data broadcast program, and realizes an interactive service by this program.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, in the transmission-only data broadcast program, the broadcast terminal device 2 displays the contents of the transmission menu and the current untransmitted box on the screen (STEP 601). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a transmission-only data broadcast program. In the figure, it is shown that information relating to “quiz result”, “CM material request”, “CM present application” and “program questionnaire” is stored in the unsent box, and each information is transmitted or deleted. Is selected in a check box format. That is, this transmission-only data broadcast program has a function of transmitting information stored in the untransmitted box to the server computer 3 regardless of the channel or program. When the viewer checks these check boxes and selects the transmission start button, the broadcast terminal device 2 attempts to connect to the server computer 3 (STEP 602). As a result, if the broadcast terminal device 2 succeeds in connecting to the server computer 3, (STE
(P603: OK), the broadcast terminal device 2 transmits the information to be transmitted to the server computer 3 (STEP 604), and when the transmission is completed, displays on the screen that the transmission is completed (STEP 605). The broadcast terminal device 2 deletes the transmitted information and the information checked for “delete” from the untransmitted box (STEP 606).

On the other hand, when the broadcast terminal device 2 fails to connect to the server computer 3 (N in STEP 603)
G), the broadcast terminal device 2 displays on the screen that the information to be transmitted has not been transmitted, and prompts the viewer to input whether to try transmission (retry) again (ST).
EP 607). The viewer can use the remote controller 304
If “Retry” is selected by operating (STEP
608: Yes), the broadcast terminal device 2
And the above processing is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, information input by a viewer to a specific program composed of a main broadcast program and a data broadcast program linked to the main broadcast program is used by using the data broadcast program. Even if the information cannot be transmitted to the broadcast station side server computer 3, the information is temporarily stored in the memory (unsent box) of the broadcast terminal device 2, and any information irrelevant to the broadcast time zone of the specific program is stored. By using the transmission-dedicated data broadcast program switched in step 2, the information stored in the memory can be transmitted to the server computer 3 on the broadcast station side. Therefore, the viewer can transmit the input information to the broadcast station via the communication line without being limited to the broadcast time zone of the specific program, and the access to the access port of the server computer 3 can be distributed. Become like

In this embodiment, when the connection cannot be made during the broadcast time of the specific program, the input information is transmitted using the transmission-only data broadcast program. All of them may be temporarily stored in a memory (unsent box), and transmitted using an exclusive data broadcast program in an arbitrary time zone other than the broadcast time zone of the specific program. In this way, the actual transmission processing is performed collectively for the transmission-only data broadcast program, and the production cost of the program can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment] In the above embodiment, a time lag is allowed between the broadcast time of a specific program and the transmission time of a transmission-only data broadcast program. Also, when recording a specific program, it is possible to record both the main broadcast program and a data broadcast program linked to the main program, so that the viewer can use the functions provided by the data broadcast program even during playback. It is possible to use. Therefore, even when a specific program is recorded and reproduced in the broadcast terminal device 2, the viewer similarly inputs predetermined information and then uses the transmission-only data broadcast program to change the input information. It can be sent. For this reason, for example, in the case of a viewer participation type quiz program, the viewer can learn all correct answers before replying and transmitting the same, and it is also possible to perform illegal participation such as this. Neglecting the act will result in a lack of fairness and loss of interest in interactive programs.

In the present embodiment, the actual time at which the specific program was broadcast is compared with the time at which the broadcast terminal device 2 has received the transmission instruction, so that viewing and listening from the recorded and reproduced specific program is performed. It is characterized by restricting the participation of participants.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts for explaining the interactive service realized by the data broadcast program linked to the main broadcast program according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, first, a viewer watching a specific program operates the remote controller 304 at hand to input predetermined information, and the broadcast terminal device 2 receives the operation (STEP 901). . When the viewer selects the send button at the stage where the specific program has progressed and the send button is displayed on the screen, and the broadcast terminal device 2 accepts the send button (STEP 902), the broadcast terminal device 2 sets the playback state of the specific program. That is, it is checked whether the stream is currently being played back (directly played) from the broadcast station 1 or is being played back (recorded playback) of a recorded stream (STEP 903).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the reproduction state check processing shown in STEP 903. That is, the broadcast terminal device 2 obtains the time at which the stream was actually received (the time when the stream was received) (ST
In EP1001), the time at which the stream is played (absolute time during playback) is obtained (STEP1002).
Such time information can be obtained by referring to time management information included in a stream to be transmitted. Next, the broadcast terminal device 2 obtains a difference between the obtained reception time and the reproduction absolute time, and determines whether or not the value falls within a predetermined range (STEP 100).
3). That is, when the viewer is viewing the specific program by direct reproduction, the values at both times match.
However, in this example, direct reproduction is considered if the difference value is within ± 15 seconds in consideration of a system delay due to transmission error correction and the like. When determining that the difference value is within the predetermined range, the broadcast terminal device 2 sets the on-air flag to “true” (STEP 1004).
If it is determined that the value exceeds the predetermined range, the on-air flag is set to “false” (STEP 1005).

Returning to FIG. 9, the broadcast terminal device 2 determines whether the reproduction of the specific program is direct reproduction or recorded reproduction based on the value of the on-air flag (S).
TEP904). Here, when it is determined that the value of the on-air flag is “false”, the broadcast terminal device 2
The process ends without performing the transmission process. in this case,
A message indicating that transmission is not possible may be displayed on the screen to notify the viewer. On the other hand, if the value of the on-air flag is “true”, an attempt is made to connect to the server computer 3 to transmit information to be transmitted (ST).
EP 905). Note that the subsequent processing is the same as in the above-described first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the input information is transmitted, it is checked whether the specific program is currently being broadcast or has been recorded once. It is possible to eliminate unauthorized participation using a transmission-only data broadcast program that is broadcasted outside the broadcast time of the program.

[Third Embodiment] This embodiment is a modification of the first and second embodiments. The transmission processing from recording / reproduction is not uniformly regulated, but transmission from recording / reproduction is performed. It is characterized in that it is checked whether or not the program is possible, and the transmission process is performed only when the program can be transmitted from recording and reproduction. Further, in the present embodiment,
It is checked whether or not the program can be reserved for transmission. If the program is a program that can be reserved for transmission, information to be transmitted is temporarily stored in an untransmitted box.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the interactive service realized by the data broadcast program linked to the main broadcast program according to the present embodiment. In the figure, the determination process surrounded by a dotted frame is different from the above embodiment. That is, in STEP 1103, the broadcast terminal device 2 checks the reproduction state of the specific program and sets a value in the on-air flag. Next, the broadcast terminal device 2
Checks whether the specified program is a program that can be transmitted from recording and reproduction (STEP 1104). In this case, the broadcast terminal device 2 sets the value of the on-error flag to “false”.
And it is determined that the specific program is not a program that can be transmitted from recording and reproduction (N in STEP 1104).
o), the process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the program is a program that can be transmitted from recording and reproduction, it is further determined whether or not the program is a program that can be reserved for transmission (STEP 110).
5). If the broadcast terminal device 2 determines that the specific program is a program that can be reserved for transmission and the viewer does not select the immediate transmission, the broadcast terminal device 2 transmits the information once entered in the untransmitted box (STEP 1105, Yes). Store (STE
P1110). That is, in this case, the transmission function provided by the data broadcast program linked to the main broadcast program is not used. On the other hand, if it is determined that the program is not a transmission-reservable program, the broadcast terminal device 2 attempts to connect to the server computer 3 (STEP 1106). Broadcast terminal device 2
When it is determined that the connection cannot be established as a result of the connection attempt to the server computer 3 (N in STEP 1107)
o) Similarly, the information input to the untransmitted box is stored (STEP 1110). Note that the subsequent processing is the same as in the above-described first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the transmission process from the recording / reproduction is not uniformly regulated, but the transmission process is performed only when the program can be transmitted from the recording / reproduction. Will be able to do it. Also, in the present embodiment, it is checked whether or not the program is a program that can be reserved for transmission.
In the case of a transmission-reservable program, information to be transmitted is temporarily stored in the unsent box, so that the viewer is given time to consider whether or not to transmit.
This makes it possible to produce a program that matches the diversifying viewer viewing style.

The above embodiments are exemplifications for describing the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention only to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof. In the above embodiment, the operations of the device, the function realizing means, and the like are described sequentially, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. As long as there is no inconsistency in the operation, the order of the processing may be changed or the operation may be performed in parallel.

[0056]

According to the present invention, a broadcasting station can avoid line congestion without increasing hardware equipment, so that it is possible to reduce viewer stress on interactive programs, Separation can be avoided. Further, the viewer can transmit the input information to the broadcast station via the communication line without being limited to the broadcast time zone of the specific program. In addition, since the viewer can transmit various kinds of information through a single line connection, it is possible to save labor and communication charges at the time of transmission.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a system for realizing a digital broadcasting service according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a broadcasting station according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reception system including a broadcast terminal device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a broadcast terminal device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an interactive service realized by a data broadcast program linked to a main broadcast program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an interactive service realized by a transmission data broadcast program independent of a main broadcast program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when transmission fails according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a transmission data broadcast program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an interactive service realized by a data broadcast program linked to a main broadcast program according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an interactive service realized by a transmission data broadcast program independent of a main broadcast program according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an interactive service realized by a data broadcast program linked to a main broadcast program according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Broadcasting station 2 ... Broadcast terminal device 3 ... Server computer 201 ... Video / audio production device 202 ... Data broadcast production device 203 ... Broadcast management device 204 ... Video / audio data encoder 205 ... Data broadcast data encoder 206 ... Event message sending part 207 ... Control information sending device 208 ... Multiplexing unit 209 ... Digital modulator 210 ... Transmitting device 301 ... Antenna 302 ... Set top box 303 ... Output device 304 ... Remote controller 305 ... Modem

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroshi Takahashi 5-3-3 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tibesu Kaikan Toma Digi Inc. (72) Inventor Yosuke Funabashi 5-3-3 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo ES Kaikan Tomadigi Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Satoshi Harada 5-3-3 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo BD08

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A specific program comprising a main broadcast program and a first data broadcast program linked to the main broadcast program is broadcast in a predetermined time zone, and a second program independent of the main broadcast program is provided. A method for providing a digital broadcast program for broadcasting a data broadcast program, wherein the second data broadcast program transmits predetermined information stored in a broadcast terminal device on a viewer side to a server computer on a broadcast station side. A method for providing a digital broadcast program, characterized by having a function of: 2. The first data broadcast program has a function of receiving a transmission instruction from the viewer, and at the time of receiving the transmission instruction, acquiring first time information on a reception time of the specific program. A function of acquiring second time information relating to the reproduction time of the specific program, wherein when the difference value between the first time information and the second time information is within a predetermined range, 2. The method for providing a digital broadcast program according to claim 1, wherein the information is transmitted. 3. The digital broadcast program providing method according to claim 1, wherein the second data broadcast program is broadcast at least in a time zone other than the predetermined time zone. 4. The first data broadcast program has a function of transmitting input information given by a viewer to the specific program to a broadcast station side server computer, wherein the first data broadcast program 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the input information cannot be transmitted to the broadcast station server computer by the program, the input information is stored in the broadcast terminal device. 5. A method of providing a data broadcast program for realizing a predetermined function in a broadcast terminal device for viewing a digital broadcast program, wherein the data broadcast program includes a first data broadcast program linked to a main program broadcast program. A main data broadcast program and an independent second data broadcast program, wherein the first data broadcast program has a function of receiving input information based on a viewer's operation; and an external server for transmitting the received input information to an external server. A second data broadcast program, wherein the second data broadcast program has a function of transmitting input information stored in the broadcast terminal device to an external server computer. Delivery method. 6. Broadcasting, using the first data broadcast program, input information given by a viewer to a specific program composed of a main broadcast program and a first data broadcast program linked thereto. If the input information cannot be transmitted to the station-side server computer, the input information is temporarily stored in the memory of the broadcast terminal device, and the input information stored in the memory is transmitted to the broadcast station side using a second data broadcast program. A method for transmitting input information, wherein the input information is transmitted to a server computer. 7. Data broadcast data for realizing a predetermined function to a broadcast terminal device for viewing a digital broadcast program, wherein the data broadcast data includes a function of receiving input information based on an operation of a viewer; A function of acquiring first time information relating to a time at which the data broadcast data is received, and acquiring second time information relating to a reproduction time of the data broadcast data, when a transmission instruction is received from the first device; It is determined whether or not the difference value between the time information and the second time information is within a predetermined range, and when the difference value is within the predetermined range, the predetermined information including the input information can be transmitted. A method for providing a digital broadcast program, wherein the function of controlling the digital broadcast program is realized by the broadcast terminal device.