JP2013085153A - Content receiver and content reception method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content receiver capable of more efficiently acquiring a Web content related to a broadcasting program.SOLUTION: A content receiver comprises: one or a plurality of reception means for receiving a broadcasting signal including a broadcasting content of a program to be broadcast on a selected channel and access information indicating an acquisition destination for a pertinent content related to the program; acquisition means for acquiring the pertinent content from the acquisition destination indicated by the access information on the basis of the access information included in the broadcasting signal; storage means for storing the acquired pertinent content mapped to program identification information on a corresponding program; output means for reading out a pertinent content mapped to program identification information on a viewing target program from the storage means, and outputting the pertinent content with a broadcasting content included in a broadcasting signal of the received viewing target program; and acquisition control means for making reception means which has received no broadcasting signal receive a broadcasting signal in a predetermined channel to acquire a pertinent content of each program which is currently broadcast or is to be broadcast.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a content receiving apparatus and a content receiving method.

  In recent years, communication environments such as the Internet have been enriched even in ordinary households. Communication is superior to individual information transmission in contrast to broadcasting with excellent broadcast performance. Using such broadcasting and communication characteristics, a distribution method such as Hybridcast (registered trademark) that enables provision of content related to a program by fusing content obtained by broadcasting and communication. Is attracting attention.

  In the above distribution method, a display terminal such as a television receiver acquires content based on a broadcast signal, accesses a server via a communication line such as the Internet, and acquires content by communication. Then, the display terminal synthesizes and displays the content based on the broadcast signal (hereinafter referred to as broadcast content) and the content obtained through communication (hereinafter referred to as Web content).

  By the way, in the above distribution method, it may take time to acquire Web contents depending on the service provider and the network status. In particular, when a channel is switched, a large amount of Web content is acquired at a time, so that the display of the Web content may be delayed. With regard to this problem, there has been conventionally disclosed a technique for periodically receiving and storing streaming content during viewing of other content such as power-off or television viewing. In addition, a technique for receiving information related to a subject before the scheduled broadcast time of the subject to be broadcast is disclosed.

JP 2007-329961 A JP-T-2004-517531

  However, in the related art, since the relationship between the broadcast content and the Web content is not considered, there is a possibility that the provided Web content cannot be efficiently obtained, and there is room for improvement in this respect.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a content receiving apparatus and a content receiving method capable of more efficiently acquiring Web content related to a broadcast program. To do.

  The content receiving apparatus according to the embodiment includes one or more receiving units, an acquiring unit, a storage unit, an output unit, and an acquisition control unit. The receiving means receives a broadcast signal including broadcast content of a program broadcast on the selected channel and access information indicating an acquisition destination of related content related to the program. Based on the access information included in the broadcast signal, the acquisition unit acquires related content from an acquisition destination indicated by the access information. The storage means stores the related content acquired by the acquisition means in association with the program identification information of the corresponding program. The output means reads the related content associated with the program identification information of the program to be viewed from the storage means and outputs it together with the broadcast content included in the broadcast signal of the program to be viewed received by the receiving means. The acquisition control unit causes the receiving unit to receive a broadcast signal of a predetermined channel using a receiving device that has not received the broadcast signal, and acquires the related content of each program being broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast to the acquisition unit. Let

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a content reproduction system including a content receiving device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of metadata attached to Web content. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of priority information. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a first content acquisition process executed by the content acquisition control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a second content acquisition process executed by the content acquisition control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a composite image displayed on the display unit. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of a composite image displayed on the display unit. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of Web content image generation processing executed by the Web browser unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of Web content image generation processing. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a content receiving apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a third content acquisition process executed by the content acquisition control unit according to the second embodiment.

  Embodiments of a content receiving apparatus and a content receiving method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In an embodiment described later, an example in which a content receiving device is applied to a receiving device such as a television device will be described.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a content reproduction system including a content receiving device according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the content reproduction system includes a broadcasting station 10 and a receiving device 20 that is a content receiving device. In FIG. 1, two broadcast stations 10 (broadcast stations A and B) are shown. However, the number of broadcast stations 10 included in the content reproduction system is not limited to this.

  The broadcast station 10 is a radio station such as a television station, and broadcasts program content (hereinafter referred to as broadcast content 11) composed of video and audio information through the radio tower 30 as a broadcast signal. The broadcast signal includes an electronic program guide such as EPG (Electronic Program Guide) and content acquisition content related to acquisition of Web distribution related content (hereinafter referred to as Web content 12) related to the broadcast content 11. For example, an electronic program guide and content acquisition data can be transmitted as part of a data broadcast multiplexed on a broadcast signal.

  In the present embodiment, the content acquisition content includes access information that indicates an access destination (for example, an IP address or a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier)) of a Web server 13 to be described later, which is an acquisition destination of the Web content 12. Yes. The access information is not limited to the form provided in the content acquisition content, but is provided in the program information indicating the broadcast date and time and the program content of each program that is being broadcast or scheduled to constitute the electronic program guide. It is good also as a form. In this case, the access information in the content acquisition content provided for the same program and the access information in the program information are not necessarily the same, and different access destinations may be designated. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that each program information constituting the electronic program guide includes access information for the program.

  The broadcast station 10 also has a web server 13 for providing web content 12 related to the broadcast content 11. The Web server 13 is a server device having a computer configuration such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores Web content 12 stored in a storage device (not shown). Provided in response to access from the receiving device 20.

  Here, the Web content 12 includes, for example, content that defines a form such as JavaScript (registered trademark) or HTML, and content to be output such as video, audio, and images. Each Web content 12 is accompanied by an expiration date (date information) for permitting browsing of the Web content 12 in the form of metadata or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of metadata attached to the Web content 12. The metadata shown in the figure is described as a script and is executed by the receiving device 20 that has received the Web content 12. Specifically, “<body onload =“ Time () ”>” on the 21st line executes the function Time () described on the 7th to 17th lines when the user's own Web content 12 is opened. Is stipulated.

  The function Time () defines the following behavior. First, the current date and time is acquired with the function Date () on the 10th line, and the expiration date is set to 00:00 on October 5, 2011 with the function Date () on the 11th line. The function if () on the 13th line compares the current date and time with the expiration date. If the current date and time exceeds the expiration date, the document. New web content 12 is acquired from the location. And the function window. The setTimeout () specifies that the function Time () is re-executed after waiting for 1000 milliseconds.

  Note that the metadata attached to the Web content 12 is not limited to the example in FIG. 2, and for example, there may be no acquisition destination of the new Web content 12. Further, the method of attaching the expiration date to the Web content 12 is not limited to the example of FIG. 2, and the expiration date may be simply described.

  Returning to FIG. 1, for each program broadcast from its own broadcasting station 10, the Web server 13 associates each Web content 12 related to the program with the priority related to the provision of the Web content 12. The priority information 14 is stored and managed in a storage device (not shown).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the priority information 14. As shown in the figure, the priority information 14 is associated with the identifier (content identifier) of each Web content 12 related to one program and the priority of the Web content 12. Here, the priority of each Web content 12 is determined in accordance with, for example, the order of the Web content 12 to be preferentially browsed, the type of the Web content 12 (still image, moving image, etc.), the capacity of the Web content 12, and the like. The priority according to the usage environment is set in advance.

  In the Web server 13, the priority information 14 is held so as to be acquirable from the receiving device 20. When the Web server 13 receives a priority acquisition request for instructing a specific program from the receiving device 20, the Web server 13 reads the priority information 14 related to this program and provides it to the receiving device 20. When the web server 13 receives a content acquisition request designating the specific web content 12 from the receiving device 20, the web server 13 reads the instructed web content 12 and provides it to the receiving device 20. It is assumed that the content acquisition request includes a content identifier to be acquired.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the receiving device 20 includes a tuner unit 21, a separation unit 22, a broadcast content processing unit 23, a communication unit 24, a content acquisition control unit 25, a content storage unit 26, and a Web. A browser unit 27 and a combining unit 28 are provided. The receiving device 20 includes a computer configuration such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, an operation unit such as a remote controller that accepts user operations, a display unit, and the like (none of which are shown).

  The tuner unit 21 receives a broadcast signal transmitted from the broadcast station 10 using an antenna (not shown). Specifically, when a channel (broadcast station) is designated by the user's channel selection operation, the tuner unit 21 receives a broadcast signal of the designated channel. Further, the tuner unit 21 switches channels according to the control of the content acquisition control unit 25 and receives a broadcast signal of the selected channel. The tuner unit 21 outputs channel selection status information indicating the channel being selected to the content acquisition control unit 25.

  Further, the tuner unit 21 performs demodulation processing corresponding to the broadcast system on the received broadcast signal. For example, the tuner unit 21 performs digital demodulation processing such as PSK (Phase Shift Keying) demodulation or OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) demodulation processing on a broadcast signal of digital broadcasting. Thus, the tuner unit 21 obtains a stream including desired broadcast content from the broadcast signal. Further, the tuner unit 21 decodes the stream and then outputs it to the separation unit 22.

  The separation unit 22 separates the broadcast content, the electronic program guide, and the content acquisition content from the decoding result in the tuner unit 21. The separation unit 22 outputs the broadcast content to the broadcast content processing unit 23, and outputs the electronic program guide and the content acquisition content to the content acquisition control unit 25. The broadcast content processing unit 23 performs appropriate signal processing on the input broadcast content, obtains a video signal and an audio signal of the program, and outputs them to the synthesis unit 28.

  The communication unit 24 is a communication interface for connecting to the network N. The communication unit 24 performs data communication with the Web server 13 of each broadcasting station 10 through the network N under the control of the content acquisition control unit 25.

  The content acquisition control unit 25 acquires the Web content 12 from the Web server 13 by accessing the Web server 13 via the communication unit 24 based on the content acquisition content and the access information included in the electronic program guide.

  Specifically, when viewing the program, the content acquisition control unit 25 uses the access information included in the content acquisition content input from the separation unit 22 to give priority to the Web server 13 indicated by the access information. Send an acquisition request. Here, the time of viewing a program means a state in which a specific channel is selected by a user's channel selection operation or the like. The content acquisition control unit 25 determines that the program is being viewed when the channel selection state information notified from the tuner unit 21 indicates channel selection of any channel. In addition, the content acquisition control unit 25 identifies a program that is currently being viewed based on channel selection status information, content acquisition content, an electronic program guide, and the like, and a program name or channel number that can identify the program. The program identification information including such information is notified to the Web browser unit 27. Note that the priority acquisition request includes program identification information of a program to be acquired.

  In addition, the content acquisition control unit 25 controls the tuner unit 21 when the program is not viewed, thereby causing the tuner unit 21 to receive all or a part of the receivable channels. Then, the content acquisition control unit 25 transmits a priority acquisition request to the Web server 13 instructed by the access information based on the access information of each program input from the separation unit 22. Here, when the program is not viewed, for example, when the tuner unit 21 is not receiving a broadcast signal, such as when the power-saving start-up of the receiving device 20 (standby) or when an external input video such as a DVD is displayed. Means when The channel to be selected may be a dedicated channel for distribution of the electronic program guide.

  The program for which the priority information 14 is acquired is not particularly limited, and for example, the priority information 14 may be requested for all programs whose access information is included in the program information. Moreover, it is good also as a form which requests | requires the priority information 14 about the program broadcast in a specific time slot | zone, or the program designated beforehand. Alternatively, the user's viewing history may be stored and managed, and the priority information 14 may be requested for a program of interest to the user derived from the viewing history. In this case, for example, when there is a program viewed every week, the priority information 14 related to the program can be requested.

  Further, when viewing a program, based on the address information included in the program information of each program constituting the electronic program guide input from the separation unit 22, a priority acquisition request is sent to the Web server 13 instructed by this access information. May be transmitted.

  When the content acquisition control unit 25 acquires the priority information 14 from the Web server 13, the content acquisition control unit 25 sequentially transmits a content acquisition request to the Web server 13 from the Web content 12 having a high priority set in the priority information 14. Then, the content acquisition control unit 25 acquires the Web content 12 provided from the Web server 13 and associates it with the program identification information (programs A and B) of the program corresponding to the Web content 12 as shown in FIG. And sequentially stored in the content storage unit 26.

  Note that the content acquisition control unit 25 may acquire all the Web content 12 described in the priority information 14, or a predetermined number (for example, two) of Web content 12 may be acquired. It is good also as a form to acquire. The number of Web contents 12 to be acquired is dynamically changed according to the hardware configuration of the receiving device 20 (for example, the communication speed of the communication unit 24, the storage capacity of the content storage unit 26 and the RAM (not shown)), and the like. It is good also as a form changed to.

  The content storage unit 26 is a storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and functions as a buffer that stores the Web content 12 acquired by the content acquisition control unit 25. Specifically, the content storage unit 26 stores the Web content 12 acquired by the content acquisition control unit 25 in association with program identification information of a program corresponding to the Web content 12. In addition, the content storage unit 26 reads the web content 12 in response to a request from the web browser unit 27 and outputs the web content 12 to the web browser unit 27.

  The Web browser unit 27 acquires the Web content 12 corresponding to the program identification information notified from the content acquisition control unit 25 from the content storage unit 26. Further, the web browser unit 27 generates a display web content image in which the content to be output is arranged on the form defined by the web content 12, and outputs the generated web content image to the combining unit 28.

  In addition, when new program identification information is notified from the content acquisition control unit 25, the Web browser unit 27 outputs a Web content image corresponding to the notified new program to the combining unit 28, whereby the Web content Switch images. The Web browser unit 27 temporarily stores the screen configuration (layout) of the previous Web content image in the content storage unit 26, a RAM (not shown), or the like with the switching of the Web content image, and the same program identification information is notified again. In the case where it is done, a Web content image is generated using the temporarily stored screen configuration.

  In addition, the Web browser unit 27 compares the expiration date included in each of the Web contents 12 stored in the content storage unit 26 with the current date and time measured by a timing device such as an RTC (Real Time Clock) (not shown), and The Web content 12 that has expired is deleted from the content storage unit 26.

  The combining unit 28 combines the output of the broadcast content processing unit 23 and the output of the web browser unit 27 and outputs a combined image. This composite image is supplied to a display unit (not shown) and displayed. Thus, on the display unit, the image obtained by the communication content is synthesized and displayed on the image of the program obtained by the broadcast content.

  Of the functional units of the receiving device 20 described above, any or all of the separation unit 22, the broadcast content processing unit 23, the content acquisition control unit 25, the web browser unit 27, and the synthesis unit 28 are stored in a CPU, a ROM, and the like. It is good also as a form implement | achieved by the software structure by cooperation with the program made, and a form implement | achieved by hardware configurations, such as a dedicated chip.

  Next, the operation of the receiving apparatus 20 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation of a content acquisition process (first content acquisition process) executed when a program is not viewed will be described. Here, FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the first content acquisition process executed by the content acquisition control unit 25.

  The content acquisition control unit 25 broadcasts to the tuner unit 21 by controlling the tuner unit 21 and selecting a predetermined channel (for example, an electronic program guide distribution channel) when the program is not viewed (step S11). A signal is received (step S12). Subsequently, when the content acquisition control unit 25 receives an input of content acquisition content or an electronic program guide from the separation unit 22, based on the access information included in the information, the Web server instructed by the access information A priority acquisition request is transmitted to 13 (step S13).

  When the priority information 14 for each program (program identification information) is acquired (received) from the Web server 13 as a response to the priority acquisition request (step S14), the content acquisition control unit 25 is described in the priority information 14. The Web content 12 and the Web content 12 stored in the content storage unit 26 are compared in the same program unit (step S15), and a predetermined number of Web content 12 from the highest priority is stored in the content storage unit 26. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S16). Here, the “predetermined number” serving as a determination index is not particularly limited, and may be all Web contents 12 described in the priority information 14.

  In step S16, when it is determined that a predetermined number of Web contents 12 are stored in the content storage unit 26 (step S16; Yes), this process ends. In Step S16, when it is determined that there is unstored Web content 12 that is not stored in the content storage unit 26 (Step S16; No), the content acquisition control unit 25 specifies the unstored Web content 12. By transmitting content acquisition requests to the Web server 13 in the order of priorities set in the priority information 14 (step S17), the Web contents 12 are acquired in order of priority (step S18).

  Then, the content acquisition control unit 25 sequentially stores the Web content 12 acquired in step S18 in association with the program identification information of the corresponding program in the content storage unit 26 (step S19), and ends this process.

  By executing the first content acquisition process, the content acquisition control unit 25, when the user is not viewing the program, based on the content acquisition content and the access information of each program registered in the electronic program guide, Web content 12 for each program is acquired. Thereby, since the Web content 12 of each program can be acquired (preloaded) in advance prior to the user viewing the program, the Web content 12 related to the program can be efficiently acquired.

  In addition, the timing which performs a 1st content acquisition process does not ask | require especially, For example, it is good also as a form performed every predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes). Further, when the priority acquisition request and the Web content 12 are acquired based on the electronic program guide input from the separation unit 22 when the program is viewed, steps S13 to S19 are performed in the first content acquisition process described above. It shall be executed every predetermined time.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation of content acquisition processing (second content acquisition processing) executed when viewing a program will be described. Here, FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the second content acquisition process executed by the content acquisition control unit 25.

  When viewing the program (step S21), the content acquisition control unit 25 notifies the web browser unit 27 of the program identification information of the currently viewed program (step S22). Subsequently, when the content acquisition control unit 25 receives input of content acquisition content from the separation unit 22, the content acquisition control unit 25 prioritizes the Web server 13 instructed by the access information based on the access information included in the content acquisition content. A degree acquisition request is transmitted (step S23).

  When the priority information 14 about the program (program identification information) being viewed is acquired (received) from the Web server 13 as a response to the priority acquisition request (step S24), the content acquisition control unit 25 selects the program being viewed. Then, the Web content 12 described in the priority information 14 and the Web content 12 stored in the content storage unit 26 are compared (step S25), and all the Web content 12 described in the priority information 14 is stored in the content. It is determined whether it is stored in the unit 26 (step S26). Here, when it is determined that all the Web content 12 described in the priority information 14 is stored in the content storage unit 26 (step S26; Yes), this process is terminated.

  In Step S26, when it is determined that there is unstored Web content 12 that is not stored in the content storage unit 26 (Step S26; No), the content acquisition control unit 25 specifies the unstored Web content 12. By transmitting content acquisition requests to the Web server 13 in the order of priorities set in the priority information 14 (step S27), the Web contents 12 are acquired in order of priority (step S28).

  Then, the content acquisition control unit 25 sequentially stores the Web content 12 acquired in step S28 in association with the program identification information of the corresponding program in the content storage unit 26 (step S29), and ends this process.

  The web browser unit 27 generates a web content image using the web content 12 related to the program identification information notified in step S <b> 22, and outputs the generated web content image to the combining unit 28. Then, the broadcast content 11 and the Web content image are combined by the processing of the combining unit 28 and supplied as a combined image to a display unit (not shown). As a result, the web content image generated by the web browser unit 27 is displayed on the image of the broadcast content 11 obtained by the broadcast content 11 on the display unit.

  The timing for executing the second content acquisition process is not particularly limited. For example, the second content acquisition process may be always executed, or may be executed every time a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) elapses from the previous execution. . Moreover, it is good also as a form performed when the access information contained in the content for content acquisition changes. Note that the notification of the program identification information in step S22 may be performed when access information changes due to channel switching or when new Web content 12 is acquired.

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a composite image display operation associated with the first content acquisition process and the second content acquisition process will be described. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of a composite image displayed on the display unit. FIGS. 6A and 6B assume an example in which the priority decreases in the order of the Web contents 12a and 12b. Further, it is assumed that the Web content 12a is a still image content and the Web content 12b is a moving image content.

  In the first content acquisition process described above, it is assumed that the Web content 12a is acquired (preloaded) among the Web content 12a and 12b. Thereafter, when the channel of the program related to the Web content 12a is selected by the user's channel operation, the content acquisition control unit 25 starts acquiring the remaining Web content 12b in the second content acquisition process described above.

  At this time, if the Web content 12a is set to be displayed at the same display position as the Web content 12b, as shown in FIG. 6A, until the download of the Web content 12b is completed, the Web content 12a is displayed. Are synthesized and displayed on the image of the broadcast content 11a. When the download of the web content 12b is completed, the web content 12b is displayed in the area where the web content 12a was previously displayed as shown in FIG. 6-2.

  As described above, the receiving device 20 according to the present embodiment displays the Web content 12 (Web content image) using the Web content 12 having a high priority stored in the content storage unit 26 in the first content acquisition process. Therefore, it is possible to display quickly when switching channels. In addition, since it is possible to proceed with the acquisition of the low-priority Web content 12 that is excluded from the acquisition target in the first content acquisition process behind the display of the Web content 12 (Web content image), the acquisition of the Web content 12 is performed. Can be performed efficiently.

  Next, the operation of the Web content image generation process performed by the Web browser unit 27 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the Web content image generation process executed by the Web browser unit 27. Steps S33 and S34 described later are processes performed in cooperation with the web browser unit 27 and the metadata (script) shown in FIG.

  First, the web browser unit 27 waits until the program identification information is notified from the content acquisition control unit 25 (step S31; No). Here, when specific program identification information is notified from the content acquisition control unit 25 (step S31; Yes), the Web browser unit 27 outputs the Web content image output to the combining unit 28 immediately before this notification. The screen configuration is stored in a storage medium such as the content storage unit 26 or a RAM (not shown) in association with the program identification information of the program (step S32).

  Subsequently, the web browser unit 27 reads the web content 12 corresponding to the program identification information notified in step S31 in the order of the time stamps stored in the content storage unit 26, that is, in the order of priority (step S33). At this time, every time the web browser unit 27 reads the web content 12, the expiration date included in the web content 12 is compared with the current date and time counted by a time measuring device such as an RTC (step S34). It is determined whether the date and time is within the expiration date (step S35). Here, when it is determined that it is within the expiration date (step S35; Yes), the process proceeds to step S37.

  If it is determined in step S35 that the current date and time has exceeded the expiration date (step S35; No), the web browser unit 27 deletes the web content 12 to be read from the content storage unit 26 ( Step S36) and the process proceeds to Step S37. As described with reference to FIG. 2, if an acquisition destination of a new Web content 12 is instructed when the expiration date has been exceeded, a new Web is acquired from this acquisition destination via the content acquisition control unit 25. Assume that content 12 is acquired.

  Subsequently, the web browser unit 27 determines whether or not a screen configuration corresponding to the program identification information notified in step S31 is held in a storage medium (not shown) (step S37). Here, when it is determined that the screen configuration corresponding to the notified program identification information is held (step S37; Yes), the web browser unit 27 reads out from the content storage unit 26 based on this screen configuration. A web content image of the web content 12 is generated (step S38), and the process proceeds to step S40. If the previous screen configuration cannot be restored due to deletion of the Web content 12, a Web content image is regenerated from the read Web content 12.

  If it is determined in step S37 that the screen configuration corresponding to the notified program identification information is not held (step S37; No), the web browser unit 27 stores the web content 12 read from the content storage unit 26. A Web content image is generated using the information (step S39), and the process proceeds to step S40.

  Then, the web browser unit 27 outputs the web content image generated in step S38 or S39 to the synthesis unit 28 (step S40), and returns to step S31 again.

  As a result, since the synthesizing unit 28 synthesizes the broadcast content 11 and the Web content image as a synthesized image and supplies the synthesized image to a display unit (not shown), the content storage unit 26 adds the program content obtained by the broadcast content 11 to the display unit. The obtained image is synthesized and displayed.

  The display of the Web content 12, that is, the output of the Web content image, is performed according to an instruction from an operation unit (not shown) such as a remote controller. In addition, when an operation is performed on the Web content 12 being displayed, the Web browser unit 27 performs processing (for example, display of a sub window or playback of a moving image) according to the instruction content of the operation. To do.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the above-described Web content image generation processing. First, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), when viewing a program (broadcast content 11b) on channel A, if the user's operation instructs the display of Web content 12 related to this program, FIG. 8 (b) shows. As shown, the Web content 12 (Web content 12c) is displayed on the image of the broadcast content 11b. At this time, when the web content 12c is operated and the display of the sub window is instructed, as shown in FIG. 8C, the web content 12d that is a sub window of the web content 12c is displayed on the image of the broadcast content 11b. The

  Subsequently, when an instruction to reproduce the Web content 12e as the moving image content is given from the menu of the Web content 12d, as shown in FIG. 8D, the Web content 12c and the Web are displayed from the image of the broadcast content 11a. The content 12d is deleted, and the reproduction of the Web content 12e is started.

  Here, when switching from channel A to channel B is instructed by the user's operation, the display is switched to an image of the channel B program (broadcast content 11c) as shown in FIG. At this time, the Web browser unit 27 holds the screen configuration of the Web content 12e shown in FIG. 8D in association with the program identification information of channel A.

  When switching from channel B to channel A is instructed by the user's operation, the web browser unit 27 generates a web content image using the screen configuration stored in association with the program identification information of channel A. The screen configuration of the Web content 12e shown in FIG. It should be noted that the playback of the web content 12e, which is a moving image content, may be continued even when switching to channel B, or the playback is paused when switching to channel B, and when returning to channel A. Accordingly, the temporary stop may be canceled.

  Thus, the web browser unit 27 retains the screen configuration of the web content image before switching at the time of channel switching, and when this channel is selected again, the web content is stored using the stored screen configuration. Generate an image. Accordingly, the user can improve the convenience of the user because the user can view the screen after watching the channel configuration before switching the channel. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the steps shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C are required to display the Web content 12e shown in FIG. 8D. The Web content 12e can be viewed without performing the process.

  In the present embodiment, the expiration date is confirmed when the web content 12 is read. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be performed at any timing, and all the web content stored in the content storage unit 26 may be used. 12 may be a subject of confirmation of the expiration date.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the Web content 12 of each program being broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast is acquired when the program is not being viewed or while the program is being viewed, the Web content 12 is more acquired. Can be done efficiently. Further, by storing the acquired Web content 12 in the content storage unit 26 in association with the program identification information of the corresponding program, the stored Web content 12 is read when the user views a specific program. Thus, since it can be output (displayed) together with the broadcast content of the program to be viewed, the web content 12 can be displayed quickly. Moreover, when the expiration date of the Web content 12 stored in the content storage unit 26 expires, the Web content 12 is deleted from the content storage unit 26, so that the capacity of the content storage unit 26 can be used effectively. .

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In addition, about the component similar to 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is provided and description is abbreviate | omitted. In the first embodiment, the form in which the Web content 12 is acquired using the single tuner unit 21 has been described. On the other hand, this embodiment demonstrates the form which acquires the web content 12 using the some tuner part 21. FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a reception device 20a that is a content reception device according to the second embodiment. The receiving device 20a includes a plurality of tuner units 21, a separation unit 22, a broadcast content processing unit 23, a communication unit 24, a content acquisition control unit 25a, a content storage unit 26, a web browser unit 27, and a combining unit. 28. Although FIG. 9 shows a configuration example including two tuner units 21, the configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration including three or more tuner units 21 may be used.

  Among the plurality of tuner units 21, one of the tuner units 21 (hereinafter referred to as a main tuner unit 21a) selects a broadcast signal of a channel (broadcast station) designated by a user's channel selection operation. When the main tuner unit 21a selects a channel, a tuner unit 21 other than the main tuner unit 21a (hereinafter referred to as a sub-tuner unit 21b) receives a channel broadcast signal output from the combining unit 28. Not in a state. Note that each of the tuner units 21 (the main tuner unit 21a and the sub-tuner unit 21b) notifies the content acquisition control unit 25a of the channel selection state information of its own tuner unit 21.

  The content acquisition control unit 25a accesses the Web server 13 that is the acquisition destination of the Web content 12 via the communication unit 24 based on the access information included in the content acquisition content, and from the Web server 13 to the Web content 12 To get.

  Specifically, the content acquisition control unit 25a is instructed by the access information on the broadcast signal received by the main tuner unit 21a based on the access information included in the content acquisition content after separation of the broadcast signal. A priority acquisition request is transmitted to the Web server 13. Further, the content acquisition control unit 25a identifies a program being viewed based on channel selection state information, information included in the content acquisition content, and the like, and notifies the web browser unit 27 of program identification information of the program.

  In addition, the content acquisition control unit 25a controls the sub-tuner unit 21b when the sub-tuner unit 21b is not receiving any broadcast signal, so that the channel other than the channel (program) selected by the main tuner unit 21a. Broadcast signals of other channels (back program) are received. Then, the content acquisition control unit 25a is instructed by the access information included in the broadcast signal received by the sub-tuner unit 21b based on the content acquisition content and the electronic program guide after separation of the broadcast signal. The priority acquisition request is transmitted to the Web server 13.

  Note that the channel to be selected by the sub-tuner unit 21b is not particularly limited, and a part or all of the channels other than the channel currently selected by the main tuner unit 21a may be sequentially selected. Alternatively, a program that the user may watch is determined based on the user's viewing history, and the channel on which the program is broadcast may be selected by the sub-tuner unit 21b. When there are a plurality of sub-tuner units 21b, each sub-tuner unit 21b receives a different channel. Moreover, it is good also as a form which selects a channel only for the distribution of an electronic program guide.

  When acquiring the priority information 14 from the Web server 13, the content acquisition control unit 25 a transmits a content acquisition request to the Web server 13 from the Web content 12 having a high priority set in the priority information 14. Then, the content acquisition control unit 25 a acquires the Web content 12 provided from the Web server 13, associates it with the program identification information of the program corresponding to the Web content 12, and sequentially stores it in the content storage unit 26.

  Next, the operation of the receiving apparatus 20a configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the content acquisition process (third content acquisition process) executed by the content acquisition control unit 25a.

  As a premise of this processing, a specific channel is selected in the main tuner unit 21a, and based on the broadcast signal received by the main tuner unit 21a, the content acquisition control unit 25a is similar to the second content acquisition process described above. In addition, it is assumed that Web content 12 is acquired.

  The content acquisition control unit 25a controls the sub-tuner unit 21b when the sub-tuner unit 21b has not received any broadcast signal, and receives a channel other than the channel currently selected by the main tuner unit 21a. (Step S51). Subsequently, the content acquisition control unit 25a gives priority to the Web server 13 instructed by the access information based on the content acquisition content input via the separation unit 22 and the access information included in the electronic program guide. An acquisition request is transmitted (step S52).

  When the content acquisition control unit 25a acquires the priority information 14 from the Web server 13 (step S53), the Web content 12 described in the priority information 14 and the Web content 12 stored in the content storage unit 26 are the same. And a determination is made as to whether or not a predetermined number of Web contents 12 having a higher priority are stored in the content storage unit 26 (step S54). Here, when it is determined that the predetermined number of Web contents 12 are stored in the content storage unit 26 (step S55; Yes), this process is terminated.

  In Step S55, when it is determined that there is unstored Web content 12 that is not stored in the content storage unit 26 (Step S55; No), the content acquisition control unit 25a specifies the unstored Web content 12. By transmitting content acquisition requests to the Web server 13 in the order of priorities set in the priority information 14 (step S56), the Web contents 12 are acquired in order of priority (step S57). Then, the content acquisition control unit 25a stores the Web content 12 acquired in step S57 in the content storage unit 26 in association with the program identification information of the program corresponding to the Web content 12 (step S58), and ends this processing. To do.

  Through the third content acquisition process, the content acquisition control unit 25a acquires the Web content 12 of a program other than the program that the user is viewing. Thereby, prior to the user viewing the program, the Web content 12 of the program that the user may view can be acquired (preloaded) in advance.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the web content related to each program being broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast using the sub-tuner unit 21b that has not received the broadcast signal among the plurality of tuner units 21 provided. 12 is acquired, Web content 12 can be acquired more efficiently. Further, by storing the acquired Web content 12 in the content storage unit 26 in association with the program identification information of the corresponding program, the stored Web content 12 is read when the user views a specific program. Thus, since it can be output (displayed) together with the broadcast content of the program to be viewed, the web content 12 can be displayed quickly.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, the said embodiment was shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The above embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, additions, and the like can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, the said embodiment and its deformation | transformation are included in the range of the invention, the summary, and the invention described in the claim, and its equal range.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the broadcast station 10 includes the Web server 13. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the Web server 13 may be provided outside the broadcast station 10.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was set as the structure which acquires an electronic program guide from a broadcast signal, it is good not only as this but the structure which acquires the electronic program guide provided by the internet etc. via the communication part 24 is good. .

  In the above embodiment, the receiving apparatus 20 (20a) acquires the priority information 14 from the Web server 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the priority information 14 stored in the Web server 13 is referred to. However, the web content 12 may be acquired.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Broadcasting station, 11 ... Broadcast content, 12 ... Web content, 13 ... Web server, 14 ... Priority information, 20, 20a ... Receiving device, 21 ... Tuner part, 22 ... Separation part, 23 ... Broadcast content processing part, 24: Communication unit, 25, 25a ... Content acquisition control unit, 26 ... Content storage unit, 27 ... Web browser unit, 28 ... Composition unit, 30 ... Radio tower, N ... Network.

Claims (9)

One or more receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal including broadcast content of a program broadcast on the selected channel and access information indicating an acquisition destination of related content related to the program;
Based on the access information included in the broadcast signal, acquisition means for acquiring related content from an acquisition destination indicated by the access information;
Storage means for storing the related content acquired by the acquisition means in association with program identification information of a corresponding program;
Output means for reading related content associated with program identification information of a program to be viewed from the storage means and outputting together with broadcast content included in a broadcast signal of the program to be viewed received by the receiving means;
An acquisition control means for causing the receiving means to receive a broadcast signal of a predetermined channel using the receiving means that has not received the broadcast signal, and to acquire the related content of each program being broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast; ,
A content receiving apparatus comprising: Priorities are set for each of the related content,
The acquisition means acquires related content in an order according to the priority,
The content receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs related content in an order corresponding to the priority. An expiration date is set for each of the related content,
The content receiving apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an expiration date managing unit that deletes, from the storage unit, related content that has exceeded the expiration date among the related content stored in the storage unit. Display image generation means for generating a related content image for display using the related content of the program to be viewed stored in the storage means;
The content receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output unit outputs a synthesized image obtained by synthesizing the related content image on the image of the broadcast content.   The display image generation means retains the screen configuration of the related content image generated until immediately before the switching at the time of switching the channel in association with the program identification information of the program corresponding to the channel before the switching. The content receiving apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the channel is selected again, the related content image is generated based on a screen configuration held in association with the program identification information of the program. The content receiving apparatus includes one receiving unit,
The acquisition control means causes the receiving means to receive all or a part of the receivable channels when the receiving means has not received the channel broadcast signal output from the output means, The content receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the related content based on access information included in a broadcast signal. The content receiving device comprises a plurality of the receiving means,
The acquisition control unit causes a receiving unit other than the receiving unit that receives the broadcast signal of the channel output from the output unit to receive a broadcast signal of a channel other than the channel, and is included in the broadcast signal. The content receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the related content based on access information.   The acquisition control means causes the receiving means to receive a broadcast signal including an electronic program guide, and based on access information included in the program information of each program constituting the electronic program guide, the related content of each program is obtained. The content receiving device according to claim 6, wherein the content is acquired by the acquisition unit. Content receiving apparatus comprising one or a plurality of receiving means for receiving a broadcast signal including broadcast content of a program broadcast on a selected channel and access information indicating an acquisition destination of related content related to the program The content receiving method executed in
An acquisition step for acquiring related content from an acquisition destination indicated by the access information based on the access information included in the broadcast signal;
A storage control step in which the storage control means stores the related content acquired by the acquisition means in the storage means in association with the program identification information of the corresponding program;
An output step in which the output means reads related content associated with the program identification information of the program to be viewed from the storage means and outputs the related content together with the broadcast content included in the broadcast signal of the program to be viewed received by the receiving means. When,
The acquisition control means uses the reception means that has not received the broadcast signal, causes the reception means to receive a broadcast signal of a predetermined channel, and acquires the related content of each program being broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast to the acquisition means. An acquisition control process,
Content receiving method.

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