JP2011188442A - Broadcasting apparatus, mobile terminal and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate specifying a free broadcasting channel that can be used for local broadcasting. <P>SOLUTION: A broadcasting apparatus has: a broadcasting unit for broadcasting test data on each of a plurality of free broadcasting channels; a data acquisition unit for acquiring data representing a receiving status of the test data from a mobile terminal which receives the test data on each of the free broadcasting channels; and a channel determination processing unit for specifying the free broadcasting channel on which broadcast data should be broadcasted, based on the data representing the receiving status of the test data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present technology relates to a technology for specifying a vacant broadcast channel that can be used for local broadcasting.

  For example, there is a local broadcast service for mobile terminals that is provided only in a narrow area with a radius of 1 m to several tens of meters from a base station as a broadcast service for one-segment compatible mobile terminals. This is done by setting a base station that allows anyone to broadcast without license by setting the upper limit of radio wave output, for example, setting up a unique broadcast station for each shopping street or store Is to do.

  However, broadcast channels cannot be determined freely, and broadcast channels used in general wide area broadcasting cannot be used without permission. In addition, when other people set up broadcasting stations in the vicinity and broadcast independently, there is a possibility that interference may occur, and there are broadcasting channels that are difficult to receive due to radio waves emitted by devices other than the broadcasting station. Furthermore, since the use status of the broadcast channel varies depending on the region, generally, the radio wave condition is inspected using a spectrum analyzer or other dedicated device to find an empty broadcast channel with a good radio wave condition. However, this increases the cost.

  Although there is already a technology for setting a reception channel on the broadcast receiver side, as described above, it is not considered to specify an appropriate empty broadcast channel on the broadcast station side. .

JP 2002-252824 A JP 2004-328086 A

  Accordingly, an object of the present technology is to provide a technology for easily specifying a vacant broadcast channel that can be used when performing local broadcasting.

  The broadcasting apparatus includes a broadcasting unit that broadcasts test data on each of a plurality of empty broadcast channels, and a data acquisition unit that acquires data representing the reception status of the test data from a portable terminal that has received the test data on each empty broadcasting channel. And a channel determination processing unit for specifying a vacant broadcast channel on which the broadcast data should be broadcast based on data representing the reception status of the test data.

  The portable terminal acquires a broadcast receiving unit that receives test data broadcast from a broadcasting device, a communication unit that performs data communication, and a received radio wave intensity level of the test data for a plurality of vacant broadcast channels. And a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit reception status data including an intensity level to the broadcasting device.

  It becomes possible to easily specify a vacant broadcast channel that can be used for local broadcasting.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the local broadcast device. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the mobile terminal. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow in the system. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of empty channel data. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage mode of reception status data. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the local broadcast device. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of image quality level calculation processing. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the reception status table. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the average value table. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the candidate channel table. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the local broadcast device. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of channel determination processing. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a terminal comparison table. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing result table. FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of a computer.

  A system overview according to an embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to FIG. A local broadcasting device 100 that performs one-segment broadcasting over an area having a radius of several meters to several tens of meters is installed in various stores, shopping streets, classrooms, event venues, and the like. It is expected to be used for broadcasting special sales information and coupons at various stores, for exam questions and teaching materials at classrooms, and for event announcements at event venues.

  A TV broadcast wave broadcast by the local broadcast device 100 is received by a mobile terminal 200 with a TV reception function (200a to 200c in FIG. 1; hereinafter also simply referred to as a mobile terminal), which is a mobile phone with a one-segment reception function, for example. The In the present embodiment, such a portable terminal is used as an inspection device instead of a dedicated inspection device (or measurement device). For example, a store terminal is used at various stores, an organizer-side employee or participant is used at an event venue, and a portable terminal 200 owned by a teacher, student, or student is used at a classroom.

  The local broadcast device 100 is connected to the router 300 or the like by wire or wireless, for example, and is connected to the server 400 via the router 300. The server 400 is a server that manages data such as stores, for example, and holds content data to be broadcast from the local broadcast device 100 and data processed by the local broadcast device 100 (for example, reception status data). There is also. The router 300 may be connected to a terminal device of an administrator of other stores or the like.

  Further, the local broadcasting device 100 may be connected to a management server (not shown) via the Internet, VPN (Virtual Private Network), or other network connected to the router 300. For example, when the store is a chain store, the management server of the headquarters periodically sends content data to be broadcast from the local broadcast device 100 to the local broadcast device 100 arranged in the store in each place or There is a case in which a configuration is used to send from time to time.

  In the present embodiment, as described below, mobile terminal 200 is to transmit broadcast reception status data to local broadcast device 100. If mobile terminal 200 is a mobile phone, communication business The reception status data is transmitted to the local broadcast device 100 via the carrier network of the user. Further, when the mobile terminal 200 has a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) connection function, the mobile terminal 200 transmits reception status data to the local broadcast device 100 wirelessly via the router 300.

  Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 200 can write data to a flash memory type recording medium and the local broadcasting device 100 is provided with an interface for this recording medium, the reception status data is transmitted via the recording medium. You may make it pass to the local broadcasting apparatus 100.

  In the above, transmission of reception status data from the mobile terminal 200 to the local broadcasting device 100 has been described. However, data transmission from the local broadcasting device 100 to the mobile terminal 200 can also be performed in the same manner.

  It is preferable to have a plurality of portable terminals 200, but a single portable terminal 200 is also possible. Moreover, you may make it test | inspect in several places in a broadcast area. Furthermore, since the reception sensitivity varies depending on the model, it is preferable to perform inspection with a plurality of models.

  FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the local broadcast device 100. The local broadcast device 100 includes (A) a digital broadcast unit 110 that actually outputs a weak TV broadcast wave, a control unit 120 that controls the digital broadcast unit 110, and (B) an intermediate generated by the control unit 120. Processing data storage unit 130 for storing typical data, (C) content storage unit 140 for storing content data broadcast from the digital broadcasting unit 110, and (D) reception status data received from the portable terminal 200. A reception status data storage unit 150 to be stored, and (E) a communication network (including a wired or wireless LAN (and may include the Internet connected via the router 300) in some cases), and in some cases, a carrier network of a communication carrier. And a communication interface unit 160. The local broadcast device 100 may further include a recording medium interface unit 170 of a flash memory type recording medium, for example.

  Note that the communication interface unit 160 may include a Bluetooth communication function and an infrared communication function. Such a function may be used for communication with the mobile terminal 200.

  Furthermore, the local broadcast device 100 may have a function of inputting an instruction directly to the local broadcast device 100 such as a display unit or an input unit, or a function of outputting the state of the device.

  The control unit 120 also includes (b1) a broadcast control unit 121 that controls a digital broadcast unit 110 that broadcasts content and data, and (b2) reception status data received from the mobile terminal 200. And an optimal channel determination processing unit 122 that performs processing for determining an optimal broadcast channel, and (b3) a communication control unit 123 that controls transmission / reception of data in cooperation with the communication interface unit 160.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the mobile terminal 200. The mobile terminal 200 records (A) a digital broadcast receiving unit 210 that receives a TV broadcast (for example, one-segment broadcasting), and (B) a reception process of the digital broadcast receiving unit 210 and a received TV broadcast (that is, video data). A reception control unit 230 that performs processing and the like; (C) a data storage unit 240 that stores video data recorded by the reception control unit 230 and schedule data of reception processing of the reception control unit 230; and (D) reception control. A communication unit 220 that transmits reception status data to the local broadcast device 100 in response to an instruction from the unit 230; and (E) an input unit 205 that receives an instruction input from the user and outputs the instruction to the reception control unit 230. . Note that the mobile terminal 200 may further include a recording medium interface unit 250, for example, a flash memory type recording medium.

  The communication unit 220 has a function of connecting to a wired or wireless LAN (and may include the Internet connected via the router 300) to perform communication, a function of connecting to a carrier network of a communication carrier, and performing communication. At least one of a Bluetooth communication function and an infrared communication function is provided.

  In addition, the digital broadcast receiving unit 210 receives TV broadcast waves, decodes video data, and outputs them to the reception control unit 230, and also outputs the received radio wave intensity level at that time to the reception control unit 230. Such a function of the digital broadcast receiving unit 210 is already well used and will not be described further.

  Furthermore, the portable terminal 200 realizes the reception control unit 230 described above by downloading a program for executing the processing described below and executing the program.

  In the following, the communication method between the local broadcast device 100 and the portable terminal 200 is assumed to be one of the methods described above, and details thereof are omitted.

  The operation of the system shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, the communication control unit 123 of the local broadcasting device 100 is connected to an external device (for example, a server 400, an administrator terminal device (not shown) connected via the router 300) via the communication interface unit 160. Then, the setting data of the empty channel in the area is received and stored in the processing data storage unit 130 (step S1). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a broadcast channel number that is unknown as to whether it can actually be used but is known as an empty channel is stored in the processing data storage unit 130.

  For example, in response to receiving such setting data, test data (video data, for example, moving image data, still images) is broadcast on each empty channel. However, when the test data is not broadcast on all the empty channels at the same time and the empty channels are changed in a time-sharing manner, the reception status cannot be grasped correctly unless the mobile terminal 200 side is synchronized with the reception. Therefore, for example, when changing the vacant channel in time division, the broadcast control unit 121 sets a predetermined broadcast time and vacant time for each of the vacant channels in order, and sets schedule data. Is generated. For example, the start time is set 5 minutes after receiving the setting data, and the schedule data for all the empty channels is generated in such a manner that the broadcast time per free channel is 3 minutes and the free time is 2 minutes. . When the schedule data is generated, the schedule data is stored in the processing data storage unit 130, and the broadcast control unit 121 controls the digital broadcast unit 110 according to the schedule data. The administrator may set the schedule data instead of the setting data for the empty channel.

  Note that when the test data is broadcast simultaneously on each vacant channel, the broadcast schedule as described above is not necessary, but even if the schedule data is used or the schedule data is not used. As described below, since the test data and the recorded data are compared with each other, synchronization is necessary in order to record the video portion used for the comparison with the portable terminal 200. For this reason, for example, the same test data is broadcast repeatedly, and data that can specify the starting point is added to the test data, so that even if there is a slight time lag, recording is performed in synchronization with the data. To do. Of course, such a synchronization is impossible for a channel that cannot be received well, so that proper recording cannot be performed.

  When changing the vacant channel in time division, the schedule data as described above is set in the mobile terminal 200, so the broadcast control unit 121 of the local broadcast device 100 sends the schedule data to the communication control unit 123. Is transmitted to the mobile terminal 200 via the communication interface unit 160. In this way, when the schedule data is notified from the local broadcasting device 100, the data (for example, identification information such as a mail address, a telephone number, a MAC address, an IP address) of the participating mobile terminal 200 is sent to the processing data storage unit 130 or the like. Assume that it is stored.

  On the other hand, when receiving the schedule data as described above via the communication unit 220, the reception control unit 230 of the mobile terminal 200 stores the schedule data in the data storage unit 240 (step S2). Note that the schedule data may be input by the input unit 205 by the user of the mobile terminal 200. In such a case, the reception control unit 230 stores the schedule data received via the input unit 205 in the data storage unit 240. As described above, when the test data is broadcast at the same time, the schedule data itself is not necessary, but the data of the empty channel is necessary. That is, vacant channel data is received instead of schedule data, or an input from the input unit 205 is accepted. Since there are variations in this way, step S2 is indicated by a dotted line block.

  FIG. 4 mainly shows the case of using schedule data. The broadcast control unit 121 of the local broadcast device 100 specifies an empty channel to be used from now on according to the schedule data described above (step S3). Then, the broadcast control unit 121 controls the digital broadcast unit 110 to broadcast the test data (for example, video data) stored in the content storage unit 140 through the specified empty channel (step S5). The reception control unit 230 of the portable terminal 200 receives the test data by causing the digital broadcast receiving unit 210 to set a reception channel according to the schedule data described above, and records the test data received from the digital broadcast receiving unit 210. (Step S7). That is, test data received data (hereinafter referred to as video recording data) is stored in the data storage unit 240. Since there are cases where reception is not possible, data indicating that reception is not possible is stored when reception is not possible within the scheduled time.

  In addition, the reception control unit 230 of the mobile terminal 200 receives the received radio wave intensity level data from the digital broadcast receiving unit 210 and stores it in the data storage unit 240 together with the recording data (step S9). Then, the reception control unit 230 generates reception status data including the model ID (identifier), recording data, and received radio wave intensity level data of the mobile terminal 200, and transmits the reception status data to the local broadcasting device 100 (step S11). The terminal ID may be included in the reception status data in addition to the model ID. In this case, the terminal ID may be used on the local broadcasting device 100 side.

  The communication control unit 123 of the local broadcast device 100 receives the reception status data including the model ID, the recording data, and the received radio wave intensity level data from the mobile terminal 200, and stores the reception status data in the reception status data storage unit 150 (step S13). When there are a plurality of mobile terminals 200, reception status data is received from each mobile terminal 200 and stored in the reception status data storage unit 150.

  Until all empty channels are processed, the broadcast control unit 121 performs steps S3 and S5, and the communication control unit 123 performs step S13 (step S15).

  For example, when reception status data is received from three portable terminals 200 for three empty channels, the reception status data storage unit 150 stores data as shown in FIG. Thus, the reception status data of each mobile terminal 200 is stored for each empty channel. Since a plurality of terminals may transmit reception status data for the same model, the terminal ID is registered in addition to the model ID. The reception status data may include a recording time.

  When the schedule data is not used, the mobile terminal 200 repeats steps S7 to S11 while changing the set empty channel. At this time, the empty channel is changed when a predetermined portion of the received test data is recorded. If it cannot be received for a predetermined time, data indicating that it cannot be received is stored.

  When the collection of the reception status data is completed, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 of the local broadcasting device 100 calculates the average value of the received radio wave intensity level for each empty channel and stores it in the processing data storage unit 130 (step S17). . Then, the processing shifts to the processing in FIG.

  In step S17, for example, based on the average value of the received radio wave intensity levels of the vacant channels, it may be determined whether or not to remove the vacant channel from the candidates. That is, if the channel is adopted when the average value of the received radio wave intensity level is less than a predetermined threshold, there is a high possibility that the mobile terminal of the same model that the customer has cannot receive. Separately, an average value of the received radio wave intensity levels may be calculated for each mobile terminal 200, and it may be determined whether the average value of the received radio wave intensity levels of all the mobile terminals 200 is below a predetermined threshold. If the average value of the received radio wave intensity levels of all the mobile terminals 200 is below a predetermined threshold value, the radio wave condition is considered to be very bad. For example, the process proceeds to step S25 in FIG.

  Shifting to the description of the processing in FIG. 7, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 of the local broadcasting device 100 performs image quality level calculation processing (step S19). The image quality level calculation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  The optimum channel determination processing unit 122 identifies one unprocessed empty channel (step S41). In addition, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 identifies unprocessed recording data of the mobile terminal 200 in the reception status data storage unit 150 (step S42). Then, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 calculates the degree of coincidence between the original image data stored in the content storage unit 140 and the recording data specified in the reception status data storage unit 150, for example, a storage such as a main memory Store in the device (step S43). For example, it is determined whether or not all or some of the pixel values of a specific image frame match, and for example, the ratio of pixels with matching pixel values is calculated. Further, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 converts the calculated degree of coincidence into an image quality level and stores it in the processing data storage unit 130 together with the received radio wave intensity level for the same empty channel and the portable terminal 200 (step S45). For example, when the image quality level is expressed in three stages such as “3” (good), “2” (normal), and “1” (bad), the range of the degree of coincidence is determined in advance for each, and the calculated coincidence is determined. The image quality level is converted by determining which range the degree falls into. The image quality level is not limited to three levels, and may be divided into more levels.

  For the calculation of the image quality level, other well-known techniques such as the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-112775 may be employed.

  Thereafter, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 determines whether the recording data for all the mobile terminals has been processed (step S46). If recorded data for an unprocessed mobile terminal exists, the process returns to step S42. On the other hand, when the recording data for all the mobile terminals has been processed, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 determines whether all the empty channels have been processed (step S47). If an unprocessed empty channel exists, the process returns to step S41. On the other hand, when all the empty channels have been processed, the process returns to the original process.

  For example, a reception status table as shown in FIG. 9 is stored in the processing data storage unit 130. In the example of FIG. 9, model ID + terminal ID, vacant channel (CH), received radio wave intensity level, image quality level, and recording time are registered. In the example of FIG. 9, three models F01, three models F02, and three models F906 are used, and the received radio wave intensity level and image quality level are registered for each empty channel. Yes. The average value will be described later.

  Returning to the description of the processing in FIG. 7, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 calculates the average value of the image quality level for each vacant channel and stores it in the processing data storage unit 130 together with the received radio wave intensity level calculated in step S17. (Step S21). For example, an average value table as shown in FIG. 10 is stored. In the example of FIG. 10, the average value of the received radio wave intensity level and the average value of the image quality level are registered for each empty channel.

  Then, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 determines whether the average value of the image quality levels of all the empty channels is less than the threshold based on the average value table as shown in FIG. 10 (step S23). If the average value of the image quality levels of all the empty channels is less than the threshold value, it is considered that the radio wave condition is very bad. Therefore, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 generates an error notification indicating that the radio wave condition is bad. Then, the communication control unit 123 is transmitted to the administrator via the communication interface unit 160 (step S25). In response to this, the administrator performs measures such as connecting an additional antenna to the local broadcasting device 100. In addition, since the threshold used for the determination may be too high, the administrator may instruct the change of the threshold. For example, update data of a parameter table such as a threshold value is transmitted from the server 400 to the local broadcast device 100. In this case, the control unit 120 of the local broadcast device 100 receives the update data of the parameter table from the local broadcast device 100, and sets a new threshold value included in the update data (step S27).

  On the other hand, when the average value of the image quality levels of all the empty channels is not less than the threshold value, that is, when the average value of the image quality levels of any of the empty channels is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 Based on the reception status table as shown, a free channel having a received radio wave intensity level equal to or higher than the first threshold and an image quality level equal to or higher than the second threshold is extracted as a candidate channel in all portable terminals 200 (step S29). For example, if the first threshold value is 2.0 and the second threshold value is 2.0, the empty channel “13” is excluded from the candidates, and the empty channels “14” and “15” are extracted.

  About this step, you may make it judge by the average value for every model instead of the judgment about the portable terminal 200. FIG. That is, in steps S17 and S21, the average value of the received radio wave intensity level and the average value of the image quality level are calculated not only for each channel but also for each channel and model. The reception status table shown in FIG. 9 shows an example in which an average value for each channel and model is calculated. In this step, the determination may be made based on such an average value. Further, the first threshold value and the second threshold value may be the same value, but a high value may be set for the second threshold value because, for example, image quality is important.

  If the number of participants per model is one, the determination regarding the mobile terminal 200 and the determination regarding the model coincide.

  Further, in step S29, a channel in which the average value of the received radio wave intensity level for each channel is not less than the first threshold and the average value of the image quality level for each channel is not less than the second threshold may be extracted as a candidate channel. .

  In the present embodiment, even when the received radio wave intensity level is good, the image quality level may be lowered, so that both empty channels that are equal to or higher than the predetermined level are adopted as candidate channels.

  For confirmation, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 determines whether one or more empty channels have been extracted (step S31). If even one empty channel cannot be extracted, there is a high possibility that the radio wave condition is bad or the threshold is too high, and the process proceeds to step S25.

  On the other hand, when one or more empty channels are extracted, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 determines the extracted empty channels based on the average value of the received radio wave intensity level and the average value of the image quality level calculated for each channel. Sorting is performed in descending order, and the sorting result is stored in the processing data storage unit 130 as a candidate channel table (step S33). The processing shifts to the processing in FIG.

  For example, for each empty channel, weighted addition (including simple addition) of the average value of the received radio wave intensity level and the average value of the image quality level is performed, and the values are sorted in descending order. When the same value is obtained, the same rate flag is set to “1”. In step S33, for example, a candidate channel table as shown in FIG. 11 is stored. In the example of FIG. 11, an empty channel, an average value of received radio wave intensity levels, an average value of image quality levels, and a rate flag are registered. In the example of FIG. 11, for candidate numbers 1 and 2, since the average value of the received radio wave intensity level and the average value of the image quality level are exactly the same value, the sameness flag of the record of candidate number “2” is “ 1 ”is set.

  The optimum channel determination processing unit 122 of the local broadcasting device 100 determines whether or not the first place is the first place in the candidate channel table stored in the processing data storage unit 130 (step S35). If the 1st place is not the 1st place, the 1st place is the optimum channel, so the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 sets the optimum channel, which is the 1st empty channel, in the broadcast control unit 121 and further performs notification processing. (Step S39). For the notification process, for example, the broadcast control unit 121 controls the digital broadcasting unit 110, for example, and sets the channel set in the empty channel, the optimum channel, or both, or all the empty channels that last broadcast the test data. Broadcast data to represent. Alternatively, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 instructs the communication control unit 123 to cause the communication interface unit 160 to transmit data representing the set channel to the administrator.

  On the other hand, when the first place is the same rate, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 performs a channel determination process (step S37). The channel determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. After this step, the process proceeds to step S39.

  First, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 extracts a record for the first empty channel from the reception status table (FIG. 9) in the processing data storage unit 130 (step S51). Then, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 deletes data of a predetermined model from the extracted record using the terminal comparison table stored in the processing data storage unit 130 (step S53).

  The terminal comparison table is data as shown in FIG. 14, for example. In the example of FIG. 14, the model ID, the number of antennas, the presence / absence of an external antenna, and the reception sensitivity level are registered.

  A record for a model with a plurality of antennas and a model for which the external antenna is “present” is deleted from the extracted record. This means that a portable terminal having high reception sensitivity is not considered here.

  In the example of FIG. 11, the records for the empty channels “14” and “15” are extracted from the reception status table shown in FIG. Then, according to the terminal comparison table of FIG. 14, the record of the model ID “F906” having the external antenna “present” is deleted.

  Then, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 calculates the average value of the received radio wave intensity level of the corresponding model × the reception sensitivity level of the terminal comparison table (FIG. 14) as the first evaluation value for each combination of the empty channel and the model. Then, it is registered in the processing result table in the processing data storage unit 130 (step S55).

  For example, data as shown in FIG. 15 is generated as a processing result table. In the example of FIG. 15, the model, the first empty channel, the first evaluation value, and the second evaluation value are registered. In step S55, the value is registered in the first evaluation value column, but the second evaluation value is not yet registered. As shown in FIG. 15, the reception of the model “F01-A” in the terminal comparison table of FIG. 14 with respect to the average value “2.67” of the received radio wave intensity level of the model “F01-A” and the empty channel “14”. The first evaluation value “2.67” is obtained by multiplying the sensitivity level “1”. 14 is multiplied by the reception sensitivity level “1” of the model “F01-A” in the terminal comparison table of FIG. 14 to the average value “3.00” of the received radio wave intensity level of the model “F01-A” and the empty channel “15”. Thus, the first evaluation value “3.00” is obtained. 14 is multiplied by the reception sensitivity level “2” of the model “F02-A” in the terminal comparison table of FIG. 14 to the average value “3.00” of the received radio wave intensity level of the model “F02-A” and the empty channel “14”. Thus, the first evaluation value “6” is obtained. 14 is multiplied by the reception sensitivity level “2” of the model “F02-A” in the terminal comparison table of FIG. 14 to the average value “3.00” of the received radio wave intensity level of the model “F02-A” and the empty channel “15”. Thus, the first evaluation value “6” is obtained.

  Further, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 calculates the average value of the image quality level of the corresponding model × the reception sensitivity level of the terminal comparison table (FIG. 14) as the second evaluation value for each combination of the empty channel and the model, It registers in the processing result table in the data storage unit 130 (step S57).

  As shown in FIG. 15, the reception sensitivity level of the model “F01-A” in the terminal comparison table of FIG. 14 with respect to the average value “2.67” of the image quality level of the model “F01-A” and the empty channel “14”. Multiplication by “1” gives a second evaluation value “2.67”. The average value “3.00” of the image quality level of the model “F01-A” and the empty channel “15” is multiplied by the reception sensitivity level “1” of the model “F01-A” in the terminal comparison table of FIG. A second evaluation value “3.00” is obtained. The average value “3.00” of the image quality level of the model “F02-A” and the empty channel “14” is multiplied by the reception sensitivity level “2” of the model “F02-A” in the terminal comparison table of FIG. A second evaluation value “6” is obtained. The average value “3.00” of the image quality level of the model “F02-A” and the empty channel “15” is multiplied by the reception sensitivity level “2” of the model “F02-A” in the terminal comparison table of FIG. A second evaluation value “6” is obtained.

  Then, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 identifies the combination for which the minimum value is calculated from the processing result table (Step S59), and determines the empty channel of the identified combination as the optimum channel (Step S61).

  In the example of FIG. 15, the combination of the model “F01-A” and the empty channel “14” is specified, and the empty channel “14” is specified as the optimum channel. In this way, the minimum value is selected because an empty channel from which a sufficient received radio wave intensity level and image quality level are obtained is most appropriate even for a model having a low reception sensitivity level.

  By performing such processing, it is possible to specify an optimum empty channel in consideration of the reception sensitivity level of the mobile terminal 200.

  By carrying out the processing as described above, it becomes possible to effectively use a portable terminal such as a mobile phone in which the reception status is held by an individual and to identify the most suitable empty channel without using a specialized device. . That is, the cost can be reduced.

  Although the embodiment of the present technology has been described above, the present technology is not limited to this. For example, an example has been described in which empty channel setting data or schedule data is input to the mobile terminal 200 and the process is automatically performed. However, the user of the mobile terminal 200 manually records the empty channel. The data of the model ID and the received radio wave intensity level may be manually input and then transmitted to the local broadcasting device 100 together with the recording data. Furthermore, the reception status data may be transferred from the portable terminal 200 to the local broadcast device 100 using a recording medium.

  Furthermore, the functional block diagrams shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are examples, and may not necessarily match the actual module configuration. That is, which part is realized by hardware and which part is implemented by software depends on the implementation.

  Further, the local broadcast device 100 may be integrated with the server 400 to realize the functions described above. That is, even if it is a function described above as a function of the local broadcast device 100, the server 400 may be provided with the function. For example, the optimum channel determination processing unit 122 may be realized by the server 400.

  Furthermore, in the above, an example of processing for determining the optimum channel using the received radio wave intensity level and the image quality level has been shown. However, the optimum channel may be determined using any one of them. Although the processing flow is such that the video data is distributed and the image quality level is determined, the sound quality level of the audio data may be determined separately. For example, sound quality level may be more important in classroom listening tests.

  Note that at least a part of the functions executed by the local broadcast device 100 described above may be realized by a combination of a processor and a program executed by the processor. Although all may be realized by a dedicated electronic circuit, the configuration can be changed more flexibly when implemented by a combination of a processor and a program executed by the processor. The program is stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory of the local broadcasting device 100.

  As described above, the mobile terminal 200 is a mobile phone with a TV reception function as an example, but may be a notebook personal computer with a TV reception function. In such a case, the personal computer and the server 400 which are the portable terminals 200 are computer devices, and as shown in FIG. 16, a memory 2501, a CPU 2503 (also referred to as a processor, a processing unit, or a processing device) and a hard disk drive ( HDD) 2505, display control unit 2507 connected to display device 2509, drive device 2513 for removable disk 2511, input device 2515, and communication control unit 2517 for connecting to the network (corresponding to communication interface unit 160). They are connected by a bus 2519. An operating system (OS) and an application program for executing the processing in this embodiment are stored in the HDD 2505, and are read from the HDD 2505 to the memory 2501 when executed by the CPU 2503. If necessary, the CPU 2503 controls the display control unit 2507, the communication control unit 2517, and the drive device 2513 to perform necessary operations. Further, data in the middle of processing is stored in the memory 2501 and stored in the HDD 2505 if necessary. In an embodiment of the present technology, an application program for performing the above-described processing is stored in a computer-readable removable disk 2511 and distributed, and installed from the drive device 2513 to the HDD 2505. In some cases, the HDD 2505 may be installed via a network such as the Internet and the communication control unit 2517. Such a computer apparatus realizes various functions as described above by organically cooperating hardware such as the CPU 2503 and the memory 2501 described above, the OS, and necessary application programs. In addition, Bluetooth and infrared communication functions may be implemented.

  When the mobile terminal 200 is a mobile phone, the HDD 2505 and the drive device 2513 are not provided. However, instead of having a recording medium interface unit 250, a flash memory type memory, and the like, and further having a voice communication function and a communication processing unit for a communication carrier, etc., a basic functional block diagram. Is the same as FIG.

  The above-described embodiment can be summarized as follows.

  The broadcasting apparatus includes a broadcasting unit that broadcasts test data on each of a plurality of empty broadcast channels, and a data acquisition unit that acquires data representing the reception status of the test data from a portable terminal that has received the test data on each empty broadcasting channel. And a channel determination processing unit for specifying a vacant broadcast channel on which the broadcast data should be broadcast based on data representing the reception status of the test data.

  As described above, if data representing the reception status is acquired from the portable terminal by various means (for example, via data communication or a recording medium), a preferable empty broadcast channel can be easily specified. In other words, if a portable terminal that is not widely used but a specialized inspection device (or measurement device) can be used, the cost for determining an appropriate broadcast channel can be reduced.

  Note that the data acquisition unit described above may receive data representing the reception status of the test data from a plurality of portable terminals that have received the test data on each vacant broadcast channel. A person who uses a plurality of mobile terminals can identify an optimum empty channel in consideration of variations in mobile terminals. It is preferable to receive data for a plurality of portable terminals for a plurality of models rather than a plurality of portable terminals for the same model.

  Further, the test data described above may be video data. The data indicating the reception status of the test data may include data recorded by the mobile terminal. In such a case, the channel determination processing unit may calculate the image quality level of the recorded data for each model of the portable terminal for each empty broadcast channel, and specify an empty broadcast channel having the image quality level equal to or higher than the threshold. . This is because a higher image quality level is preferable. Note that the image quality level may be determined from the degree of coincidence of the recorded data with the original video data.

  In addition, data representing the reception status of the test data may include a reception radio wave intensity level of broadcasting by the mobile terminal. In that case, the channel determination processing unit may specify a vacant broadcast channel whose received radio wave intensity level for all models is equal to or greater than a threshold value. In this way, it becomes possible to specify an empty broadcast channel with relatively small data.

  Further, the channel determination processing unit may specify an empty broadcast channel whose image quality level is equal to or higher than a threshold value and whose received radio wave intensity level is equal to or higher than the threshold value. This is because an empty broadcast channel with a good value for both is preferable.

  In some cases, the test data is video data. The data representing the reception status of the test data may include at least one of the recording data by the mobile terminal and the reception intensity level of the broadcast by the mobile terminal and model data for specifying the model of the mobile terminal. When the data representing the reception status of the test data includes recording data by the mobile terminal, the channel determination processing unit calculates the image quality level of the recording data for each model of the mobile terminal for each empty broadcast channel, An empty broadcast channel having an image quality level equal to or higher than a threshold may be specified for the model. Further, when the data representing the reception status of the test data includes the received radio wave intensity level, the channel determination processing unit specifies an empty broadcast channel having the received radio wave intensity level equal to or higher than the second threshold for all models. May be. As described above, if the condition that the image quality level or the received radio wave intensity level is not less than the threshold value is adopted for all models instead of the average value, there is a high possibility of avoiding a situation in which only models with low reception sensitivity cannot be received.

  Furthermore, the data representing the reception status of the test data may further include model data for specifying the model of the mobile terminal. In that case, when a plurality of vacant broadcast channels are identified as candidates, the channel determination processing unit sets data representing the reception status of the test data for each mobile terminal with a weight value that is predetermined for each model and that represents reception capability. Evaluation may be performed after weighting, and one free broadcast channel may be specified. For example, even in a model having low reception sensitivity, if a vacant broadcast channel that shows a good value of the received radio wave intensity level or image quality level is specified, broadcast data can be received more reliably by a wider range of portable terminals.

  The portable terminal acquires a broadcast receiving unit that receives test data broadcast from a broadcasting device, a communication unit that performs data communication, and a received radio wave intensity level of the test data for a plurality of vacant broadcast channels. And a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit reception status data including an intensity level to the broadcasting device.

  In this way, an appropriate broadcast channel can be specified on the broadcast device side.

  In addition, the control unit described above may acquire schedule data regarding the broadcast timing of the test data in each empty broadcast channel, and cause the broadcast reception unit to receive the test data according to the schedule data. In this way, when the vacant broadcast channel is switched in a time-sharing manner, the received radio wave intensity level and the like can be acquired in synchronization with the switching of the vacant broadcast channel of the broadcasting device.

  Note that the test data may be video data. In this case, the control unit may record the video data and cause the broadcast device to transmit reception status data further including the recorded video data to the communication unit. This is because, when image quality deterioration is severe, there is a problem in adopting the broadcast channel even if the received radio wave intensity level is relatively high.

  A program for causing a computer to execute the processing performed by the apparatus as described above can be created. For example, the program can be a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory (for example, ROM). Or a computer-readable storage medium such as a hard disk or a storage device. Note that data being processed is temporarily stored in a storage device such as a RAM.

  The following supplementary notes are further disclosed with respect to the embodiments including the above examples.

(Appendix 1)
A broadcasting unit that broadcasts test data on each of a plurality of empty broadcasting channels;
A data acquisition unit that acquires data representing the reception status of the test data from the portable terminal that has received the test data in each of the empty broadcast channels;
A channel determination processing unit for identifying a vacant broadcast channel on which broadcast data should be broadcast based on data representing the reception status of the test data;
A broadcasting apparatus having

(Appendix 2)
The broadcasting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data acquisition unit receives data representing a reception status of the test data from a plurality of portable terminals that have received the test data on each of the empty broadcast channels.

(Appendix 3)
The test data is video data;
Data representing the reception status of the test data includes data recorded by the mobile terminal,
The broadcasting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel determination processing unit calculates an image quality level of recording data by the portable terminal for each empty broadcast channel, and specifies an empty broadcast channel having the image quality level equal to or higher than a threshold value.

(Appendix 4)
The data representing the reception status of the test data includes a reception radio wave intensity level of broadcasting by the mobile terminal,
The broadcast apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 and 2, wherein the channel determination processing unit identifies an empty broadcast channel having the received radio wave intensity level equal to or higher than a threshold value.

(Appendix 5)
The data representing the reception status of the test data further includes a reception radio wave intensity level of broadcasting by the mobile terminal,
The broadcast apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the channel determination processing unit specifies an empty broadcast channel in which the image quality level is equal to or higher than a threshold value and the received radio wave intensity level is equal to or higher than a second threshold value.

(Appendix 6)
The test data is video data;
The data representing the reception status of the test data includes at least one of the recording data by the mobile terminal and the reception intensity level of the broadcast by the mobile terminal, and model data for specifying the model of the mobile terminal,
When the data representing the reception status of the test data includes recording data by the mobile terminal, the channel determination processing unit calculates the image quality level of the recording data for each model of the mobile terminal for each empty broadcast channel. And, for all models, identify an empty broadcast channel whose image quality level is equal to or higher than a threshold,
When the data representing the reception status of the test data includes the received radio wave intensity level, the channel determination processing unit specifies an empty broadcast channel having the received radio wave intensity level equal to or higher than the second threshold for all models. The broadcasting apparatus according to attachment 2.

(Appendix 7)
The data representing the reception status of the test data further includes model data for specifying the model of the mobile terminal,
The channel determination processing unit
When a plurality of empty broadcast channels are identified as candidates, evaluation is performed after weighting data representing the reception status of the test data for each mobile terminal with a weight value that is predetermined for each model and that represents reception capability. The broadcasting apparatus according to attachment 2, wherein one broadcasting channel is specified.

(Appendix 8)
For a plurality of vacant broadcast channels, a broadcast receiving unit that receives test data broadcast from a broadcast device;
A communication unit for data communication;
A control unit that obtains a reception radio wave intensity level of the test data and causes the broadcast unit to transmit reception status data including the reception radio wave intensity level to the communication unit;
Mobile terminal having.

(Appendix 9)
The control unit is
The portable terminal according to claim 8, wherein schedule data regarding the broadcast timing of the test data in each of the vacant broadcast channels is acquired, and the broadcast receiving unit receives the test data according to the schedule data.

(Appendix 10)
The test data is video data;
The mobile terminal according to appendix 8 or 9, wherein the control unit records the video data and causes the broadcast device to transmit reception status data further including the recorded video data to the communication unit.

(Appendix 11)
A broadcast control unit for broadcasting test data on each of a plurality of empty broadcast channels;
A data acquisition unit that acquires data representing the reception status of the test data from the portable terminal that has received the test data in each of the empty broadcast channels;
A channel determination processing unit for identifying a vacant broadcast channel on which broadcast data should be broadcast based on data representing the reception status of the test data;
Is a program that makes a computer realize this.

100 local broadcast equipment
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Digital broadcast part 120 Control part 130 Processing data storage part 140 Content storage part 150 Reception condition data storage part 160 Communication interface part 170 Recording medium interface part 121 Broadcast control part 122 Optimal channel determination process part 123 Communication control part 200 Portable terminal 205 Input Unit 210 digital broadcast receiving unit 220 communication unit 230 reception control unit 240 data storage unit 250 recording medium interface unit

Claims (11)

A broadcasting unit that broadcasts test data on each of a plurality of empty broadcasting channels;
A data acquisition unit that acquires data representing the reception status of the test data from the portable terminal that has received the test data in each of the empty broadcast channels;
A channel determination processing unit for identifying a vacant broadcast channel on which broadcast data should be broadcast based on data representing the reception status of the test data;
A broadcasting apparatus having The broadcasting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data acquisition unit receives data representing a reception status of the test data from a plurality of portable terminals that have received the test data on each of the empty broadcast channels. The test data is video data;
Data representing the reception status of the test data includes data recorded by the mobile terminal,
The broadcasting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the channel determination processing unit calculates an image quality level of recorded data by the portable terminal for each of the vacant broadcast channels, and identifies a vacant broadcast channel having the image quality level equal to or higher than a threshold value. The data representing the reception status of the test data includes a reception radio wave intensity level of broadcasting by the mobile terminal,
The broadcasting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the channel determination processing unit specifies an empty broadcast channel having the received radio wave intensity level equal to or higher than a threshold value. The data representing the reception status of the test data further includes a reception radio wave intensity level of broadcasting by the mobile terminal,
The broadcasting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the channel determination processing unit specifies an empty broadcast channel in which the image quality level is equal to or higher than a threshold value and the received radio wave intensity level is equal to or higher than a second threshold value. The test data is video data;
The data representing the reception status of the test data includes at least one of the recording data by the mobile terminal and the reception intensity level of the broadcast by the mobile terminal, and model data for specifying the model of the mobile terminal,
When the data representing the reception status of the test data includes recording data by the mobile terminal, the channel determination processing unit calculates the image quality level of the recording data for each model of the mobile terminal for each empty broadcast channel. And, for all models, identify an empty broadcast channel whose image quality level is equal to or higher than a threshold,
When the data representing the reception status of the test data includes the received radio wave intensity level, the channel determination processing unit specifies an empty broadcast channel having the received radio wave intensity level equal to or higher than the second threshold for all models. The broadcasting apparatus according to claim 2. The data representing the reception status of the test data further includes model data for specifying the model of the mobile terminal,
The channel determination processing unit
When a plurality of empty broadcast channels are identified as candidates, evaluation is performed after weighting data representing the reception status of the test data for each mobile terminal with a weight value that is predetermined for each model and that represents reception capability. The broadcasting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one empty broadcasting channel is specified. For a plurality of vacant broadcast channels, a broadcast receiving unit that receives test data broadcast from a broadcast device;
A communication unit for data communication;
A control unit that obtains a reception radio wave intensity level of the test data and causes the broadcast unit to transmit reception status data including the reception radio wave intensity level to the communication unit;
Mobile terminal having. The control unit is
The portable terminal according to claim 8, wherein schedule data regarding the broadcast timing of the test data in each of the vacant broadcast channels is acquired, and the broadcast reception unit receives the test data according to the schedule data. The test data is video data;
The portable terminal according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control unit records the video data, and causes the broadcast unit to transmit reception status data further including the recorded video data to the communication unit. A broadcast control unit for broadcasting test data on each of a plurality of empty broadcast channels;
A data acquisition unit that acquires data representing the reception status of the test data from the portable terminal that has received the test data in each of the empty broadcast channels;
A channel determination processing unit for identifying a vacant broadcast channel on which broadcast data should be broadcast based on data representing the reception status of the test data;
Is a program that makes a computer realize this.

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