JP6251835B2 - Broadcast signal transmission / reception system and broadcast signal transmission / reception method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a broadcast signal transmission / reception system, a broadcast signal transmission / reception method, and the like.

  In recent years, research and development of video technology, etc. that contributes to a dramatic increase in image quality that surpasses high-definition television broadcasting (HDTV) has progressed rapidly, and ultra-high-definition television broadcasting (UHDTV) that supports 4K / 8K. ) Is expected to be realized. For this reason, the UHDTV standard is being developed. Note that 4K UHDTV has a pixel count of 3840 horizontal x 2160 vertical = 8,294,400, which is four times that of a conventional full HDTV (horizontal 1920 x vertical 1080 = 2,073,600). In addition, 8K UHDTV has the number of pixels of 7680 × 4320 = 33,177,600, which is 16 times that of the full HDTV.

JP 06-132912 A (published May 13, 1994)

  The UHDTV standard is compatible with 22.2 ch stereo sound system. In addition, the UHDTV needs to support various audio formats used in conventional TV broadcasting such as the HDTV. In addition, the broadcasting service and the communication service are linked to each other. For this reason, it is necessary to support various audio formats used in the communication service.

  For this reason, a receiver such as a TV receiver includes a memory that stores in advance a plurality of firmwares respectively corresponding to a plurality of audio formats. When receiving the audio data, the audio decoder first analyzes the header of the audio data and specifies the audio format of the audio data. Next, the audio decoder reads firmware corresponding to the specified audio format from the memory, and rewrites the internal memory of the audio decoder with the firmware. The audio decoder decodes the audio data based on the rewritten firmware.

  Thus, the receiver can support various audio formats. However, in this case, it takes time to decode the audio data. As a result, it takes time from when the receiver receives the audio data to output the audio reproduced from the audio data.

  Also, not all of the above receivers are compatible with 22.2 ch stereophonic sound systems. Furthermore, it is difficult for an audio decoder to support all of the various audio formats used in communication services due to device performance and limitations of built-in memory.

  Therefore, if the audio decoder analyzes the header of the audio data and determines that the audio cannot be reproduced from the audio data, the receiver needs to notify a caution (warning) indicating that fact. However, also in this case, since the audio decoder needs to analyze the header of the audio data, it takes time until the receiver notifies the caution after the audio data is received.

  Further, the data length of the header is usually limited. Therefore, compatible audio formats, the number of audio channels, and the like are also limited. On the other hand, in the audio packet decoder described in Patent Document 1, the audio data and the audio control information are configured in separate packets. By decoding the header information from the packet, a packet having audio control information and a packet having audio data can be identified. Then, the audio control information extracted from the packet having audio control information is stored, and the audio information is restored from the packet having audio data using the stored control information and output.

  Thereby, it is possible to cope with more audio formats, the number of audio channels, and the like. However, the audio packet decoder described in Patent Document 1 cannot solve the above-described problem of taking time.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a broadcast signal receiving apparatus and the like that can quickly acquire attribute information about audio data and select a broadcast of audio with a desired attribute.

  A broadcast signal transmission / reception system according to an aspect of the present invention is a broadcast signal transmission / reception system including a broadcast signal transmission device that transmits a digital broadcast signal and a broadcast signal reception device that receives the digital broadcast signal, wherein the broadcast signal The transmitting device transmits content and attribute information related to the audio component of the content, and the broadcast signal receiving device transmits the received audio component of the content based on the received attribute information to the broadcast signal receiving device. Determination means for determining whether the content can be played back, wherein the content includes a plurality of audio components having the same content and different attribute information, and the broadcast signal receiving apparatus determines whether the content is determined by the determination means As a result, when the plurality of audio components can be reproduced by the broadcast signal receiving device, Further comprising a selection means for selecting one of the voice component.

  A broadcast signal transmission / reception method according to an aspect of the present invention is a broadcast signal transmission / reception method by a broadcast signal transmission / reception system including a broadcast signal transmission device that transmits a digital broadcast signal and a broadcast signal reception device that receives the digital broadcast signal. The broadcast signal transmitting device executes a step of transmitting content and attribute information related to the audio component of the content, and the broadcast signal receiving device receives the received content based on the received attribute information. A determination step is performed to determine whether the audio signal can be reproduced by the broadcast signal receiving device, and the content includes a plurality of audio components having the same content but different attribute information, and receiving the broadcast signal As a result of the determination in the determination step, the apparatus releases the plurality of audio components. If it can be reproduced by the signal receiving apparatus further executes a selection step of selecting one of said audio component.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to quickly acquire attribute information about audio data and select a broadcast of audio having a desired attribute.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a principal part structure of the transmitter contained in the broadcast signal transmission system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a principal part structure of the receiver contained in the said broadcast signal transmission system. It is a figure which shows the activation example of AIT transmitted with a broadcast signal, and the application according to this AIT. It is a figure which shows the specific example of audio | voice attribute information in a table format. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process regarding the audio | voice attribute information performed with the receiver contained in the said broadcast signal transmission system. It is a figure which shows the example of a change of the attribute of audio | voice according to timing designation | designated information and this timing designation | designated information. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in the said receiver. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process regarding the audio | voice attribute information performed with the said receiver. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a principal part structure of the broadcast signal transmission system which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process regarding the audio | voice attribute information performed with the receiver contained in the said broadcast signal transmission system. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the broadcast signal transmission system which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a principal part structure of the receiver and terminal device which are contained in the said broadcast signal transmission system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the principal part structure of the receiver contained in the broadcast signal transmission system which concerns on another embodiment of this invention.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. First, the configuration of the broadcast signal transmission system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of a transmitter (transmitting device, control information generating device) 1 included in a broadcast signal transmission system 5.

  The broadcast signal transmission system 5 is a system for transmitting a video signal and an audio signal (hereinafter abbreviated as “video signal etc.”) from the transmitter 1 to the receiver (receiving device) 2. The broadcast signal transmission system 5 causes the receiver 2 to acquire attribute information related to the sound of the content transmitted via the broadcast path via the communication path. In the next-generation 4K / 8K broadcasting, it is considered that signals are transmitted in the MMT (MPEG Media Transport) format. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example in which a video signal is transmitted in the MMT format will be described.

  The transmitter 1 transmits content in the form of a video signal or the like. More specifically, the transmitter 1 transmits each packet (MMTP packet: MMT Protocol packet) constituting the content via a broadcast path (broadcast transmission path). One receiver 2 has a function of receiving this content (content distributed via a broadcast route) and receives content distributed via a communication route (communication transmission route) via a communication network such as the Internet, for example. It also has functions. And the receiver 2 can reproduce | regenerate combining each content received via these two paths | routes. In the figure, only one receiver 2 is shown, but the transmitter 1 broadcasts content to a plurality of receivers 2.

[Configuration of transmitter]
As illustrated, the transmitter 1 includes an audio encoder 10, a video encoder 11, a multiplexing unit 12, an encryption unit 13, a transmission unit (control information transmission means) 14, a control unit 15, and a communication I / F 16. Yes. The control unit 15 includes an encoding control unit 151, a voice attribute acquisition unit (attribute acquisition unit) 152, a voice attribute notification unit (attribute information transmission unit) 153, and a control information generation unit (control information generation unit) 154. It is.

  The audio encoder 10 encodes (encodes) an audio (sound) stream of content transmitted by the transmitter 1 and outputs the encoded audio (audio) stream to the multiplexing unit 12. Similarly, the video encoder 11 encodes (encodes) a video (video) stream of content transmitted by the transmitter 1 and outputs the encoded video (video) stream to the multiplexing unit 12.

  The multiplexing unit 12 multiplexes the audio stream output from the audio encoder 10, the video stream output from the video encoder 11, and the control information output from the control unit 15, and outputs the multiplexed information to the encryption unit 13.

  The encryption unit 13 encrypts the multiplexed stream output from the multiplexing unit 12 and outputs the encrypted stream to the transmission unit 14. Then, the transmission unit 14 transmits the encrypted data output from the encryption unit 13 as a packet to the receiver 2 through the broadcast path in the form of a digital broadcast signal.

  The control unit 15 controls each unit included in the transmitter 1. Specifically, the encoding control unit 151 included in the control unit 15 controls the audio encoder 10 and the video encoder 11 to perform encoding.

  The audio attribute acquisition unit 152 acquires audio attribute information that is attribute information related to the audio of the content transmitted by the transmitter 1. The voice attribute acquisition unit 152 outputs the acquired voice attribute information to the voice attribute notification unit 153. When the content of the voice attribute information is changed, the voice attribute acquisition unit 152 may output the change of the voice attribute information and the voice attribute information to the control information generation unit 154.

  Examples of the audio attribute information include an audio format, the number of audio channels, the number of subwoofer (SW) channels, the form and channel of simulcast, the sampling rate, and the number of quantization bits. Among these, the audio format, the number of audio channels, the number of subwoofer (SW) channels, the sampling rate, and the number of quantization bits can be acquired from the encoding control unit 151. On the other hand, the form and channel of the simulcast can be acquired from an external server (not shown) that provides detailed information of the content (program) transmitted (broadcasted) by the transmitter 1. Details of the audio attribute information will be described later.

  The voice attribute notification unit 153 notifies the receiver 2 of the voice attribute information acquired by the voice attribute acquisition unit 152. Specifically, the voice attribute notification unit 153 transmits the voice attribute information to the receiver 2 via the communication I / F 16 using the communication path in response to a request from the receiver 2.

  The control information generation unit 154 generates control information for the receiver 2 to reproduce the content transmitted by the transmitter 1. This control information is called MMT-SI (Service Information) in MMT, and includes various information related to content. Here, in MMT-SI, a program executed during output of content video The description will focus on the generation of an AIT (Application Information Table) in which information related to (software) is described.

  As described above, in the transmitter 1, the voice attribute acquisition unit 152 executes the process of acquiring the voice attribute information (voice attribute acquisition step). The control information generation unit 154 generates control information (AIT) for obtaining the audio attribute information with reference to the conversion from the audio stream and the video stream to the MMTP packet in the multiplexing unit 12 (Control information generation step) is executed. And the transmission part 14 performs the process (control information transmission step) which transmits the said control information to the receiver 2 via a broadcast path | route. The voice attribute notification unit 153 executes a process (voice attribute transmission step) in which the voice attribute information is transmitted via the communication path to the receiver 2 that requests transmission of the voice attribute information according to the control information.

  Therefore, in the receiver 2 that has received this AIT, the content received on the broadcast path together with the AIT is subjected to appropriate processing according to the audio attribute information and output as audio, or the receiver 2 converts the content into audio data of the content. It is possible to notify a caution indicating that it is not compatible.

  When the content transmitted by the transmitter 1 is switched, the audio attribute acquisition unit 152 acquires the audio attribute information of the content after switching, and the audio attribute notification unit 153 receives the newly acquired audio attribute information as a receiver. 2 to send. In this way, by transmitting different audio attribute information following the change of the content, it is possible to always reproduce the content by an optimal process. Note that, as in the above example, the audio attribute information to be transmitted to the receiver 2 via the communication path may be switched without rewriting the AIT, or after the change of the audio attribute information to be transmitted, The AIT may be rewritten so that the audio attribute information is acquired by the receiver 2.

[Configuration of receiver]
Next, the configuration of the receiver 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the receiver 2. As shown, the receiver 2 includes a tuner 20, a communication I / F 21, a decoding unit 22, a demultiplexing unit 23, an audio decoder (sound processing changing means) 24, a video decoder 25, a display control unit 27, a display 28, An input unit 29, a control unit 30, an audio output control unit 31, and a speaker 32 are provided. The control unit 30 includes a decoding control unit 301, a demultiplexing control unit 302, a control information acquisition unit (control information acquisition unit) 303, an application control unit 304, a voice attribute information acquisition unit (determination unit) 305, and a selection. Section (speech processing changing means, switching means, selection means) 306 is included.

  The tuner 20 receives content or the like transmitted as a digital broadcast signal through the broadcast path and outputs it to the decoding unit 22. On the other hand, the communication I / F 21 receives the content transmitted through the communication path and outputs it to the decrypting unit 22 (the arrow in the figure is omitted). That is, the receiver 2 is a receiving device that supports hybrid casting using both a broadcast path and a communication path.

  The communication I / F 21 receives voice attribute information transmitted through the communication path and outputs the voice attribute information to the control unit 30.

  When the content received via the tuner 20 and the communication I / F 21 is encrypted, the decryption unit 22 decrypts the content and outputs the decrypted content to the demultiplexing unit 23.

  The demultiplexer 23 demultiplexes the data output from the decryptor 22 (encrypted but decrypted). Then, each component (component) of the content obtained by demultiplexing is processed according to the type of the component. Specifically, the demultiplexing unit 23 outputs an audio component to the audio decoder 24, outputs a video component to the video decoder 25, and outputs control information to the control information acquisition unit 303.

  The audio decoder 24 changes the decoding setting based on the audio attribute information notified from the control unit 30. The audio decoder 24 decodes the audio component output by the demultiplexer 23 and outputs audio data with the above decoding settings. Similarly, the video decoder 25 decodes the video component output from the demultiplexer 23 and outputs video data.

  The display control unit 27 performs control to display the video data on the display 28. The display 28 displays video data according to the control of the display control unit 27. On the other hand, the audio output control unit 31 performs control to output audio data from the speaker 32 as audio. The speaker 32 outputs audio data as audio in accordance with the control of the audio output control unit 31. That is, the receiver 2 is a television receiver having a function for receiving broadcast content and a function for reproducing (displaying and outputting audio). The display 28 and the speaker 32 may be external devices attached to the receiver 2.

  The input unit 29 is an input device that receives a user operation on the receiver 2 and notifies the control unit 30 of the contents of the operation. The input unit 29 may be a receiving unit that receives a signal indicating the content of a user operation, for example, transmitted by infrared rays.

  The control unit 30 controls each unit included in the receiver 2 according to the control information received from the transmitter 1. Specifically, the decryption control unit 301 controls the decryption unit 22 to decrypt the content. In addition, the demultiplexing control unit 302 controls the demultiplexing unit 23 to perform demultiplexing of content.

  The control information acquisition unit 303 acquires the control information output by the demultiplexing unit 23 demultiplexing, and outputs the AIT included in the control information to the application control unit 304. Then, the application control unit 304 controls the operation of various application software (hereinafter referred to as an application) in accordance with the AIT output from the control information acquisition unit 303. Specifically, the application control unit 304 performs control to activate the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 and the selection unit 306 and to terminate activation.

  The functions of the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 and the selection unit 306 are realized by an application. The audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 acquires audio attribute information from the transmitter 1 via the communication I / F 21 and transmits the audio attribute information to the selection unit 306 and the audio decoder 24. The selection unit 306 receives a user operation for switching voice data, and switches the voice data according to the user operation.

[Acquisition of AIT and voice attribute information]
Next, acquisition of AIT and audio attribute information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an AIT transmitted together with a broadcast signal (transmission signal) and an application activation example according to the AIT.

  (A) of the figure shows an example in which one application (speech attribute information acquisition unit 305) is activated according to the AIT. As shown in the figure, the AIT is transmitted together with the broadcast signal, and the AIT of the service is periodically transmitted while the tuning of the same service is maintained.

  Here, the AIT transmitted by the transmitter 1 includes a description indicating that the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 is automatically activated, and the receiver 2 that has received this AIT receives the voice attribute information according to this description. The acquisition unit 305 is activated. The activated voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 requests the transmitter 1 to transmit voice attribute information via the communication I / F 21 and the communication path based on the AIT. The voice attribute notification unit 153 of the transmitter 1 transmits voice attribute information to the transmitter 1 through a communication path in response to a request from the receiver 2. The voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 receives the voice attribute information via the communication I / F 21. The audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 transmits the audio attribute information to the audio decoder 24. Thereafter, the activation of the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 is terminated. Note that the acquisition destination of the voice attribute information (transmitter 1) may be described in the AIT in a format such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

  In the present embodiment, the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 determines whether or not the receiver 2 can reproduce audio from the audio component of the content received through the broadcast path based on the audio attribute information acquired through the communication path. Determine whether. Since this determination can be performed before the audio decoder 24 decodes the audio component, it can be performed more quickly than in the past.

  On the other hand, (b) of the figure shows an example in which two applications (voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 and selection unit 306) are activated in accordance with AIT. Also in this example, the AIT transmitted by the transmitter 1 includes a description indicating that the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 is automatically activated, and the receiver 2 that has received this AIT receives the audio according to this description. The attribute information acquisition unit 305 is activated.

  In this example, when voice attribute information is acquired by the started voice attribute information acquisition unit 305, the selection unit 306 is started according to the AIT. Then, the activated selection unit 306 accepts a user operation for switching audio data. When the user operation is input via the input unit 29, switching of audio data is executed according to the user operation. Thereafter, the activation of the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 and the selection unit 306 is terminated.

  Here, in general, in television broadcasting, the format (format or number of channels, etc.) of audio data to be broadcast can change. In order to deal with such a case, the voice attribute notification unit 153 of the transmitter 1 updates the voice attribute information to be notified to one corresponding to new voice data. Further, the control information generation unit 154 updates the generated AIT and the version information of the AIT. Then, the application control unit 304 of the receiver 2 activates the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 periodically (for example, at a timing when a new AIT is received or when the AIT version changes), and again the voice attribute information. To get. The audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 transmits new audio attribute information to the audio decoder 24. As a result, it is possible to perform appropriate processing according to a change in sound.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of the audio attribute information in a table format. The audio attribute information includes the number of audio channels (CH1), the number of subwoofer (SW) channels (CH2), the audio format (Format), the audio sampling frequency (Sampl_freq), the audio quantization bit rate (Bit_rate), and The simulcast mode (Simul) and the channel (Simul_CH) are coded and stored in order.

  The broadcast signal transmission system 5 of this embodiment corresponds to an ultra-high detail television broadcast system. For this reason, in the example of FIG. 4, the audio format (Format) includes PCM (Pulse Code Modulation), MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 2) -AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), MPEG4-AAC, MPEG2-AC3 (Audio). Code number 3) etc., and each is assigned to a 4-bit code. Also, in order to support 22.2 ch three-dimensional sound, the number of audio channels (CH1) is in the range of 0 to 24, each being assigned to a 5-bit code, and the number of SW channels (CH2). Are in the range of 0-2, each assigned to a 2-bit code. Further, there are 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 96, 192, and the like as audio sampling frequencies (kHz), and each is assigned to a 4-bit code. In addition, there are 8, 10, 16, 24, 32, and the like as quantization bit numbers (bits) of speech, and each is assigned to a 3-bit code. These indicate attribute information about audio data broadcast from the transmitter 1.

  By the way, the simulcast means that one broadcast station broadcasts the same program in the same time zone on different channels (frequency bands), different broadcasting systems, or different broadcasting media. In the example of FIG. 4, the forms of simulcast (simul) include terrestrial digital broadcast, BS (Broadcasting Satellite) digital broadcast, CS (Communications Satellite) digital broadcast, the Internet, etc., each assigned to a 4-bit code. ing. The simulcast channel (Simul_CH) includes 1ch to 1000ch, and each is assigned to a 12-bit code. The form of simulcast (Simul) and the channel of simulcast (Simul_CH) indicate the form and channel for simulcast related to the broadcast of the transmitter 1. Although not shown, the audio attribute information includes the number of audio channels (CH1), the number of subwoofer (SW) channels (CH2), the audio format (Format), the audio sampling frequency (Sampl_freq), And the number of audio quantization bits (Bit_rate) and the like. In addition, when there are a plurality of simulcasts related to the broadcast of the transmitter 1, the audio attribute information may include the attribute information regarding a plurality of simulcasts. When audio attribute information is transmitted to the receiver 2 through a communication path such as the Internet, a large amount of data can be transmitted. Therefore, for example, not only broadcasting of the transmitter 1 but also attribute information necessary for reproduction such as an audio format of simulcast can be included in the audio attribute information. Further, the transmitter 1 may transmit to the receiver 2 audio data itself having a different attribute such as an audio format from the audio data to be broadcast together with the audio attribute information on the communication path. The receiver 2 can selectively reproduce the audio data transmitted through the communication path. Note that one-segment broadcasting, radio broadcasting, or the like may be used as simultaneous broadcasting.

[Receiver processing for audio attribute information]
Next, processing of the receiver 2 regarding the audio attribute information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the control unit 30 of the receiver 2 regarding the audio attribute information.

  First, the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 of the control unit 30 acquires voice attribute information from the transmitter 1 designated by the AIT through a communication path (S1). The acquired audio attribute information may include attribute information related to audio data being simulcast by another transmitter, in addition to attribute information related to audio data broadcast by the transmitter 1.

  Next, the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 extracts the audio format of the audio data broadcast by the transmitter 1 from the acquired audio attribute information, and the extracted audio format can be decoded by the audio decoder 24 of the receiver 2. It is determined whether it is a thing (S2). If decoding is possible (YES in S2), the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 extracts the number of audio channels of audio data broadcast by the transmitter 1 from the audio attribute information, and the extracted audio channel number is audio. It is determined whether or not the decoder 24 can decode (S3). If decoding is possible (YES in S3), the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 transmits the audio attribute information to the audio decoder 24 and decodes the audio data based on the audio attribute information. 24 is instructed (S4), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the audio format cannot be decoded by the audio decoder 24 (NO in S2), or if the number of audio channels cannot be decoded by the audio decoder 24 (NO in S3), the audio attribute The information acquisition unit 305 acquires the form of simulcast, the channel, the audio format, and the number of audio channels from the acquired audio attribute information (S5). The audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 determines whether there is a simulcast that can be decoded by the audio decoder 24 of the receiver 2 (S6). If there is a simulcast that can be decoded by the audio decoder 24 of the receiver 2 (YES in S6), the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 controls the tuner 20 to switch to the simulcast and receive (S7). ). The audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 instructs the audio decoder 24 to decode audio data based on the switched audio attribute information of the simulcast (S4), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when there is no simulcast that can be decoded by the audio decoder 24 of the receiver 2 (NO in S6), the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 displays a caution indicating that the audio data is not supported on the display 28. Thus, the display control unit 27 is instructed (S8), and the process ends.

  When the receiver 2 includes two tuners 20, a decoding unit 22, and a demultiplexing unit 23, the video component broadcasted by the transmitter 1 is decoded by the video decoder 25, and the audio component of simulcasting is converted by the audio decoder 24. You may decode with. In this way, only audio can be switched to simulcast. When the receiver 2 cannot simultaneously reproduce a plurality of broadcasts, the receiver 2 switches from the broadcast of the transmitter 1 to the simultaneous broadcast for both the audio and the video.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the audio format and the number of audio channels in the audio attribute information can be decoded, but the number of SW channels, the sampling frequency, the number of quantization bits, etc. It may be determined whether other information necessary for reproduction of each can be decoded. In this case, steps S2 and S3 shown in FIG. 5 may be changed to the following processing.

  That is, the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 extracts various pieces of information necessary for reproducing the received audio from the acquired audio attribute information, and all the extracted information can be decoded by the audio decoder 24 of the receiver 2. It is determined whether it is a thing (S2 '). If it can be decoded (YES in S2 '), the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if it cannot be decoded (NO in S2 '), the process proceeds to step S5.

[Synchronize with content]
As described above, the transmitter 1 transmits content via a broadcast path and transmits audio attribute information of the content via a communication path. And the receiver 2 reproduces | regenerates the audio | voice data of the said content transmitted on a broadcast path | route based on the audio | voice attribute information received on the communication path | route. As described above, when audio attribute information is transmitted through a route different from the content, a mechanism for changing the audio attribute information to be applied in synchronization with switching of the audio attribute of the content with high accuracy is required.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, content is transmitted by transmitting timing designation information that defines a timing at which an audio attribute changes with a clock (PCR: Program Clock Reference) from a transmitter 1 to a receiver 2 via a communication path. The voice attribute information to be applied can be changed at the timing at which the voice attribute is switched. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of timing designation information and changes in audio attributes according to the timing designation information. Note that PCR is time information used for synchronizing broadcast content and communication content in hybrid cast broadcasting.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the audio attribute of the content at the timing of PCR (1) is audio (1). When this becomes PCR (2), it becomes audio (2), and when it becomes PCR (3), audio (3 ). Such a change in voice attribute can be expressed as timing designation information in which a PCR and a voice attribute at that time (voice attribute information) are associated with each other, as shown in the upper left of FIG.

  Note that such timing designation information indicates the timing at which the audio attribute changes and what audio attribute to be changed after, based on the broadcast schedule of the content, advertising content broadcast in the middle of the content, etc. It can be generated by obtaining in advance in the transmitter 1.

  In the receiver 2 that has received such timing designation information, the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 notifies the audio decoder 24 of the voice attribute information associated with the timing at the timing indicated by the timing designation information. . As a result, it is possible to process audio having different attributes at the timing indicated by the timing designation information.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. The block configurations of the broadcast signal transmission system 5, the transmitter 1, and the receiver 2 are the same as those shown in FIGS.

  This embodiment demonstrates the form which makes a user select the audio | voice to reproduce | regenerate from the some audio | voice contained in the broadcast of the transmitter 1, and simulcast. For example, an audio component included in the broadcast of the transmitter 1 has an audio channel number of 22.1ch and an audio format of MPEG2-AC3. The audio component included in the simulcast has an audio channel number of 5.1 ch and an audio format of LPCM (Linear PCM).

  On the other hand, the receiver 2 can support a plurality of sets of audio formats and the number of channels. In the present embodiment, of the plurality of audio components included in the broadcast of the transmitter 1 and the simulcast, information on what can be handled by the audio decoder 24 is displayed on the display 28, and the audio for the audio component selected by the user is displayed. The decoder 24 performs decoding. Thereby, a sound can be reproduced from a sound component desired by the user, and as a result, convenience for the user is improved.

  When the user selects a voice attribute, in addition to the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305, the selection unit 306 is activated, and the selection unit 306 accepts a user operation. For this reason, when accepting a user operation for selecting an audio attribute, a description for starting the selection unit 306 is included in the AIT.

  First, the control information acquisition unit 303 extracts an AIT from the signal output from the demultiplexing unit 23 and outputs the AIT to the application control unit 304. The application control unit 304 activates the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 according to the AIT. The voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 causes the application control unit 304 to activate the selection unit 306 when the user selects a voice attribute.

  The audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 determines whether or not these audio components can be decoded by the audio decoder 24 from the audio attribute information of the broadcast of the transmitter 1 and the simulcast included in the acquired audio attribute information. It has a function. Further, the selection unit 306 creates image data for selection for displaying the number of audio channels and the audio format for the audio component determined to be decodable. The selection unit 306 outputs the selection image data to the display control unit 27. The display control unit 27 causes the display 28 to display the selection image data superimposed on the video data from the video decoder 25.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which the decoding selection image data is displayed on the display 28. In the illustrated display screen, the number of audio channels related to a decodable audio component and a set of audio formats are displayed at the bottom, and various other information such as video of the video component is displayed in the remaining area. Note that the number of audio channels currently received and the audio format set may be highlighted with an arrow or a thick frame.

  The selection unit 306 receives selection of audio attributes (a set of audio channels and audio formats) by the user via the input unit 29. When the user selects one of the sets displayed at the bottom, the selection unit 306 instructs the tuner 20 to switch the received broadcast so as to receive the broadcast including the audio component of the selected set. Then, the selection unit 306 instructs the display control unit 27 to return to the normal display screen that displays only the video of the video component.

  Next, in the present embodiment, processing of the receiver 2 relating to audio attribute information will be described based on FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the receiver 2 regarding the audio attribute information. The process shown in FIG. 8 is the same as the process shown in FIG. 5 except that steps S21 to S23 are added.

  In step S21, if the audio format can be decoded by the audio decoder 24 (YES in S2) and the number of channels of the audio can be decoded by the audio decoder 24 (YES in S3), the audio The attribute information acquisition unit 305 determines whether there are a plurality of audio components that can be received and decoded. If there is one receivable and decodable audio component (NO in S21), the process proceeds to step S4.

  On the other hand, when there are a plurality of receivable and decodable audio components (YES in S 21), audio attribute information acquisition section 305 outputs audio attribute information to selection section 306. The selection unit 306 outputs the selection image data to the display control unit 27, thereby displaying the set of the number of audio channels and the audio format of the audio component for each audio component (S22). Then, the selection unit 306 switches to a set of audio components selected by the user among the plurality of audio components (S23). That is, the selection unit 306 instructs the tuner 20 to switch the received broadcast so as to receive the broadcast including the set of audio components selected by the user, and ends the processing.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the processes in steps S2 and S3 may be changed to the process in step S2 'as described above. In this case, if decoding is possible (YES in S2 '), the process may proceed to step S21 instead of step S4.

[Modification]
Note that this embodiment relates to a case where there are a plurality of audio components that can be decoded in a plurality of broadcasts of the same content. On the other hand, some audio decoders 24 can down-convert 22.2 ch audio components into, for example, 5.1 ch, 2 ch audio data.

  Therefore, the present embodiment can also be applied when there are audio components that the audio decoder 24 can down-convert. In this case, the selection unit 306 displays image data such that the number of audio channels (for example, 22.2 ch, 5.1 ch, 2 ch, etc.) that can be selected by the user is displayed at the bottom on the display screen shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to instruct | indicate to the audio decoder 24 to output to the control part 27 and to output the audio | voice data of the channel number of the audio | voice which the user selected.

  When there are a plurality of simulcasts that can be decoded (YES in S6), the processes of steps S22 and S23 may be additionally performed to allow the user to select the simulcast to be received.

[Embodiment 3]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  Incidentally, even audio data that cannot be handled by the receiver 2 may be able to deal with the audio data by an external audio output device connected to the receiver 2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the receiver 2 determines that the above case is satisfied based on the acquired audio attribute information, the receiver 2 does not decode the audio data, and converts the audio data into an audio output device (as is). (Sound reproduction device) 6. Thereby, even if the sound data cannot be reproduced by the own device, it can be quickly reproduced and output by the external sound output device 6.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the broadcast signal transmission system 5 according to the present embodiment. The broadcast signal transmission system 5 according to the present embodiment is different from the broadcast signal transmission system 5 shown in FIG. 1 in that an audio output device 6 that is communicably connected to the receiver 2 is added. In addition, illustration of the transmitter 1 is omitted. Further, in the receiver 2 shown in FIG. 9, a switching unit (transfer means) 33 and a voice output communication I / F (external attribute acquisition means, transfer means) 34 are added as compared with the receiver 2 shown in FIG. And the control unit 30 is provided with a voice attribute information acquisition unit (control information acquisition unit, determination unit, external attribute acquisition unit, transfer unit) 305a instead of the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305. Differently, other configurations are the same. In FIG. 9, some functional blocks are not shown.

  The audio output device 6 outputs audio based on audio data received from the outside. The audio output device 6 includes functional blocks similar to the audio decoder 24, the audio output control unit 31, the speaker 32, and the audio output communication I / F 34 in the receiver 2.

  The switching unit 33 is provided between the demultiplexing unit 23 and the audio decoder 24, and the output destination of the audio component from the demultiplexing unit 23 is set to one of the audio decoder 24 and the audio output communication I / F 34. Switching is performed based on an instruction from the control unit 30.

  The audio output communication I / F 34 is for performing data communication with the external audio output device 6. In the present embodiment, the audio output device 6 and the audio output communication I / F 34 output digital audio signals as they are, such as SPDIF (Sony Philips Digital InterFace) and ARC (Audio Return Channel). The bit stream output can be handled. The communication between the audio output device 6 and the audio output communication I / F 34 may be wired communication or wireless communication.

  The voice attribute information acquisition unit 305a has the following functions added to the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 shown in FIG. 2 and other functions are the same. That is, the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305a uses the audio attributes (audio channel number, SW channel number, audio format, etc.) that can be supported (reproduced) by the audio output device 6 as external attribute information. It has a function to acquire via / F34.

  Also, the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305a has a function of instructing the switching unit 33 to switch based on the voice attribute information acquired from the transmitter 1 through the communication path and the external attribute information from the voice output communication I / F 34. Have. Specifically, the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305a is configured such that the audio data from the demultiplexing unit 23 cannot be handled by the audio decoder 24 of its own device, but can be handled by the audio output device 6. The switching unit 33 is instructed to output the audio data to the audio output communication I / F 34. Thereby, the audio data is output to the audio output device 6 as it is through the audio output communication I / F 34. Note that the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 a instructs the switching unit 33 to output the audio data to the audio decoder 24 in cases other than the above case.

  Next, in the present embodiment, the processing of the receiver 2 regarding the audio attribute information will be described based on FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the receiver 2 regarding the audio attribute information. The processing shown in FIG. 10 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 5 except that the processing in steps S11 and S12 is added.

  In step S11, if the audio format cannot be decoded by the audio decoder 24 (NO in S2), or if the number of audio channels cannot be decoded by the audio decoder 24 (NO in S3), The audio attribute information acquisition unit 305a refers to the external attribute information from the audio output device 6 via the audio output communication I / F 34, and the audio output device 6 can handle the audio format and the number of audio channels. Determine whether. If the audio output device 6 cannot handle the audio format and the number of audio channels (NO in S11), the process proceeds to step S5.

  On the other hand, when the audio format and the number of audio channels can be handled by the audio output device 6 (YES in S11), the audio attribute information acquisition unit 305a instructs the switching unit 33 to switch and performs demultiplexing. The audio data from the conversion unit 23 is transferred to the external audio output device 6 via the audio output communication I / F 34 as it is (S12), and the process is terminated.

  Also in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the processing in steps S2 and S3 may be changed to the processing in step S2 'as described above. In this case, if decoding is impossible (NO in S2 '), the process may proceed to step S11 instead of step S5.

[Embodiment 4]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the third embodiment, audio is output from either the speaker 32 of the receiver 2 or the audio output device 6 connected to the receiver 2, but audio is output from both the speaker 32 and the audio output device 6. May be output.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the receiver 2 of the broadcast signal transmission system 5 according to the present embodiment. Compared with the broadcast signal transmission system 5 shown in FIG. 9, the broadcast signal transmission system 5 according to the present embodiment includes two demultiplexing units 23 a and 23 b, and a selector 35 is used instead of the switching unit 33. Unlike the provided points, the other configurations are the same.

  The illustrated receiver 2 includes two tuners (not shown) and two decoding units (not shown). The receiver 2 receives content transmitted as a digital broadcast signal by one tuner, decodes the content by one decoding unit, and outputs it to the demultiplexing unit 23a. Further, the receiver 2 receives the content of the simulcast of the content received by one tuner by the other tuner, decodes the content by the other decoding unit, and outputs it to the demultiplexing unit 23b. The functions of the demultiplexing units 23a and 23b are the same as those of the demultiplexing unit 23 of the receiver 2 shown in FIG.

  The selector 35 selects an audio component to be output to the audio decoder 24 and the audio output communication I / F 34 as either an audio component output from the demultiplexing unit 23a or an audio component output from the demultiplexing unit 23b. Further, switching is performed based on an instruction from the control unit 30. That is, in this embodiment, the audio component is output to both the audio decoder 24 and the audio output communication I / F 34.

  The control information acquisition unit 303 outputs the AIT extracted from the control information from the demultiplexing unit 23 a and / or 23 b to the application control unit 304. The voice attribute information acquisition unit 305a acquires the voice attribute information of the voice data output from the demultiplexing unit 23a and the voice attribute information of the voice data output from the demultiplexing unit 23b through the communication path according to the AIT. The voice attribute information acquisition unit 305a has a function of issuing a switching instruction to the selector 35 based on the voice attribute information acquired through the communication path and the external attribute information from the voice output communication I / F 34.

  The specific switching instruction given from the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305a to the selector 35 is as follows.

(Case 1)
When the audio data from the demultiplexer 23a can be handled by the audio decoder 24 and the audio output device 6, the audio data is output to the audio decoder 24 and the audio output communication I / F 34 to the selector 35. Instruct switching.

(Case 2)
When the audio data from the demultiplexer 23a cannot be handled by the audio decoder 24 and can be handled by the audio output device 6, the audio data from the demultiplexer 23b is sent to the audio decoder 24. The selector 35 is instructed to switch so as to output the audio data from the demultiplexer 23a to the audio output communication I / F 34.

(Case 3)
When the audio data from the demultiplexing unit 23 a can be handled by the audio decoder 24 and cannot be handled by the audio output device 6, the audio data from the demultiplexing unit 23 a is sent to the audio decoder 24. The selector 35 is instructed to switch so as to output the audio data from the demultiplexer 23b to the audio output communication I / F 34.

  Thereby, the receiver 2 can output audio from both the speaker 32 and the audio output device 6.

[Embodiment 5]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same reference number is attached | subjected to the structure similar to the said embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted. First, an outline of the broadcast signal transmission system 500 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the broadcast signal transmission system 500.

  As illustrated, the broadcast signal transmission system 500 includes a transmitter 100, a receiver 200, an audio attribute information management server 300, and a terminal device (transmission device) 400. The broadcast signal transmission system 500 is a system that transmits a video signal and the like from the transmitter 100 to the receiver 200, similarly to the broadcast signal transmission system 5 of the above embodiment. The transmitter 100 and the audio attribute information management server 300 correspond to the same broadcast station.

  In the broadcast signal transmission system 500, the terminal device 400 acquires audio attribute information from the audio attribute information management server 300 and transmits the acquired audio attribute information to the receiver 200. Note that the audio attribute information management server 300 is a server that manages audio attribute information of each content to be broadcast, and obtains audio attribute information corresponding to the content by accessing the server and notifying the content. Can do. The broadcast signal transmission system 500 can perform appropriate processing according to the audio attribute information on the content through such processing.

[Configuration of receiver and terminal device]
Next, the configuration of the receiver 200 and the terminal device 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the receiver 200 and the terminal device 400. The receiver 200 has substantially the same configuration as that of the receiver 2 of FIG. 2, but does not have a function of acquiring voice attribute information according to the AIT, and the voice attribute information acquisition unit 305 receives the voice attribute information from the terminal device 400. It differs in that it gets. In FIG. 12, only the speech attribute information acquisition unit 305 is described as a block in the control unit 30, but the decoding control unit 301, the demultiplexing control unit 302, and the like of FIG. 2 are also included in the control unit 30.

  The terminal device 400 is used by a user of the receiver 200 and is a terminal device having a communication function with the receiver 200 and the voice attribute information management server 300. The terminal device 400 may be a general-purpose terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. As illustrated, the terminal device 400 includes a communication I / F 40, a control unit 41, a display unit 42, and an input unit 43.

  The communication I / F 40 is for the terminal device 400 to communicate with an external device, specifically, the receiver 200 and the voice attribute information management server 300 through a communication path. The communication I / F 40 may be a device that performs communication via a communication network such as the Internet. Note that a communication I / F for communicating with the receiver 200 and a communication I / F for communicating with the audio attribute information management server 300 may be provided separately.

  The control unit 41 controls each unit of the terminal device 400 in an integrated manner, and includes a voice attribute acquisition unit (voice attribute acquisition unit) 411, a voice attribute notification unit (voice attribute transmission unit) 412, and a selection unit (selection unit). 413.

  The voice attribute acquisition unit 411 acquires voice attribute information. Specifically, the audio attribute acquisition unit 411 acquires the audio attribute information of the content designated by the user (the content being broadcast and received by the receiver 200) from the audio attribute information management server 300. Then, the audio attribute acquisition unit 411 transmits the acquired audio attribute information to the selection unit 413. Note that the terminal device 400 may be configured not to select a voice. In this case, the selection unit 413 transmits the acquired voice attribute information to the voice attribute notification unit 412 and the voice attribute notification unit. 412 transmits the audio attribute information to the receiver 200.

  The voice attribute notification unit 412 notifies the receiver 200 of the voice attribute and the voice attribute information determined by the selection unit 413 through the communication path (via the communication I / F 40). As described above, when the terminal device 400 does not select audio, the audio attribute notification unit 412 sends the audio attribute information acquired by the audio attribute acquisition unit 411 to the receiver 200 via the communication I / F 40. Notice.

  The selection unit 413 displays the selection image data on the display unit 42 based on the audio attribute information acquired by the audio attribute acquisition unit 411. The selection image data is image data indicating a set of audio channels and audio formats of audio components that can be decoded by the receiver 2. Then, the simulcast corresponding to the audio selected according to the user operation is determined, and the determined simulcast is transmitted to the audio attribute notification unit 412. As a result, the simulcast is notified to the receiver 200.

  Note that the control unit 41 of the terminal device 400 may acquire in advance information on attributes (the number of audio channels and the audio format) that can be decoded by the receiver 2 from the receiver 2 or let the user input the information. Also good. Note that the selection method of the audio attribute in the selection unit 413 can be the same as that described in the second embodiment.

  The display unit 42 is a display device that displays an image according to the control of the control unit 41, and the input unit 43 is an input device that accepts a user input operation on the terminal device 400 and notifies the control unit 41 of the contents of the operation. . Here, an example of a touch panel in which the display surface of the display unit 42 and the input surface of the input unit 43 are integrally formed will be described, but the display unit 42 and the input unit 43 may be separate and independent devices. Good.

  The audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 of the receiver 200 receives the audio attribute information and the selected audio attribute information via the communication I / F 21. The audio attribute information acquisition unit 305 instructs the tuner 20 to output the audio attribute information to the audio decoder 24 or to switch to the simulcast corresponding to the selected audio attribute.

  The functions of the audio attribute acquisition unit 411, the audio attribute notification unit 412, and the selection unit 413 may be provided as a function of an application that displays related information of the content being broadcast. In the terminal device 400, when the application is activated and the user selects content to be viewed on the receiver 200, the audio attribute acquisition unit 411, the audio attribute notification unit 412, and the selection unit 413 perform the above operation.

  As described above, according to the broadcast signal transmission system 500 of the present embodiment, the user can select the attribute of audio reproduced by the receiver 200 using the terminal device 400. In this broadcast signal transmission system 500, the transmitter 100 does not need to perform processing for acquisition or transmission of audio attribute information. Therefore, the transmitter 100 is generally used in a conventional broadcasting station. It is also possible to apply the transmitter as it is.

  In the broadcast signal transmission system 500, it is not necessary to provide the receiver 200 with a configuration for accepting a user operation for selecting an audio attribute, and a user who selects an audio attribute simply by installing an application on the terminal device 400. Can accept operations. Therefore, it is possible to easily realize voice attribute selection by the user without increasing the manufacturing cost of the receiver 200.

[Modification]
The transmitter 1 of the above embodiment has a function as a transmission device that transmits voice attribute information to the receiver 2 through a communication path, a function as a control information generation device that generates an AIT for acquiring voice attribute information, And a function as a broadcast signal transmitting apparatus for transmitting a digital broadcast signal through a broadcast path. However, the same function as that of the transmitter 1 can be realized by a combination of a transmission device, a control information generation device, and a broadcast signal transmission device that are independent from each other. For example, even in a broadcast signal transmission system including a transmission apparatus that transmits audio attribute information, a control information generation apparatus that generates the AIT, and a broadcast signal transmission apparatus that transmits a broadcast signal, the same as the transmitter 1 Can be realized. Further, for example, the same function as that of the transmitter 1 can be realized by a combination of a transmission device that transmits audio attribute information and a device that has a function of generating the AIT and a function of transmitting a broadcast signal.

  In each of the above embodiments, the example in which the content is transmitted through the broadcast path has been described. However, the content may be transmitted through the communication path. Further, the content transmitted through the broadcast route and the content transmitted through the communication route may be combined and reproduced.

[Example of software implementation]
Control blocks of transmitter 1, receiver 2, receiver 200, and terminal device 400 (in particular, control unit 15, multiplexing unit 12, encryption unit 13, transmission unit 14, decryption unit 22, demultiplexing unit 23, display The control unit 27, the audio output control unit 31, the control unit 30, and the control unit 41) may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) ) May be implemented by software.

  In the latter case, the transmitter 1, the receiver 2, the receiver 200, and the terminal device 400 are a CPU that executes instructions of a program that is software that realizes each function, and the program and various data are computers (or CPUs). A ROM (Read Only Memory) or a storage device (these are referred to as “recording media”) recorded so as to be readable, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program, and the like are provided. And the objective of this invention is achieved when a computer (or CPU) reads the said program from the said recording medium and runs it. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. The program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Summary]
An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a transmission device, a reception device, and the like that allow a receiver to quickly acquire attribute information about audio data.

  The transmission device according to aspect 1 of the present invention is a transmission device (transmitter 1, terminal device 400) that transmits information to a reception device (receiver 2) that supports hybrid casting using both a broadcast path and a communication path. Attribute acquisition means (audio attribute acquisition units 152 and 411) for acquiring attribute information relating to the sound of the content transmitted to the receiving device via the broadcast route, and the attribute information to the receiving device via the communication route. Attribute information transmission means (audio attribute notification units 153 and 412) for transmission.

  According to said structure, the attribute information regarding an audio | voice is transmitted to a receiver via a communication path. Therefore, it is possible to cause the receiving device to quickly acquire the attribute of the audio data before decoding the audio data of the content received through the broadcast path. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to cause the receiving apparatus that has received the attribute information to output the content by performing appropriate processing according to the attribute information. In addition, it is possible to make the receiving device perform settings for decoding the audio data of the content more quickly than in the past.

  As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to cause a receiving device that supports hybrid casting to acquire attribute information about the audio data without decoding the audio data of the received content and analyzing the header. it can.

  In the transmission device according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the aspect 1, the attribute information transmission unit transmits the audio of the content along the communication path along with the attribute information, and transmits the content of the content transmitted along the broadcast path. It may be configured to transmit as audio data having an attribute different from that of audio.

  According to the above configuration, the receiving apparatus can select the audio to be reproduced from the audio data of the content transmitted through the broadcast path and the audio data transmitted through the communication path. Since the two audio data have different attributes, the receiving apparatus can reproduce the audio related to the content if it corresponds to any attribute. For this reason, it is possible to improve the situation in which audio cannot be reproduced because the audio decoder of the receiving apparatus does not support a specific attribute.

  In the transmission device according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in the aspect 1 or 2, the attribute information transmission unit may transmit timing designation information indicating a timing to apply the attribute information.

  According to said structure, even if it is a case where an audio | voice attribute changes at a certain timing, audio | voice data can be processed according to the said attribute information at the timing which timing designation | designated information shows.

  The control information generation device according to aspect 4 of the present invention is a control information generation device (transmitter 1) that generates control information related to reproduction of content transmitted to a reception device that supports hybrid casting using both a broadcast route and a communication route. 100), and control information generating means (control information generating unit 154) for generating control information (AIT) for acquiring the attribute information related to the audio of the content in the receiving device, and Control information transmitting means (transmitting unit 14) for transmitting the control information to the receiving device.

  According to the above configuration, since the control information for acquiring the attribute information about the sound is generated and transmitted to the receiving device, the receiving device can promptly acquire the attribute information using the control information. Therefore, it is possible to cause the receiving apparatus to acquire the attribute of the audio data before decoding the audio data of the content received through the broadcast path. According to the above configuration, it is possible to cause the receiving device to output the audio by performing appropriate processing on the content according to the attribute information. In addition, it is possible to make the receiving device perform settings for decoding the audio data of the content more quickly than in the past.

  In the control information generating apparatus according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in the aspect 4, the control information transmitting means may transmit the control information together with the content as a digital broadcast signal to the receiving apparatus.

  A receiving device according to aspect 6 of the present invention is a receiving device that supports hybrid casting using both a broadcast path and a communication path, and acquires control information for acquiring attribute information related to audio of content to be played back. Control information acquisition means, and audio processing change means for changing processing related to the audio of the content according to the attribute information acquired in the communication path according to the control information.

  According to said structure, a receiver acquires the attribute information regarding an audio | voice via a communication path. The receiving device can quickly acquire the attribute of the audio data before decoding the audio data of the content received through the broadcast path. Therefore, the receiving apparatus can output the content by performing appropriate processing according to the attribute information and outputting the sound. In addition, the receiving apparatus can perform setting for decoding the audio data of the content more quickly than in the past.

  In the receiving device according to aspect 7 of the present invention, in the above aspect 6, the receiving device according to the aspect 6 may include a determination unit that determines whether the sound of the content can be reproduced by the own device based on the attribute information.

  According to the above configuration, the receiving device can determine whether or not the audio data can be reproduced on its own device before decoding the audio data of the content, and as a result, the determination can be performed more quickly than before. It can be carried out.

  In the reception device according to aspect 8 of the present invention, in the above aspect 7, when it is determined that the audio of the content cannot be reproduced by the own device, the simultaneous broadcast of the content is specified from the attribute information, and the own device The switch may be provided with switching means for switching to the simulcast capable of reproducing sound.

  According to said structure, even if it is a case where an audio decoder does not respond | correspond to the audio | voice attribute of the content received from the transmitter, it can reproduce | regenerate the audio | voice of the same content by switching to simulcast. Become. Therefore, it is possible to improve the situation where sound cannot be reproduced.

  In the receiving device according to aspect 9 of the present invention, in the above aspects 6 to 8, the attribute information includes attribute information related to the audio of the simulcast of the content, and the audio is selected from a plurality of broadcasts including the simulcast. A configuration may be provided that includes a selection unit that allows the user to select a broadcast for reproducing.

  According to said structure, the user can select the audio | voice broadcast of a desired attribute from the some broadcast containing a simulcast.

  A television receiver according to an aspect 10 of the present invention includes the receiving device according to any one of the above aspects 6 to 9.

  A broadcast signal transmission system according to an aspect 11 of the present invention includes a broadcast signal transmission including a transmission device that transmits content to a reception device that supports hybrid casting using both a broadcast route and a communication route, and a reception device that receives the content. The transmission device transmits control information for acquiring attribute information related to audio of the content in the reception device together with the content to the reception device along the broadcast path, and the reception device The attribute information is acquired through the communication path according to the control information, and the processing related to the audio of the content is changed according to the attribute information.

  In the broadcast signal transmission system according to aspect 12 of the present invention, in the aspect 11, the attribute information may include information necessary for reproducing the audio of the content.

  In the broadcast signal transmission system according to aspect 13 of the present invention, in the aspect 11 or 12, the attribute information may include information for specifying a simulcast of the content.

  The transmission device, the control information generation device, and the reception device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, each of the transmission device, the control information generation device, or the reception device provided with the computer. A control program that causes a computer to realize the transmission device, the control information generation device, or the reception device by operating as a means, and a computer-readable recording medium that records the control program also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

  The present invention can be used for various devices related to hybrid casting.

1, 100 transmitter (transmitter, control information generator)
14 Transmitter (control information transmitting means)
152, 411 Audio attribute acquisition unit (attribute acquisition means)
153, 412 Voice attribute notification section (attribute information transmitting means)
154 Control information generation unit (control information generation means)
2,200 receiver (receiver, television receiver)
24 Audio decoder (sound processing changing means)
300 Voice attribute information management server 303 Control information acquisition unit (control information acquisition means)
305, 305a Audio attribute information acquisition unit (determination means)
306, 413 selection unit (voice processing change means, switching means, selection means)
400 Terminal device (transmission device)
5,500 Broadcast signal transmission system

Claims (2)

A broadcast signal transmission / reception system including a broadcast signal transmission device that transmits a digital broadcast signal and a broadcast signal reception device that receives the digital broadcast signal,
The broadcast signal transmission device includes:
A plurality of MMTP packets containing content and transmits the digital broadcast signal, and transmits the attribute information about the audio component of the content,
The broadcast signal receiving device includes:
Based on the received attribute information, comprising determination means for determining whether the audio component of the received content can be reproduced by the broadcast signal receiving device;
The content includes a plurality of audio components having the same content and different attribute information,
The broadcast signal receiving device includes:
A broadcast signal transmission / reception system further comprising selection means for selecting one of the audio components when the plurality of audio components can be reproduced by the broadcast signal receiving device as a result of the determination by the determination means. . A broadcast signal transmission / reception method by a broadcast signal transmission / reception system including a broadcast signal transmission device for transmitting a digital broadcast signal and a broadcast signal reception device for receiving the digital broadcast signal,
The broadcast signal transmission device includes:
A plurality of MMTP packets containing content and transmits the digital broadcast signal, and performing the step of transmitting the attribute information about the audio component of the content,
The broadcast signal receiving device includes:
Based on the received attribute information, a determination step is performed to determine whether an audio component of the received content can be reproduced by the broadcast signal receiving device,
The content includes a plurality of audio components having the same content and different attribute information,
The broadcast signal receiving device includes:
As a result of the determination in the determination step, when the plurality of audio components can be reproduced by the broadcast signal receiving device, a selection step for selecting any one of the audio components is further executed. Method.

Images