JP2002010158A - Data receiving unit amd method, and network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize effective use of frequency resources and enhance information value of auxiliary material data. SOLUTION: CM content data to be inserted in program data is previously received through an Internet network 20 and stored in a home server 32. An audience profile is stored in the home server 32, and a CM selection script, in which a judgment condition for replacing the main program data partly or wholly is written, is received by a wireless network 10. After the judgment condition of the CM selection script and the audience profile to judge the replacement of the CM part included in the main program data, the CM part included in the main program data is replaced by the CM content data stored previously in the home server 32 on the basis of the judgment, and the data including the replaced CM content data is generated on the display unit 34.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data receiving apparatus and method for providing a user with a supplementary material such as a CM added to a data stream broadcast in digital broadcasting, and a network system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Auxiliary material data such as commercials (CM) of television broadcasts and radio broadcasts are often received as broadcast waves by a receiving device on the user side in the same manner as program main data. The receiving device outputs the received program main body data and auxiliary material data as they are from the display device or the sound emitting device, and presents the broadcast content to the viewer.

[0003]

However, since each receiving apparatus receiving the same broadcast wave has a different viewer to operate, the information value of the auxiliary material transmitted together with the program main body often differs. . Therefore,
Auxiliary material data having a low information value for the viewer is useless not only for the viewer but also for the provider of the auxiliary material.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 11 (1999) discloses a system in which a plurality of auxiliary material data are included in a broadcast wave and switching is performed in accordance with a viewer.
-69249. In this method, a program body channel for transmitting program body data and an auxiliary material channel for transmitting auxiliary material data are used, and the receiving apparatus side establishes a program body channel and an auxiliary material channel. The program main body data and auxiliary material data are combined and output to a display device or the like after buffering in synchronization or quasi-synchronization.

However, in this method, a radio band for transmitting auxiliary material data that is not viewed is required in addition to a radio band for a program main body channel and another one channel. There is a problem that more frequency resources are required than in the broadcasting system.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and a data receiving apparatus and method, a network, and a data receiving method capable of effectively using frequency resources and increasing the information value of auxiliary material data. The purpose is to provide a system.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a data receiving apparatus according to the present invention sets a determination condition for replacing broadcast data and a part of broadcast data via a first network. A first receiving means for receiving the described selection program, and auxiliary material data for insertion into broadcast data received by the first receiving means via a second network different from the first network. Second receiving means for receiving, auxiliary material data received by the second receiving means, storage means for storing user information relating to a user, determination conditions of the selection program received by the first receiving means, and the user By comparing the information, the replacement of the auxiliary material part included in the broadcast data is determined,
Replacement control means for replacing the auxiliary material portion included in the broadcast data received by the first receiving means based on the determination result with auxiliary material data received by the second receiving means and stored in the storage means in advance; and And output means for outputting broadcast data including the auxiliary material data replaced by the replacement control means.

[0008] Such a data receiving apparatus stores auxiliary material data in a storage means in advance and, when outputting broadcast data by an output means, supplements a part of the broadcast data received by the first receiving means. Replace with material data.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a data receiving method according to the present invention receives a selection program describing broadcast data and a determination condition for replacing a part of the broadcast data via a first network. Then, via a second network different from the first network, auxiliary material data to be inserted into the broadcast data is received in advance and stored in the storage unit, and user information about the user is stored in the storage unit. Then, by comparing the determination condition of the selection program with the user information, a replacement determination of the auxiliary material portion included in the broadcast data is performed, and the auxiliary material portion included in the broadcast data is stored based on the determination result. It replaces the auxiliary material data stored in advance in the means, and outputs broadcast data including the replaced auxiliary material data.

In such a data receiving method, auxiliary material data is stored in a storage means in advance, and when broadcasting data is output, a part of the received broadcast data is replaced with auxiliary material data.

[0011] A network system according to the present invention includes a broadcast station that distributes a selection program describing broadcast data and a determination condition for replacing a part of the broadcast data via the first network; Auxiliary material data to be inserted into the broadcast data is connected to the auxiliary material distribution server via a second network different from the auxiliary material distribution server, and is connected to the broadcast station via the first network. A first receiving means for receiving the broadcast data and the selection program, and a second receiving means for connecting to the auxiliary material distribution server via the second network and receiving the auxiliary material data transmitted from the auxiliary material distribution server. 2 receiving means, and storage means for storing the auxiliary material data received by the second receiving means and the user information relating to the user , By comparing the judgment condition and the user information of the selected program received in the first receiving means,
The auxiliary material part included in the broadcast data is determined to be replaced. Based on the determination result, the auxiliary material part included in the broadcast data received by the first receiving means is received by the second receiving means and stored. The data receiving apparatus is provided with replacement control means for replacing the auxiliary material data stored in the means in advance, and output means for outputting broadcast data including the auxiliary material data replaced by the replacement control means.

In such a network system, the auxiliary material data is transmitted in advance from the auxiliary material distribution server to the data receiving device and stored in the storage means, and when the broadcast data from the broadcast station is output, the received broadcast data is Is replaced with auxiliary material data.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

The present invention is applied to, for example, a broadcasting system as shown in FIG.

The broadcasting system includes a broadcasting station 1 for providing a program, an auxiliary material distribution server 2 for distributing auxiliary material data, and an auxiliary material distribution server 2 connected to the broadcasting station 1 via a wireless network 10. The home network 3 is connected via the Internet 20.

The broadcasting station 1 creates program body data and distributes the program body data to the home network 3 via the wireless network 10.

The wireless network 10 is a network for transmitting program body data using a broadcast band channel. The wireless network 10 includes a relay device or the like that relays the program main data from the broadcast station 1 and distributes the program main data to the home network 3.

The auxiliary material distribution server 2 is installed by the broadcast station 1 or the like, and stores auxiliary material data, such as a CM, to be inserted into the program body data. The auxiliary material distribution server 2 inputs and stores the auxiliary material data via another Internet network or the like by the auxiliary material distribution server 2, for example. The auxiliary material data stored in the auxiliary material distribution server 2 includes unique ID information for distinguishing the auxiliary material data from each other, and video and audio stream data.

The Internet network 20 transmits auxiliary material data such as CMs whose data amount is smaller than that of the program main data transmitted through the wireless network 10.

The home network 3 includes a home router 31 connected to the Internet 20 and a home server 3.
2. The STB 33 connected to the wireless network 10 is connected to the home bus 3A.
Are connected and configured. In the home network 3, the home bus 3A connects each device with, for example, a cable or the like, and transmits and receives signals to and from each other.

The home router 31 is connected to the Internet network 20 and the home network 3 under the control of the STB 33.
Connection control, data transmission / reception, etc. Home router 3
1 receives the auxiliary material data transmitted from the auxiliary material distribution server 2 via the Internet network 20.

The home server 32 has a data storage function, and writes, reads, and deletes data with respect to the data storage function under the control of the STB 33.

When the stored auxiliary material data exceeds a predetermined value, the home server 32 performs a process of partially deleting the stored auxiliary material data. At this time, the home server 32 selects, as auxiliary material data to be deleted, data whose stored date and time information is old or data whose display frequency on the display unit 34 is low.

The STB 33 has an operation input unit (not shown), receives broadcast waves from the broadcast station 1 and decodes the received broadcast waves to obtain program main data in response to an operation by a viewer. The main program data is received from the broadcast station 1 via the wireless network 10 and output to the display unit 34. The STB 33 receives the replacement control program from the broadcasting station 1 together with the program main body data.

The STB 33 is connected to the Internet network 20 via the home router 31 according to the operation by the viewer.
Control access to. The STB 33 controls the home router 31 to receive the auxiliary material data and store it in the home server 32.

The STB 33 performs a process for registering user information on the viewer stored in the home server 32.
When using the viewer profile as the user information, the STB 33 displays a profile registration display screen as shown in FIG. 2, creates the viewer profile information according to the operation of the operation input unit, and Remember.

Here, the viewer profile is displayed on the display unit 3.
The viewer who views the content displayed in 4 and wants to reflect the information of the viewer in the selection of the auxiliary material,
It is registered by the process of STB33. Information registered as the viewer profile information includes the date of birth, gender, occupation, and the like of the viewer.

The STB 33 can register a viewer profile for a plurality of viewers, and all of the plurality of viewers are to be subjected to the condition determination for selecting the auxiliary material.
The STB 33 can use a part of the plurality of viewer profiles according to the operation of the viewer, and limits the viewer profile used when selecting the auxiliary material. STB
33 is, for example, an I to prevent children from viewing harmful programs.
An insertion mechanism for inserting a D card is provided, and when an ID card is inserted, control is performed such as not to select an auxiliary material that is harmful to a child, and it is possible to limit persons who are likely to be watching.

When the STB 33 receives the broadcast wave, the STB 33 replaces the auxiliary material data contained in the program body data in advance.
A process of replacing the data with the auxiliary material data stored in the home server 32 is performed. At this time, by executing the replacement control program, the STB 33 determines the auxiliary material data to be inserted into the program main body data with reference to the user information, reads the determined auxiliary material data from the home server 32, and displays the determined auxiliary material data on the display unit 34. Process to output to.

The replacement control program includes conditions for selecting an auxiliary material and unique ID information of the auxiliary material when the condition is satisfied. When this replacement control program is expressed, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the STB 33 first refers to the viewer profile information when the first condition describes “I am a man in my thirties” and gives the viewer 30 When it is determined that a teenage male is included, a process of replacing the unique material with an auxiliary material (for example, CM) of “XXXXXX” is performed. here,
When the STB 33 cannot detect a viewer profile corresponding to the first selection condition, the STB 33 proceeds to the next second selection condition and makes a similar determination. In the replacement control program, the portions described in Japanese shown in FIG. 3 are actually used for easy interpretation by the STB 33.
Expressed in English words or symbols.

A processing procedure for storing the CM content data in the home server 32 in the case of using the CM content data as the auxiliary material in the above-described broadcasting system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 4, first, the STB 33 detects communication traffic in the home network 3 and controls the home router 31 to control the Internet network 2.
Processing for detecting communication traffic between the home network 3 and the home network 3 is performed. The STB 33 determines whether the communication traffic of the home network 3 and the communication traffic between the Internet network 20 and the home network 3 are so small that the CM content data can be received and stored in the home server 32 (step). ST1) It repeats until it judges that there is little, and when it judges that there is little, it progresses to the next processing.

Next, the STB 33 controls the home router 31 so as to join the multicast group of the auxiliary material distribution server 2 (step ST2). At this time, the home router 31 uses the IGMP (internet group manegemen).
By transmitting / receiving information to / from the auxiliary material distribution server 2 in accordance with (t protocol), it joins the multicast group of the auxiliary material distribution server 2.

Next, the STB 33 controls the home router 31 to receive the CM content data multicasted by the auxiliary material distribution server 2 (step ST3).

Next, the STB 33 inputs the CM content data received via the home bus 3A, refers to the unique ID information included in the CM content data, and
It is determined whether CM content data with the same unique ID information exists (step ST4). STB33
Returns to step ST1 when it is determined that there is CM content data with the same unique ID, and performs processing for recording the received CM content data on the home server 32 when it is determined that there is no CM content data with the same unique ID ( Step ST5).

In a broadcasting system that performs such processing,
By setting the unique ID information included in the CM content data to a unique value on a worldwide scale, even if there is an opportunity to obtain the same content of the CM content data from a plurality of auxiliary material distribution servers 2, the CM ID data is obtained by the unique ID information. Is determined, and storage of CM content data having the same content can be prevented.

Next, the CM stored in the home server 32
The processing procedure when erasing content data will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

When erasing the CM content data recorded as described above, the home server 32 first
It is determined whether or not the current storage amount of the CM content data is equal to or larger than a predetermined storage capacity of the CM content data (step ST11). When the home server 32 determines that the value is not equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the home server 32 repeats this processing.

On the other hand, when the home server 32 determines that the value is equal to or more than the predetermined value, the home server 32 refers to the stored recording date / time information and display frequency information of the CM content data to determine an erasure target (step ST12). At this time, the home server 32 selects the CM content data whose recording date and time is old or the CM content data whose display frequency is low, as the deletion target.

Next, the home server 32 sends the determined CM
A process for deleting a part of the content data is performed (step ST13).

According to the home server 32 which performs such processing, it is possible to increase the information value of relatively new CM content data by deleting old CM content data, and to erase and view according to the display frequency. Since the CM content data corresponding to the user profile is left, the information value of the stored CM content data can be increased.

Next, a processing procedure for replacing CM content data by the STB 33 in the above-described broadcasting system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the description of FIG. 6, an example will be described in which, for example, CM content data is used as an auxiliary material and a CM selection script is used as a replacement control program.

According to FIG. 6, first, when receiving the program main data from the broadcasting station 1, the STB 33
It is determined whether an M selection script has been received (step ST21). The STB 33 repeats this process until a CM selection script is received, and executes the CM selection script when determining that the CM selection script has been received (step ST22).

Next, the STB 33 reads out the viewer profile information from the home server 32, executes the CM selection script, compares the selection condition with the viewer profile information, and determines that there is no viewer profile corresponding to the selection condition. By determining whether or not there is a viewer that meets the replacement condition (step ST2)
3). When the STB 33 determines that there is no viewer that satisfies the replacement condition, it outputs CM content data (default CM) included in the broadcast wave to the display unit 34 and returns to step ST21.

On the other hand, when the STB 33 determines that there is a viewer corresponding to the replacement condition, the STB 33 determines whether or not the unique ID information of the CM content data corresponding to the replacement condition exists in the home server 32. Then, it is determined whether or not the CM content data exists in the home server 32 (step ST24). STB3
3 determines that there is no CM content data, outputs CM content data (default CM) included in the broadcast wave to the display unit 34, and returns to step ST21.

On the other hand, when the STB 33 determines that the CM content data exists, the STB 33 reads the CM content data stored in the home server 32, performs a process of replacing the CM content data with the CM content data included in the broadcast wave in advance, and displays the display unit. 34, and returns to step ST21.

Next, a description will be given, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8, of a processing procedure for replacing a CM when a plurality of selection conditions exist in the above-described broadcasting system.

Referring to FIG. 7, first, upon receiving the program main data, STB 33 determines whether or not a CM selection script has been received from broadcast station 1 (step ST3).
1). The STB 33 repeats this process until the CM selection script is received, and executes the CM selection script when it is determined that the CM selection script has been received.

Next, the STB 33 refers to the selection condition, the viewer profile, and the unique ID of the CM content data included in the CM selection script, and determines to select the CM content data to be replaced (step ST3).
2 (1) to Step ST32 (N)).

Step ST32 (1) to Step ST3
In 2 (N), the STB 33, as shown in FIG.
First, the n-th selection condition from the top of the CM selection script is interpreted (step ST41). Here, n is an arbitrary number when the selection conditions are 1 to N.

Next, the STB 33 compares the viewer profile information with the interpreted selection condition to determine whether or not there is a viewer corresponding to the n-th selection condition (step ST42). When the STB 33 determines that there is no viewer that satisfies the n-th selection condition, the determination in Step ST32 (N) is “No”.

On the other hand, STB 33 performs step ST 42
If it is determined that there is a viewer that satisfies the n-th selection condition, it is next determined whether there is CM content data that satisfies the n-th selection condition on the home server 32 (step ST43). When STB 33 determines that CM content data corresponding to the n-th selection condition exists on home server 32, STB 33
The determination in (N) is “Yes”. If it is determined that there is no CM content data corresponding to the n-th selection condition on home server 32, ST32
The determination in (N) is “No”.

Step ST32 (1) to Step ST3
When it is determined as “Yes” in the determination at 2 (N), steps ST33 (1) to ST33 are performed.
Proceeding to (N), the CM content data of the unique ID information corresponding to the first to Nth selection conditions is output to the display unit 34.

Step ST32 (1) to Step ST3
If it is determined as “No” in all the determinations in 2 (N), the process proceeds to step ST35, where the CM content data (default CM) included in the broadcast wave is displayed on the display unit 34.
And returns to step ST31.

According to the STB 33 that performs such processing, by replacing the CM content data according to the viewer's profile, the effect of providing the CM is improved for the provider of the CM content data. Can be.

Further, according to STB 33, by replacing the CM content data in accordance with the profile of the viewer, the broadcasting station 1 can change the manner in which the CM is provided. It is possible to stimulate the demand for commercials and improve the income.

Further, according to the STB 33, by replacing the CM content data according to the viewer's profile, the information value of the CM content data can be increased for the viewer.

Further, according to the STB 33, in order to transmit CM content data, the wireless network 10
, The occupied band used for providing the program can be improved.

In the above description, an example in which the program main body data and the auxiliary material data are output to the display unit 34 has been described. However, instead of the display unit 34, a sound emitting device is used. May be output to the sound emitting device.

[0060]

According to the present invention, when the auxiliary material data is stored in the storage means in advance and the broadcast data is output, a part of the received broadcast data is replaced with the auxiliary material data based on the user information. It is not necessary to use a different frequency band from the broadcast data to receive the auxiliary material, and the frequency resources are effectively used, and the auxiliary material is selected by referring to the user information to increase the information value of the auxiliary material data. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining display contents displayed on a display screen when registering a viewer profile.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a replacement control program.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a CM in a broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an STB when recording content data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a CM in a broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied.
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of STB when erasing content data.

FIG. 6 shows a CM in a broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied.
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of STB when replacing content data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied;
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of TB.

FIG. 8: CM referring to selection conditions of CM selection script
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of STB which selects content data.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 broadcast station, 2 auxiliary material distribution server, 3 home network, 10 wireless network, 20 internet network, 31 home router, 32 home server, 3
3 STB, 34 display

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 7/173 640

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A first receiving means for receiving, via a first network, a selection program describing a determination condition for replacing broadcast data and a part of the broadcast data, wherein the first receiving means is different from the first network. A second receiving means for receiving, via a second network, auxiliary material data to be inserted into the broadcast data received by the first receiving means; an auxiliary material data received by the second receiving means; A storage unit for storing user information relating to the user; and a determination condition of a selection program received by the first receiving unit, and comparing the user information with the user information to determine whether replacement of an auxiliary material portion included in broadcast data is to be performed. Based on the result, the auxiliary material portion included in the broadcast data received by the first receiving means is received by the second receiving means and stored in the storage means in advance. A data receiving apparatus, comprising: replacement control means for replacing the auxiliary material data with the auxiliary material data; and output means for outputting broadcast data including the auxiliary material data replaced by the replacement control means. 2. The data receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores, as the user information, profile information of a viewer who views contents of broadcast data. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the second receiving means establishes a connection relationship with the second network according to a use state of the second network and receives the auxiliary material data. The data receiving device according to claim 1. 4. A storage control means for erasing auxiliary material data stored when the storage amount of auxiliary material data stored in said storage means exceeds a predetermined value. Item 2. The data receiving device according to Item 1. 5. The data according to claim 4, wherein said storage control means determines auxiliary material data to be erased based on a storage date and time when said auxiliary material data is stored in said storage means. Receiver. 6. The storage control means determines auxiliary material data to be deleted based on an output frequency at which the auxiliary material data is read from the storage means and output from the output means. The data receiving apparatus according to claim 4, wherein 7. Receiving, via a first network, broadcast data and a selection program describing a judgment condition for replacing a part of broadcast data, via a second network different from the first network The auxiliary material data to be inserted into the broadcast data is received in advance and stored in the storage unit, and the user information about the user is stored in the storage unit, and the determination condition of the selection program is compared with the user information. A replacement determination of the auxiliary material portion included in the broadcast data is performed. Based on the determination result, the auxiliary material portion included in the broadcast data is replaced with auxiliary material data stored in the storage unit in advance, and the replaced auxiliary material data is replaced. A data receiving method comprising: outputting broadcast data including: 8. The data receiving method according to claim 7, wherein profile information of a viewer who views contents of broadcast data is stored as the user information. 9. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: receiving the auxiliary material data according to a use state of the second network.
8. The data receiving method according to claim 7, wherein a connection relationship with the network is established, and the auxiliary material data is received. 10. The data reception according to claim 7, wherein the auxiliary material data stored in said storage means is erased when the storage amount of said auxiliary material data exceeds a predetermined value. Method. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein when erasing the auxiliary material data, auxiliary material data to be erased is determined based on a storage date and time when the auxiliary material data is stored in the storage means. Data receiving method. 12. When erasing the auxiliary material data, the auxiliary material data to be erased is determined based on an output frequency at which the auxiliary material data is read from the storage means and output. 10. The data receiving method according to 10. 13. A broadcast station which distributes a selection program describing a determination condition for replacing broadcast data and a part of the broadcast data via a first network, a second broadcast station different from the first network. Auxiliary material distribution server for inserting the auxiliary material data for insertion into the broadcast data via a network, and connecting to the broadcast station via the first network,
First receiving means for receiving the broadcast data and the selection program distributed from the broadcast station, and connecting to the auxiliary material distribution server via the second network, and transmitting the auxiliary data transmitted from the auxiliary material distribution server Second receiving means for receiving the material data, storage means for storing the auxiliary material data received by the second receiving means, and user information relating to the user; and conditions for determining the selection program received by the first receiving means And the user information is compared to determine replacement of the auxiliary material portion included in the broadcast data. Based on the determination result, the auxiliary material portion included in the broadcast data received by the first receiving unit is replaced with the second material. Replacement control means for receiving by the receiving means and replacing the auxiliary material data stored in the storage means in advance, and replacement control means for replacement by the replacement control means. Network system, comprising a data receiving apparatus and an output means for outputting the broadcast data including the auxiliary material data.