JP2005149260A - Information processing system and method, data generation device and method, reception device and method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently supply update software. <P>SOLUTION: A data generator 61 extracts the same kinds of function blocks a1 and b1 common to software data 81 of a receiver 71-1 and software data 82 of a receiver 72-1 and assigns identifiers by which receivers discriminate function blocks, to different kinds of function blocks a1, b1, c1, and d1, respectively, and adds respective identifiers to contents of different kinds of function blocks to generate download data a2, b2, c2, and d2 and provides them to receivers 71-2 to 71-4 and 72-2 in a market 5 through a download device 3 and a broadcasting device 4. This invention is applicable to a digital TV broadcasting system which transmits update software data of receivers which receive broadcast signals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system and method, a data generation device and method, a reception device and method, a recording medium, and a program, and in particular, an information processing system and method and data that can efficiently supply update software. The present invention relates to a generation device and method, a reception device and method, a recording medium, and a program.

  As shown in Non-Patent Document 1, in digital television broadcasting, a mechanism for transmitting / receiving software data for updating software of a receiver using radio waves transmitted from a broadcasting station is used. In this operation, the receiver is notified in advance that software data will be downloaded, and the software data is acquired by receiving a transport stream of a specific frequency at the notified time. The receiver software is updated.

  With reference to FIG. 1, a flow of software data of a receiver in a digital television broadcast (hereinafter also referred to as digital broadcast) system will be described. In the example of FIG. 1, description will be made using terrestrial digital broadcasting.

  A receiver manufacturer (maker) 1-1 that manufactures an A type receiver 11-1, a B type receiver 12-1, and the like has a data generation device 11. The data generation device 11 generates software data for terrestrial digital broadcasting of an updated model (for example, software data DA1 of the A type receiver 21-1 and software data DB1 of the B type receiver 22-1), The data is submitted (transmitted) to the download device 3 of the download provider as download data DA2 and DB2 in a format corresponding to broadcasting.

  A receiver manufacturer 1-2 that manufactures a C-type receiver 31-1, a D-type receiver 32-1, and the like has a data generation device 12. The data generation device 12 generates software data for terrestrial digital broadcasting of an updated model (for example, software data DC1 of the C-type receiver 31-1), and the download device 3 possessed by the download provider as download data DC2. Submit to. In the case of the example in FIG. 1, the corresponding models of the receivers 21-1, 22-1, and 31-1 are to be updated, and the software data of the D-type receiver 32-1 is to be updated. Although not updated, software data DD1 is generated at the time of update.

  The download device 3 collects and schedules the download data DA2, DB2, and DC2 submitted by the receiver producers 1-1 and 1-2, and performs the data carousel in the DSM-CC data carousel system via the broadcast device 4. 42 is multiplexed with the broadcast signal and broadcast. Download data DA2 to DC2 submitted by receiver manufacturers 1-1 and 1-2 are treated as modules DA3 to DC3 of the data carousel 42. These modules may be software modules as they are, or may be a plurality of modules divided by functional units or fixed sizes. Further, before transmitting the data carousel 42, the download device 3 broadcasts the notification information 41 generated for each model based on each download data by multiplexing the broadcast information via the broadcast device 4. In the notification information 41, download information such as a download time of software data and a service (channel) for downloading is described as information for notifying the receiver that software data is downloaded in advance. Yes.

  Market 5 includes various types of digital such as A-type receivers 21-2 to 21-4, B-type receiver 22-2, C-type receiver 31-2, and D-type receiver 32-2. Broadcast receivers (hereinafter referred to as receivers 21-1 to 21-4, receivers 22-1 and 22-2, receivers 31-1 and 31-2, and receivers 32-1 and 32-2) , Simply referred to as receivers 21, 22, 31, and 32) if they do not need to be individually distinguished. The receivers 21, 22, 31, and 32 existing in the market 5 receive the broadcast signal from the broadcast device 4 and acquire the notification information 41. Among these receivers, the receivers 21, 22, and 31 to be updated refer to the individual notification information 41 corresponding to each model, respectively, and the notification information 41 at the time described in the respective notification information 41. Receive the service described in. Then, the receivers 21, 22, and 31 acquire the data carousel 42 included in the received broadcast signal of the service, and the individual modules (DA3 to DC3) corresponding to each model are selected from the data carousel 42. Is acquired as download data (any one of DA2 to DC2), stored in a non-volatile area of the built-in memory, and software data for terrestrial digital broadcasting (any one of DA1 to DC1) from the saved download data Build up. Thereby, the software of the receivers 21, 22, and 31 is updated.

Digital Broadcasting Receiver Standard ARIB STD-B21, 4.0 Edition, Download Function, Japan Radio Industry Association, H15.2.6, P. 120 and P.I. 178

  As described above, in the conventional digital broadcasting system, the data generation device 11 generates the download data DA2 for the receiver 21 using the software data DA1 for the receiver 21, as shown in FIG. The download data DB2 for the receiver 22 is generated using the software data DB1 for the receiver 22, and the download data DE2 for the receiver 23 is generated using the software data DE1 for the receiver 23. . That is, since the data generation device 11 generates download data for the receiver for each model individually and transmits the notification information 41 and the download data via the download device 3 and the broadcast device 4, the receiver By referring to only one type of notification information targeted for model identification unique to the receiver, and obtaining individual download data (any one of DA2 to DC2) corresponding to each model based on the notification information 41 The software data (any one of DA1 to DC1) for terrestrial digital broadcasting specific to the receiver was constructed.

  However, in recent years, the capacity of the receiver software for downloading has increased due to the complexity of the receiver software functions, and the time required for downloading and the frequency band for transmission tend to increase. Furthermore, since many types of receivers are available in the market 5, there is a risk that the frequency band will be exhausted as it is, and as a result, there is a problem that the number of downloads (opportunities) of the user is reduced. It was. In other words, the number of download opportunities decreases, so it becomes impossible to update the receiver software, or the receiver software is updated through a paid network, etc. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to efficiently supply updated software.

  According to the information processing system of the present invention, the data generation device includes a block extraction unit that extracts functional blocks of the same type from update software data of a plurality of models of the reception device, and an update software based on an extraction result by the block extraction unit An identifier setting means for assigning an identifier for identifying a functional block by the receiving apparatus for each different type of functional block of data, and an identifier assigned by the identifier setting means for each different type of functional block, and downloading A receiving unit that acquires notification information for notifying the broadcast of download data, including at least identifiers assigned to different types of functional blocks by the identifier setting unit. Notification information acquisition means and notification information acquisition means The notification information judging means for judging whether or not the notice information is the notice information corresponding to the necessary function block, and the notice information judging means judged that the notice information is the notice information corresponding to the function block requiring the notice. A data acquisition means for acquiring download data from a broadcast signal based on the notification information, and a software update means for updating its own software using the download data acquired by the data acquisition means, To do.

  The information processing method according to the present invention extracts the same type of functional blocks from the update software data of a plurality of models of the reception device, and the reception device is provided for each different type of functional block of the update software data based on the extraction result. An identifier for identifying a functional block is assigned, and the assigned identifier is added to each different type of functional block to generate download data. The reception method of the receiving device is assigned to each different type of functional block. The notification information for notifying the download data broadcast at least including the identifier is acquired from the broadcast signal, and it is determined whether the acquired notification information is the notification information corresponding to the required functional block, and the notification is made. If it is determined that the information is notification information corresponding to the required functional block, the broadcast signal It acquires download data, using the downloaded data acquired, and updates its own software.

  The data generation device of the present invention includes a block extraction unit that extracts functional blocks of the same type from update software data of a plurality of models of a receiving device, and different types of update software data based on extraction results by the block extraction unit. An identifier setting unit for assigning an identifier for identifying a functional block by the receiving device for each functional block, and a generation for generating download data by adding an identifier assigned by the identifier setting unit for each different type of functional block Means.

  According to the data generation method of the present invention, the update software data differs based on the block extraction step for extracting the same type of functional block from the update software data of a plurality of models of the receiving device and the extraction result by the processing of the block extraction step An identifier setting step for assigning an identifier for identifying a functional block by the receiving device for each type of functional block, and an identifier assigned by the processing of the identifier setting step for each different type of functional block are added to download data. And a generating step for generating.

  The program recorded on the first recording medium of the present invention is based on a block extraction step for extracting functional blocks of the same type from update software data of a plurality of models of the receiving device, and an extraction result obtained by processing of the block extraction step. An identifier setting step for assigning an identifier for identifying the functional block by the receiving device for each different type of functional block of the updated software data, and an identifier assigned by the processing of the identifier setting step for each different type of functional block And a generation step of generating download data.

  The first program of the present invention includes a block extraction step for extracting the same type of functional block from the update software data of a plurality of models of the receiving device, and the update software data based on the extraction result by the processing of the block extraction step. An identifier setting step for assigning an identifier for identifying a functional block by the receiving device for each different type of functional block, and an identifier assigned by the processing of the identifier setting step for each different type of functional block, and downloading And a generation step for generating data.

  The receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes at least an identifier for identifying a functional block assigned to each of different types of functional blocks in update software data of a plurality of models, and notification information for notifying broadcast of download data Notification information acquisition means for acquiring from the broadcast signal, notification information determination means for determining whether the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition means is notification information corresponding to a required functional block, and notification information determination If it is determined by the means that the notification information corresponds to the function block that requires the notification information, an identifier is added to each of the different types of functional blocks of the updated software data of multiple models from the broadcast signal based on the notification information. Data acquisition means for acquiring the download data generated in this manner, and the data acquisition means Using down load data, characterized by comprising a software updating means that updates its own software.

  Software update means, further comprising: storage means for storing download data acquired by the data acquisition means in a memory; and data determination means for determining whether or not all the download data corresponding to the necessary functional blocks are available in the memory. If it is determined by the data determination means that all the download data corresponding to the necessary functional blocks are available in the memory, the software may be updated using the download data stored in the memory. it can.

  Time determination means for determining whether or not a certain time has elapsed since the date and time when the download data was last acquired by the data acquisition means, and that a certain time has elapsed since the date and time when the download data was last acquired by the time determination means When the determination is made, a discarding unit for discarding the download data stored in the memory can be further provided.

  In the receiving method of the present invention, the update software data of a plurality of models includes at least an identifier for identifying a functional block assigned to each of different types of functional blocks, and notification information for notifying a download data broadcast A notification information acquisition step for acquiring from the broadcast signal, a notification information determination step for determining whether the notification information acquired by the processing of the notification information acquisition step is notification information corresponding to a required functional block, and a notification When it is determined by the information determining step that the notification information corresponds to the function block that requires the notification information, each type of functional block of different types of update software data of a plurality of models is determined from the broadcast signal based on the notification information. A data acquisition step of acquiring download data generated by adding an identifier to Using the downloaded data acquired by the processing of the data acquisition step, characterized in that it comprises a software updating step of updating its own software.

  The program recorded on the second recording medium of the present invention is a download data that includes at least an identifier for identifying a functional block assigned to each of different types of functional blocks in a plurality of types of update software data. It is determined whether or not the notification information for notification of broadcasting is the notification information corresponding to the functional block for which the notification information acquired from the broadcast signal and the notification information acquired by the processing of the notification information acquisition step are necessary. Update information for a plurality of models from the broadcast signal based on the notification information when the notification information determination step and the processing of the notification information determination step determine that the notification information corresponds to the function block that requires the notification information. Download data generated by adding identifiers for different types of functional blocks of data A data acquisition step of Tokusuru, using the downloaded data acquired by the processing of the data acquisition step, characterized in that it comprises a software updating step of updating its own software.

  A second program of the present invention is for notifying broadcast of download data that includes at least an identifier for identifying a functional block assigned to each of different types of functional blocks in update software data of a plurality of models. A notification information acquisition step for acquiring notification information from a broadcast signal; a notification information determination step for determining whether the notification information acquired by the processing of the notification information acquisition step is notification information corresponding to a required functional block; When the notification information determination step determines that the notification information corresponds to the functional block that requires the notification information, the functions of different types of update software data of multiple models are determined from the broadcast signal based on the notification information. Data acquisition process for acquiring download data generated by adding an identifier for each block And-up, using the downloaded data acquired by the processing of the data acquisition step, characterized in that it comprises a software updating step of updating its own software.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the same type of functional block is extracted from the update software data of a plurality of models of the receiving device by the data generation device and method, and different types of functions of the update software data are based on the extraction result. An identifier for identifying a functional block by the receiving device is assigned to each block, and the assigned identifier is added to each different type of functional block to generate download data. Then, by the receiving device and method, notification information for notifying broadcast of download data including at least identifiers assigned to different types of functional blocks is acquired from the broadcast signal, and the acquired notification information is required. It is determined whether or not the notification information corresponds to a functional block. If it is determined that the notification information corresponds to a functional block that requires the notification information, download data is acquired from the broadcast signal based on the notification information. The own software is updated using the acquired download data.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the same type of functional block is extracted from the update software data of a plurality of models of the reception device, and the reception device is provided for each different type of functional block of the update software data based on the extraction result. An identifier for identifying the functional block is assigned. Then, an assigned identifier is added to each different type of functional block, and download data is generated.

  In the third aspect of the present invention, the update software data for a plurality of models includes at least an identifier for identifying a functional block assigned to each of different types of functional blocks, and a notification for notifying broadcast of download data Information is acquired from a broadcast signal, and it is determined whether or not the acquired notification information is notification information corresponding to a necessary functional block. If it is determined that the notification information is the notification information corresponding to the required functional block, an identifier is added to each of the different types of functional blocks of the updated software data of a plurality of models from the broadcast signal based on the notification information. The download data generated in this way is acquired, and its own software is updated using the acquired download data.

  According to the present invention, update software can be supplied efficiently. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the cost for software update can be suppressed as much as possible.

  BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The best mode of the present invention will be described below. The correspondence relationship between the disclosed invention and the embodiments is exemplified as follows. Although there are embodiments which are described in this specification but are not described here as corresponding to the invention, the embodiments correspond to the invention. It does not mean that it is not a thing. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described herein as corresponding to an invention, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to an invention other than the invention. Absent.

  Further, this description does not mean all the inventions described in the specification. In other words, this description is for the invention described in the specification and not claimed in this application, i.e., for the invention that will be applied for in the future or that will appear as a result of amendment and added. It does not deny existence.

  According to the present invention, a receiving device (for example, the receiver 71-2 in FIG. 3) that receives a broadcast signal, and download data for updating software of the receiving device that is multiplexed and transmitted to the broadcasting signal ( For example, an information processing system (for example, the digital broadcasting system 51 in FIG. 3) including a data generation apparatus (for example, the data generation apparatus 61 in FIG. 3) that generates the download data a2) in FIG. 3 is provided. In this information processing system, the data generation device uses the same type of functional block (for example, functional block a1 in FIG. 3) from updated software data (for example, software data 81 and 82 in FIG. 3) of a plurality of models of the receiving device. In order for the receiving device to identify the functional block for each different type of functional block of the updated software data based on the extraction result by the block extracting unit (for example, the block extracting unit 152 in FIG. 5) and the block extracting unit An identifier setting unit (for example, the ID setting unit 153 in FIG. 5) for assigning an identifier (for example, the model ID of FIG. 10) and an identifier assigned by the identifier setting unit for each different type of functional block are added, A generation means for generating download data (for example, the data conversion unit 154 in FIG. 5); The apparatus acquires notification information (for example, notification information 41 in FIG. 3) for notifying broadcast of download data, which includes at least identifiers assigned to different types of functional blocks by the identifier setting means, from the broadcast signal. Notification information acquisition means (for example, notification information acquisition unit 251 in FIG. 7) and notification information determination means for determining whether or not the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition means is notification information corresponding to a necessary functional block (For example, when the model ID discriminating unit 252 in FIG. 7 and the notification information determining unit determine that the notification information corresponds to the functional block that requires the notification information, the download data is downloaded from the broadcast signal based on the notification information. For example, the content acquisition unit 255) in FIG. 7 and the download acquired by the data acquisition unit Data using the software update means for updating its own software (e.g., software construction unit 256 of FIG. 7); and a.

  According to the present invention, a receiving device (for example, the receiver 71-2 in FIG. 3) that receives a broadcast signal, and download data for updating software of the receiving device that is multiplexed and transmitted to the broadcasting signal ( For example, an information processing method of an information processing system (for example, the digital broadcasting system 51 of FIG. 3) including a data generation device (for example, the data generation device 61 of FIG. 3) that generates the download data a2) of FIG. 3 is provided. . In this information processing method, the data generation method of the data generation device is the same as the functional block of the same type (for example, FIG. 3) from update software data (for example, software data 81 and 82 in FIG. 3) of a plurality of models of the reception device. The function block a1) is extracted (for example, step S12 in FIG. 8), and an identifier (for example, the figure) for the receiving apparatus to identify the function block for each different type of function block of the updated software data based on the extraction result. 10 model IDs) (for example, step S13 in FIG. 8), the assigned identifiers are added to the different types of functional blocks, and download data is generated (for example, step S14 in FIG. 8). A device reception method includes a download including at least an identifier assigned to each of different types of functional blocks. Notification information (for example, notification information 41 in FIG. 3) for notifying broadcast of broadcast data is acquired from the broadcast signal (for example, step S41 in FIG. 13), and the notification corresponding to the functional block that requires the acquired notification information It is determined whether or not the information is information (for example, step S42 in FIG. 13), and when it is determined that the notification information is notification information corresponding to a functional block that requires the notification information, download data from the broadcast signal based on the notification information (For example, step S47 in FIG. 13), and using the acquired download data, its own software is updated (for example, step S50 in FIG. 13).

  According to the present invention, data generation for generating download data for updating software of a receiving device (for example, the receiver 71-2 in FIG. 3) that receives a broadcast signal and is multiplexed and transmitted with the broadcast signal. An apparatus (for example, the data generation apparatus 61 of FIG. 3) is provided. This data generation device extracts the same type of functional block (for example, functional block a1 in FIG. 3) from update software data (for example, software data 81 and 82 in FIG. 3) of a plurality of models of the receiving device. Based on the means (for example, the block extracting unit 152 in FIG. 5) and the extraction result by the block extracting means, an identifier (for example, the function for identifying the functional block by the receiving device for each different type of functional block of the updated software data) The identifier setting means (for example, the ID setting unit 153 in FIG. 5) to which the model ID of FIG. 10 is assigned and the identifier assigned by the identifier setting means are added to each different type of functional block to generate download data. And generating means (for example, the data conversion unit 154 in FIG. 5).

  According to the present invention, download data (for example, FIG. 3) for updating software of a receiving apparatus (for example, the receiver 71-2 in FIG. 3) that receives the broadcast signal and is multiplexed and transmitted to the broadcast signal. A data generation method for generating download data a2) is provided. In this data generation method, block extraction for extracting the same type of functional block (for example, functional block a1 in FIG. 3) from the updated software data (for example, software data 81 and 82 in FIG. 3) of a plurality of models of the receiving device. Based on the extraction result of the step (for example, step S12 in FIG. 8) and the block extraction step, the identifier for identifying the functional block by the receiving device for each different type of functional block of the updated software data (for example, The identifier setting step (for example, step S13 in FIG. 8) to which the model ID of FIG. 10 is assigned and the identifier assigned by the processing of the identifier setting step are added to each type of functional block to generate download data. Including a generation step (for example, step S14 in FIG. 8). And it features.

  Since the first recording medium and program of the present invention have basically the same configuration as the data generation method of the present invention described above, the description thereof is omitted because it is repeated.

  According to the present invention, download data (for example, download data a2 in FIG. 3) generated by a data generation device (for example, data generation device 61 in FIG. 3) based on the updated software data and multiplexed on the broadcast signal is obtained. A receiving device (for example, receiver 71-2 in FIG. 3) for receiving is provided. This receiving apparatus includes functional blocks assigned to different types of functional blocks (for example, functional blocks a1 to f1 in FIG. 9) in the update software data of a plurality of models (for example, software data 81 and 82 in FIG. 3). Notification information (for example, notification information 41 in FIG. 3) for notifying broadcast of download data, including at least an identifier (for example, model ID in FIG. 10) for identifying the broadcast data from the broadcast signal An acquisition unit (for example, the notification information acquisition unit 251 in FIG. 7) and a notification information determination unit (for example, for determining whether the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition unit is notification information corresponding to a necessary functional block) 7, the model ID discriminating unit 252) and the notification information corresponding to the functional block requiring the notification information by the notification information determining means Download data generated by adding identifiers for different types of functional blocks of the update software data of a plurality of models from the broadcast signal based on the notification information (for example, download in FIG. 3) Data acquisition means (for example, the content acquisition unit 255 in FIG. 7) for acquiring the data a2) and software update means for updating its own software using the download data acquired by the data acquisition means, for example, the software in FIG. And a construction unit 256).

  This receiving apparatus includes a storage unit (for example, the content acquisition unit 255 in FIG. 7) that stores the download data acquired by the data acquisition unit in a memory (for example, the non-volatile memory 215 in FIG. 6) and a memory necessary for the memory. The data update means for determining whether or not all the download data corresponding to the functional block has been prepared (for example, the download control unit 253 in FIG. 7 that executes the process of step S48 in FIG. 13), and the software update means, When it is determined by the data determining means that all the download data corresponding to the necessary functional blocks are stored in the memory, the own software can be updated using the download data stored in the memory.

  This receiving device is time determination means for determining whether or not a fixed time has passed since the date and time when the download data was last acquired by the data acquisition means (for example, the download in FIG. 7 that executes the processing in step S51 in FIG. 13). If the control unit 253) and the time determination means determine that a certain time has elapsed since the date and time when the download data was last acquired, the download data stored in the memory (for example, the nonvolatile memory 215 in FIG. 6) And a discarding unit (for example, the download control unit 253 in FIG. 7 that executes the process of step S52 in FIG. 13).

  According to the present invention, download data (for example, download data a2 in FIG. 3) generated by a data generation device (for example, data generation device 61 in FIG. 3) based on the updated software data and multiplexed on the broadcast signal is obtained. A receiving method for receiving is provided. In this receiving method, functional blocks assigned to different types of functional blocks (for example, functional blocks a1 to f1 in FIG. 9) in update software data of a plurality of models (for example, software data 81 and 82 in FIG. 3). Notification information (for example, notification information 41 in FIG. 3) for notifying broadcast of download data, including at least an identifier (for example, model ID in FIG. 10) for identifying the broadcast data from the broadcast signal An acquisition step (for example, step S41 in FIG. 13) and a notification information determination step (for example, for determining whether the notification information acquired by the processing of the notification information acquisition step is notification information corresponding to a necessary functional block) Step S42 in FIG. 13 and the function block that requires the notification information by the processing of the notification information determination step. Download data generated by adding identifiers for different types of functional blocks of update software data of a plurality of models based on the notification information based on the notification information (for example, , A data acquisition step (for example, step S47 in FIG. 13) for acquiring the download data a2) in FIG. 3, and a software update step for updating its own software using the download data acquired by the processing in the data acquisition step ( For example, step S50) of FIG. 13 is included.

  Since the second recording medium and program of the present invention have basically the same configuration as the reception method of the present invention described above, description thereof will be omitted because it is repeated.

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

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of a digital television broadcast (hereinafter also referred to as digital broadcast) system 51 to which the present invention is applied. Note that, in FIG. 3, portions corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by corresponding reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted because it is repeated. In FIG. 3, only the receiver manufacturer 1-1 is shown for convenience of explanation, but there are many receiver manufacturers having the same configuration as the receiver manufacturer 1-2 of FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the receiver manufacturer 1-1 manufactures a plurality of types of receivers such as the receivers 71-1, 72-1,... And updates the software of the manufactured receivers. A data generation device 61 that generates download data is included.

  The data generation device 61 generates software data 81 for updating the software of the receiver 71-1 and software data 82 for updating the software of the receiver 72-1. For example, the data generation device 61 has the same type of functional block (the same kind of functional blocks (software data 81 composed of the contents of the functional blocks a1, b1, and c1) and the software data 82 composed of the contents of the functional blocks a1, b1, and d1 ( In the case of the example of FIG. 3, the function blocks a1 and b1) are extracted, and different types of function blocks a1, b1, c1, and d1 are used so that a plurality of identifiers are not assigned to the same type of function block. The receiver assigns an identifier (model ID (Identify) described later with reference to FIG. 10) for identifying each functional block. That is, identifiers are assigned to the same type of functional blocks as one functional block.

  Then, the data generation device 61 adds the assigned identifier to the contents of the functional blocks a1, b1, c1, and d1, and generates download data a2, b2, c2, and d2 for each functional block, The generated download data a2, b2, c2, and d2 are submitted (transmitted) to the download device 3.

  The download device 3 collects and schedules download data a2, b2, c2, and d2 submitted by the receiver producer 1-1 and download data submitted by other receiver producers. Then, based on the schedule, the download device 3 broadcasts each download data as a data carousel 42 in a DSM-CC data carousel system via the broadcast device 4. The download data a2, b2, c2, and d2 submitted by the receiver manufacturer 1-1 are treated as modules a3, b3, c3, and d3 of the data carousel 42. In addition, before transmitting the data carousel 42, the download device 3 uses the broadcast device 4 to transmit the notification information 41 generated for each download data (functional block) based on the download data a2, b2, c2, and d2. Then, the broadcast signal is multiplexed and broadcast.

  In the case of the example in FIG. 3, the market 5 includes various digital devices such as receivers 71-2 to 71-4 of the same model as the receiver 71-1, and a receiver 72-2 of the same model as the receiver 72-1. Broadcast receivers (hereinafter, receivers 71-1 to 71-4 and receivers 72-1 and 72-2 are simply referred to as receiver 71 and 72 when there is no need to distinguish them individually). Exists. The receiver 71 existing in the market 5 receives the broadcast signal from the broadcasting device 4 and acquires the notification information 41. In the notification information 41, identifiers assigned to each functional block and information related to download of download data are described.

  If the notification information 41 corresponds to a functional block necessary for the receiver 71 based on the identifier described in the notification information 41, the receiver 71 sets the notification information 41 at the time described in the notification information 41. The data carousel 42 included in the broadcast signal of the received service is acquired, the download data (a2, b2, b2) corresponding to the functional blocks necessary for the receiver 71 is acquired from the module of the data carousel 42. Alternatively, c2) is acquired, and the acquired download data is stored in a non-volatile memory 215 (FIG. 6 described later). Then, the receiver 71 constructs software data 81 (a1, b1, and c1) from the necessary functional block download data (functional block content), and executes software update.

  Based on the identifier described in the notification information 41, the receiver 72 sets the notification information 41 at the time described in the notification information 41 if the notification information 41 corresponds to a functional block necessary for the receiver 72. The data carousel 42 included in the broadcast signal of the received service is received and the download data (a2, b2, b2) corresponding to the functional blocks necessary for the receiver 72 is acquired from the module of the data carousel 42. Or, d2) is acquired, and the acquired download data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 215 built in. Then, the receiver 72 constructs software data 82 (a1, b1, and d1) from the necessary functional block download data (functional block contents), and executes software update.

  As described above, the data generation device 61 assigns identifiers to different types of functional blocks so that a plurality of identifiers are not assigned to the same type of functional blocks in the software data of a plurality of types of receivers. The download data to which the identifier is added for each different type of functional block is multiplexed and transmitted to the broadcast signal via the download device 3 and the broadcast device 4. As a result, the receivers 71 and 72 can determine the download data of the necessary functional blocks, so the necessary functional blocks are received, the software data is constructed using the received functional blocks, and the software is updated. can do.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration example of the data generation device 61. In the example of FIG. 4, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 performs various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112 or a program loaded from a storage unit 118 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113. Execute. The RAM 113 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 111 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 111, ROM 112, and RAM 113 are connected to each other via a bus 114. An input / output interface 115 is also connected to the bus 114.

  The input / output interface 115 includes an input unit 116 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an output unit 117 including a speaker, and a hard disk. A communication unit 119 including a storage unit 118, a modem, a terminal adapter, and the like is connected. The communication unit 119 performs communication processing via a network (not shown).

  A drive 120 is connected to the input / output interface 115 as necessary, and a recording medium 121 made up of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately mounted, and the computer read from the recording medium 121 is read. The program is installed in the ROM 112 or the storage unit 118 as necessary.

  Although illustration is omitted, the download device 3 and the broadcasting device 4 have basically the same configuration as the data generation device 61 shown in FIG. Therefore, in the following description, the configuration of the data generation device 61 in FIG. 4 is also referred to as the configuration of the download device 3 or the broadcasting device 4 as necessary.

  FIG. 5 shows a functional configuration example of the data generation device 61. The functional blocks shown in FIG. 5 are realized by executing a predetermined control program by the CPU 111 of FIG.

  The data generation unit 151 generates (prepares) software data (for example, software data 81 of the receiver 71 and software data 82 of the receiver 72) for updating software of a plurality of types of receivers, and a block extraction unit 152. The block extraction unit 152 extracts the same type of functional blocks that are common in the plurality of types of software data from the data generation unit 151, and supplies the extraction result to the ID setting unit 153.

  The ID setting unit 153 allows the receiver 71 or 72 to assign a functional block for each different type of functional block so that different identifiers are not assigned to functional blocks of the same function extracted by the block extracting unit 152. A model ID, which is an identifier for discrimination, is assigned to each. That is, identifiers are assigned to the extracted functional blocks of the same type as one type of functional block. The data conversion unit 154 converts the contents of different types of functional blocks into download data to which the model ID assigned by the ID setting unit 153 is added.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the receiver 71. The receiver 71 receives and selects a broadcast signal from the broadcasting device 4 via the antenna 201, outputs the video from the display 202, and outputs the sound from the speaker 203.

  In the example of FIG. 6, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, an operation input unit 214, and a nonvolatile memory 215 are connected to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211. The CPU 211 controls each part of the receiver 71 according to a program stored in the ROM 212, a program loaded in the RAM 213, or a user instruction signal obtained via the operation input unit 214, and executes various processes. To do. The RAM 213 appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 211 to execute various processes. The operation input unit 214 includes an input button and a dial, and outputs a user instruction signal to the CPU 211. The nonvolatile memory 215 stores notification information received by the receiver 71, download data (functional block contents), and the like.

  The CPU 211 is connected to a network interface (I / F) 217, a drive 218, a front end unit 219, a descrambler 220, a demultiplexer 221, an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) decoder 222, and a video signal processing unit 223 via a bus 216. And an audio signal processing unit 224 are connected, and execute predetermined processing in accordance with the control of the CPU 211.

  The network interface 217 is configured by a modem, an IEEE802.3 interface, and the like, establishes a data link with a server connected to a network (not shown), and performs FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or HTTP (Hyper Text Transport) as necessary. Predetermined data is communicated by a data transfer protocol such as Protocol. A recording medium 225 made of a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is appropriately attached to the drive 218. The drive 218 is used when reading data from the recording medium 225 or writing data. The computer program read from the recording medium 225 is stored in the ROM 212 or the nonvolatile memory 215 and installed as necessary.

  The front end unit 219 extracts a broadcast signal corresponding to the user's channel selection from the broadcast signal received via the antenna 201, demodulates it, generates a transport stream, and outputs it to the descrambler 220. The descrambler 220 appropriately de-scrambles the transport stream input from the front end unit 219 and outputs the descrambler 220 to the demultiplexer 221. The demultiplexer 221 separates the multiplexed transport stream into a stream such as video or audio data or section data. The demultiplexer 221 outputs video data and audio data to the MPEG decoder 222 and outputs only necessary section data to the CPU 211. The MPEG decoder 222 decodes the video data from the demultiplexer 221 and outputs it to the video signal processing unit 223, and also decodes the audio data from the demultiplexer 221 and outputs it to the audio signal processing unit 224.

  The CPU 211 develops each piece of information of the section data from the demultiplexer 221 in the RAM 213. The section data includes a DSM-CC section (for example, a data carousel 42 module), download notification information (SDTT (Software Download Trigger Table)), and EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information used for data broadcasting and data download. Etc. are included.

  The video signal processing unit 223 adds (superimposes) data broadcast data or the like to the video data from the demultiplexer 221, converts the data into an NTSC format signal, and displays the video on the display 202. The audio signal processing unit 224 causes the audio data from the demultiplexer 221 to be output from the speaker 203.

  FIG. 7 shows a functional configuration example of the receiver 71. The functional blocks shown in FIG. 7 are realized by executing a predetermined control program by the CPU 211 of FIG.

  The notification information acquisition unit 251 acquires notification information (for example, notification information 41 in FIG. 3) from the section data input from the demultiplexer 221. The non-volatile memory 215 stores in advance information on function blocks (model ID and relevance of each function block) required by the software of the receiver 71. Therefore, the model ID determination unit 252 monitors the notification information acquisition unit 251, and based on the necessary functional block information in the nonvolatile memory 215, the notification information acquisition unit 251 determines the functional block necessary for the receiver 71. It is determined whether or not the model ID notification information has been acquired. Further, the model ID determination unit 252 determines whether or not the content corresponding to the model ID described in the notification information of the notification information acquisition unit 251 is already held in the nonvolatile memory 215, and the notification information acquisition unit 251 When it is determined that the content corresponding to the model ID described in the notification information is not yet held in the nonvolatile memory 215, the notification information of the model ID to be acquired by the notification information of the notification information acquisition unit 251 Notification information is supplied to the download control unit 253.

  The download control unit 253 determines the download start time of the download data based on the notification information from the model ID determination unit 252. Further, the download control unit 253 controls each process of the channel selection unit 254, the content acquisition unit 255, and the software construction unit 256 based on the notification information or the download data (content) held in the nonvolatile memory 215.

  The channel selection unit 254 selects a service (channel) described in the notification information at the download start time determined by the download control unit 253. The content acquisition unit 255 controls the demultiplexer 221 to cause the receiver 71 to acquire necessary function block download data from the broadcast signal of the service selected by the channel selection unit 254, and the acquired download data (content) Is temporarily stored in the nonvolatile memory 215.

  The software construction unit 256 constructs software data from the download data (contents) stored in the nonvolatile memory 215, and updates the software of the receiver 71 using the constructed software data.

  Although illustration is omitted, the receiver 72 is basically configured similarly to the receiver 71 shown in FIGS. Therefore, in the following description, the configuration of the receiver 71 in FIGS. 6 and 7 is also referred to as the configuration of the receiver 72 as necessary.

  Next, the data generation process of the download data of the data generation device 61 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S11, the data generation unit 151 generates (preparation) software data for updating software of a plurality of types of receivers, supplies the software data to the block extraction unit 152, and proceeds to step S12. Note that these software data are generated in advance so as to be composed of several functional blocks, and if these functional blocks are related, the software is required if the contents of the related functional blocks are not available. However, if these functional blocks are independent and are not related, a part of the software is updated each time the content of the functional block is received. This relevance information is stored as necessary functional block information in the nonvolatile area of the receiver together with the functional block model ID.

  In step S12, the block extraction unit 152 extracts the same type of functional blocks in common among the software data of a plurality of models from the data generation unit 151, as shown in FIG. To the unit 153, and proceeds to step S13.

  FIG. 9 shows another configuration example of the software data of FIG. In the example of FIG. 9, it is shown that the software data 81 for updating the software of the receiver 71 is composed of the contents of the function block a1, the function block b1, and the function block e1. The software data 82 for updating the software is shown to be composed of the contents of the functional block a1, the functional block c1, and the functional block e1, and the software data 83 for updating the software of the receiver 73 is shown. Is composed of the contents of the functional block a1, the functional block d1, and the functional block f1.

  That is, in the software data 81 to 83, the functional block a1 (hatched portion in the drawing) is the same type of functional block, and in the software data 81 and 82, the functional block e1 (bold frame portion in the drawing). Are the same type of functional block in common.

  Accordingly, in step S12 of FIG. 8, the block extraction unit 152 shares the same type of functional block a1 (hatched portion in the figure) common in the software data 81 to 83 of the three models of the receivers 71 to 73. The same type of functional block e1 (thick frame portion in the figure) is extracted, and the extracted result is supplied to the ID setting unit 153, and the process proceeds to step S13. When the ID setting unit 153 receives the extraction result from the block extraction unit 152 in step S13, the ID setting unit 153 does not assign different identifiers to the same functional block a1 of the same type, and is the same in common. A model ID for the receiver 71 or 72 to identify each functional block is assigned to each of the different types of functional blocks a1 to f1, so that different types of functional blocks e1 are not assigned to each other. Proceed to step S14.

  FIG. 10 shows a correspondence relationship between the functional blocks in FIG. 9 and the model IDs assigned by the ID setting unit 153. In the example of FIG. 10, model ID “1” is assigned to function block a1, model ID “2” is assigned to function block b1, and model ID “3” is assigned to function block c1. It has been shown. The model ID “4” is assigned to the function block d1, the model ID “5” is assigned to the function block e1, and the model ID “6” is assigned to the function block f1. .

  In this way, model IDs are respectively assigned to different types of functional blocks a1 to f1 so that the model IDs are not duplicated in the functional blocks a1 and e1 included in the plurality of software data.

  Therefore, in step S14 of FIG. 8, the data conversion unit 152 adds the assigned model ID to the contents of the functional blocks a1 to f1, converts the contents into download data, and generates download data a2 to f2. The data generation process is terminated.

  As described above, the model IDs are assigned to the different types of functional blocks a1 to f1 so that the model IDs do not overlap with the functional blocks a1 and e1 included in the plurality of software data. Added to each content of each functional block a1 to f1, and download data a2 to f2 is generated.

  Further, in the receiver 71, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the software data 81 is composed of the contents of the functional blocks of the model IDs “1”, “2”, and “5”. The relevance of the functional block contents is stored in advance as necessary functional block information, and the software data 82 is stored in the receiver 72 for the functional blocks of the model IDs “1”, “3”, and “5”. It is stored in advance as functional block information that is composed of content and the relevance of the content of each functional block, and the software data 83 is stored in the receiver 73 with model IDs “1”, “4”, And functional block information that needs to be composed of the functional block content of “6” and the relevance of the content of each functional block. It is stored in advance.

  Therefore, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 13, the receivers 71 to 73 can acquire necessary functional blocks and update software based on the notification information and the model ID of the download data. That is, for example, when the download data a2 is broadcast, both the receiver 71 and the receiver 72 can obtain the download data a2.

  As described above, in the digital broadcasting system 51 of FIG. 3, the content of the functional block common to a plurality of types of receivers can be transmitted to a plurality of types of receivers at a time.

  FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of download data to which the model ID of FIG. 10 is added. In the example of FIG. 11, the download data a2 is configured by adding the model ID “1” to the content of the functional block a1. The download data b2 is configured by adding the model ID “2” to the content of the functional block b1. Hereinafter, although illustration is omitted, the download data c2 is configured by adding the model ID “3” to the content of the functional block c1, and the download data d2 is configured by adding the model ID “4” to the content of the functional block d1. The download data e2 is configured by adding the model ID “5” to the content of the functional block e1. The download data f2 is configured by adding the model ID “6” to the content of the functional block f1.

  At this time, it is assumed that download data of the same version is generated, and the download version is added to each download data together with the model ID. Further, these additional information (model ID and download version) may be embedded in the download data as a header, or included in the file name or the like when the download data is handled as a file in the receiver. It may be.

  Since the download data a1 to f1 generated as described above are transmitted (submitted) to the download device 3, the download device 3 can download these download data a2, b2, c2, and d2 and other receiver manufacturers. The download data to be submitted is collected, scheduled, and broadcast as a data carousel 42 by the DSM-CC data carousel system via the broadcasting device 4.

  Further, the download device 3, before transmitting the data carousel 42, based on the download data a 2, b 2, c 2, and d 2, as shown in FIG. 12, the notification information generated for each download data (functional block) 41 is broadcast on the broadcast signal through the broadcasting device 4.

  FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of the notification information 41 transmitted via the download device 3 and the broadcast device 4.

  In the example of FIG. 12, the notification information 41 includes, from the top, an SDTT (Software Download Trigger Table) header, ..., manufacturer ID, model ID, ..., download service ID, ..., download version, ..., schedule, ..., module. Consists of management information, etc.

  The SDTT (Software Download Trigger Table) header is information indicating that the data is download notification information. The manufacturer ID is information for specifying a manufacturer such as the receiver 71 from which download data is to be acquired. As described above with reference to FIG. 10, the model ID is an ID assigned to a functional block of software data, and is information for identifying a functional block necessary for the receiver. The download service ID is information indicating a service (channel) through which download data is broadcast. The download version is information indicating the version of download data corresponding to the notification information.

  The schedule is information indicating the date and time (year / month / day, time) when the download data is broadcast. Since the download data is broadcasted a plurality of times, the schedule shows the date and time when the download data is broadcast for a certain period after the date when the notification information is sent. The module management information is information such as the total content of function blocks of software data and size information.

  Next, software update processing of the receiver 71 executed based on the notification information 41 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the example of FIG. 13, the function blocks (a1, b1, e1 in FIG. 9) of the software data 81 of the receiver 71 are related and the contents (download data) of all the function blocks are not complete. A case where software data is not updated will be described. Therefore, in this case, in the nonvolatile memory 215, the manufacturer ID of the receiver 71, the model ID of the functional block necessary for the receiver 71, and the relevance of each functional block are stored in advance as necessary functional block information. ing.

  When the software of the receiver 71 is updated, the notification information 41 as described above with reference to FIG. 12 is broadcast via the download device 3 and the broadcast device 4 prior to the transmission (broadcast) of the download data. come.

  The front end unit 219 of the receiver 71 extracts a broadcast signal corresponding to the user's channel selection from the broadcast signal received via the antenna 201, demodulates it, generates a transport stream, and sends it to the descrambler 220. Output. The descrambler 220 appropriately de-scrambles the transport stream input from the front end unit 219 and outputs the descrambler 220 to the demultiplexer 221. The demultiplexer 221 separates the multiplexed transport stream into a stream such as video or audio data or section data.

  In response to this, the notification information acquisition unit 251 acquires notification information from the demultiplexer 221 in step S41, and proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the model ID determination unit 252 monitors the notification information acquisition unit 251, and based on the necessary functional block information in the nonvolatile memory 215, the model ID determination unit 251 requires the receiver 71 to be included in the model. When it is determined whether or not the ID notification information has been acquired, and the receiver 71 determines that the necessary model ID notification information has been acquired by the notification information acquisition unit 251, the process proceeds to step S43.

  Here, the nonvolatile memory 215 may hold content (download data) acquired from the broadcast signal by the previous download process (step S47 described later). In this case, a model ID and a download version are added to the stored download data. Therefore, in step S43, the model ID determination unit 252 determines that the content corresponding to the model ID of the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition unit 251 is based on the information added to the download data of the nonvolatile memory 215. It is determined whether or not the content corresponding to the model ID of the notification information is already stored in the nonvolatile memory 215 by determining whether or not the notification information is already stored in the nonvolatile memory 215. Returning to step S41, the subsequent processing is repeated.

  When it is determined in step S43 that the content corresponding to the model ID of the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition unit 251 is not yet held in the nonvolatile memory 215, the model ID determination unit 252 Is the notification information to be acquired, the notification information of the notification information acquisition unit 251 is supplied to the download control unit 253, and the process proceeds to step S44.

  In step S44, the download control unit 253 determines the download start time based on the notification information schedule from the model ID determination unit 252 and proceeds to step S45. The notification information indicates a plurality of dates and times when the updated software data file is broadcast, and the closest date and time that has not yet elapsed is determined as a plurality of download start times.

  In step S45, the download control unit 253 performs a time counting operation with the built-in clock and waits until it is determined that the determined download start time has come, and performs the time counting operation with the built-in clock. If it is determined that the download start time has come, the process proceeds to step S46. Note that this software data content download processing is actually executed when the user is not viewing the broadcast using the receiver 71 in order to reduce the load on the receiver 71.

  In step S46, the download control unit 253 controls the channel selection unit 254 to select the download service described in the notification information, proceeds to step S47, controls the data acquisition unit 255, and is separated by the demultiplexer 221. Download data (for example, download data a2 consisting of the content of the functional block a1 in FIG. 10 and the model ID “1”) is acquired from the section data, temporarily stored in the nonvolatile memory 215, and the process proceeds to step S48.

  The processing in steps S45 and S46 will be described in detail. At the date and time (download start time) of the download data, the download data is multiplexed from the broadcast signal of the predetermined service and transmitted from the digital broadcasting device 62. Come. Note that this content may be encrypted, or error detection, error correction code, or the like may be added to prevent transmission errors.

  Since the front end unit 219 receives the broadcast signal from the broadcasting device 62 via the antenna 201, the channel selection unit 254 controls the front end unit 219, and is described in the download notification information from the received broadcast signal. Select the service (channel) that you are using. The front end unit 219 extracts a broadcast signal corresponding to the channel selection of the channel selection unit 254 from the broadcast signal received via the antenna 201, demodulates it, generates a transport stream, and outputs it to the descrambler 220. . The descrambler 220 appropriately de-scrambles the transport stream input from the front end unit 219 and outputs the descrambler 220 to the demultiplexer 221.

  The demultiplexer 221 separates the multiplexed transport stream into a stream such as video or audio data or section data, and in accordance with an instruction from the content acquisition unit 255, the necessary DSM-CC The section module is supplied to the content acquisition unit 255 as download data. The content acquisition unit 255 temporarily stores the download data from the demultiplexer 221 (for example, the download data a2 including the content of the functional block a1 in FIG. 10 and the model ID “1”) in the nonvolatile memory 215.

  As described above, the download data configured by adding the model ID “1”, the download version, and the like to the content of the functional block as described above with reference to FIG. 11 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 215. In step S48, the download control unit 253 confirms necessary function block information, model ID and download version of the download data in the non-volatile memory 215, determines whether all necessary function block contents have been prepared, and is necessary. When it is determined that all the contents of the functional block are not complete, the process returns to step S41 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S48 that all the necessary functional block contents have been prepared, the process proceeds to step S49, where the software construction unit 256 is controlled and software data is obtained from the contents of all downloaded data stored in the nonvolatile memory 215. And proceed to step S50. In step S50, the software construction unit 256 updates the software of the receiver 71 using the constructed updated software data, and ends the software update process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42 that the notification information of the model ID necessary for the notification information acquisition unit 251 has not been acquired, the download control unit 253 proceeds to step S51 and continues for a certain time from the last acquisition of download data. If it is determined whether or not a certain time has elapsed since the last acquisition of the download data, the process returns to step S41, and the subsequent processing is repeated. At this time, the elapsed time from the last acquisition of the necessary model ID notification information may be determined.

  If it is determined in step S51 that a certain time has elapsed since the last acquisition of the download data, the download control unit 253 determines that the transmission of the download data of the necessary model ID has been completed, and in step S52, the non-volatile The contents of the download data held in the memory 215 are discarded, and the software update process is terminated.

  As described above, the same type of functional block is extracted from the software data of a plurality of models, and the model ID is set for each different type of functional block so that different identifiers are not assigned to the same type of functional block. Since the download data is generated by adding the model ID to each content of different types of functional blocks, the download data can be distributed to a plurality of receivers that require the functional blocks at a time. it can. Therefore, the download data can be efficiently distributed in a smaller frequency band than the conventional case in which only one receiver corresponds to one model ID described above with reference to FIG.

  In addition, since the receiver acquires only necessary download data and determines the necessity of the data from the additional information included in the download data, it is possible to update the software of a specific receiver existing in the market. it can. That is, for example, in the example of FIG. 3, when only the software of the receiver 71 is updated without changing the receiver 72, the download data a2, b2 corresponding to the contents of the functional blocks a1, b1, and c1 constituting the software data Only b2 and c2 are multiplexed and transmitted on the broadcast signal. The receiver 72 executes the processes of steps S41 to S47 in FIG. 13 and acquires the download data a2 and b2, so that the contents of the functional blocks a1 and b1 are acquired. However, since the notification information and download data of the function block d1 are not transmitted, the receiver 72 determines that a certain time has elapsed in step S51 of FIG. 13, and in step S52, the function block of the nonvolatile memory 152 is determined. The contents a1 and b1 are discarded, and the software is not updated in the receiver 72. As described above, software update of a specific receiver (for example, the receiver 71) can be executed.

  In the above description, each functional block constituting the software data is related to each other, and the case where the software data is constructed after acquiring the contents of all the functional blocks has been described. If there is no relevance (ie, each functional block is completely independent), each time the required functional block content is obtained, the corresponding part of the functional block in the software is updated. You can also Further, the relevance information is stored in the receiver in advance, but may be added to the download data together with the model ID.

  As described above, since the software having the same type of function that is common among the models can be received by a plurality of receivers that require it, the frequency utilization efficiency is reliably improved. Since the data can be shared, it is also possible to retransmit the data in a band where there is a margin, and as a result, it is possible to increase the opportunities for the user to download.

  In the above description, the receiver 71 including the display 202 has been described. However, the receiver 71 may be connected to an external television apparatus, or may be configured by a set top box or the like. May be. In the above description, the receiver 71 of the fixed receiver has been described. However, the present invention can also be provided to a mobile receiver or a portable receiver such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or a cellular phone.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software may execute various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a program storage medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a program storage medium for storing a program that is installed in a computer and is ready to be executed by the computer includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Recording media (package media) 121 and 225 made up of a disc-read only memory (DVD) (including a digital versatile disc), a magneto-optical disc (including an MD (mini-disc) (trademark)), or a semiconductor memory, Alternatively, the program is constituted by a ROM 112 and a ROM 212 that store programs temporarily or permanently.

  In the present specification, the steps shown in the flowcharts include not only processes performed in time series according to the order described, but also processes executed in parallel or individually even if not necessarily performed in time series. Is included.

  In the present specification, the term “system” represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

It is a figure explaining the conventional digital television broadcasting system. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the conventional software data. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the digital television broadcasting system of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the data generation apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of the data generation apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the receiver in FIG. 3. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of the receiver of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the data generation process of the data generation apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the software data of FIG. It is a figure which shows the correspondence of the functional block of software data of FIG. 9, and model ID. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the download data produced | generated by the data production | generation apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the notification information transmitted from the broadcasting apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the software update process of the receiver of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  61 data generation device, 71-1 to 71-4 receiver, 72-1 and 72-2 receiver, 81, 82 software data, 151 data generation unit, 152 block extraction unit, 153 ID setting unit, 154 data conversion unit , 211 CPU, 212 ROM, 213 RAM, 215 nonvolatile memory, 251 notification information acquisition unit, 252 model ID determination unit, 253 download control unit, 254 channel selection unit, 255 content acquisition unit, 256 software construction unit

Claims (12)

In an information processing system comprising a receiving device for receiving a broadcast signal and a data generating device for generating download data for updating software of the receiving device that is multiplexed and transmitted with the broadcast signal,
The data generation device includes:
A block extracting means for extracting functional blocks of the same type from update software data of a plurality of models of the receiving device;
Identifier setting means for assigning an identifier for identifying the functional block by the receiving device for each different type of functional block of the updated software data based on the extraction result by the block extracting means;
Generating means for generating the download data by adding the identifier assigned by the identifier setting means for each of the different types of functional blocks;
The receiving device is:
Notification information acquisition means for acquiring notification information for notifying broadcast of the download data, including at least the identifier assigned to the different types of functional blocks by the identifier setting means;
Notification information determination means for determining whether the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition means is notification information corresponding to a necessary functional block;
A data acquisition unit that acquires the download data from the broadcast signal based on the notification information, when the notification information determination unit determines that the notification information is notification information corresponding to the necessary functional block;
An information processing system comprising: software update means for updating its own software using the download data acquired by the data acquisition means. In an information processing method of an information processing system comprising: a receiving device that receives a broadcast signal; and a data generating device that generates a download data for updating software of the receiving device that is multiplexed and transmitted to the broadcast signal.
The data generation method of the data generation device includes:
The function block of the same type is extracted from the update software data of a plurality of models of the receiver, and the receiver identifies the function block for each different type of function block of the update software data based on the extraction result And assigning the assigned identifier for each of the different types of functional blocks, generating the download data,
The receiving method of the receiving device is:
The notification information for notifying of the broadcast of the download data, which includes at least the identifier assigned to each of the different types of functional blocks, is acquired from the broadcast signal, and the acquired functional information is required for the functional block. It is determined whether or not the corresponding notification information, and if it is determined that the notification information is notification information corresponding to the necessary functional block, the download data is extracted from the broadcast signal based on the notification information. An information processing method, comprising: obtaining and updating own software using the obtained download data. In a data generation device that generates download data for updating software of a reception device that receives a broadcast signal, multiplexed and transmitted on a broadcast signal,
A block extracting means for extracting functional blocks of the same type from update software data of a plurality of models of the receiving device;
Identifier setting means for assigning an identifier for identifying the functional block by the receiving device for each different type of functional block of the updated software data based on the extraction result by the block extracting means;
A data generation apparatus comprising: generation means for generating the download data by adding the identifier assigned by the identifier setting means to each of the different types of functional blocks. In a data generation method for generating download data for updating software of a receiving device that receives a broadcast signal that is multiplexed with a broadcast signal and transmitted.
A block extraction step of extracting the same type of functional blocks from the updated software data of a plurality of models of the receiving device;
An identifier setting step for assigning an identifier for identifying the functional block by the receiving device for each different type of functional block of the updated software data, based on the extraction result of the block extracting step;
A data generation method comprising: a generation step of generating the download data by adding the identifier assigned by the processing of the identifier setting step to each of the different types of functional blocks. A recording medium on which is recorded a program for causing a computer to perform a process of generating download data for updating software of a receiving apparatus that receives the broadcast signal, multiplexed and transmitted to the broadcast signal,
A block extraction step of extracting the same type of functional blocks from the updated software data of a plurality of models of the receiving device;
An identifier setting step for assigning an identifier for identifying the functional block by the receiving device for each different type of functional block of the updated software data, based on the extraction result of the block extracting step;
And a generating step of generating the download data by adding the identifier assigned by the processing of the identifier setting step to each of the different types of functional blocks. A program for causing a computer to perform a process of generating download data for updating software of a receiving apparatus that receives the broadcast signal, multiplexed and transmitted on the broadcast signal,
A block extraction step of extracting the same type of functional blocks from the updated software data of a plurality of models of the receiving device;
An identifier setting step for assigning an identifier for identifying the functional block by the receiving device for each different type of functional block of the updated software data, based on the extraction result of the block extracting step;
A generation step of generating the download data by adding the identifier assigned by the processing of the identifier setting step to each of the different types of functional blocks. In the receiving device that receives the download data generated based on the updated software data by the data generating device and multiplexed on the broadcast signal,
In the update software data of a plurality of models, the broadcast signal includes notification information for notifying broadcast of the download data, which includes at least an identifier for identifying the functional block assigned to each different type of functional block. Announcement information acquisition means acquired from
Notification information determination means for determining whether the notification information acquired by the notification information acquisition means is notification information corresponding to a necessary functional block;
When the notification information determining means determines that the notification information is notification information corresponding to the necessary functional block, based on the notification information, from the broadcast signal, the updated software data of the plurality of models Data acquisition means for acquiring the download data generated by adding the identifier for each different type of functional block;
A receiving apparatus comprising: software updating means for updating own software using the download data obtained by the data obtaining means. Storage means for storing the download data acquired by the data acquisition means in a memory;
The memory further comprises data determining means for determining whether or not all the download data corresponding to the necessary functional block is prepared in the memory,
The software update means uses the download data stored in the memory when the data judgment means judges that all the download data corresponding to the required functional block is prepared in the memory. The receiving apparatus according to claim 7, wherein software is updated. Time determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the date and time when the download data was last acquired by the data acquisition means;
And a discarding unit that discards the download data stored in the memory when it is determined by the time determination unit that a predetermined time has passed since the date and time when the download data was last acquired. The receiving device according to claim 8. In a reception method for receiving download data generated based on updated software data by a data generation device and multiplexed on a broadcast signal,
In the update software data of a plurality of models, the broadcast signal includes notification information for notifying broadcast of the download data, which includes at least an identifier for identifying the functional block assigned to each different type of functional block. Announcement information acquisition step acquired from
A notification information determination step of determining whether the notification information acquired by the processing of the notification information acquisition step is notification information corresponding to a necessary functional block;
When the notification information is determined to be notification information corresponding to the necessary functional block by the processing of the notification information determination step, the update software data of the plurality of models is obtained from the broadcast signal based on the notification information. A data acquisition step of acquiring the download data generated by adding the identifier for each of the different types of functional blocks;
And a software update step of updating its own software using the download data acquired by the data acquisition step. A recording medium on which is recorded a program that causes a computer to perform a process of receiving download data generated based on updated software data by a data generation device and multiplexed into a broadcast signal,
In the update software data of a plurality of models, the broadcast signal includes notification information for notifying the broadcast of the download data, which includes at least an identifier for identifying the functional block assigned to each different type of functional block. Announcement information acquisition step acquired from
A notification information determination step of determining whether the notification information acquired by the processing of the notification information acquisition step is notification information corresponding to a necessary functional block;
When it is determined that the notification information is notification information corresponding to the necessary functional block by the processing of the notification information determination step, the update software data of the plurality of models is obtained from the broadcast signal based on the notification information. A data acquisition step of acquiring the download data generated by adding the identifier for each of the different types of functional blocks;
And a software update step of updating own software using the download data acquired by the processing of the data acquisition step. A program for causing a computer to perform a process of receiving download data generated based on updated software data by a data generation device and multiplexed on a broadcast signal,
In the update software data of a plurality of models, the broadcast signal includes notification information for notifying broadcast of the download data, which includes at least an identifier for identifying the functional block assigned to each different type of functional block. Announcement information acquisition step acquired from
A notification information determination step of determining whether the notification information acquired by the processing of the notification information acquisition step is notification information corresponding to a necessary functional block;
When the notification information is determined to be notification information corresponding to the necessary functional block by the processing of the notification information determination step, the update software data of the plurality of models is obtained from the broadcast signal based on the notification information. A data acquisition step of acquiring the download data generated by adding the identifier for each of the different types of functional blocks;
A software update step of updating own software using the download data acquired by the processing of the data acquisition step.

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