JP3895954B2 - Program information conversion method, user station, and recording medium recording user station program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, when a digital program transmitted by the MPEG2TS (MPEG2 Transport Stream) system is distributed over the Internet, the program is re-used by using the transmitted program configuration information and the mutual link information between element contents constituting the program. The present invention relates to a program conversion method, a user station, and a recording medium on which a user station program is recorded.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the digital broadcasting service, a program is configured as a set of multimedia contents such as video / audio / data and provided to general viewers. Digital program content is transmitted using MPEG2TS, and in addition to each component content, PSI (Program Specific Information) describing the configuration and transmission method of the program and SI (Service Information: program describing the program content). Program information called sequence information is also transmitted.
[0003]
PSI and SI are important information for linking component contents and building an EPG (Electric Program Guide), but are encoded in a format premised on transmission by MPEG2TS. It has low compatibility with distribution on IP networks and general-purpose PC browsers. Accordingly, when a digital program distributed by MPEG2TS is redistributed on an IP-based network such as the Internet, it is necessary to convert program information in addition to conversion of each component content itself.
[0004]
There is a program that converts program information distributed in MPEG2TS into a description format that is highly compatible with the Internet. In this technique, as shown in FIG. 4, SI transmitted in the MPEG2TS system is extracted from broadcast waves, and the information content of SI is mapped to an HTML or XML markup language format based on a unique conversion rule. is there. By converting to HTML or XML, the program content information can be used by a general-purpose browser on a PC and displayed as an EPG.
[0005]
Of the technology for converting SI to HTML format and the technology for converting SI to XML format, XML conversion is more scalable in editing and displaying program content information than HTML conversion.
[0006]
These techniques are intended to easily use and display program content information transmitted as SI on a PC, and convert information content of SI as it is into HTML or XML format.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In PSI and SI, program configuration information and link information between contents are described in addition to program content information for EPG display. The program structure and link information are described using identifiers for distinguishing each content such as video / audio / data, and these content identifiers depend on MPEG2 TS transmission. Hereinafter, such an identifier is referred to as an MPEG2-dependent identifier.
[0008]
Therefore, it is impossible to describe the configuration of the entire program and the link designation between the contents in the Internet distribution of the digital program only by the conventional technology that simply converts the SI information content into the HTML or XML format as it is, There arises a problem that the user who receives the program cannot view the program as a set of a plurality of contents.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide a program information conversion method, a user station, and a recording medium on which a user station program is recorded, in which the above problems are solved.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention uses a correspondence table (description of correspondence between identification information used at the time of MPEG2 TS transmission and identification information such as a URL and a delivery destination address used at the time of Internet distribution) distributed from a transmission server by a user station, By translating the identification information described in the content, referring to the corresponding content from the element content distributed over the Internet, and displaying the plurality of called content on the screen, from the element content distributed over the Internet Similar to the MPEG2TS transmission, a digital program is reconstructed to enable the user to view the program, and is characterized by the following method, apparatus, and recording medium.
[0011]
(1) When a transmission server distributes a digital program transmitted in the MPEG2TS system over the Internet, the transmission server transmits video, audio, and data component contents constituting the digital program, and content identification information depending on the MPEG2TS transmission system. The identifier correspondence describing the correspondence between the control information composed of SI and PSI describing the program configuration, transmission method, program content and link information between the contents of the digital program, and the identifier describing the identification information A program information conversion method in a user station that receives a table and reconstructs the content ,
The identifier correspondence table is an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier that depends on the MPEG2TS transmission method for distinguishing each content and is used to describe the program configuration, transmission method, program content, and link information between the contents of the digital program. A table describing the correspondence with the content identifier constituting the digital program and the MPEG2TS independent identifier, which is a content identifier independent of MPEG2TS transmission, describing the URL and distribution destination address that are identification information on the Internet;
Based on the control information, an EPG processing step of transferring an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier of each content constituting the received digital program to an identifier translation step;
An identifier translation process for receiving the MPEG2TS-dependent identifier, obtaining a corresponding MPEG2TS independent identifier with reference to the identifier correspondence table, and transferring it to a program processing process;
The MPEG2TS independent identifier of each content constituting the selected digital program is received, each content is displayed on the same screen, and at least one of the contents includes link information to another content, and the link is selected. If the MPEG2TS dependent identifier described in the link information is transferred to the identifier translation process, the corresponding MPEG2TS independent identifier is acquired, and the content linked by the acquired MPEG2TS independent identifier is called to switch the display. The program display process to be performed,
It is characterized by having.
[0012]
(2) When a transmission server distributes a digital program transmitted by the MPEG2TS system over the Internet, the transmission server transmits video, audio, and data component contents constituting the digital program, and content identification information depending on the MPEG2TS transmission system. The identifier correspondence describing the correspondence between the control information composed of SI and PSI describing the program configuration, transmission method, program content and link information between the contents of the digital program, and the identifier describing the identification information receiving a table, the reconstruction of the content a row cormorants user station,
The identifier correspondence table is an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier that depends on the MPEG2TS transmission method for distinguishing each content and is used to describe the program configuration, transmission method, program content, and link information between the contents of the digital program. A table describing the correspondence with the content identifier constituting the digital program and the MPEG2TS independent identifier, which is a content identifier independent of MPEG2TS transmission, describing the URL and distribution destination address that are identification information on the Internet;
Based on the control information, an EPG processing unit that delivers an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier of each content constituting the received digital program to an identifier translation unit;
An identifier translating unit that receives the MPEG2TS-dependent identifier, obtains a corresponding MPEG2TS independent identifier by referring to the identifier correspondence table, and passes it to a program processing unit;
The MPEG2TS independent identifier of each content constituting the selected digital program is received, each content is displayed on the same screen, and at least one of the contents includes link information to another content, and the link is selected. If the MPEG2TS dependent identifier described in the link information is transferred to the identifier translation unit, the corresponding MPEG2TS independent identifier is acquired, and the content linked by the acquired MPEG2TS independent identifier is called to switch the display. A program display section to perform,
It is provided with.
[0013]
(3) When a transmission server distributes a digital program transmitted by the MPEG2TS system over the Internet, the transmission server transmits video, audio, and data component contents constituting the digital program, and content identification information depending on the MPEG2TS transmission system. The identifier correspondence describing the correspondence between the control information composed of SI and PSI describing the program configuration, transmission method, program content and link information between the contents of the digital program, and the identifier describing the identification information A recording medium in which a program information conversion program in a user station that receives a table and reconstructs the content is recorded in a computer-readable manner,
The identifier correspondence table is an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier that depends on the MPEG2TS transmission method for distinguishing each content and is used to describe the program configuration, transmission method, program content, and link information between the contents of the digital program. A table describing the correspondence with the content identifier constituting the digital program and the MPEG2TS independent identifier, which is a content identifier independent of MPEG2TS transmission, describing the URL and distribution destination address that are identification information on the Internet;
An EPG processing procedure for transferring an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier of each content constituting the received digital program to an identifier translation procedure based on the control information;
An identifier translation procedure for receiving the MPEG2TS-dependent identifier, obtaining a corresponding MPEG2TS independent identifier by referring to the identifier correspondence table, and transferring it to a program processing procedure;
The MPEG2TS independent identifier of each content constituting the selected digital program is received, each content is displayed on the same screen, and at least one of the contents includes link information to another content, and the link is selected. The MPEG2TS dependent identifier described in the link information is transferred to the identifier translation procedure to obtain the corresponding MPEG2TS independent identifier, and the content linked by the acquired MPEG2TS independent identifier is called to switch the display. Program display procedure to be performed,
Is recorded on a computer .
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(1) Description of Outline The outline of the present embodiment for realizing program information conversion suitable for Internet distribution of digital programs will be described with reference to FIG.
[0015]
This system
In order to realize description of program structure and description of link information between component contents, a content identifier independent of MPEG2TS (hereinafter referred to as an independent identifier) is introduced.
In the transmission server, an MPEG2TS independent identifier is assigned to component content such as video / audio / data, which is a component of a digital program transmitted in MPEG2TS,
A correspondence table of MPEG2TS-dependent identifiers used in PSI, SI, etc. and newly assigned MPEG2TS independent identifiers is transmitted together with contents and program information XML files,
The user station rewrites the information content of the program information XML file or data content by translating the MPEG2TS dependent identifier described in the content and program information XML into the MPEG2TS independent identifier described in the identifier correspondence table. And maintain the program structure and link relationship,
This is a system capable of viewing a digital program as a set of a plurality of component contents.
[0016]
(2) Description of Configuration The system configuration shown in FIG. 1 includes a transmission server 1, an Internet network 2, and a user station 3.
[0017]
The transmission server 1 extracts a MPEG2TS-dependent identifier previously assigned to each component content constituting the digital program, a function for newly assigning an MPEG2TS independent identifier to each component content, and the extracted MPEG2TS-dependent identifier. The MPEG2TS independent identifier correspondence table is created and distributed to the user station.
[0018]
The user station 3 has a function of translating the MPEG2TS-dependent identifier described in the received content or program information XML file into an MPEG2TS independent identifier described in the identifier correspondence table, and displaying and receiving the content.
[0019]
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the user station. The user station includes a program receiving unit 2a, a video / audio processing unit 2b, a data processing unit 2c, a program information XML file processing unit 2d, an identifier correspondence table processing unit 2e, a program display / processing unit 2f, an EPG display / processing unit 2g, and an identifier. It comprises a translation unit 2h and a program request transmission unit 2i.
[0020]
(3) Description of functions Each function of the user station will be described.
[0021]
The main function of the program receiving unit 2a is a function of receiving program contents distributed via the Internet and extracting IP packets storing video / audio, data, program information XML files, and identifier correspondence tables. The same.
[0022]
The main function of the video / audio processing unit 2b is a function of decoding the extracted video / audio and storing it in the program content storage device 2j, which is the same as the conventional one.
[0023]
The main function of the data processing unit 2c is a function for decoding the extracted data and storing it in the program content storage device 2j, which is the same as the conventional one.
[0024]
The main function of the program information XML file processing unit 2d is a function of decoding the extracted program information XML file, which is the same as the conventional one.
[0025]
The main function of the identifier correspondence table processing unit 2e is a function of decoding the extracted identifier correspondence table and storing it in the identifier table storage device 2k.
[0026]
The main function of the program display / processing unit 2f is to display the video / audio, data, and contents constituting the program on the same screen, and further, the link designation is described from one content to another using the MPEG2TS-dependent identifier. In this case, the identifier is transferred to the identifier translation unit 2h, the corresponding content is called based on the MPEG2TS independent identifier returned from the identifier translation unit, and the display is switched.
[0027]
The main function of the EPG display / processing unit 2g is to display an EPG based on the information content of the program information XML file, accept a program selection from the user, and identify a content identifier (MPEG2TS-dependent identifier) constituting the corresponding program. This is the function to pass to the translation department.
[0028]
The main function of the identifier translation unit 2h is to translate the MPEG2TS-dependent identifier transferred from the program display / processing unit 2f and the EPG display / processing unit 2g into an MPEG2TS independent identifier using the stored identifier correspondence table 2k, and display the program. / This is a function for returning the identifier of the content corresponding to the program structure or link to the processing unit 2f. The identifier translation unit 2h also has a function of delivering an MPEG2TS independent identifier to the program request transmission unit 2i when the content to be displayed by the program display / processing unit 2f has not been received.
[0029]
The main function of the program request transmission unit 2i is a function of transmitting an unreceived content transmission request to the transmission server 1 by using the MPEG2TS independent identifier delivered from the identifier translation unit.
[0030]
(4) Description of Operation FIG. 3 shows a processing flow of the user station in this embodiment.
[0031]
(S1) The user station displays the EPG from the program information XML file.
[0032]
(S2) The user station selects a program from the EPG, and the result of the program selection is transferred to the identifier translation unit as an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier of each component content constituting the program.
[0033]
(S3) The MPEG2TS-dependent identifier is translated into an MPEG2TS-independent identifier, and the component content constituting the program is called up.
[0034]
(S4) If the contents constituting the program have already been received, these are presented to the user.
[0035]
(S5, S6, S7) When the content constituting the program has not been received, the content transmission request is transmitted to the transmission server using the MPEG2TS independent identifier, and after receiving and storing the content, the program is presented to the user. To do.
[0036]
(S8) When a link reference from one content or the like to another content is selected during program display, the link destination specified by the MPEG2TS dependency identifier is translated into an MPEG2TS independent identifier and the corresponding content is called , (S3) to (S7) are executed again.
[0037]
(S9) If another program is selected during program display, the processes (S2) to (S7) are executed again.
[0038]
With the above operation, when a digital program distributed in MPEG2TS is distributed over the Internet, the program configuration and link relationship are maintained without rewriting the information content of the program information XML file and data content, and a set of component contents is collected. Can be viewed.
[0039]
In the present invention, a part or all of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or the procedure shown in FIG. 3 is described in a computer program so that it can be executed, and the recording medium can be read by a computer. For example, it is possible to record and provide and distribute it on an FD (floppy disk: trademark registration), MO, ROM, memory card, CD, DVD, removable disk, or the like.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when a digital program transmitted in MPEG2TS is converted and distributed over the Internet, the correspondence table of MPEG2TS-dependent identifiers and MPEG2TS-independent identifiers is mapped in the transmission server to the contents and information contents of PSI and SI. The user information is distributed together with the program information XML file, and the user station converts the MPEG2TS-dependent identifier described in the program information XML file or content into an MPEG2TS independent identifier using the identifier correspondence table, and links between the program configuration information and the content. Since the contents corresponding to the relationship can be referred to correctly, a digital program composed of a plurality of component contents can be viewed through the Internet in the same manner as when distributed by MPEG2TS.
[0041]
Further, according to the present invention, by translating identifiers based on the identifier correspondence table in the user station, the program configuration and link specification between contents can be specified using MPEG2TS-dependent identifiers in the program information XML file and data contents. In the description, it is possible to normally recognize the program configuration information and the link relationship between the contents without having to rewrite the information contents of the program information XML file and the data contents in the transmission server.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration example of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a user station in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a processing flow of a user station in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a conventional program information conversion method.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Transmission server 2 ... Internet 3 ... User station 2a ... Program receiving part 2b ... Video / audio processing part 2b
2c ... Data processing unit 2d ... Program information XML file processing unit 2e ... Identifier correspondence table processing unit 2f ... Program display / processing unit 2g ... EPG display / processing unit 2h ... Identifier translation unit 2i ... Program request transmission unit

Claims (3)

When a transmission server distributes a digital program transmitted in the MPEG2TS system over the Internet, the transmission server uses the video, audio, and data component contents constituting the digital program, and the content identification information depending on the MPEG2TS transmission system. Receives the identifier correspondence table describing the correspondence between the control information composed of SI and PSI describing the program configuration of the digital program, transmission method, program content, and link information between the contents, and the identifier describing the identification information And a program information conversion method in a user station that reconfigures the content ,
The identifier correspondence table is an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier that depends on the MPEG2TS transmission method for distinguishing each content and is used to describe the program configuration, transmission method, program content, and link information between the contents of the digital program. A table describing the correspondence with the content identifier constituting the digital program and the MPEG2TS independent identifier, which is a content identifier independent of MPEG2TS transmission, describing the URL and distribution destination address that are identification information on the Internet;
Based on the control information, an EPG processing step of transferring an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier of each content constituting the received digital program to an identifier translation step;
An identifier translation process for receiving the MPEG2TS-dependent identifier, obtaining a corresponding MPEG2TS independent identifier by referring to the identifier correspondence table, and transferring it to a program processing process;
The MPEG2TS independent identifier of each content constituting the selected digital program is received, each content is displayed on the same screen, and at least one of the contents includes link information to another content, and the link is selected. If the MPEG2TS dependent identifier described in the link information is transferred to the identifier translation process, the corresponding MPEG2TS independent identifier is acquired, and the content linked by the acquired MPEG2TS independent identifier is called to switch the display. The program display process to be performed,
A program information conversion method in a user station, characterized by comprising : When a transmission server distributes a digital program transmitted in the MPEG2TS system over the Internet, the transmission server uses the video, audio, and data component contents constituting the digital program, and the content identification information depending on the MPEG2TS transmission system. Receives the identifier correspondence table describing the correspondence between the control information composed of SI and PSI describing the program configuration of the digital program, transmission method, program content, and link information between the contents, and the identifier describing the identification information then, the reconstruction of the content a row cormorants user station,
The identifier correspondence table is an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier that depends on the MPEG2TS transmission method for distinguishing each content and is used to describe the program configuration, transmission method, program content, and link information between the contents of the digital program. A table describing the correspondence with the content identifier constituting the digital program and the MPEG2TS independent identifier, which is a content identifier independent of MPEG2TS transmission, describing the URL and distribution destination address that are identification information on the Internet;
Based on the control information, an EPG processing unit that delivers an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier of each content constituting the received digital program to an identifier translation unit;
An identifier translating unit that receives the MPEG2TS-dependent identifier, obtains a corresponding MPEG2TS independent identifier by referring to the identifier correspondence table, and passes it to a program processing unit;
The MPEG2TS independent identifier of each content constituting the selected digital program is received, each content is displayed on the same screen, and at least one of the contents includes link information to another content, and the link is selected. If the MPEG2TS dependent identifier described in the link information is transferred to the identifier translation unit, the corresponding MPEG2TS independent identifier is acquired, and the content linked by the acquired MPEG2TS independent identifier is called to switch the display. A program display section to perform,
The user station, comprising the. When a transmission server distributes a digital program transmitted in the MPEG2TS system over the Internet, the transmission server uses the video, audio, and data component contents constituting the digital program, and the content identification information depending on the MPEG2TS transmission system. Receives the identifier correspondence table describing the correspondence between the control information composed of SI and PSI describing the program configuration of the digital program, transmission method, program content, and link information between the contents, and the identifier describing the identification information And a recording medium in which a program information conversion program in a user station for reconstructing the content is recorded so as to be readable by a computer,
The identifier correspondence table is an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier that depends on the MPEG2TS transmission method for distinguishing each content and is used to describe the program configuration, transmission method, program content, and link information between the contents of the digital program. A table describing the correspondence with the content identifier constituting the digital program and the MPEG2TS independent identifier, which is a content identifier independent of MPEG2TS transmission, describing the URL and distribution destination address that are identification information on the Internet;
An EPG processing procedure for transferring an MPEG2TS-dependent identifier of each content constituting the received digital program to an identifier translation procedure based on the control information;
An identifier translation procedure for receiving the MPEG2TS-dependent identifier, obtaining a corresponding MPEG2TS independent identifier by referring to the identifier correspondence table, and transferring it to a program processing procedure;
The MPEG2TS independent identifier of each content constituting the selected digital program is received, each content is displayed on the same screen, and at least one of the contents includes link information to another content, and the link is selected. The MPEG2TS dependent identifier described in the link information is transferred to the identifier translation procedure to obtain the corresponding MPEG2TS independent identifier, and the content linked by the acquired MPEG2TS independent identifier is called to switch the display. Program display procedure to be performed,
A recording medium on which a program for executing the program on a computer is recorded.

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