JP2013090295A - Distribution device, distribution method, reproduction device, reproduction method, distribution system, distribution program, reproduction program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a distribution device capable of controlling the reproduction operation of a communication content by a distribution destination after the distribution of a broadcast content is completed.SOLUTION: A distribution device 100 comprises a link information distribution unit 120 which distributes link information indicating the acquisition destination of detailed MPD data which is used when a reproduction device reproduces a VOD content of the same title as a broadcast content, in a form of containing the link information in the content data of the broadcast content; and a meta information distribution unit 110 which, triggered by the acceptance of a request for the detailed MPD data from the reproduction device, distributes the detailed MPD data to the reproduction device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a distribution apparatus and a distribution method capable of distributing information related to a program. The present invention also relates to a playback apparatus and a playback method capable of playing back a program acquired by communication based on information distributed from such a distribution apparatus.

  The present invention also relates to a distribution system including the distribution device, a distribution program that causes a computer to function as the distribution device, and a reproduction program that causes a computer to function as the reproduction device.

  Conventionally, program content has been distributed only through a broadcast network, but with the spread of broadband Internet connection services, the same program content is now distributed through both the broadcast network and the Internet network.

  Among program content distributed through broadcasting (hereinafter also referred to as “broadcast content”), there is program content whose value is lost over time even after recording. Such program contents include weather forecast programs, stock programs, and the like.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for maintaining the value of the program content as described above even when time elapses from the broadcast distribution point. The technique of Patent Literature 1 is a technique for distributing broadcast content including playlist information for acquiring program content (hereinafter also referred to as “communication content”) of the same program distributed by communication. This playlist information includes information such as a URL indicating a communication content acquisition destination and a content expiration date.

  The broadcast receiving apparatus that records the broadcast content distributed by the technique of Patent Document 1 refers to the playlist information at the time of reproduction, and acquires and reproduces the communication content when the expiration date of the broadcast content has expired. Therefore, if the program content distributor updates the content of the communication content after broadcasting the broadcast content, the program content recorded in the broadcast receiving apparatus is also updated.

JP 2011-23807 A (released on October 13, 2005)

  By the way, the distributor of the program content may desire to control the reproduction operation of the communication content by the distribution destination after the distribution of the broadcast content is completed.

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, since playlist information is distributed in a form included in broadcast electronic program guide data or broadcast content, a distributor can transmit communication contents by a distribution destination after distribution of the broadcast content is completed. It was impossible to control the playback operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main object is to realize a distribution apparatus capable of controlling the reproduction operation of communication content by a distribution destination after the distribution of broadcast content is completed. It is also an object of the present invention to realize a playback device in which the playback operation of communication content is controlled after the broadcast content has been distributed by such a distribution device.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the distribution device according to the present invention provides a link indicating the acquisition destination of the meta information for the meta information of the content used when the reproduction device reproduces the communication content having the same title as the broadcast content. First distribution means for distributing information in at least one of content data of the broadcast content and program arrangement information including program information related to the broadcast content, and the meta information in the playback device A second distribution unit that distributes the meta information, triggered by the second distribution unit receiving a request for the meta information from the playback device that refers to the link information. It is composed.

  According to said structure, the said delivery apparatus will distribute the newest meta information to the said reproducing | regenerating apparatus at the time of receiving the said request from the reproducing | regenerating apparatus which referred the said link information. For example, when the meta information is updated by the distributor of the communication content immediately after the broadcast end time of the broadcast content, and the timing at which the request is received is considerably later than the broadcast end time, the updated meta information is Distributed to the playback device. The playback device plays back the communication content based on the distributed meta information.

  Therefore, the distribution device according to the present invention can control the reproduction operation of the communication content by the reproduction device which is the distribution destination by updating the meta information after the broadcast of the broadcast content by the distributor of the communication content.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the distribution method according to the present invention provides a link indicating the acquisition destination of the meta information for the meta information of the content used when the reproduction device reproduces the communication content having the same title as the broadcast content. A first distribution step of distributing information in at least one of content data of the broadcast content and program arrangement information including program information related to the broadcast content; and the meta information of the playback device A second distribution step that distributes the meta information triggered by receiving a request for the meta information from the playback device that refers to the link information. It is characterized by that.

  According to said structure, the delivery method which concerns on this invention has an effect similar to the delivery apparatus which concerns on this invention.

  It is desirable that the distribution apparatus according to the present invention further includes third distribution means for distributing the communication content.

  According to said structure, the delivery apparatus which concerns on this invention has the further effect that communication content can be delivered, without making the delivery apparatus of communication content prepare the delivery apparatus for delivering communication content separately.

  The distribution apparatus according to the present invention preferably further includes fourth distribution means for distributing information indicating whether or not the content of the broadcast content is the same as the content of the communication content.

  According to the above configuration, the distribution device according to the present invention transmits the information to the playback device that performs different operations depending on whether the content of the broadcast content is the same as the content of the communication content. In the case of distribution, it is possible to cause the reproducing apparatus to determine an operation to be performed by a simple process of referring to the information.

  In the distribution apparatus according to the present invention, it is desirable that the link information distributed by the first distribution means is included in the program arrangement information.

  According to said structure, the delivery apparatus which concerns on this invention has the further effect that the said link information can be delivered to a reproducing | regenerating apparatus at any time within the period when the program arrangement | sequence information containing the program information regarding the said broadcast content is delivered. Play.

  In the distribution device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the link data distributed by the first distribution unit is included in the content data.

  According to said structure, the delivery apparatus which concerns on this invention has the further effect that the said link information can be delivered to the reproducing | regenerating apparatus which is not provided with the function which receives program arrangement | sequence information.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a playback device according to the present invention is a playback device capable of playing back communication content having the same title as broadcast content, and an instruction receiving unit that receives a playback instruction for the content of the title, and the communication content. For the meta information of the content to be referred to for reproduction, the meta information is acquired from the distribution device by referring to the first acquisition means for acquiring link information indicating the acquisition destination of the meta information and the link information. A second acquisition unit; a third acquisition unit configured to acquire the communication content from a distribution device; and a reproduction unit configured to reproduce the communication content when the reproduction instruction is received. Content data of the broadcast content including the link information and a program including the link information The link information is acquired by receiving at least one of the data with the column information, and the second acquisition means uses the meta information as a trigger when the reproduction instruction is received. And the playback means is configured to play back the communication content based on the acquired meta information.

  According to the above configuration, when the playback device according to the present invention plays back the communication content distributed from the distribution device according to the present invention, the first acquisition unit distributes by the first distribution unit of the distribution device. The link information is acquired by receiving at least one of the data, and the second acquisition unit is distributed by the second distribution unit of the distribution apparatus triggered by the reception of the reproduction instruction. The meta information is acquired, the third acquisition unit acquires the communication content distributed by the third distribution unit of the distribution device, and the reproduction unit adds the meta information acquired by the second acquisition unit most recently. Based on this, the communication content is reproduced.

  Therefore, the reproduction device according to the present invention reproduces the communication content distributed from the distribution device according to the present invention based on the latest meta information. For example, when the meta information is updated by the distributor of the communication content immediately after the broadcast end time of the broadcast content and the timing at which the meta information is acquired is considerably later than the broadcast end time, the playback device according to the present invention is Then, the reproduction operation according to the updated meta information is performed. Therefore, the playback apparatus according to the present invention can perform a playback operation according to the intention of the distributor after the broadcast of the broadcast content is completed.

  The playback method according to the present invention is a playback method of a playback apparatus capable of playing back communication content having the same title as broadcast content, in order to play back the communication content, an instruction receiving step of receiving a playback instruction of the content of the title. For the meta information of the content to be referred to, a first acquisition step of acquiring link information indicating an acquisition destination of the meta information, and a second acquisition of acquiring the meta information from the distribution device by referring to the link information And a third acquisition step of acquiring the communication content from the distribution device, and a reproduction step of reproducing the communication content when the reproduction instruction is received, wherein the first acquisition step includes the link information Content data of the broadcast content including the program content information including the link information; The link information is acquired by receiving at least one of the data, and the second acquisition step is a step of acquiring the meta information triggered by reception of the reproduction instruction. The reproduction step is a step of reproducing the communication content based on the acquired meta information.

  According to said structure, the reproducing | regenerating method which concerns on this invention has an effect similar to the reproducing | regenerating apparatus concerning this invention.

The reproduction apparatus according to the present invention includes a fourth acquisition unit that acquires information indicating whether the content of the broadcast content is the same as the content of the communication content;
It is desirable to further comprise recording means for recording only the broadcast content that the fourth acquisition means has determined not to be the same as the communication content.

  According to said structure, the reproducing | regenerating apparatus which concerns on this invention does not record about the broadcast content determined to be the same as the said communication content. Therefore, it is possible to save storage resources as broadcast content recording destinations. In this case, the playback device according to the present invention plays back the communication content having the same content as the content of the broadcast content. Therefore, even if the broadcast content is not recorded, the content of the broadcast content is displayed to the user after the broadcast of the broadcast content ends. Can be grasped.

  As described above, the playback device according to the present invention has the further effect of saving the storage resources in which broadcast content is recorded while avoiding the risk of missing the opportunity to grasp the content of the broadcast content.

  In the playback apparatus according to the present invention, the link information is distributed in a form included in the content data of the broadcast content, and the first acquisition unit refers to the link information included in the content data. It is desirable to acquire the meta information.

  According to said structure, the reproducing | regenerating apparatus based on this invention has the further effect that the said link information can be acquired any time within the period when the program arrangement | sequence information containing the program information regarding the said broadcast content is delivered.

  In the playback apparatus according to the present invention, the link information is distributed in a form included in the program sequence information, and the first acquisition unit refers to the link information included in the program sequence information, thereby the meta information. It is desirable to obtain information.

  According to said structure, the reproducing | regenerating apparatus based on this invention has the further effect that the said link information can be acquired irrespective of whether it has the function to receive program arrangement | sequence information.

  The present invention may be realized as a distribution system.

  Specifically, a distribution system according to the present invention is a distribution system that includes a distribution device that distributes communication content having the same title as broadcast content, and a playback device that reproduces the communication content. , For the meta information of the content used when the playback device plays back the communication content, the link information indicating the acquisition destination of the meta information, the content data of the broadcast content, and the program information related to the broadcast content First distribution means for distributing the data included in at least one of the sequence information and second distribution means for distributing the meta information to the reproduction device, wherein the reproduction device includes the title Receiving an instruction receiving means for receiving the content reproduction instruction and at least one of the above data First acquisition means for acquiring the link information; second acquisition means for acquiring the meta information from the distribution apparatus by referring to the link information; and third acquisition means for acquiring the communication content from the distribution apparatus. And a reproduction means for reproducing the communication content when the reproduction instruction is accepted, and the second acquisition means receives the request for the meta information as a trigger when the reproduction instruction is accepted. The second delivery means is configured to deliver the meta information to the playback apparatus triggered by the reception of the request, and the playback means is configured to send the meta information to the delivery apparatus. It can be realized as a distribution system that is configured to reproduce the communication content based on information.

  In addition, the distribution system according to the present invention provides link information indicating the acquisition destination of the meta information for the meta information of the content used when the playback device plays back the communication content having the same title as the broadcast content. 1st distribution device provided with the 1st distribution means distributed in the form included in the data included in at least any data of the content data of the above and the program arrangement information including the program information regarding the broadcast content, and reproducing the meta information A second distribution device comprising a second distribution means for distributing to the device, wherein the second distribution means is triggered by receiving a request for the meta information from the playback device referring to the link information, It can be realized as a distribution system characterized by being configured to distribute the meta information.

  Further, a program for operating a computer as a distribution apparatus according to the present invention, which is a program that causes a computer to function as each means of the distribution apparatus, and a computer readable recording of such a program Such recording media are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  Similarly, a program that causes a computer to operate as a playback apparatus according to the present invention, the program that causes the computer to function as each unit of the playback apparatus, and a computer that records such a program and that is read by the computer Possible recording media are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the distribution apparatus according to the present invention can control the communication content reproduction operation by the distribution destination after the broadcast content distribution is completed.

It is the block diagram which showed the principal part structure of the delivery apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the principal part structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the data which the delivery apparatus of FIG. 1 carries on a broadcast wave. (A) shows PSI / SI and ES, and (b) shows the description contents of the configuration stored in the ES of the data carousel. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation when the playback apparatus of FIG. 2 receives a broadcast content recording instruction. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of reproducing communication content by the reproduction apparatus of FIG. 2. It is the figure which showed the description content of the configuration before and behind an update. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the state of the playback device of FIG. 2 before and after the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5. It is the figure which showed the description content of the configuration before and behind an update. It is the figure which showed the description content of the configuration stored in ES of a data carousel. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation when the playback apparatus of FIG. 2 receives a broadcast content recording instruction. It is the figure which showed typically the data which the delivery apparatus of FIG. 1 carries on a broadcast wave. It is the figure which showed schematic structure of the delivery system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the principal part structure of each delivery apparatus which comprises the delivery system of FIG.

  A distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  The distribution system according to the present embodiment includes a distribution device that distributes program content, a playback device that reproduces the distributed program content, and a display device that displays video of the program content and outputs audio. . The distribution device and the playback device can communicate with each other via the Internet. The playback device and the display device are connected by an HDMI cable.

  The distribution device is a distribution device capable of distributing program content of the same program (same title) by broadcasting or communication. In the following description, among the program contents having the same title, program contents distributed by broadcasting are referred to as “broadcast contents”, and program contents distributed by communication are referred to as “communication contents”.

  The playback device can record and play back both broadcast content and communication content. The playback device is configured to play back the communication content based on the description of the configuration distributed from the distribution device.

  In this embodiment, MPS data of DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) currently being standardized by MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) is used as a configuration. In the MPD data used in the distribution system of the present embodiment, only a part of information necessary for starting the reproduction of communication content is recorded, and all necessary information (URL of communication content, codec, etc.) ) Are described in two types.

  The former MPD data includes link information indicating the location of the latter MPD data. Hereinafter, the former MPD data is referred to as “initial MPD data” and the latter MPD data is referred to as “detailed MPD data” as necessary. Details of each MPD data will be described later.

  In this embodiment, the communication content is described as VOD content (content distributed on video on demand).

  First, the configuration of the main part of the distribution apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the distribution apparatus.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the distribution apparatus 100 includes a meta information distribution unit 110, a link information distribution unit 120, a content distribution unit 130, a storage unit 140, a communication unit 150, a transmission unit 160, an operation unit 170, and a meta information update unit. 180.

(Meta information distribution unit 110)
The meta information distribution unit 110 is a distribution device that distributes detailed MPD data (meta information) recorded in the storage unit 140 via the communication unit 150.

(Link information distribution unit 120)
The link information distribution unit 120 supplies the initial MPD data recorded in the storage unit 140 to the content distribution unit 130.

(Content distribution unit 130)
The content distribution unit 130 distributes broadcast content and program arrangement information including initial MPD data through the transmission unit 160, and distributes communication content through the communication unit 150.

(Storage unit 140)
The storage unit 140 is a hard disk device that holds initial MPD data, detailed MPD data, broadcast content, and communication content.

(Communication unit 150)
The communication unit 150 is a network interface that conforms to the TCP / IP protocol.

(Transmission unit 160)
The transmission unit 160 transmits a broadcast wave for distributing broadcast content.

(Operation unit 170)
The operation unit 170 is a keyboard and is used by the user for editing detailed MPD data.

(Meta information update unit 180)
The meta information update unit 180 updates the content of the detailed MPD data in accordance with a user editing operation on the operation unit 170.

  Next, the configuration of the main part of the playback apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the playback apparatus.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the playback device 200 includes a meta information acquisition unit 210, a link information acquisition unit 220, a content acquisition unit 230, a storage unit 240, a communication unit 250, a tuner 260, a playback unit 270, and an operation unit 280. Yes.

(Meta information acquisition unit 210)
The meta information acquisition unit 210 acquires detailed MPD data from the distribution apparatus 100 via the communication unit 250.

(Link information acquisition unit 220)
The link information acquisition unit 220 extracts initial MPD data from the broadcast content or program arrangement information received by the content acquisition unit 230.

(Content acquisition unit 230)
The content acquisition unit 230 receives broadcast content and program arrangement information through the tuner 260, and receives communication content through the communication unit 250.

(Storage unit 240)
The storage unit 240 is a hard disk device for storing initial MPD data, detailed MPD data, broadcast content, and communication content acquired from the distribution device 100.

(Communication unit 250)
The communication unit 250 is a network interface that conforms to the TCP / IP protocol.

(Tuner 260)
The tuner 260 receives a broadcast wave transmitted from the distribution apparatus 100 in order to distribute broadcast content.

(Playback unit 270)
The reproduction unit 270 reproduces the program content according to the contents described in the detailed MPD data, and outputs the video signal and audio signal of the program content to the outside. In the present embodiment, the video signal and audio signal of the program content are output to the display device 300.

(Operation unit 280)
The operation unit 280 is an operation button for the user to instruct the reproduction of the program content.

  Heretofore, the main configuration of the distribution device 100 and the playback device 200 has been described.

(About initial MPD data)
Broadcast content is distributed using a transmission system of terrestrial digital broadcasting. Specifically, the broadcast content is transmitted in a TS format in which video, audio, and data carousel ESs are multiplexed. A TS includes PSI / SI as information indicating what programs exist in the TS and each ES belongs to which program.

  FIG. 3A schematically shows the TS of the program content, and FIG. 3B illustrates the contents of the initial MPD data.

  In this embodiment, the content distribution unit 130 performs program source video, audio, data carousel information source encoding, multiplexing of each ES, and transmission path encoding. The link information distribution unit 120 is configured to add the initial MPD data read from the storage unit 140 to the data carousel that is subjected to information source coding by the content distribution unit 130. As a result, the initial MPD data (configuration 5a) is included in the data carousel ES (4c), and is distributed to the playback apparatus 200 as a part of the TS constituting the program content.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the initial MPD data of the program content includes one element MPD. The contents of the element MPD include an element Location (link information) indicating the location of the detailed MPD data of the corresponding program content (“http://www.example.com/content1.mpd/” in FIG. 3B). ing. The element MPD includes an attribute availabilityStartTime indicating a time (“2011-10-01T19: 00: 00” in FIG. 3B) at which the program content can be reproduced. This attribute can be omitted. is there. Note that the attribute availabilityStartTime may be interpreted as indicating the time at which the detailed MPD data can be distributed.

  Next, the operation of the playback apparatus 200 when receiving an instruction to record the broadcast content (hereinafter also referred to as “target content”) during the broadcast time of the broadcast content will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. To do.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the above operation of the playback apparatus 200.

When receiving an instruction to record the target content during the broadcast time of the target content, the content acquisition unit 230 starts recording the target content being acquired in the storage unit 240. Then, the link information acquisition unit 220 acquires initial MPD data of the target content (S1: first acquisition process, first distribution process).
Specifically, the link information acquisition unit 220 identifies the PMT (4b) of the target content by referring to the PID of the target content included in the PAT (4a) in the TS. Then, the link information acquisition unit 220 identifies the data carousel ES (4c) by referring to the PID of the data carousel ES included in the PMT (4b). The link information acquisition unit 220 extracts initial MPD data from the identified data carousel ES (4c).

  After S1, the link information acquisition unit 220 records the extracted initial MPD data in the storage unit 240 (S2).

  Note that the playback device 200 performs the same operation when receiving a recording instruction before the broadcast time of the target content, but in this case, the timing at which the recording of S1 is started becomes the broadcast start time of the target content. Needless to say.

  Next, the operation of the playback apparatus 200 when receiving an instruction to play the target content that has been broadcast-recorded through the operation unit 280 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the above operation, and FIG. 6 shows the contents of MPD data before and after the update. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the state of the playback device 200 before and after the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 7, the upper part from the arrow indicates the state of the playback apparatus 200 and the distribution apparatus 100 before the operation, and the lower part from the arrow indicates the state of the playback apparatus 200 and the distribution apparatus 100 after the operation.

  As shown in FIG. 7, before the above operation, initial MPD data 5a is recorded in the playback apparatus 200 as a configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the content acquisition unit 230 first determines whether or not the VOD content with the same title can be acquired at the present time (S11). Specifically, the content acquisition unit 230 determines whether or not the description of the attribute availabilityStartTime is included in the initial MPD data 5a of the target content.

  When the content acquisition unit 230 determines that the description of the attribute availabilityStartTime is included, the content acquisition unit 230 further determines whether or not the time represented by the attribute availabilityStartTime has already passed. The content acquisition unit 230 determines that the VOD content can be acquired when it is determined that it has passed, and determines that the VOD content cannot be acquired when it is determined that it has not passed. To do. If it is determined that the description of the attribute availabilityStartTime is not included, the content acquisition unit 230 determines that the VOD content can be acquired. When it is determined that the content cannot be acquired (NO in S11), the playback unit 270 starts playback of the target content that has been broadcast-recorded, and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that acquisition is possible (YES in S11), the process proceeds to S12. In S12, the meta information acquisition unit 210 refers to the element Location of the initial MPD data 5a shown on the upper side of the arrow in FIG. 6, and distributes the detailed MPD data 6 shown on the lower side of the arrow in FIG. Request to device 100. Then, the meta information acquisition unit 210 acquires the detailed MPD data 6 from the distribution device 100 (second acquisition step, second distribution step), and the initial MPD data recorded in the storage unit 240 by the acquired detailed MPD data 6 Update 5a.

  Here, detailed MPD data will be described. The attribute mediaPresentationTime in the detailed MPD data indicates the playback period of the VOD content.

  Further, the detailed MPD data is information indicating the start time of a period when the distribution start time of the VOD content is set to the reference “0” as the content of the corresponding element Period for each period that delimits the playback period of the VOD content. And information indicating the URL of the video file to be reproduced in the period. In the detailed MPD data 6 in FIG. 6, there is at most one period, and information indicating the start time of the period is omitted.

  The detailed MPD data 6 describes URLs of three video files having different bit rates (and resolutions), and the codec of each video file is described as an attribute value of the attribute codec.

  Note that the detailed MPD data can also include other information such as information indicating the delivery time limit of the VOD content.

  The detailed MPD data has been described above, but after S12, the content acquisition unit 230 acquires VOD content based on the description content of the detailed MPD data 6 (third acquisition step, third distribution step), and the playback unit 270 The VOD content acquired by the content acquisition unit 230 is played back (S13: playback step). Specifically, the content acquisition unit 230 evaluates the capabilities of the playback device 200 itself and the conditions of the communication network, and acquires VOD content having a bit rate corresponding to the evaluation result. More specifically, the content acquisition unit 230 evaluates the capability of the playback device 200 itself in three stages of “up”, “medium”, and “lower”. Specifically, VOD content with a bit rate of 1 Mbps) is acquired.

  As a result of the above operation, the configuration recorded in the storage unit 240 is replaced with the detailed MPD data 6 from the initial MPD data 5a. Thereafter, the VOD content can be requested and reproduced by referring to the recorded detailed MPD data. The once acquired VOD content may be recorded in the storage unit 240.

(Advantages of distribution system)
As described above, the distribution system according to the present embodiment includes the distribution device 100 that distributes the VOD content having the same title as the broadcast content, and the playback device 200 that reproduces the VOD content.

  In the distribution apparatus 100, for the detailed MPD data of the content used when the reproduction apparatus reproduces the VOD content, the content distribution unit 130 converts the initial MPD data indicating the acquisition destination of the detailed MPD data into the content data of the broadcast content. Delivered in a form of inclusion.

  In addition, the meta information distribution unit 110 distributes the detailed MPD data to the playback device 200, triggered by receiving a request for detailed MPD data from the playback device 200.

  On the other hand, in the playback device 200, the link information acquisition unit 220 receives the initial MPD data by receiving the content data of the broadcast content, and the meta information acquisition unit 210 refers to the initial MPD data to obtain the detailed MPD from the distribution device 100. Get the data.

  When receiving a program content playback instruction, the meta information acquisition unit 210 acquires detailed MPD data, and the playback unit 270 acquires the detailed MPD data acquired by the meta information acquisition unit 210 based on the detailed MPD data. Play the VOD content that has been played.

  With the above configuration, the playback device 200 acquires the latest detailed MPD data from the distribution device 100 at the time of receiving the program content playback instruction, and then plays back the program content based on the content of the latest detailed MPD data. . For example, in the latest detailed MPD data, when the VOD content delivery deadline is updated from “December 31, 2011” to “January 31, 2012”, the playback device 200 changes the VOD content to January 2012. It can be replayed until 31st.

  Accordingly, the program content distributor updates the detailed MPD data recorded in the distribution apparatus 100 after the broadcast content distribution is completed, thereby controlling the reproduction operation of the VOD content by the reproduction apparatus 200 after the broadcast content distribution is completed. be able to.

(Appendix 1)
In S12, the playback apparatus 200 acquires detailed MPD data from the distribution apparatus 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the description contents of MPD data before and after the update.

As shown in FIG. 8, the playback device 200 refers to the attribute xlink: href of the initial MPD data 5a ′, acquires XML data 6 ′ related to the element period from the distribution device 100, and uses the acquired XML data 6 ′ as the initial MPD. By combining the data 5a ', detailed MPD data 6 "
May be generated.

  Even when the playback apparatus 200 is configured in this way, the distributor of the program content updates the XML data 6 ′ recorded in the distribution apparatus 100 after the broadcast content distribution is completed, so that the VOD content by the playback apparatus 200 is updated. Can be controlled after broadcast content distribution is completed.

(Variation of recording operation of playback device 200)
A modification of the operation of the playback apparatus 200 when receiving a recording instruction will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the initial MPD data, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the playback apparatus 200.

  As shown in the initial MPD data 5b in FIG. 9A and the initial MPD data 5b ′ in FIG. 9B, the initial MPD data distributed from the device 100 to the playback device 200 includes the attribute availabilityStartTime and the element Location. May include an attribute contentType.

  The attribute contentType indicates the content type of the VOD content. The attribute value “original” of the attribute contentType is a value indicating that the content of the VOD content is the same as the content of the broadcast content having the same title.

  The attribute value “digest” of the attribute contentType is a value indicating that the VOD content is a digest version of the broadcast content having the same title. Further, the attribute value “noCommercial” of the attribute contentType is a value indicating that the VOD content is equivalent to the broadcast content having the same title except the CM part.

  In addition to the above, the attribute contentType has a value indicating that the VOD content is charged, a value indicating that the VOD content is a digest version after the lapse of a predetermined period (same as the broadcast content until the lapse of the predetermined period), It can also be taken.

  The operation according to the modified example of the playback device 200 described below is an operation based on the premise that the initial MPD data as described above is acquired from the distribution device 100.

  When receiving the recording instruction of the target content during the broadcast time of the target content, the link information acquisition unit 220 acquires the initial MPD data of the target content by the same method as S1 (S21: first acquisition step, first distribution) Step, fourth acquisition step, fourth distribution step).

  Next, the content acquisition unit 230 determines whether or not the recording target can be VOD content instead of the broadcast content (S22). Specifically, the content acquisition unit 230 determines whether the attribute value of the attribute contentType described in the initial MPD data acquired in S21 is “original” (that is, the content of the VOD content is the same title). It is determined whether or not the content is the same.

  If it is determined that the attribute value is “original” (YES in S22), the initial MPD data acquired in S21 is recorded in the storage unit 240 without recording the broadcast content (S25), and the process ends. . When a recording instruction is made for content whose contentType is “original”, the content acquisition unit 230 of the playback device 200 presents a message to the user that recording is not performed in order to save storage resources (for example, display) (Displayed on the device 300). Further, the content acquisition unit 230 may present a message to the user that the VOD content having the same content can be viewed and recorded later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the attribute value is not “original” (YES in S22), the content acquisition unit 230 determines whether or not the free capacity of the storage (storage unit 240) is sufficient (S23). Specifically, the content acquisition unit 230 determines whether or not the free capacity of the storage unit 240 is equal to or larger than the capacity calculated from the length and bit rate of the target content. If it is determined that the free space is not sufficient (NO in S23), a message indicating that is displayed, and the process proceeds to S25.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the free space is sufficient (YES in S23), content acquisition unit 230 starts recording the broadcast content (S24) and ends the process.

  As described above, the playback device 200 can save the storage resources of the playback device 200 while performing the above operation while avoiding the risk of missing the opportunity for the user to view the target content after the target content is broadcast. .

(Appendix 2)
The distribution apparatus 100 may distribute initial MPD data to the playback apparatus 200 in a form included in content data (specifically, a data carousel ES) of broadcast content. A configuration descriptor for specifying the initial MPD data, as exemplified in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a TS of program content. A configuration descriptor for specifying the initial MPD data (configuration) 5a is periodically distributed to the playback apparatus 200 in a form included in PSI / SI 4d (program arrangement information).

  When the distribution apparatus 100 is configured as described above, the playback apparatus 200 may acquire initial MPD data as follows.

  That is, the link information acquisition unit 220 may refer to the configuration descriptor of the target content in the PSI / SI 4d in S1 (S21) after receiving the recording instruction for the target content. Then, the link information acquisition unit 220 may acquire initial MPD data (meta information) based on the URL (link information) included in the configuration descriptor.

  Also, when the playback apparatus 200 receives a playback instruction for VOD content, the link information acquisition unit 220 refers to the configuration descriptor of the target content in the PSI / SI 4d, and includes the URL (link information) included in the configuration descriptor. ) Based on the initial MPD data (meta information), the process of S11 may be started.

  Note that the program arrangement information may be EPG data transmitted on a broadcast wave, or may be iEPG data transmitted by communication.

(Appendix 3)
In the above embodiment, the distribution apparatus 100 distributes broadcast content, VOD content, initial MPD data, and detailed MPD data, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a distribution apparatus 100a (first distribution apparatus) that distributes broadcast content and initial MPD data, a distribution apparatus 100b (second distribution apparatus) that distributes detailed MPD data, and distribution that distributes VOD content. The device 100c may be provided individually in the distribution system. The configurations of the distribution apparatuses 100a to 100c in this case are shown in FIGS. 13 (a) to 13 (c). Note that the description of each unit included in the distribution apparatuses 100a to 100c has already been completed, and thus the description of each unit is omitted here.

(Program, storage medium)
Each block of the distribution device 100 and the playback device 200 may be realized in hardware by a logic circuit formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip), or realized in software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit). May be.

  In the latter case, the distribution apparatus 100 and the playback apparatus 200 include a CPU that executes instructions of a program that realizes each function, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the program, A storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data is provided. The object of the present invention is to record the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control program of the distribution device 100 and the playback device 200, which is software that realizes the above-described functions, in a computer-readable manner. This can also be achieved by supplying the recording medium to the distribution apparatus 100 and the playback apparatus 200, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium.

  Examples of the recording medium include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks / hard disks, and disks including optical disks such as CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. IC cards (including memory cards) / optical cards, semiconductor memories such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM, PLD (Programmable logic device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. Logic circuits can be used.

  The program code may be supplied to the distribution device 100 and the playback device 200 via a communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited as long as it can transmit the program code. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication network, and the like can be used. The transmission medium constituting the communication network may be any medium that can transmit the program code, and is not limited to a specific configuration or type. For example, even with wired lines such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, and ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) line, infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth (registered trademark), IEEE 802.11 wireless, HDR ( It can also be used by radio such as High Data Rate (NFC), Near Field Communication (NFC), Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), mobile phone network, satellite line, and digital terrestrial network.

  It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is shown not only by the above description but also by the scope of claims for patent, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  The playback apparatus according to the present invention can be widely applied to content distribution systems and the like.

100 Distribution Device 110 Meta Information Distribution Unit (Second Distribution Unit)
120 Link information distribution unit (first distribution means, fourth distribution means)
130 Content distribution unit (third distribution means)
140 Storage Unit 150 Communication Unit 160 Sending Unit 170 Operation Unit 180 Meta Information Update Unit 200 Playback Device 210 Meta Information Acquisition Unit (Second Acquisition Unit)
220 Link information acquisition unit (first acquisition means, fourth acquisition means)
230 Content acquisition unit (third acquisition means, recording means)
240 storage unit 250 communication unit 260 tuner 270 playback unit (playback means)
280 operation unit (instruction receiving means)
300 Display device

Claims (17)

For the meta information of the content used when the playback device reproduces the communication content having the same title as the broadcast content, link information indicating the acquisition destination of the meta information, content data of the broadcast content, and program information related to the broadcast content First distribution means for distributing in a form included in at least one of the program arrangement information including
Second distribution means for distributing the meta information to the playback device,
The distribution device, wherein the second distribution means is configured to distribute the meta information triggered by receiving a request for the meta information from the playback device that refers to the link information. .   The distribution apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising third distribution means for distributing the communication content.   The distribution apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth distribution unit that distributes information indicating whether or not the content of the broadcast content is the same as the content of the communication content.   The distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the link information distributed by the first distribution unit is included in the program arrangement information.   The distribution apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the link information distributed by the first distribution unit is included in the content data. In a playback device capable of playing communication content having the same title as broadcast content,
An instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to reproduce the content of the title;
First acquisition means for acquiring link information indicating an acquisition destination of the meta information for the meta information of the content to be referred to for reproducing the communication content;
Second acquisition means for acquiring the meta information from the distribution device by referring to the link information;
Third acquisition means for acquiring the communication content from the distribution device;
Replay means for replaying the communication content when the replay instruction is accepted,
The first acquisition means receives the link information by receiving at least one of content data of the broadcast content in which the link information is included and program arrangement information in which the link information is included. Configured to get and
The second acquisition unit is configured to acquire the meta information triggered by reception of the reproduction instruction, and the reproduction unit acquires the communication content based on the acquired meta information. A playback device configured to play back. Fourth acquisition means for acquiring information indicating whether the content of the broadcast content is the same as the content of the communication content;
7. The playback apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising recording means for recording only the broadcast content that the fourth acquisition means determines that the content is not the same as the communication content. The link information is distributed in the form of content data of the broadcast content,
The playback apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the meta information by referring to link information included in the content data. The link information is distributed in the form of program layout information.
9. The playback apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the meta information by referring to link information included in the program arrangement information. . A distribution system including a distribution device that distributes communication content having the same title as broadcast content, and a reproduction device that reproduces the communication content,
The delivery device is
For the meta information of the content to be used when the playback device plays back the communication content, link information indicating the acquisition destination of the meta information, program data including content data of the broadcast content and program information related to the broadcast content First distribution means for distributing the information in at least one of the information and the data;
Second distribution means for distributing the meta information to the playback device,
The playback device is
An instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to reproduce the content of the title;
First acquisition means for acquiring the link information by receiving at least one of the data;
Second acquisition means for acquiring the meta information from the distribution device by referring to the link information;
Third acquisition means for acquiring the communication content from the distribution device;
Replay means for replaying the communication content when the replay instruction is accepted,
The second acquisition unit transmits a request for the meta information to the distribution device as a trigger when the reproduction instruction is received, and the second distribution unit uses the trigger as a trigger for reception of the request. A distribution system configured to distribute meta information to the playback device, wherein the playback unit is configured to play back the communication content based on the acquired meta information. For the meta information of the content used when the playback device reproduces the communication content having the same title as the broadcast content, link information indicating the acquisition destination of the meta information, content data of the broadcast content, and program information related to the broadcast content A first distribution device comprising a first distribution means for distributing data included in at least one of data including program arrangement information including:
A second delivery device comprising second delivery means for delivering the meta information to the playback device,
The distribution system, wherein the second distribution unit is configured to distribute the meta information triggered by receiving a request for the meta information from the playback device that refers to the link information. . For the meta information of the content used when the playback device reproduces the communication content having the same title as the broadcast content, link information indicating the acquisition destination of the meta information, content data of the broadcast content, and program information related to the broadcast content A first distribution step of distributing in a form included in at least one of the program sequence information including
A second distribution step of distributing the meta information to the playback device,
The delivery method of the delivery device, wherein the second delivery step is a step of delivering the meta information triggered by receiving a request for the meta information from the playback device that refers to the link information. . In a playback method of a playback device capable of playing communication content having the same title as broadcast content,
An instruction receiving step for receiving an instruction to reproduce the content of the title;
A first acquisition step of acquiring link information indicating an acquisition destination of the meta information for the meta information of the content to be referred to for reproducing the communication content;
A second acquisition step of acquiring the meta information from the distribution device by referring to the link information;
A third acquisition step of acquiring the communication content from the distribution device;
A reproduction step of reproducing the communication content when the reproduction instruction is accepted,
The first acquisition step receives the link information by receiving at least one of content data of the broadcast content in which the link information is included and program arrangement information in which the link information is included. It is a process to acquire,
The second acquisition step is a step of acquiring the meta information triggered by the reception of the reproduction instruction, and the reproduction step is a step of reproducing the communication content based on the acquired meta information. A reproduction method characterized by that.   A distribution program for causing a computer to operate as the distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distribution function causes the computer to function as each unit included in the distribution device.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the distribution program according to claim 14 is recorded.   A reproduction program for causing a computer to operate as the reproduction apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the reproduction function causes the computer to function as each unit included in the reproduction apparatus.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the reproduction program according to claim 16 is recorded.

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