JP2011091496A - Receiver and method of controlling communication - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a user from losing a viewing opportunity when unreproduced content is updated despite his or her intentions. <P>SOLUTION: When detecting that broadcast distribution content is updated, a receiver checks playback history of stored old content and acquires, when it has not been reproduced yet, only metadata of new content without performing content update immediately, keeps the old content for a reproduction period based on the metadata of the old content, presents the reproduction period to urge a user to reproduce it, updates the content from broadcast when the content has been reproduced, acquires new content from a communication server when the content remains unreproduced for the reproduction period, and performs content update. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a receiving apparatus and a communication control method corresponding to a storage type broadcast service.

  The analog broadcasting of terrestrial television currently being broadcast is scheduled to end in 2011. After the end of analog broadcasting, multimedia broadcasting for mobile terminals will be performed using a part of the vacant band. In multimedia broadcasting for portable terminals, it is assumed that storage-type broadcasting (download broadcasting) is performed.

  In accumulative broadcasting, file-type content is provided to a mobile terminal using broadcast waves, and the mobile terminal can store the content inside. The portable terminal can acquire missing data by communicating with a server via mobile communication when a part of content data fails to be stored.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a storage-type broadcast service that distributes content via broadcast waves and communication.

JP 2004-120150 A

  In multimedia broadcasting, in the storage-type broadcasting service, the content stored in the receiver is also updated as needed as the distribution content is regularly updated. When content data is missing during broadcast distribution, it is assumed that the data server will be repaired by specifying the missing data portion from the communication server and complementing it. However, there is no particular mention of content acquisition after broadcast distribution.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a receiving apparatus and a communication control method capable of reducing the risk of losing a viewing opportunity because a user is busy or absent and is updated without being able to reproduce and view content against his / her viewing intention. Is to provide.

  A receiving apparatus according to an example of the present invention is a wireless communication that communicates with a receiving module that receives content distributed from a broadcasting station, and a server that distributes the content for a certain period after the content is stopped from being distributed from the broadcasting station. A module, recording means for recording the content distributed from the broadcasting station and the content distributed from the server on a storage medium, and after stopping the distribution of the first content stored in the storage medium from the broadcasting station, When the second content following the first content is distributed from the broadcasting station, the first content is deleted from the storage medium based on the reproduction history, distribution period, and reproduction time limit of the first content, Control means for storing the second content distributed from the broadcast station or the server in the storage medium. And wherein the door.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the risk of losing viewing opportunities due to content being updated without being able to be reproduced and viewed against the intention of viewing because the user is busy or absent.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage type broadcast service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the portable receiving terminal device shown in FIG. The figure which shows the relationship between the content broadcast delivery period, the content net delivery period, the effective period of a key, and the accumulation | storage content accumulate | stored in the receiving terminal. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the update process of a content. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the update process of a content.

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a storage type broadcast service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the distribution system includes a broadcasting station 10, a portable receiving terminal device 100, a mobile communication base station 20, a communication server 50, and the like.

  The broadcast station 10 transmits a broadcast wave on which content is superimposed. The portable receiving terminal device 100 receives a broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 10, demodulates content from the received broadcast wave, and stores the demodulated content in an internal storage device. The portable receiving terminal device 100 receives missing data from the communication server 50 when some data of the content cannot be stored in the storage device. Further, when the received content is encrypted, the portable receiving terminal device receives a key for decrypting the content from the communication server 50.

  Also, for the content, metadata storing related information indicating a distribution period of the content from the broadcast station, a distribution period of the content from the server, a reproduction time limit of the content, and the like is distributed from the broadcast station 10 and the communication server 50. The

  In addition, the server stores the content being distributed from the broadcasting station and the content that has been stopped from being distributed from the broadcasting station, and distributes the content to the portable receiving terminal device 100 in response to a request from the portable receiving terminal device 100. To do. The content whose distribution is stopped from the broadcasting station is distributed for a certain period after the broadcasting station stops the distribution.

  The portable receiving terminal device 100 includes a mobile communication device. The portable receiving terminal device 100 communicates with the communication server 50 using a mobile communication device. The portable receiving terminal device 100 communicates with the communication server 50 via the mobile communication base station 20 and the mobile communication network.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the portable receiving terminal device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The portable receiving terminal device 100 includes a tuner 111, a 3G communication (mobile communication) module 112, an input / output module 121, an NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) 122, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 123, a RAM (Random Access Memory). ) 124, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 125, Descrambler 126, HDD (Storage Medium) 127, Security Module Interface (SM I / F) 128, File Multiple Distributed Processing Module 128, PS (Program Stream), / TS (Transport Stream) ) Processing module 130, audio decoding module 131, video decoding module 132, GUI processing module 133, speaker 134, display 135, and the like.

  Tuner 111, 3G communication (mobile communication) module 112, input / output module 121, NVRAM 122, ROM 123, RAM 124, CPU 125, descrambler 126, HDD 127, security module interface 128, PS / TS processing module 130, audio decoding module 131, video decoding The module 132, the GUI processing module 133, and the like are connected to the bus 140, and can communicate with each other.

The tuner module 111 receives a broadcast wave transmitted from a broadcast station and performs a process of demodulating and error correction decoding.
The 3G communication module 112 is a mobile communication device that conforms to the IMT-2000 standard defined by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
The input / output module 121 is used for input / output of video and audio (content) and input of a control signal from the user (channel selection by the tuner unit).

  The NVRAM 122 holds information set by the user, reservation information, and the like, for example.

  The ROM 123 stores an operation program, for example. The CPU 125 executes an operation program stored in the ROM 123. The RAM 124 is used as a working memory when the CPU 125 executes the operation program.

  The HDD 127 stores the content acquired by the tuner module 111. Recording of content in the HDD 127 is controlled / executed by an operation program (storage means) executed by the CPU 125.

  A security module 60 is connected to the security module interface 128. The security module 60 stores a unique ID number and an encryption / decryption key. The encryption / decryption key is a key for decrypting the encrypted content received by the tuner module 111 or the encrypted content stored in the HDD 127.

  The descrambler 126 acquires a unique ID number and an encryption / decryption key from the security module 60 via the security module interface 128. The descrambler 126 decrypts the content using the acquired encryption / decryption key. Here, the security module 60 is described as a module such as an independent removable card outside the portable receiving terminal device 100. However, the security module 60 is provided inside the receiver by an embedded chip or software. May be.

  The PS / TS processing module 130 performs a predetermined service that has been multiplexed in the TS (Transport Stream) format, generally designated from a plurality of services (broadcast programs) via the input / output module 121 from a remote controller or the like. The video and audio signals constituting the program are demultiplexed and demultiplexed, depacketized to return to the respective compressed signals, and output to the audio decoding module 131 and the video decoding module 132. In the case of storage-type content, a PS (Program Stream) format applied to a storage medium such as a DVD may be used in addition to a TS format generally applied in real-time broadcasting or a TS format with a time stamp.

  The audio decoding module 131 decodes the compressed MPEG audio signal output from the PS / TS processing module 130 and outputs the audio signal to the speaker 134. The video decoding module 132 is a compressed H.264 output from the PS / TS processing module 130. The video signal such as H.264 / AVC or MPEG is decoded and the video signal is output. The GUI processing module 133 performs graphic output and superimposition processing generated by the CPU or the like on the video signal output from the video decoding module, and outputs a video signal for displaying a video on the display 135.

Referring to FIG. 3, the relationship between the content broadcast distribution period, the content net distribution period, the key validity period, and the stored content stored in the receiving terminal is shown.
The content broadcast distribution period indicates the type of content distributed from the broadcast station and the distribution period. The content net distribution period indicates the type of content distributed by the server and the distribution period. The key validity period indicates the validity period of a key necessary for reproducing a certain content, that is, the reproduction period of the content. Further, “accumulated content at the receiving terminal” indicates the type of content stored in the HDD 127.

  Content A is distributed from the broadcasting station for one week in the Nth week. Content A is distributed from the server for two weeks, the Nth week and the (N + 1) th week. The validity period (reproduction period) of the key necessary for the reproduction of the content A is two weeks, the Nth week and the (N + 1) th week. Content A that can be played back on the receiving terminal in the Nth week is content A.

  Content B is distributed from the broadcast station for a week of the (N + 1) th week. Content B is distributed from the server for two weeks, the (N + 1) th week and the (N + 2) th week. The expiration date (reproduction deadline) of the key necessary for the reproduction of the content B is two weeks, the (N + 1) th week and the (N + 2) th week. Content that can be played back on the receiving terminal in the (N + 1) th week is content A and content B.

  Content C is distributed from the broadcasting station for a week of the (N + 2) week. Content C is distributed from the server for two weeks, the (N + 2) week and the (N + 3) week. The expiration date (reproduction deadline) of the key necessary for the reproduction of the content C is two weeks, the (N + 2) week and the (N + 3) week. Content that can be played back on the receiving terminal in the (N + 2) week is content B and content C.

  Content D is distributed from the broadcasting station for a week of the (N + 3) week. Content D is distributed from the server for two weeks, the (N + 3) week and the (N + 4) week. The expiration date (reproduction deadline) of the key necessary for the reproduction of the content D is two weeks, the (N + 3) week and the (N + 4) week. Content that can be played back by the receiving terminal in the (N + 3) week is content C and content D.

  That is, the broadcast station and the server start distributing the same content at the same time. After one week has elapsed since the start of distribution, the broadcast station stops distributing the content (old content), and the broadcast station and the server start distributing the next content (new content). After one week has passed since the broadcast station stopped distributing the old content, the server stops distributing the old content and the broadcast station stops distributing the new content.

  Next, when an update of broadcast distribution content is detected in storable broadcasting, the receiver does not immediately perform storage update processing. If the playback history of the old content currently stored is checked and there is no playback, the metadata of the new content Only the old content is acquired, and the old content is retained within the playback deadline, and the playback deadline is presented to prompt the user to play the content. Then, a procedure of processing for acquiring new content from the communication server and executing storage update processing when the playback time limit elapses without playback will be described.

  Hereinafter, the procedure of the content update process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In order to simplify the description, it is assumed that content acquired in a certain week is stored in the HDD 127. Hereinafter, content stored in the HDD 127 is referred to as old accumulated content. The following process control is performed by a program executed by the CPU 125 of the portable receiving terminal device 100.

  When the reproduction of the old accumulated content stored in the HDD 127 is detected (Yes in step S11), the reproduction of the old accumulated content is recorded in the reproduction history of the old accumulated content (step S12).

It is determined whether the content following the old stored content is distributed from the broadcasting station (step S13). In the following, content following the old stored content distributed from the broadcasting station and server is referred to as new stored content.
The reproduction history of the old stored content is referred to (step S14). Based on the reproduction history, it is determined whether the old stored content is being reproduced (step S15). If it is determined that the old stored content is being played back (Yes in step S15), the new new stored content distributed from the broadcasting station is acquired, and the old stored content stored in the HDD 127 is replaced with the new stored content. Overwriting is performed (step S16).

  When it is determined that the old stored content has not been reproduced (No in step S15), only the metadata of the new stored content broadcast from the broadcasting station is acquired (step S17). Then, with reference to the metadata of the old stored content acquired at the same time when the old stored content is acquired, the reproduction deadline of the old stored content is acquired (step S18). It is determined whether the current content is within the reproduction period of the old stored content (step S19). If it is determined that it is within the reproduction deadline (Yes in step S19), the reproduction deadline of the old stored content is presented to the user (step S20).

  If it is determined that it is not within the playback time limit (No in step S19), the new stored content metadata acquired in step S17 is referenced to acquire the new stored content retention time limit (step S21). And it is discriminate | determined whether the present is within the retention | holding time limit of the newly stored content in a server (step S22). If it is determined that it is within the time limit (Yes in step S22), the newly stored content is acquired from the server (step S23). Then, an update process for overwriting the old stored content with the new stored content is performed (step S24).

  With the above processing, for example, in continuous drama distribution, even if the next distribution is started without being able to view a specific batch, the risk of the user not being able to view the specific batch is reduced and the communication server is purposely accessed. It can save the trouble of re-acquiring by searching and checking.

Hereinafter, an update process different from the content update process described with reference to FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In this update processing method, when an update of broadcast distribution content is detected in a storage type broadcast, the receiver first executes a storage update process as a normal routine, and overwrites and updates the old content with the new content. However, at this time, metadata and reproduction history information corresponding to the old content are retained without being deleted even after the accumulation update processing. If the playback history of the old content is confirmed and not played, the old content is reacquired from the communication server based on the metadata of the old content if the content is within the retention period of the content.

  It is determined whether the content exists in the HDD 127 (step S31). Hereinafter, content stored in the HDD 127 is referred to as old accumulated content. If it is determined that the old stored content exists in the HDD 127 (Yes in step S31), it is determined whether or not the old stored content in the HDD 127 is being reproduced (step S32). If it is determined that the old stored content is being played back (Yes in step S32), the playback history is updated to record that the old stored content is being played back (step S33).

  When it is determined that the old stored content does not exist (No at Step S31), when it is determined that the old stored content is not played back (No at Step S32), or after updating the playback history (Step S33), It is determined whether content following the old stored content is distributed from the broadcast station from the broadcast station (step S36). If it is determined that the subsequent content is not distributed (No in step S36), the processing from step S31 is sequentially executed.

  If it is determined that the subsequent content is distributed (Yes in step S36), the metadata of the old stored content is held in the HDD 127 (step S37). The subsequent content distributed from the broadcasting station is acquired, and the old stored content is overwritten with the subsequent content (step S38). In the following, the subsequent content overwriting the old stored content is referred to as new stored content.

  With reference to the reproduction history of the old accumulated content, it is determined whether the old accumulated content has been reproduced (step S40). When it is determined that the old stored content has been reproduced (Yes in step S40), the processing from step S31 is sequentially executed.

  When it is determined that the old stored content has not been reproduced (No in step S40), the old stored content metadata is referred to by referring to the metadata of the old stored content (step S41). It is determined whether the current storage date is within the retention period of the old stored content (step S42). If it is determined that it is within the time limit (Yes in step S42), the old stored content is acquired from the server (step S45).

  With the above-described processing, for example, in continuous drama distribution, even if the specific batch is updated to the next time without being viewed, the risk that the user cannot view the specific batch is reduced, and the user bothers to access the communication server. It can save the trouble of re-acquiring by searching and checking.

  According to the update process described above, in order to ensure the flexibility of the service while suppressing the storage capacity load at the receiver as much as possible, the operation is performed in which the content is held in the communication server for a certain period after the broadcast distribution is completed. The receiver performs storage control while confirming the playback history of the content in the stored content, and acquires and controls the content after the end of broadcast distribution from the communication server as necessary based on the corresponding metadata. Reduces the risk of losing viewing opportunities because stored content cannot be played back and viewed due to busyness, absence, etc., and re-acquires search / confirmation by re-accessing the communication server Therefore, the convenience for the user can be improved.

  A proposal for multimedia broadcasting for mobile devices scheduled to be provided in Japan is the Broadcast System Committee Report (draft) (Information and Communication Council, Information and Communication Technology Subcommittee, http://www.soumu.go.jp). /main_content/000033715.pdf).

In the above-described embodiment, the tuner module receives content distributed using broadcast waves. However, a reception module that receives content distributed by IP broadcast may be used instead of the tuner module.
The content or data acquired from the server may not be stored in the HDD, but may be stored in a memory card such as an SD card or an external HDD.

  In order to realize the function of each module described in the above embodiment, it may be realized by a software application executed by a processor, a processing circuit by hardware, or realized by hardware. Alternatively, it may be realized by combining software applications, hardware, and software modules.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. For example, the system configuration of the portable receiving terminal device has been described here as an example. However, the essence of the portable receiving terminal device is generally not impaired even if it is a fixed receiving terminal with a low portability as long as the constituent elements are satisfied. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine suitably the component covering different embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Broadcasting station, 20 ... Mobile communication base station, 50 ... Communication server, 60 ... Security module, 100 ... Portable receiving terminal device, 111 ... Tuner module, 112 ... G communication module, 121 ... Input / output module, 122 ... NVRAM, 123 ... ROM, 124 ... RAM, 125 ... CPU, 126 ... descrambler, 127 ... HDD, 128 ... security module interface, 130 ... PS / TS processing module, 131 ... audio decoding module, 132 ... video decoding module, 133 ... GUI processing module, 134 ... speaker, 135 ... display.

Claims (5)

A receiving module for receiving content distributed from a broadcasting station;
A wireless communication module that communicates with a server that distributes the content for a certain period after delivery of the content from the broadcasting station is stopped;
Recording means for recording content distributed from the broadcasting station and content distributed from the server in a storage medium;
The reproduction history of the first content when the second content following the first content is distributed from the broadcasting station after the distribution of the first content stored in the storage medium from the broadcasting station is stopped. And control means for deleting the first content from the storage medium based on a distribution period and a reproduction time limit, and storing the second content distributed from the broadcast station or the server in the storage medium. A receiving device. The control means includes
When the second content is distributed from the broadcasting station and the first content is being reproduced, the first content is deleted and the second content is stored in the storage medium;
When the first content is not reproduced, it is determined whether the first content can be reproduced based on the reproduction time limit of the first content, and when it is determined that the first content can be reproduced, A notification is given of a playback time limit for one content, and when it is determined that playback cannot be performed, the first content is deleted from the storage medium, and the second content is stored in the storage medium. The receiving device according to claim 1. When the second content is distributed from the broadcasting station, the control means deletes the first content from the storage medium while retaining information indicating the playback history and playback time limit of the first content. And storing the second content in the storage medium,
When the reproduction history of the first content indicates that the first content is not reproduced, and the distribution period of the first content indicates that the first content is distributed from the server, the server The receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first content distributed from the network is acquired, and the acquired first content is stored in the storage medium. The first content distributed from the broadcasting station is received by the receiving module,
Storing the first content in a storage medium;
Detecting that the second content following the first content is distributed from the broadcasting station after the first content is stopped from being distributed from the broadcasting station;
Deleting the first content from the storage medium based on the playback history, distribution period and playback time limit of the first content;
Content recording control, wherein the second content distributed from the broadcast station or a server that distributes the second content for a certain period of time after distribution of the second content from the broadcast station is stopped is stored in the storage medium Method. Deliver the first content by radio wave or IP broadcast,
After the distribution of the first content by the radio wave or IP broadcast, the second content that is a continuation of the first content is distributed by the radio wave or IP broadcast,
After the distribution of the first content by the radio wave or IP broadcast, the first content is stored in a server for a certain period of time,
A content distribution method comprising: distributing the first content from the server to the reception device in response to a request from the reception device.

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