JP2011223354A - Digital broadcast data sending method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital broadcast data sending method capable of sending a more convenient digital broadcast signal.SOLUTION: The data sending method comprises a step for encoding program information to convert it into a predetermined format, a step for generating a service information table containing information indicating the type of the program information on the basis of program additional information, a step for multiplexing the converted program information and the generated service information table to generate a transport stream for transmission, and a step for sending the generated transport stream.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a digital broadcast data transmission method for transmitting digital broadcast program-related information data.

  In conventional digital broadcasting, signals such as video and audio are transmitted based on TS (Transport Stream) defined in MPEG-2 Systems (ISO / IEC13818-1). A data transmission method for transmitting a TS encodes a plurality of contents including, for example, video and audio, divides the encoded data into predetermined lengths, packetizes them, multiplexes the packets, generates a TS, The generated TS is subjected to transmission path coding or the like and transmitted by radio waves or a network.

  A receiving apparatus that receives a TS can acquire desired content by filtering, extracting, and synthesizing necessary signal packets.

JP 2006-186580 A

  In digital broadcasting, in order to specify a desired program from a received TS in a receiving apparatus and demultiplex each signal such as video and audio constituting the program, Program Specific Information / Service Information ( PSI / SI) is used.

  There are various types of broadcasting services such as video services, audio services, and data services. In the digital broadcasting transmission method, the field “service_type” in the SI descriptor is described according to the content type, so that the reception side can recognize the content type. As a result, the receiving apparatus can perform efficient processing according to the type of service even in digital broadcasting that can provide a large number of services (organized channels), which generally have various types of services.

  Also, in recent years, multimedia broadcasting that provides contents mainly for mobile terminals in a flexible form by combining streaming distribution and download distribution according to time zones or in combination has been studied.

  In multimedia broadcasting, there are broadcast provision forms such as real-time type and storage type, and 12-segment broadcasting and 1-segment broadcasting. In multimedia broadcasting, it is assumed that various services such as a video service, an audio service, and an independent data service are provided according to a broadcast providing form by various combinations thereof.

  However, the revised version of the 2009 Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Notification No. 88 (http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000053146.pdf) announced on February 3, 2010, “0xC2” is assigned as “service_type” indicating “broadcast”. For this reason, there is a problem that the type of the multimedia broadcasting service cannot be indicated by “service_type”. That is, in the conventional digital broadcasting system, it is impossible for the receiving side to identify various service forms assumed to be used in multimedia broadcasting. For this reason, there exists a problem that the efficiency of the process in a receiver may fall.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcast data transmission method capable of transmitting a more convenient digital broadcast signal.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a digital broadcasting data transmission method generates a service information table including information indicating a type of program information based on the step of encoding program information and converting it into a predetermined format, and the program additional information. And a step of multiplexing the converted program information and the generated service information table to generate a transport stream for transmission, and a step of transmitting the generated transport stream.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a digital broadcast transmission method according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of SI data. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of SI data. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of SI data. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a service list descriptor inserted into SI. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the extended service list descriptor inserted in the SI. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of ServiceSubtype illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a service descriptor to be inserted into the SDT.

  Hereinafter, a digital broadcast data transmission method according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a TS transmission method according to an embodiment.

  The data transmission apparatus 100 multiplexes a plurality of packets based on the input program information and program additional information, generates a TS, and transmits the generated TS via radio waves or a network.

  A program is an aggregate of broadcast data stream components that belong to the same service (organization channel) and whose start and end times are determined. The broadcast data stream component includes, for example, one or more of a video signal, an audio signal, and a caption signal.

  The data transmission apparatus 100 includes a video encoder 111, a video conversion unit 112, an audio encoder 121, an audio conversion unit 122, a PSI / SI generation unit 131, a multiplexer 150, and a transmission path encoding unit 160.

  The video encoder 111 encodes video data as input program information. The video encoder 111 transmits the encoded video data to the video conversion unit 112.

  The video conversion unit 112 converts the video data encoded by the video encoder 111 into a format compatible with the transmission method. That is, the video conversion unit 112 converts the video data into a PES (Packetized Elementary Stream). The video conversion unit 112 transmits the generated PES packet to the multiplexer 150.

  The audio encoder 121 encodes audio data as input program information. The audio encoder 121 transmits the encoded audio data to the audio conversion unit 122.

  The audio conversion unit 122 converts the audio data encoded by the audio encoder 121 into a format compatible with the transmission method. That is, the voice conversion unit 122 converts the voice data into PES packets. The voice conversion unit 122 transmits the generated PES packet to the multiplexer 150.

  The PSI / SI generating unit 131 generates a service information table (PSI / SI table) such as PSI or SI based on the input program additional information.

  PSI is a transmission control signal defined by the MPEG-2 Systems standard. The PSI is used for demultiplexing processing and reproduction processing in the receiving apparatus.

  SI is program arrangement information. SI is digital data that describes the distribution system, content, schedule, and timing of a broadcast data stream. The SI has a PSI configuration and a uniquely defined extension. The SI is used for display of an organized channel, display of program information, etc. performed for the viewer in the receiving apparatus.

  The PSI / SI generation unit 131, based on the input program additional information, for example, Program Association Table (PAT), Program Map Table (PMT), Conditional Access Table (CAT), and Network Information Table (NIT). Generate a table.

  In addition, the PSI / SI generation unit 131 generates an SI table such as a Service Description Table (SDT), an Event Information Table (EIT), and a Broadcaster Information Table (BIT) based on the input program additional information. The PSI / SI generating unit 131 transmits the generated service information table to the multiplexer 150.

  The multiplexer 150 multiplexes the PES packet and service information table generated by the video conversion unit 112, the audio conversion unit 122, and the PSI / SI generation unit 131. As a result, the multiplexer 150 generates a TS. The multiplexer 150 transmits the generated TS to the transmission path encoding unit 160.

  The transmission path encoding unit 160 performs error correction encoding processing, modulation processing, and the like on the TS generated by the multiplexer 150, and transmits the result through radio waves or a network. Thereby, the data transmission apparatus 100 can transmit TS in which content data such as video and audio and the service information table are multiplexed to the reception apparatus.

  2 to 4 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of PSI / SI data generated by the PSI / SI generation unit 131. FIG. FIG. 2 shows an example of SDT generated by the PSI / SI generation unit 131. FIG. 3 shows an example of a BIT generated by the PSI / SI generation unit 131. FIG. 4 shows an example of NIT generated by the PSI / SI generation unit 131.

  The SDT (service description table) is information related to services (organization channels) included in the TS. The BIT (Broadcaster Information Table) is information about broadcasters existing on the network. The NIT (network information table) is information that associates transmission path information such as a modulation frequency with a broadcast service. That is, NIT indicates the service configuration of the entire network.

  SDT, BIT, and NIT have a descriptor area in the table. The descriptor area is a field into which a plurality of various descriptors can be inserted.

  For example, the PSI / SI generation unit 131 inserts the service list descriptor (service_list_descriptor) illustrated in FIG. 5 into the descriptor area of the PSI / SI table.

  The service list descriptor is a descriptor for describing a list of each service and service type type in the TS. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the service list descriptor includes fields such as “descriptor_tag”, “descriptor_length”, “loop”, “service_id”, and “service_type”.

  “Descriptor_tag” is a field for describing a value indicating that the descriptor is a service list descriptor. “Descriptor_length” is a field for describing the descriptor length of the service list descriptor. “Loop” is a field for describing a loop according to the number of services in the TS.

  “Service_id” is a field for describing an identifier for identifying a service included in the TS. “Service_type” is a field for describing a value indicating the type of the service.

  The PSI / SI generating unit 131 inputs a predetermined value in “service_type” according to the type of content generated as a TS. For example, when generating a TS of content related to multimedia broadcasting (digital broadcasting), the PSI / SI generating unit 131 inputs “0xC2” to “service_type”. Note that the PSI / SI generation unit 131 determines the type of content based on program additional information input from the outside.

  When generating a TS of content related to multimedia broadcasting, the PSI / SI generating unit 131 further inserts an extended service list descriptor (extended_service_list_descriptor) shown in FIG. 6 into the descriptor area in the SDT, BIT, and NIT tables. .

  The extended service list descriptor has fields such as “descriptor_tag”, “descriptor_length”, “loop”, “service_id”, “service_subtype”, and “remote_control_key_id”.

  “Descriptor_tag” is a field for entering and describing a value indicating that the descriptor is an extended service descriptor. “Descriptor_length” is a field for describing the descriptor length of the extended service descriptor. “Loop” is a field for describing a loop according to the number of services in the TS. “Service_id” is a field for describing an identifier for identifying a service included in the TS.

  “Service_subtype” (service sub-type information) is a field for describing a value indicating a detailed type of service related to multimedia broadcasting.

  “Remote_control_key_id” is a field for identifying assignment of a remote control key of a receiver corresponding to each service (organization channel), and is information necessary when a user selects a service with the remote control.

  The PSI / SI generating unit 131 inputs a predetermined value to “service_subtype” in accordance with the detailed type of service related to multimedia broadcasting generated as a TS.

  As described above, multimedia broadcasting includes broadcast provision forms such as real-time type and storage type, and 12-segment broadcasting and 1-segment broadcasting. In multimedia broadcasting, it is assumed that various services such as a video service, an audio service, and an independent data service are provided according to a broadcast providing form by various combinations thereof. The PSI / SI generating unit 131 includes a data table 131a in which values to be input to “service_subtype” are defined in advance for each detailed type of multimedia broadcast.

  The PSI / SI generation unit 131 determines the detailed type of the content of the multimedia broadcast based on the program additional information input from the outside. The PSI / SI generation unit 131 refers to the data table 131a based on the determined type, and describes a value in “service_subtype”.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the value input to “service_subtype” shown in FIG. 6 and the type of content.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the PSI / SI generation unit 131 includes a data table 131 a in which a detailed type of multimedia broadcast is associated with a value input to “service_subtype”.

  In addition, the A hierarchy shown in FIG. 7 shows 12-segment broadcasting, for example. In this case, the B layer indicates 1-segment broadcasting. Moreover, 1-segment broadcasting and 12-segment broadcasting may be reversed.

  When the detailed content type of the multimedia broadcast is “real-time video service (A hierarchy)”, the PSI / SI generating unit 131 describes “0x01” in “service_subtype”. When the detailed type of the content of the multimedia broadcast is “real-time audio service (layer A)”, the PSI / SI generating unit 131 describes “0x02” in “service_subtype”. Further, when the content type of the multimedia broadcast is “real-time data service (layer A)”, the PSI / SI generating unit 131 describes “0x03” in “service_subtype”.

  When the detailed content type of the multimedia broadcast is “storage type video service (layer A)”, the PSI / SI generation unit 131 describes “0x04” in “service_subtype”. When the content type of the multimedia broadcast is “storage type audio service (A layer)”, the PSI / SI generation unit 131 describes “0x05” in “service_subtype”. Further, when the detailed type of the content of the multimedia broadcast is “storage type data service (A layer)”, the PSI / SI generation unit 131 describes “0x06” in “service_subtype”.

  When the content type of the multimedia broadcast is “real-time video service (layer B)”, the PSI / SI generating unit 131 describes “0x51” in “service_subtype”. Further, when the content type of the multimedia broadcast is “real-time type audio service (B layer)”, the PSI / SI generating unit 131 describes “0x52” in “service_subtype”. In addition, when the content type of the multimedia broadcast is “real-time data service (layer B)”, the PSI / SI generation unit 131 describes “0x53” in “service_subtype”.

  When the content type of the multimedia broadcast is “storage type video service (B hierarchy)”, the PSI / SI generation unit 131 describes “0x54” in “service_subtype”. When the content type of the multimedia broadcast is “storage type audio service (B layer)”, the PSI / SI generation unit 131 describes “0x55” in “service_subtype”. Further, when the content type of the multimedia broadcast is “storage type data service (layer B)”, the PSI / SI generation unit 131 describes “0x56” in “service_subtype”.

  When receiving a TS, a receiving device that receives a TS format broadcast signal separates the received TS into packets for each PID (packet ID). The receiving apparatus acquires the PSI / SI table from the separated packet. The receiving device reads the descriptor of the PSI / SI table and reads the service list descriptor inserted in the descriptor area.

  The receiving apparatus checks the value of “service_type” in the service description list. When the value of “service_type” is “0xC2,” the receiving apparatus recognizes that the content indicated by the SI is content related to multimedia broadcasting. In this case, the receiving apparatus further reads the extended service list descriptor inserted in the descriptor area.

  The receiving apparatus includes a data table 131a in which the type of multimedia broadcast and the value of “service_subtype” are associated in advance as illustrated in FIG. The receiving apparatus checks the value of “service_subtype” in the extended service list. The receiving device refers to the data table 131a based on the value of “service_subtype”. Thereby, the receiving apparatus easily recognizes the detailed type of the content of the multimedia broadcast received as the TS.

  As described above, the data transmission apparatus 100 inserts an extended service list descriptor into the PSI / SI table when generating a TS related to multimedia broadcasting. The data transmission apparatus 100 defines “service_subtype” in the extended service list descriptor, and describes a value corresponding to the type of multimedia broadcast content in “service_subtype”. Thereby, the data transmission apparatus 100 can make a receiving apparatus recognize the detailed classification of the content of multimedia broadcasting simply.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a digital broadcast data transmission method capable of transmitting a more convenient digital broadcast signal.

  Further, the receiving apparatus can recognize whether the content is a real-time type or a storage type. In addition, the receiving apparatus can recognize whether the content is a video service, an audio service, or a data service. Furthermore, the receiving apparatus can recognize whether the content is based on 12-segment broadcasting or 1-segment broadcasting. Thus, the receiving apparatus can perform efficient processing by selecting processing to be executed according to the type of content.

  In the above example, the data transmission apparatus 100 has been described as inserting an extended service list descriptor into the PSI / SI table when generating a TS related to multimedia broadcasting. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The “service_type” of the service descriptor to be inserted into the SDT can be replaced with other data. Therefore, when generating a TS related to multimedia broadcasting, the data transmission apparatus 100 is configured to indicate the type of content of multimedia broadcasting by replacing “service_type” in the service descriptor to be inserted into the SDT with “service_subtype”. May be.

  For example, the PSI / SI generation unit 131 inserts the service descriptor (service_descriptor) illustrated in FIG. 8 into the descriptor area of the SDT.

  The service descriptor is a descriptor for describing basic information about a service such as a service name and a broadcaster name. 8, the service descriptor includes “descriptor_tag”, “descriptor_length”, “service_subtype”, “service_provider_name_length”, “char”, “service_name”, and the like.

  “Descriptor_tag” is a field for entering and describing a value indicating that the descriptor is a service descriptor. “Descriptor_length” is a field for describing the descriptor length of the service descriptor.

  “Service_subtype” is a field for describing a value indicating the type of service related to multimedia broadcasting.

  “Service_provider_name_length” is a field for describing the length of the broadcaster name. “Char” is a field for describing a broadcaster name.

  “Service_name_length” is a field for describing the length of the organization channel name. “Char” is a field for describing the organization channel name.

  The PSI / SI generating unit 131 inputs a predetermined value in “service_subtype” of the service descriptor according to the type of service related to multimedia broadcasting generated as a TS.

  Thereby, the data transmission apparatus 100 can make a receiving apparatus recognize the detailed classification of the service of multimedia broadcasting simply.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a digital broadcast transmission method capable of transmitting a more convenient digital broadcast signal.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine the component covering different embodiment suitably.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Data transmission apparatus, 111 ... Video encoder, 112 ... Video converter, 121 ... Audio encoder, 122 ... Audio converter, 131 ... PSI / SI generator, 131a ... Data table, 150 ... Multiplexer, 160 ... Transmission path code Chemistry part.

Claims (9)

Encoding program information and converting it into a predetermined format;
Generating a service information table including information indicating a type of program information based on the program additional information;
Multiplexing the converted program information and the generated service information table to generate a transport stream for transmission;
Sending the generated transport stream;
A data transmission method for digital broadcasting, comprising:   2. The data transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating the service information inserts an extended service list descriptor including service sub-type information indicating a type of program information into the service information table.   The step of generating the service information table inserts an extended service list descriptor including service sub-type information indicating a type of program information into a network information table as a service information table. Data transmission method.   The step of generating the service information table inserts an extended service list descriptor including service sub-type information indicating a type of program information into a broadcaster information table as a service information table. Data transmission method.   The step of generating the service information table inserts an extended service list descriptor including service sub-type information indicating a type of program information into a service description table as a service information table. Data transmission method.   2. The data transmission according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating the service information table inserts a service descriptor including service sub-type information indicating a type of program information into a service description table as a service information table. Method.   The step of generating the service information table describes different values in the service sub-type information when the type of program information is a real-time type broadcast and a case of a storage type broadcast. Data transmission method.   3. The data transmission method according to claim 2, wherein the step of generating the service information table describes a different value in the service sub-type information depending on a reception form of program information hierarchical transmission.   The step of generating the service information table is characterized in that different values are described in the service sub-type information when the main type of program information is a video service, a voice service, and a data service. The data transmission method according to claim 2.

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