JP7463586B2 - Digital content delivery methods - Google Patents

Description

The embodiment relates to a digital content receiving device, a receiving method, and a transmitting method.

Advanced wideband digital broadcasting includes 4K and 8K broadcasting (hereafter referred to as 4K/8K broadcasting) based on the MMT/TLV system. 4K/8K broadcasting content received by a compatible 4K/8K receiver can be output to nearby electronic devices via an IP interface by following the prescribed procedures.

When the electronic device receiving the above content output is a 2K receiving device compatible with BS/broadband CS satellite digital broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting (hereinafter referred to as 2K broadcasting), the 4K/8K receiving device, which is the source of distribution, is usually expected to convert the 4K/8K broadcasting service data (video data, audio data, text data, etc. before encoding) into service data that the 2K receiving device can handle, and output it as a partial transport stream (hereinafter referred to as partial TS), which is a content format based on the MPEG-2 TS format, which is a broadcasting format compatible with 2K broadcasting.

When a partial TS is output via an IP interface, it is supposed to conform to the ARIB.OR.JP_PN profile (encoding method, transmission packet format, and stream format; hereafter referred to as the AOJ profile) described in ARIB STD-B21 9.2. Therefore, when a 4K/8K receiving device transmits content data to a 2K receiving device, the 4K/8K receiving device generates a partial TS in accordance with the AOJ profile.

ARIB STD-B63 1.7 version "Standard for advanced wideband satellite digital broadcasting receivers" ARIB TR-B39 2.0 version "Advanced Wideband Satellite Digital Broadcasting Operational Guidelines" (Volume 1) Part 2 ARIB STD-B21 5.10 version "Standard for digital broadcasting receivers" ARIB TR-B15 7.7th edition "BS/broadband CS digital broadcasting operation regulations" (Volume 1) Part 2

However, the AOJ profile is not fundamentally compatible with 4K/8K broadcasts, and it is difficult for a 4K/8K receiving device to convert and output a partial TS (hereafter referred to as an AOJ partial TS) that is fully compliant with the existing AOJ profile due to the large processing load, so it is essentially unable to output an AOJ partial TS equivalent to that when receiving a 2K broadcast. As a result, a 2K receiving device cannot receive service data converted by a 4K/8K receiving device and use it in high quality.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a digital content receiving device, receiving method, and transmission method that employ a partial TS content format that enables a 2K receiving device to use 4K/8K broadcast content.

A digital content transmission method according to one embodiment is a digital content transmission method that extracts and edits component data and control information data constituting a content (broadcast program) to generate and transmit a partial transport stream, receives the component data and control information data constituting the content (broadcast program), extracts and edits the component data and control information data constituting the content (broadcast program) to generate a partial transport stream, generates a SIT (Selection Information Table) including program-related information as control information related to the partial transport stream, and a DIT (Discontinuity Information Table) indicating that the control information will be discontinuous, places a character code identifier used in the partial transport stream in the SIT (Selection Information Table), and transmits a partial transport stream in which the content (broadcast program), the SIT, and the DIT are multiplexed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a 4K/8K receiving device compatible with digital broadcasting based on the MMT/TLV format and an example of a 2K-compatible electronic device compatible with digital broadcasting based on the TS format according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a 4K/8K receiving device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a partial TS generating unit of the 4K/8K receiving device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a 2K-compatible electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation of the 4K/8K receiving device according to the embodiment as a source side electronic device. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an SIT transmitted in a partial TS according to the embodiment. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the meaning of an identifier transmitted in the SIT according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation of the 2K-compatible electronic device on the sink side according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the second control information data processing in the 2K-compatible electronic device on the sink side according to the embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a descriptor transmitted in a partial TS according to a modified example. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of the meaning of data of a descriptor transmitted in a partial TS according to this modified example.

The following describes the embodiment with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a 4K/8K receiving device compatible with digital broadcasting based on the MMT/TLV format and an example of a 2K-compatible electronic device compatible with digital broadcasting based on the TS format according to this embodiment.

The television receiver 1, which is a 4K/8K receiver, receives digital broadcast signals based on the MMT/TLV system and obtains the content (broadcast video, etc.) transmitted by the broadcast signal. The television receiver 1 converts the obtained content into a format that can be used by the electronic device 2 and transmits it via the interface 3.

Electronic devices 2A, 2B, and 2C (referred to as electronic device 2 when no particular distinction is required) obtain the content transmitted from the television receiver 1 via the interface 3 and display and output it. In this embodiment, there are three electronic devices 2, but depending on the interface possessed by the television receiver 1, there can be any number of electronic devices 2 greater than or equal to one.

The electronic device 2 in this embodiment has the capability (resolution, frame rate, etc.) to use all or part of the content transmitted by the television receiver 1. The electronic device 2 may be, for example, a tablet terminal, a monitor, a television receiver, etc. Furthermore, the electronic device 2 may be a smartphone as long as it has an interface capable of communicating with the television receiver 1.

Interfaces 3A, 3B, and 3C (referred to as interface 3 when no particular distinction is required) are interfaces for data communication between the television receiver 1 and the electronic device 2, and may be wired or wireless. In addition, the television receiver 1 and the electronic device 2 may be able to communicate with each other using a network compliant with DLNA (registered trademark) (Digital Living Network Alliance) or an extension method thereof as interface 3.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a 4K/8K receiving device according to the embodiment.

The television receiver 1 receives a digital broadcast signal based on the MMT/TLV system via an antenna 11, and obtains digital data (TLV stream) in TLV (Type Length Value) format by demodulating and error-correcting the broadcast signal via a tuner unit 12. The scrambled data in the obtained TLV stream is descrambled by a descrambling unit 13, and the descrambled data is output to a demultiplexer unit 14.

The demultiplexer unit 14 converts the input TLV stream into an IP/UDP stream and then into an MMT (MPEG Media Transport) stream, and separates it into component data (e.g., encoded video data, audio data, character data, etc.) and SI (Signaling Information) data, which is control information data. The demultiplexer unit 14 also separates the NTP format time information data stored in IP/UDP format from the TLV stream, and outputs it as part of the SI data.

The component data is decoded by the decoder 15 into service data such as video signals, audio signals, and character data. In addition to the component data, the decoder 15 receives SI data and content designation commands from the control unit 110. The SI data is information about broadcast programs and control information about the broadcast system, such as control information about multiplexing IP packets. The decoder 15 uses the SI data to select component data of the program or service data specified by the control unit 110, and decodes the selected component data to obtain service data. In this embodiment, the decoder unit 15 in FIG. 2 has two outputs, and one of the service data obtained by the decoder unit 15 is input to the output processing unit 16, where the output timing, display method, etc. are adjusted, and the output is output from the output unit 17, such as a display device or speaker. The time information data output by the demultiplexer unit 14 reproduces a clock synchronization signal, which is used for timing control in the output processing unit 16. The other service data is output to the partial TS generation unit 18.

The partial TS generators 18A, 18B, and 18C (referred to as partial TS generator 18 when no particular distinction is required) generate a partial TS from the SI data input from the demultiplexer unit 14 and the service data input from the decoder unit 15 (hereafter referred to as partial service data), and output it to the interface 19.

A partial TS is a content format based on the MPEG-2 TS format, and is generally obtained by selectively extracting a particular program or a component within a program from a transport stream (hereinafter referred to as a full TS when specifically distinguished from a partial TS) in which at least one HD (High Definition) or SD (Standard Definition) program is multiplexed in the TS format onto a 2K broadcast signal. In this embodiment, a television receiver 1, which is a 4K/8K receiver, outputs a partial TS, and a 2K-compatible electronic device 2 receives the partial TS. The partial TS is transmitted from an interface 19.

The television receiving device 1 can be equipped with one or more interfaces, and FIG. 2 shows an example equipped with interfaces 19A, 19B, and 19C (referred to as interface 19 when no distinction is made). 19A, 19B, and 19C each generate and decompose frame data according to a predetermined communication protocol, and transmit and receive data via a medium such as a wired or wireless connection. Interface 19 may also have encryption and encryption/decryption functions such as scrambling.

When the interface 19 is an IP interface, ARIB STD-B21 specifies that the ARIB.OR.JP_PN profile (hereinafter referred to as the AOJ profile) is to be transmitted as metadata. The AOJ profile represents the content specifications when a partial TS is output from the television receiver 1, and the encoding method, transmission packet format, and stream format are specified in ARIB STD-B21. By transmitting the AOJ profile as metadata, a mechanism is created that ensures reception, playback, and display on the destination electronic device 2 (for example, a reception, playback, and display device).

However, advanced wideband digital broadcasting, which is 4K/8K broadcasting, introduces many new methods and formats that differ from the conventional 2K broadcasting, BS/wideband CS satellite digital broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting, many of which are not anticipated or specified in the existing AOJ profile. In this case, a method of transmitting using a unique profile that does not conform to the AOJ profile is conceivable, but there is a problem that the receivers that can handle this are limited. Therefore, even if the television receiving device 1 converts the 4K/8K broadcast content into a format that the electronic device 2 can use, it is not possible to express all methods and formats in the AOJ profile, so even if the electronic device 2 has a function that can partially use the 4K/8K broadcast content converted by the television receiving device 1, there is a problem that the television receiving device 1 cannot transmit based on that function.

When the television receiver 1 generates a partial TS in accordance with the AOJ profile, various conversions other than resolution are required, which makes the processing load large and practically difficult. In particular, since the coding system of character codes does not completely match, there are cases where missing characters or garbled characters are unavoidable due to conversion. In addition, it is difficult to perform processing that takes into full consideration the playback image quality when converting the format of video. For these reasons, there is a problem that compatible receivers (electronic devices 2) that support the pixel count conversion output function for advanced wideband digital broadcasting, for example, HD (High Definition), are not widely used, even if the standard allows it. Therefore, in this embodiment, the partial TS is transmitted by including information on the attributes of the content in the SIT. The SIT defined in the partial TS is transmitted infrequently and the communication load is small. The transmission of the partial TS using the SIT will be explained in detail in the explanation of the system operation.

The control unit 110 includes, for example, a CPU, and controls each function of the television receiving device 1. For example, the control unit 110 establishes a connection for external communication via various interfaces including the interface 19, and controls the operation of the partial TS generating unit 18 and the decoding unit 15. The control unit 110 also controls each function of the television receiving device 1 using control signals from a user interface 111, such as a remote control, that the television receiving device 1 has.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a partial TS generation unit of a 4K/8K receiving device according to the embodiment.

The partial PSI (Program Specific Information)/SI (Service Information) generation unit 181 acquires SI (Signaling Information) data based on the MMT/TLV method from the demultiplexer unit 14, and acquires information on the specified content from the control unit 110. From the acquired SI data, it extracts SI data related to the content specified by the specified content. From the extracted SI data, it generates a transmission control information table (hereinafter referred to as first control information data) of PAT and PMT based on the MPEG-2 TS method, which are components of the partial TS, and a program-related information table such as SIT (hereinafter referred to as second control information data). Here, the transmission control information table refers to PSI (Program Specific Information), and the program-related information table refers to SI (Service Information). The partial PSI/SI generation unit 181 outputs the first control information data and the second control information data to the multiplexing unit 184.

The conversion unit 182 converts the partial service data input from the decoder unit 15. Specifically, the number of pixels of the ultra-high resolution video broadcast in 4K/8K broadcasting is converted to a number of pixels of 1920 x 1080 or less, which is the number of pixels of HD (High Definition). The conversion may involve, for example, changing the scanning method of the video from a progressive method (sequential scanning method) to an interlace method (interlace operation method). The electronic device 2 in this embodiment may be an electronic device 2 capable of displaying a video with a number of pixels of HD or less converted by the conversion unit 182. In addition, the method used by the conversion unit 182 may be specified to the conversion unit 182 by the control unit 110, or the conversion unit 182 may convert the video using a method that is predetermined as the specifications of the television receiving device 1. The converted partial service data is called converted service data, and the conversion unit 182 outputs the converted service data to the encoder unit 183.

The encoder unit 183 encodes the input conversion service data and outputs it to the multiplexing unit 184. The encoding method may be specified to the encoder unit 183 by the control unit 110, or the encoder unit 183 may encode the data using an encoding method that is predetermined as a specification of the television receiving device 1. The encoded conversion service data is referred to as partial element stream data, and the encoder unit 183 outputs the partial element stream data to the multiplexing unit 184. The decoder unit 15, the conversion unit 182, and the encoder unit 183 have the function of converting TLV-format component data into TS-format element stream data, and so here the three functions are collectively referred to as a transcoder.

The multiplexing unit 184 generates a partial TS from the partial PSI/SI data and the partial element stream data and outputs it to the interface 19.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a 2K-compatible electronic device according to the embodiment. Electronic device 2, which is a 2K-compatible electronic device, receives a partial TS transmitted by television receiver 1 through interface 21. Interface 21 is an interface corresponding to interface 19, and performs transmission and reception via a medium such as wired or wireless, and generates and decomposes frame data in accordance with communication protocols. It also has encryption and encryption/decryption functions corresponding to interface 19.

The partial TS processing unit 22 processes the received partial TS to obtain partial element stream data and partial PSI/SI data. Specifically, the partial TS processing unit 22 extracts the partial element stream data from the first control information of the PAT and PMT in the partial PSI/SI data. The partial element stream data is input to the decoder unit 23, converted into partial service data, and output to the output processing unit 24. The output timing, display method, etc. of the partial service data are adjusted in the output processing unit 24, and the partial service data is output as video, audio, text, etc. from the output unit 25, such as a signal display device or speaker.

The SIT of the partial PSI/SI data output from the partial TS processing unit 22 is input to the SIT analysis unit 26. The SIT analysis unit 26 outputs data such as program-related information included in the SIT to the output processing unit 24. In this embodiment, the SIT analysis unit 26 extracts related data (such as an identifier) related to the content attribute, and detects content attribute information related to the content, such as the encoding method and format, from the related data. The SIT analysis unit 26 generates processing control information indicating whether the detected content attribute is compatible with the electronic device 2, and outputs it to the decoder unit 23 and the output processing unit 24. The decoder unit 23 decodes the partial element stream data according to the processing control information, and outputs the obtained partial service data to the output processing unit 24. The output processing unit 24 outputs the partial service data to the output unit 25 according to the processing control information, and the output unit 25 outputs the content based on the partial service data.

The output processing unit 24 may output the processing control information to the output unit 25 and display it as text information, for example. The electronic device 2 may acquire the associated data regarding the content attributes using an interface (e.g., interface 19C and interface 21C) of interface 19 and interface 21 that is not used for transmitting and receiving the partial TS, and using an interface standard other than the protocol used for transmitting and receiving the partial TS. In this case, the television receiving device 1 does not need to include the associated data regarding the content attributes in the SIT transmitted in the partial TS.

It is also possible to store the associated data regarding the content attributes extracted by the SIT analysis unit 26 in a memory not shown. In this case, when a communication connection with the television receiver 1 is established, the associated data regarding the content attributes of the television receiver 1 can be used by the electronic device 2 without obtaining the SIT.

The control unit 27 includes, for example, a CPU, and controls each function of the electronic device 2. For example, the control unit 27 establishes a connection for external communication via various interfaces including the interface 21, and controls the operation of the SIT analysis unit 26. The control unit 27 also controls each function of the electronic device 2 using a control signal from a user interface 28 such as a remote control that the electronic device 2 has. For example, the user can specify from the remote control whether or not to use the SIT analysis unit 26.

An example of the operation of the system according to this embodiment is described below.

The relationship between the television receiver 1 and the electronic device 2 can also be considered as that of a source and a sink (or a server and a client). For example, the television receiver 1, which is the source (or server), outputs a partial TS, and the electronic device 2, which is the sink (or client), receives the partial TS output by the source. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a user specifies content (program) from the electronic device 2, which is the sink, and the electronic device 2 obtains attribute information of the content from the partial TS sent from the television receiver 1, which is the source, and controls the output display of the content.

The following describes the processing of one electronic device 2 (e.g., electronic device 2A) and the television receiver 1, but similar processing can also be performed for other electronic devices 2 (e.g., electronic devices 2B and 2C).

When the user selects content (program) from electronic device 2, a trigger from electronic device 2 causes interface 19 of television receiver 1 and interface 21 of electronic device 2 to establish a communication connection.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the 4K/8K receiving device according to the embodiment as a source electronic device.

The control unit 110 of the television receiving device 1 recognizes the designated content (such as a specific program or a component within a program) of the electronic device 2 transmitted from the electronic device 2 (step S11). When the control unit 110 confirms that the tuner unit 12 and the descrambling unit 13 are receiving a TLV stream (YES in step S12), it outputs the designated content to the partial TS generating unit 18. The TLV stream is separated into component data and SI data by the demultiplexer unit 14, and the SI data is input to the partial TS generating unit 18. When the partial TS generating unit 18 receives the SI data from the demultiplexer unit 14, it extracts the related SI data related to the designated content received from the control unit 110 (step S13). The related SI data is specifically transmission control information such as PLT and MPT, and program-related information such as MH-SDT and MH-EIT.

The partial TS generation unit 18 uses the extracted related SI data to generate first and second control information data to be included in the partial TS (step 14). Specifically, the first control information data is generated by converting the contents of the PLT, MPT, etc. included in the related SI data into a partial TS content format such as PAT and PMT. The second control information data is generated by converting the contents of the MH-SDT, MH-EIT, etc. included in the related SI data into a partial TS content format of SIT. In addition, a DIT (Discontinuity Information Table) is inserted as necessary to indicate that the SI information is discontinuous.

The generation of the second control information data in this embodiment is shown in more detail.

6A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an SIT transmitted in a partial TS according to the embodiment, and the content attribute data 6A in the diagram is a part that was originally a reserved area (reserved_future_use) in the SIT. In this embodiment, three identifiers related to the attributes of the content transmitted in the partial TS are defined in the reserved area in the SIT. The three identifiers are attributes of content that are not specified in the AOJ profile.
character_encoding_flag (character code identification)
The character code identification (1-bit flag) indicates the identification of the character code used in the program sequence information and subtitles in the partial TS, and is set to "1" for an 8-bit code and "0" for UTF-8.
・ original_video_scan_flag (video scan flag)
The video scan flag (1-bit flag) is set to "1" if the original video signal is an interlaced signal, and to "0" if the original video signal is a progressive signal.
・ original_transfer_characteristics (video signal transfer characteristics)
The video signal transfer characteristics (2-bit field) identifies the transfer characteristics of the original video signal and is coded by the values shown in Fig. 6B. Note that this value can also be substituted by original_video_transfer_characteristics.

The transfer_characteristics in the VUI in Figure 6B indicates the transfer characteristics of the video signal, and indicates the transfer characteristics of the video signal that are specified according to each value.

In FIG. 6A of this embodiment, three identifiers are set to specify the method/format, but it is possible to set only some of the identifiers. In addition, since the fields of other reserved areas (reserved_future_use) in the SIT are all set to 1 by default, when specifying an unspecified method/format as in this embodiment, 0 is set.

The meanings of the other identifiers shown in FIG. 6A are given below.
section_syntax_indicator (section syntax indication)
The section syntax indication is a 1-bit field that is always set to 1.
・section_length (section length)
This is a 12-bit field. section_length specifies the number of bytes in the section immediately following this field to the end of the section including the CRC. The section length must not exceed 4093 bytes so that the total section length does not exceed a maximum of 4096 bytes.
・ version_number (version number)
This 5-bit field is the version number of the table. The version number is incremented by 1 when the information in the table changes. When the value reaches 31, it returns to 0. If the current next indication is 1, the version number becomes the version number of the current table. If the current next indication is 0, the version number becomes the version number of the next table.
current_next_indicator (current next indicator)
This one-bit indication, when 1, indicates that the table is the current table, and when 0, indicates that the table being sent has not yet been adapted and is to be used as the next table.
・section_number (section number)
This 8-bit field indicates the section number. The section number is 0x00.
last_section_number (last section number)
This 8-bit field indicates the last section number. The last section number is 0x00.
transmission_info_loop_length (transmission information loop length)
This 12-bit field indicates the total number of bytes of the descriptor that describes the transmission parameters of the partial transport stream.
service_id (service identification)
This is a 16-bit field that serves as a label to identify this service from other services in the Transport Stream. The service identification is equal to the broadcast program identification (program_number) in the Program Map Section.
・ running_status (progress status)
This 3-bit field represents the event progress state of the original stream. This is the current event progress state of the original stream. If there is no current event in the original stream, the state is considered not running. The meaning of the running state values is defined in ARIB-STD-B10.
service_loop_length (service loop length)
This 12-bit field specifies the total length in bytes of the descriptor loop that contains SI related information for the services and events contained in the following partial transport stream.
CRC_32 (CRC)
This is a 32-bit field that contains a CRC value such that in a decoder as defined in Annex B of ARIB-STD-B10, the register output will be zero after processing the entire section.

The partial PSI/SI generating unit 181 generates an SIT by including undefined attributes in the AOJ profile as identifiers as shown in FIG. 6A, and further including program-related information obtained from the MH-EIT, MH-SDT, etc. (step S14). The partial PSI/SI generating unit 181 outputs the generated first control information (PAT, PMT) and second control information (SIT) to the multiplexing unit 184 as partial PSI/SI data (step S15).

Returning to step S12, when the control unit 110 confirms that the tuner unit 12 or the descrambling unit 13 is receiving a TLV stream (YES in step S12), it outputs the specified content to the decoder unit 15. The decode unit 15 extracts component data of the program or service data specified by the specified content using the SI data, and decodes the extracted component data to obtain partial service data. In this embodiment, for example, the encoding method of the video signal is HEVC, the encoding method of the audio signal is MPEG-4 AAC, and the encoding method of the character data is UTF-8, and the decode unit 15 decodes each component data by a method corresponding to each encoding method, and outputs the partial service data to the conversion unit 182. The conversion unit 182 outputs converted service data in which the number of pixels of the ultra-high resolution video signal of the input 4K/8K broadcast service data is converted to, for example, 1920 x 1080, which is the number of pixels of HD (step S16). In this embodiment, for example, a video signal received in the original progressive scanning format is converted to an interlaced scanning format to generate converted service data. The scanning format here is reflected in the identifier original_video_scan_flag of the SIT shown in FIG. 6A, and is set to "0" by the partial PSI/SI generating unit 181.

The partial PSI/SI generating unit 181 generates conversion service data for all partial service data and outputs it to the encoder unit 183. The encoder unit 183 performs encoding on the input conversion service data so that it can be transmitted in a partial TS. For example, the encoding method used for video signals is MPEG-2 Video or H.264, the encoding method used for audio signals is MPEG-2 ACC, and the encoding method used for character data is UTF-8. The encoding method used here is reflected in the partial PSI/SI generating unit 181 by the identifiers character_encoding_flag and original_transfer_characteristics shown in the SIT of FIG. 6A. Specifically, the partial PSI/SI generating unit 181 sets "0" to character_encoding_flag to indicate that the encoding method for character data is UTF-8. In addition, the partial PSI/SI generating unit 181 sets the SIT identifier original_transfer_characteristics to "10" if, for example, the original broadcast video signal used was in the BT.2100 HLG format. The encoder unit 183 outputs the encoded converted service data (partial element stream data) to the multiplexing unit 184 (step S17).

The multiplexing unit 184 generates a partial TS from the partial element stream data output by the encoder unit 183 and the partial PSI/SI data including the first control information and the second control information generated by the partial PSI/SI generating unit 181 (step S18), and transmits the partial TS from the interface 19 to an external device such as the electronic device 2 (step S19).

As described above, by providing a means in the partial TS for specifying new methods and formats that are not defined in existing profiles such as the AOJ profile, it is possible to include new methods and formats in the partial TS without converting the AOJ profile on the television receiving device 1, which is the distribution source. This reduces the load on the television receiving device 1 due to the conversion and output process of the AOJ profile.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of a sink-side 2K-compatible electronic device according to the embodiment.

When the partial TS processing unit 22 of the electronic device 2 receives the partial TS from the interface 21, it performs processing such as demultiplexing on the partial TS and outputs partial element stream data and partial PSI/SI data (YES in step S21, step S22). In step 22, the partial TS processing unit 22 performs descrambling (if the partial TS has been scrambled and encryption/decryption is required) and demultiplexing, just as when a 2K broadcast-compatible electronic device receives a conventional partial TS.

The partial TS processing unit 22 identifies partial element stream data from the first control information data of the PAT and PMT in the partial PSI/SI data, and inputs the partial element stream data to the decoder unit 23. The partial TS processing unit 22 also inputs the SIT, which is the second control information data, to the SIT analysis unit 26. The decoder unit 23 and the SIT analysis unit 26 each process the input data. The SIT analysis unit 26 generates processing control information from the SIT (step S23).

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the second control information data processing in the sink-side 2K-compatible electronic device according to the embodiment, and is a flowchart showing step S23 in Figure 7 in detail.

The SIT analysis unit 26 acquires program-related information from the SIT in the same manner as in conventional processing for the SIT of a partial TS (step S2601). Meanwhile, the SIT analysis unit 26 extracts three identifiers relating to content attributes from the SIT (step S2602). Specifically, the three identifiers are character_encoding_flag, original_video_scan_flag, and original_transfer_characteristics.

The SIT analysis unit 26 generates processing control information to be output to the decoder unit 23 and the output processing unit 24 according to the values of the three extracted identifiers. In this embodiment, character_encoding_flag is set to "0", video_scan_flag is set to "0", and original_transfer_characteristics is set to "10".

The SIT analysis unit 26 determines whether the electronic device 2 can handle the attributes of the content indicated by these identifiers (step S2603).

For example, if the electronic device 2 can use a character encoding method corresponding to "0" in character_encoding_flag, the SIT analysis unit 26 outputs processing control information for decoding the character to the decoder unit 23 (step S2604). Similarly, if the electronic device 2 supports an encoding method corresponding to the value of original_transfer_characteristics, the SIT analysis unit 26 outputs processing control information indicating the execution of processing to the decoder unit 23. Also, if the electronic device 2 supports a scanning method corresponding to original_video_scan_flag, the SIT analysis unit 26 outputs processing control information indicating the execution of processing to the output processing unit 24. Note that, if the electronic device 2 supports multiple encoding methods, an index indicating the encoding method may be output as the processing control information. In that case, for example, the decoder unit 23 decodes using a method corresponding to the encoding method indicated by the index. Also, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the SIT analysis unit 26 generates processing control information and outputs the processing control information to the decoder unit 23 and the output processing unit 24, but it is also possible, for example, for the SIT analysis unit 26 to transmit the value of the identifier recognized by the unit 26 to the control unit 27, and the control unit 27 to control the decoder unit 23 and the output processing unit 24.

Returning to FIG. 7, the decoder unit 23 decodes the input partial element stream data based on the input processing control information to obtain partial service data, and outputs the partial service data to the output processing unit 24 (step S24). The output processing unit 24 adjusts the output timing, display method, etc. using the partial service data input from the decoder unit 23 and the program-related information input from the SIT analysis unit 26, and then outputs the partial service data to the output unit 25 based on the processing control information received from the SIT analysis unit 26 (step S25). The partial service data is output as video, audio, text, etc. from the output unit 25, such as a display device or speaker (step S26).

In addition, in step S23 above, if the electronic device 2 does not support the specified function, for example if the character encoding does not support UTF-8, the output unit 24 will notify the user by displaying "display not possible" or the name of the incompatible function.

Furthermore, if the electronic device 2 cannot interpret this setting, the attribute information of the SIT content in this embodiment cannot be used. However, this setting does not affect the existing functions of the electronic device 2 (processing of conventional partial TSs that conform to the AOJ profile).

In this embodiment, the television receiver 1 includes content attribute information in the partial TS as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, making it possible for the sink electronic device 2 to use content that it can process. Considering that even if the electronic device 2 is a conventional 2K broadcast-compatible receiving/playing/display device, some models may be capable of implementing some of the new methods and formats that are functions of the television receiver 1, or may be capable of high-quality processing based on the video signal format output by the television receiver 1, this embodiment realizes a flexible partial TS that does not significantly impair compatibility with the past.

In addition, in this embodiment, even if the television receiving device 1 (e.g., an advanced wideband satellite digital broadcast receiving device) that is the source of content distribution is unable to perform conversion output that is fully compliant with existing profiles such as the AOJ profile, distribution to the electronic device 2 is possible. In this case, if the electronic device 2 (e.g., a receiving/playing/display device) at the distribution destination is capable of processing according to this embodiment, it will be possible to play back programs with higher image quality and display program information more accurately than when processing partial TS that is fully compliant with existing profiles.

The above-mentioned process can be performed in parallel for each of the electronic devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, allowing the electronic devices 2A, 2B, and 2C to simultaneously exchange partial TS with the television receiver 1. For example, the electronic devices 2A, 2B, and 2C can obtain the same content at the same time, or, if different designated content is specified for each of the electronic devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, each can obtain different content.

The mechanism shown in this embodiment does not need to be limited to a distribution source (corresponding to the television receiving device 1) being an advanced wideband satellite digital broadcast receiving device, but can also be applied to future next-generation terrestrial broadcast compatible receiving devices.

In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a digital content receiving device and receiving method that employs a partial TS content format that enables a 2K receiving device to use 4K/8K broadcast content.

(Modification)
In this modification, a descriptor is defined for the SIT, and attribute information of the content is included in the descriptor.

Figure 9A shows an example of the structure of a descriptor transmitted in a partial TS according to a modified example, which is defined, for example, as a partial transport stream usage control descriptor. This descriptor can be inserted, for example, into descriptor 6B of the first loop of the SIT shown in Figure 6A.

In this modification, the following three identifiers are set in the identifier 9A shown in FIG.
character_encoding_flag (character code identification)
The character code identification (1-bit flag) indicates the identification of the character code used in the program sequence information and subtitles in the partial TS, with "1" indicating an 8-bit code and "0" indicating UTF-8.
・ original_video_scan_flag (video scan flag)
The video scan flag (1-bit flag) is set to "1" if the original video signal is an interlaced signal, and to "0" if the original video signal is a progressive signal.
・ original_transfer_characteristics (video signal transfer characteristics)
The video signal transfer characteristic (a 2-bit field) identifies the transfer characteristic of the original video signal and is coded by the values shown in FIG. 9B.

The transfer_characteristics in the VUI in Figure 9B indicates the transfer characteristics of the original video signal, and indicates the transfer characteristics of the video signal that are specified according to each value.

The television receiving device 1 of this modified example generates and transmits a partial TS according to the flowchart of FIG. 5. In particular, in this modified example, in step S14, a partial transport stream usage control descriptor is generated including the three identifiers character_encoding_flag and original_transfer_characteristics, and the generated partial transport stream usage control descriptor is included in the first loop of 6B of FIG. 6A to generate an SIT. Meanwhile, the electronic device 2 of this modified example uses content from the television receiving device 1 according to the flowcharts of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. In particular, in this modified example, in step S2602 of FIG. 8, the three identifiers character_encoding_flag and original_transfer_characteristics are extracted from the partial transport stream usage control descriptor included in the SIT.

In this embodiment, the television receiver 1 includes content attribute information in the partial TS as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, making it possible to use content that can be processed by the electronic device 2, which is the sink side.

According to at least one of the above-described embodiments, it is possible to provide a digital content receiving device, receiving method, and transmitting method that employ a partial TS content format that enables a 2K receiving device to use 4K/8K broadcast content.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention includes cases in which each component of the claims is expressed separately, or multiple components are expressed together, or these are expressed in combination. Multiple embodiments may also be combined, and examples consisting of such combinations are also included in the scope of the invention.

In addition, in order to make the explanation clearer, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part more diagrammatically than in the actual embodiment. The device of the present invention is also applied when the claims are expressed as control logic, when expressed as a program including instructions for causing a computer to execute, and when expressed as a computer-readable recording medium containing the instructions. Furthermore, there is no limitation on the names and terms used, and other expressions that have substantially the same content and intent are also included in the present invention.

1: Television receiver, 2: Electronic device, 14: Demultiplexer unit, 15: Decoder unit, 18: Partial TS generation unit, 19: Interface, 21: Interface, 22: Partial TS processing unit, 23: Decoder unit, 24: Output processing unit, 25: Output unit, 26: SIT analysis unit, 27: Control unit, 28: User interface, 110: Control unit

Claims (1)

A digital content transmission method for extracting and editing component data and control information data constituting a content (broadcast program) to generate a partial transport stream and transmit the partial transport stream,
Receives component data and control information data that constitute content (broadcast programs),
Extract and edit the component data and control information data that make up the content (broadcast program) to generate a partial transport stream,
generating a Selection Information Table (SIT) including program-related information as control information related to the partial transport stream and a Discontinuity Information Table (DIT) indicating that the control information is discontinuous;
Placing a character code identifier used in the partial transport stream in the SIT (Selection Information Table);
A digital content transmission method for transmitting a partial transport stream in which the content (broadcast program), the SIT, and the DIT are multiplexed.

Images