JP2013138332A - Digital broadcasting system, receiver, management device, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanism in which only a communication content automatic notice setting processing script is performed by a viewer, a receiver itself determines whether a communication content of data broadcast, which is acquired from a program content, can be displayed or not, and only the receiver which can display the communication content accesses a content site to achieve automatic notice.SOLUTION: A receiver receives data broadcast which is broadcast from a broadcast station having a plurality of types of channels, and analyzes a BML script included in the data broadcast. A content management server which transmits a determination request whether a communication content can be acquired by the receiving channel or not determines whether the receiver can acquire the communication content in response to the determination request from the receiver. If it can be acquired, an original content is transmitted to the receiver, and if not, a general content is transmitted.

Description

  The present invention relates to a control program for automatically posting communication contents in a digital broadcasting system and a digital communication system, and a program for managing contents to be automatically posted for each receiver.

Currently, a digital content providing system is realized, and an interactive service capable of providing “communication content” in cooperation with program content is also realized. In order to provide this interactive service, in digital broadcasting service, BML (Broadcast) is used as digital broadcasting distributed by broadcasting using radio waves and broadcasting using a communication line.
Program content in Markup Language) format is used, BML scripts included in digital broadcasting are analyzed by a receiver, data broadcasting is displayed, and linked “communication content” is provided.

  Normally, program content in BML format is broadcast and distributed by multiplexing program data consisting of video and BML data, and viewed using a BML browser provided in a receiver (general television receiver). be able to.

  In this regard, for program content created in BML format, when a BML file to be displayed superimposed on video is requested from the digital broadcasting terminal to the BML server on the center side, information stored in the digital broadcasting terminal (viewer attribute information or Other digital broadcasting terminal information) is also transmitted, and the BML server dynamically creates a BML file based on the information transmitted from the digital broadcasting terminal, so that the center side dynamically responds to the digital broadcasting terminal information. Discloses a mechanism for changing contents (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, the receiver in an environment connectable to the Internet accesses the URI described in the BML script of the received program content, acquires the communication content arranged in the content site connected to the Internet, A mechanism that can be executed has been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-135706 A JP 2005-223607 A

  So far, we have designed a site that can predict the audience rating of the program in advance, calculate the number of receivers that are accessed simultaneously from the number of receivers in the broadcast area, and process the number of accesses. As in the inventions disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, when the receiver accesses the URIs described in the BML script all at once, a large-scale facility such as a server and a line capacity of the content site is required. Therefore, sizing that assumes peak access is necessary, leading to an increase in costs, and excessive data center equipment that assumes peak hours is extremely wasteful in daily operations. It is desirable to narrow down in advance the combinations of receivers and receivable channels that need to be performed.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the receiver itself determines whether or not the communication content of the data broadcast acquired from the program content can be displayed only by the viewer selecting the communication content automatic bulletin setting at the receiver, and the communication content is displayed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism that allows a content site to be accessed and posted automatically only by a receiver that can be used and a channel that can display communication content.

That is, according to the present invention, a receiver capable of displaying data broadcasting and communication content distributed from an information distribution device and a management device managing the receiver acquired by the communication content can be connected via the Internet. A digital broadcasting system including a plurality of types of channels and a broadcasting station that broadcasts the data broadcast on each channel, to the information distribution apparatus for acquiring the communication content in the broadcasting station Broadcasting means for broadcasting a data broadcast including a BML script in which link information is described, and the receiver receives the data broadcast of which channel among the data broadcasts transmitted from the respective channels of the broadcast station. Broadcast on the channel selected by the channel selecting means for selecting whether or not to be selected by the channel selecting means A data broadcast receiving means for receiving the data broadcast, an analysis means for analyzing the BML script included in the data broadcast received by the data broadcast receiving means, and the BML script analyzed by the analyzing means, A determination request transmission unit configured to transmit a determination request as to whether or not the communication content can be acquired to the management device through a channel that broadcasts the data broadcast received by the data broadcast reception unit; The receiver receiving the data broadcast of the channel selected by the channel selection unit based on the determination request of the receiver transmitted by the determination request transmission unit of the receiver acquires the communication content Determining means for determining whether or not the receiver is a possible receiver, and transmitting a determination result of the determining means to the receiver A determination result transmitted by the determination result transmission unit of the management device, the determination result transmitted by the channel selection unit is received by the receiver in the receiver. Communication content acquisition request means for making a request to acquire the communication content to the information distribution device based on the link information described in the data broadcast when it is determined that the receiver can acquire the communication content And display means for displaying the communication content acquired by the communication content acquisition request means by the acquisition request to the information distribution apparatus and the data broadcast on the same screen.
In addition, the receiver of the present invention receives a data broadcast including a BML script in which link information to an information distribution apparatus for acquiring communication content from a broadcasting station having a plurality of types of channels for transmitting the data broadcast is described. In the receiver that displays the data broadcast and the communication content distributed from the information distribution device and is connected to the management device that manages the receiver from which the communication content is acquired via the Internet, each of the broadcasting stations Of the data broadcasts transmitted on the channel, channel selection means for selecting which channel of the data broadcast is received, and data broadcast for receiving the data broadcast broadcast on the channel selected by the channel selection means Receiving means and the BM included in the data broadcast received by the data broadcast receiving means Based on the analysis means for analyzing the script and the BML script analyzed by the analysis means, the communication content can be acquired by the management apparatus through the channel for broadcasting the data broadcast received by the data broadcast reception means. A determination request transmitting means for transmitting a determination request for determining whether or not the data broadcast broadcast on the channel selected by the channel selection means based on the determination request transmitted by the determination request transmitting means is received. A communication content acquisition requesting unit that makes a request for acquiring the communication content to the information distribution device based on the link information described in the data broadcast in a case where it is determined that the device can acquire the communication content; The communication content acquired by the communication content acquisition request means by the acquisition request to the information distribution device. Characterized in that it comprises a content, and a display means for displaying said data broadcast on the same screen.
In addition, the management device of the present invention receives a data broadcast including a BML script in which link information to an information distribution device for acquiring communication content from a broadcasting station having a plurality of types of channels for transmitting the data broadcast is described. The management device that manages the receiver that acquires the communication content connected via the Internet and the receiver that displays the data broadcast and the communication content distributed from the information distribution device receives the selection by the user Determining means for performing determination based on a determination request transmitted from the receiver, whether or not the receiver receiving the data broadcast of the channel is a receiver capable of acquiring the communication content; And a determination result transmission means for transmitting the determination result of the determination means to the receiver.

  According to the present invention, the receiver itself determines whether or not the communication content of the data broadcast acquired from the program content can be displayed only by executing the communication content automatic bulletin setting processing script by the operation of the viewer. It is possible to provide a mechanism in which only a receiver capable of displaying the message can access the content site and automatically post it.

  Specifically, a general television receiver can be operated as an advertisement display system by sending a small amount of information such as a link table as part of the data broadcast, and the display can be updated in real time. Can be provided.

  In the present invention, since the receiver is assumed to be a general television receiver, it is possible to provide an advertisement display mechanism that does not require application maintenance if there is no OS installation by the user.

  In addition, since it is possible to control whether or not access is possible for each reception channel even within an accessible receiver, it is possible to access only from a specific channel, and the access load on the content site can be reduced.

  In addition, the user can selectively use a channel for displaying data content distributed by a broadcasting station using television waves and a channel for displaying data content distributed by a content site.

  By distributing communication content to be distributed using a viewer ID such as CASID uniquely assigned to each receiver, dedicated communication content is distributed to specific receivers, and no special content is prepared. The communication content displayed for each receiver or each time zone can be changed, such as delivering general content to the receiver.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the digital broadcasting system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the digital broadcast transmitter which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the digital broadcast receiver (set top box) which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of communication content automatic bulletin setting in the display apparatus (set top box) of the viewer which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of automatic communication content posting in the display apparatus (set top box) of the viewer concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the communication content automatic bulletin process in the viewer's display apparatus (set top box) concerning this embodiment, and the process of temporary automatic bulletin suppression. It is a flowchart which shows the service level response server process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a terminal management DB structural example of the operation center which concerns on this embodiment. It is an example of a service level management DB configuration of the operation center according to the present embodiment. It is an example of the inquiry message to the service level response server transmitted from the display device (set top box) according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display at the time of displaying simultaneously data broadcasting and automatic bulletin communication content with the display apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure showing a series of processing steps of a digital broadcasting system concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the response process of the communication content in the display apparatus (set top box) of the viewer which concerns on this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, as shown in FIG. 1, according to the present invention, program content for data broadcasting is distributed from a broadcasting device 101 in a satellite / terrestrial digital broadcasting station 100, and a general television receiver 400 (A / B) is provided. ) To receive program content for data broadcasting. Then, the receiver 400 that has received the program content analyzes the BML script in the program content and inquires of the operation center 200 whether or not the original communication content that can be acquired during broadcasting can be acquired.

  Program content as digital broadcasts such as BS, CS, terrestrial, etc. by digital transmission system using MPEG2-TS from digital broadcasting station 100 that performs data broadcasting including digital data constituting TV broadcasting program (main program) and data broadcasting program Is sent.

  The program content for data broadcasting is composed of image data (still image / moving image), character data, audio data, and a control program (BML script), and is automatically displayed when the program content is displayed on the receiver 400. The communication content URI (link information for acquiring the communication content), the service level for automatically posting the communication content, the communication content automatic bulletin setting BML script shown in FIG. 4, and the communication shown in FIG. A BML script for automatically posting content is included. The received BML script is analyzed by a BML browser provided in the receiver and executed.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the receiver 400, the operation center 200 (management device), and the content site 300 (information distribution device) can be connected via the Internet.

  In the operation center 200 (management apparatus), a service level response server 201 for instructing automatic posting setting of communication contents transmitted from a receiver that has analyzed the BML script, a terminal management database (DB) 202, a service A level management database (DB) 203 is provided. Each database operating in the operation center 200 can be realized by a general information processing apparatus (server).

  The management terminal database (DB) 202 includes specific information (CAS card number, etc.) and name (customer) for identifying the receiver (or recipient) that displays the automatically posted communication content from each customer (owner of the receiver). Name), address, telephone number, link (URI) of advertisement content to be displayed, broadcast period (start time, end time), etc. are obtained and recorded and managed in the terminal management database (DB) 202 of the operation center 200. . The terminal management DB 202 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In addition, the service level management server 203 stores and manages contract information, service level, broadcast period, and the like of automatic bulletin communication content serviced from a broadcasting station that receives digital broadcasting for each customer (owner of the receiver). ing. The service level management DB 203 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The content site 300 is specified by the URI described in the BML script of the program content, stores the BML data of the communication content automatically posted by the receiver in the communication content server 301, and can be distributed on the Internet. Yes. The communication content server 301 operating on the content site 300 can also be realized by a general information processing apparatus (server).

  In the figure, the operation center 200 and the content site 300 are provided at different bases, but there is no problem in managing and operating at the same base.

  The video, audio, and data broadcast demodulated by the viewer's set top boxes (receivers) 401A and 401B are displayed on the viewer's display devices 402A and 402B as broadcast programs.

  The receivers 400A and 400B execute BML for data broadcasting, check specific information (CAS card number, etc.) for identifying the receiver by themselves, and if the conditions described in the received link table are met , Access the specified URI, and acquire and execute BML content on the Internet. If the device is not applicable, normal broadcast content is displayed.

  Next, the data structure of the terminal management DB 202 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The terminal management DB in FIG. 8 is a database that manages receivers that are permitted to receive and display “communication content” from the content site 300 in the present embodiment.

  The terminal management DB includes items of a receiver ID 801, a customer name 802, a customer address 803, a customer telephone number 804, and valid periods 805 and 806 for receiving services. These pieces of information are managed by an administrator terminal of the operation center 200.

  The data structure of the service level management DB 203 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The service level management DB in FIG. 9 receives the service, such as the receiver ID 901 of the receiver that receives the service, the broadcast station ID 902 that performs digital broadcasting, the program ID that is broadcast from the broadcast station, the service level 904 of the receiver. It is assumed that the items of valid periods 905 and 906 are provided. These pieces of information are also managed by the administrator terminal of the operation center 200.

  Next, the broadcast facility (broadcast apparatus) 111 of the broadcast station 110 will be described based on the block diagram shown in FIG.

  The main part of the broadcast produced by the video / audio data production device 11 is stored in the video / audio data holding device 12 in a digital data format (MPEG2 or the like).

  BML, which is data broadcast content, is produced by the data broadcast production device 21 and stored in a digital data format in the data broadcast holding device 22. The data broadcasting data that is held can be sequentially updated by the data broadcasting updating device 23 during broadcasting.

  Each program data stored in the video / audio data holding device 12 and the data broadcast holding device 22 by the broadcast information scheduled in advance is converted into one digital data format via the multiplexing device 31, and the modulation device 32 and the transmission device 33. Is transmitted as radio waves.

  Next, the set top box 401 of the receiver 400 will be described based on the block diagram shown in FIG.

  A radio wave received from an antenna (not shown) is selected by a tuner unit 51 and separated by a demodulation unit 52 into video (main video) data, audio (main audio) data, data broadcasting data (BML content), and the like.

  Video (main video) data (such as MPEG2) is decoded by the video / signal processing unit 54 and output as a video signal. Audio (main audio) data (MPEG2-AAC or the like) is decoded by the audio processing unit 53 and output as an audio signal.

  Data broadcasting data (BML content) is expanded on the RAM 59 and executed on the CPU 55 by a browser program stored in the ROM 58 of the set top box 401.

  The set top box 401 receives a signal from the remote controller 61 and executes processing described in a data broadcast control program (script).

  The data broadcast image processed by the browser is combined with the video (main video) by the video / signal processing unit 54 and then output as a video signal. Similarly, the voice of the data broadcast processed by the browser is synthesized with the voice (main part voice) by the voice processing unit 53 and output as a voice signal. Similarly, the video signal and audio signal of the data broadcast processed by the browser can be viewed on the display devices (general television receivers) 402A and 402B.

  Although the configuration of the set-top box 401 and the display device (television receiver) is shown, it may be a television receiver with a built-in set-top box function.

  Further, it is possible to communicate with the Internet using the built-in communication I / F 56 to acquire and execute BML content on the same network.

  The receiver 400 acquires the BML script included in the program content for data broadcasting on the RAM and executes it by the CPU 55. A series of instructions for realizing the subsequent operations are described as a BML script, and the receiver 400 analyzes the script using the BML browser, executes the script, and performs the processes of FIGS.

  Hereinafter, an overview of the overall processing of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, the receiver 400 is turned on to receive data broadcast program content from a tuned broadcast station. As described above, the program content includes image data, audio data, character data, and a control program (BML script). The BML script is acquired when the program of this data broadcasting is displayed. The communication content acquisition destination URI and the service level at which the communication content can be acquired are described (1).

  Next, the BML script of the received data broadcast is analyzed by the BML browser of the receiver 400, and the analyzed program is executed (2). Next, a message (FIG. 10) for confirming whether or not the receiver 400 is a communication content acquisition target is created for the service level response server 201 (3). In the service level response server, the service level at which the receiver 400 that transmitted the message using the receiver ID, broadcast station ID, program ID, etc. described in the message received from the receiver 400 as a key can acquire the communication content. Is confirmed using the terminal management DB 202 and the service level management DB 203. Then, the result is returned to the receiver (4).

  The receiver 400 stores the service level described in the message returned from the server in the storage unit (specifically, NvRAM) of the receiver 400 (5). Thereafter, the receiver 400 extracts a service level value described in the BML script of the received data broadcast (program) and capable of acquiring communication content of the program. Then, the service level value stored in the receiver 400 is compared, and if it is a service level at which communication content can be acquired, a communication content acquisition request is transmitted to the communication content server 301 of the content site 300. (6). The communication content server 301 transmits the communication content to the receiver 400 that has received the acquisition request (7). Finally, the receiver 400 displays the data broadcast (program) and the communication content (8).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of communication content in the receiver 400 according to the present embodiment. A program broadcast from a broadcasting station or a program displayed using an Internet line is displayed in a broadcast display area 1101. When the program content including the BML script for displaying the communication content is received, the processing shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 is executed. In step 506, the communication content display area 1102 is displayed for each receiver 400. “Communication contents” of different contents to be provided are displayed.

  Hereinafter, an outline of processing of the video display control system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. First, a communication content automatic bulletin setting flow in the receiver 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The communication content automatic bulletin setting processing script shown in FIG. 4 included in the BML script of the program content received from the broadcasting station is executed by operating the remote control button of the viewer.

  First, receiver 400 (assuming a general television receiver) receives a program from a specific broadcasting station in a state where power is turned on. When the “data acquisition button (d button on the remote control)” is pressed during reception, a menu screen displayed for the acquired program is displayed.

  This menu screen is usually processed in parallel so that the receiver 400 can acquire the program from the broadcast station and simultaneously analyze the menu screen information acquired by the BML browser and display it on the receiver display. ing.

  When the menu screen is displayed and selection of “content acquisition” in the menu is accepted, the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 4 (Internet connection determination processing in step 401) is started.

  In step 401, it is determined whether the receiver 400 (specifically, the set top box 401) is connected to the Internet. As a determination method, it is determined whether or not a LAN cable is connected to the communication I / F 56 of the receiver 400. If connected (YES in step S401), the broadcast station ID (network ID) is determined from the CAS card number, which is specific information for identifying the receiver 400, and the SI / PSI information included in the digital broadcast currently being received. ), The channel ID, and the program ID are acquired, and an inquiry message to the service level response server shown in FIG. 10 is created (step 402).

  FIG. 10 is a data table showing a configuration example of an inquiry message to the service level response server created in step 402 described above.

  The message of FIG. 10 includes, for example, a message header part 1001, a receiver ID (CAS card number or the like) 1002, a broadcast station ID (network ID or the like) 1003, a channel ID 1004, a program ID 1005, a time stamp 1006, and a response status 1007. It shall be.

  According to the current ARIB (Abbreviation of Association of Radio Industries and Broadcasting), the message header 1001 indicates that the HTTP version to be installed in the receiver is 1.1. Therefore, HTTP version 1.1 header information is described.

  The receiver ID 1002 indicates identification information for specifying each receiver 400, and corresponds to a CAS card number set in the receiver 400, for example.

  The broadcast station ID 1003 indicates a broadcast station that is broadcasting the program that the receiver 400 is currently receiving. Identification information for uniquely identifying each broadcasting station is set in the broadcasting station.

  The channel ID 1004 indicates a channel received in the broadcasting station that is broadcasting the program that the receiver 400 is currently receiving. Identification information for uniquely specifying each channel set by the broadcasting station is set.

  A program ID 1005 indicates a program that is currently viewed on the receiver 400. Identification information for uniquely identifying each program is set for the program broadcast from the broadcasting station.

  A time stamp 1006 indicates date and time information when this message was created. Alternatively, it is possible to specify a specific date and time in order to confirm the content at the specified date and time in advance and after the fact. For example, when the administrator of the receiver 400 wants to confirm the contents of the automatically posted communication content displayed in the already broadcasted program, the administrator specifies the past date and makes an inquiry to the service level response server 201. be able to. Data broadcasting requires that content be stored in a storage device for a certain period of time by law, so that it can be verified even after airing. Is possible. Further, when it is desired to confirm the contents of the automatically posted content displayed in a program to be broadcast from now on, it is possible to inquire the service level response server 201 by designating a future date.

  As the response status 1007, when the service level response server 201 receives a message, the service level of the target receiver is determined and a specific value is embedded.

  Subsequently, returning to the description of FIG. 4, in step 403, the receiver 400 passes through the Internet line connected to the communication I / F 56 in order to determine the service level for acquiring its own communication content. The inquiry message described in FIG. 10 is transmitted to the service level response server 201 installed in the operation center 200 in the HTTP format or the like (transition to (1)). Processing for receiving a message and creating a response message in the service level response server 201 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 7 relates to processing for confirming a service level for automatically posting communication contents at a receiver, which is executed by the service level response server 201 in the present embodiment.

  In step 701, the service level response server 201 receives an inquiry message from the receiver 400 to the service level response server shown in FIG.

  The receiver ID in the received message is extracted, and the terminal management DB 202 is searched as a search key (step 702). It is determined from the search result whether it is within the valid period during which the service can be enjoyed (step 703).

  If the result of determination in step 703 is that the receiver 400 that transmitted the inquiry message is stored in the terminal management DB 202 and is within the valid period during which the service can be enjoyed, the receiver ID and broadcast station ID in the message And the channel ID and the like are extracted, and the service level management DB 203 is searched using these as search keys (step 704), and it is determined from the search results whether or not the service period is valid (step 704). 705).

  In step 703, if the receiver 400 that transmitted the inquiry message is not stored in the terminal management DB 202 or is managed by the terminal management DB 202, but is outside the valid period during which the service can be enjoyed, In step 707, it is determined that the receiver is not a target receiver. In step 707, the response status that is not a service target is set in the response status 1007 item of the inquiry message in FIG. 10, and the result is sent to the receiver 400 that transmitted the message. respond.

  If the receiver does not have a service target level based on the determination result, a response status that is a non-service target is returned to the request receiver. If the receiver has a level, the service level is set to a response status and the request receiver is responded.

  If the value set in the response status 1007 in Steps 706 and 707 is, for example, the level of two choices of being able to receive the service or not being able to receive the service, “0” is set for the non-service target, and the service is applied. Possible is “1”. In addition, this is not the case when a service is applicable and can be enjoyed with several stages. For example, if the service level goes up step by step, such as regular, bronze, silver, gold, platinum, etc., the values “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5” are set respectively. I will do it.

  When a response message is returned from step 706 or 707 (transition to (2) in FIG. 4), the process returns to FIG. 4, and the receiver 400 receives the response message transmitted from the service level response server 201 in step S404. (Transition from (2) in FIG. 7), the value of the response status 1007 (service level) included in the received message is the URI described in the BML script included in the program content of the data broadcast from the broadcast station. It is determined whether or not it is an automatic posting target to be acquired (step 405).

  That is, here, the process changes depending on whether the value set in the response status 1007 is “0” or a value other than “0”. If the value of the service level given to the receiver 400 that received the message is a value to be automatically posted (“1” if the service level is determined as “0” or “1”) (step 405). And YES), the fact that the receiver 400 is a receiver capable of automatically posting communication contents is written in a non-volatile memory (NvRAM) (step 406). Here, as described above, the service level value used for the determination may be a binary determination of “0” or “1” or a multi-value determination such as 3, 5, 10 levels.

  According to the processing of FIG. 4, the receiver 400 receives a program from a broadcast station, and determines whether or not the receiver itself is a service receiving target for communication content that can be provided in conjunction with the received program. And the setting for receiving communication contents can be automatically performed. Furthermore, by storing the service level value of the receiver acquired in the response message in a non-volatile memory (NvRAM), even if the receiver tunes to another channel, the service level provided Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether or not communication content can be acquired from the content site each time (specifically, it is executed in step 505 in FIG. 5).

  Next, a process in which the receiver 400 acquires communication content from the content site and automatically posts it will be described in detail based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step 501, the receiver 400 obtains a setting flag for automatic bulletin content temporary suppression from the volatile memory (Ureg / Greg, etc.) of the receiver (step 501), and the temporary suppression setting is stored. (Step 502). The process of writing the automatic posting temporary suppression setting flag in the volatile memory will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  If it is not in the temporary inhibition setting state (NO in step 502), the processing from step 503 is executed. If it is temporary inhibition (YES in step 502), the process proceeds to step 508.

  In step 508, the receiver 400 cancels the “automatic content posting temporary suppression setting” stored in the volatile memory (Ureg / Greg, etc.), and the BML script of the program content received by the receiver 400 is released. Acquire and display data broadcasting programs.

  On the other hand, if it is not in the temporary inhibition setting state (NO in step 502), the process proceeds to step 503, and reception that can provide communication content stored in the BML script included in the received data broadcast program content is possible. The service level value of the machine is extracted.

  In addition, the receiver 400 receives the service level value recorded in the nonvolatile memory (NvRAM) in step 406 of FIG. 4 described above (the response message of the service level response server 201 of FIG. 7). Obtained value).

  In step 505, the receiver 400 acquires the service level value of the receiver capable of providing communication content stored in the BML script included in the program content for data broadcasting acquired in step 503, and acquired in step 504. Compared with the service level value (value received by the response message of the service level response server 201 in FIG. 7) recorded in the non-volatile memory (NvRAM), the receiver 400 posts the communication content. It is determined whether it is a target receiver that can

  If the communication content is to be automatically posted, the content site 300 indicated by the URI stored in the BML script included in the program content is accessed to make an acquisition request and stored in the communication content server 301 connected to the Internet. The “communication content” is acquired and displayed on the receiver 400 (step 506). If the service level value recorded in the non-volatile memory (NvRAM) is a value that is not a service target terminal (for example, “0” or the service level is different), from the BML script of the program content, A data broadcast screen related to normal program content is displayed. This BML script is preferably a startup document of the BML script in terms of implementation.

  The Startup document here refers to the BML script that is executed first by the BML browser when the channel of the receiver 400 is tuned by remote control operation. This is because the BML script is always executed first at the time of channel tuning, and there is no omission of processing.

  Next, the automatic bulletin temporary suppression setting process of the receiver will be described based on FIG. The “communication content” displayed on the receiver 400 by the processing of FIG. 5 is automatically acquired and displayed until the processing for returning to the Startup document allocated to the reception of the d button press on the remote control is executed. Continue to do.

  In step 601, when the d button on the remote control of the receiver is accepted and the process of returning to the Startup document is requested by the BML script of the program content, the communication content is automatically displayed in the volatile memory (Ureg / Greg, etc.). The temporary suppression is set, the Startup document is executed, and the display of the program content is resumed (steps 603 and 604).

  As a result, in the communication content automatic posting flow shown in FIG. 5, after the automatic posting temporary suppression determination, the automatic posting temporary suppression setting in the volatile memory (Ureg / Greg, etc.) is canceled and the normal content is executed.

  FIG. 13 shows a process for distributing communication contents to be distributed using a viewer ID such as CASID uniquely assigned to each receiver, which is executed by the service level response server 201 in this embodiment.

  In step 1301, the service level response server 201 receives from the receiver 400 an inquiry message to the service level response server shown in FIG.

  The receiver ID in the received message is extracted, and the terminal management DB 202 is searched as a search key (step 1302). It is determined from the search result whether there is individual content (step 1303).

  As a result of the determination in step 1303, when the receiver 400 that transmitted the inquiry message is stored in the terminal management DB 202 and there is individual content, the receiver ID, broadcasting station ID, channel ID, etc. in the message are displayed. The individual contents in the content site 300 are searched using these as search keys (step 1304), and the result is returned to the receiver 400 that transmitted the message.

  In step 1303, the receiver 400 that has transmitted the inquiry message is managed by the terminal management DB 202. If there is no individual content, it is further determined from the search result whether there is general content (step 1305).

  As a result of the determination in step 1305, when the receiver 400 that transmitted the inquiry message is stored in the terminal management DB 202, and there is no individual content and there is general content, the receiver ID and broadcasting station ID in the message The channel ID and the like are extracted, and the general content in the content site 300 is searched using these as search keys (step 1306), and the result is returned to the receiver 400 that transmitted the message.

  In step 1303, if the receiver 400 that transmitted the inquiry message is managed by the terminal management DB 202, but there is no individual content and no general content, the system standard content in the content site 300 is searched. (Step 1307) The result is returned to the receiver 400 that has transmitted the message.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the receiver itself determines whether or not the communication content of the data broadcast acquired from the program content can be displayed only by executing the communication content automatic bulletin setting processing script by the operation of the viewer. It is possible to provide a mechanism that allows only a receiver capable of displaying communication content to access a content site and automatically post it.

  Specifically, a general television receiver can be operated as an advertisement display system by sending a small amount of information such as a link table as part of the data broadcast, and the display can be updated in real time. Can be provided.

  In the present invention, since the receiver is assumed to be a general television receiver, it is possible to provide an advertisement display mechanism that does not require application maintenance if there is no OS installation by the user.

  In addition, since it is possible to control whether or not access is possible for each reception channel even within an accessible receiver, it is possible to access only from a specific channel, and the access load on the content site can be reduced.

  In addition, the user can selectively use a channel for displaying data content distributed by a broadcasting station using television waves and a channel for displaying data content distributed by a content site.

  By distributing communication content to be distributed using a viewer ID such as CASID uniquely assigned to each receiver, dedicated communication content is distributed to specific receivers, and no special content is prepared. The communication content displayed for each receiver or each time zone can be changed, such as delivering general content to the receiver.

That is, according to the present invention, a receiver capable of displaying data broadcasting and communication content distributed from an information distribution device and a management device managing the receiver acquired by the communication content can be connected via the Internet. A digital broadcasting system including a plurality of types of channels and a broadcasting station that broadcasts the data broadcast on each channel, to the information distribution apparatus for acquiring the communication content in the broadcasting station Broadcasting means for broadcasting a data broadcast including a BML script in which link information is described, and the receiver receives the data broadcast of which channel among the data broadcasts transmitted from the respective channels of the broadcast station. Broadcast on the channel selected by the channel selecting means for selecting whether or not to be selected by the channel selecting means A data broadcast receiving means for receiving the data broadcast, an analysis means for analyzing the BML script included in the data broadcast received by the data broadcast receiving means, and the BML script analyzed by the analyzing means, A determination request transmission unit configured to transmit a determination request as to whether or not the communication content can be acquired to the management device through a channel that broadcasts the data broadcast received by the data broadcast reception unit; The receiver receiving the data broadcast of the channel selected by the channel selection unit based on the determination request of the receiver transmitted by the determination request transmission unit of the receiver acquires the communication content Determining means for determining whether or not the receiver is a possible receiver, and transmitting a determination result of the determining means to the receiver A determination result transmitted by the determination result transmission unit of the management device, the determination result transmitted by the channel selection unit is received by the receiver in the receiver. Communication content acquisition request means for making a request to acquire the communication content to the information distribution device based on the link information described in the data broadcast when it is determined that the receiver can acquire the communication content And display means for displaying the communication content acquired by the communication content acquisition request means by the acquisition request to the information distribution apparatus and the data broadcast on the same screen.
In addition, the receiver of the present invention receives a data broadcast including a BML script in which link information to an information distribution apparatus for acquiring communication content from a broadcasting station having a plurality of types of channels for transmitting the data broadcast is described. In the receiver that displays the data broadcast and the communication content distributed from the information distribution device and is connected to the management device that manages the receiver from which the communication content is acquired via the Internet, each of the broadcasting stations Of the data broadcasts transmitted on the channel, channel selection means for selecting which channel of the data broadcast is received, and data broadcast for receiving the data broadcast broadcast on the channel selected by the channel selection means Receiving means and the BM included in the data broadcast received by the data broadcast receiving means Based on the analysis means for analyzing the script and the BML script analyzed by the analysis means, the communication content can be acquired by the management apparatus through the channel for broadcasting the data broadcast received by the data broadcast reception means. A determination request transmitting means for transmitting a determination request for determining whether or not the data broadcast broadcast on the channel selected by the channel selection means based on the determination request transmitted by the determination request transmitting means is received. A communication content acquisition requesting unit that makes a request for acquiring the communication content to the information distribution device based on the link information described in the data broadcast in a case where it is determined that the device can acquire the communication content; The communication content acquired by the communication content acquisition request means by the acquisition request to the information distribution device. Characterized in that it comprises a content, and a display means for displaying said data broadcast on the same screen.
In addition, the management device of the present invention receives a data broadcast including a BML script in which link information to an information distribution device for acquiring communication content from a broadcasting station having a plurality of types of channels for transmitting the data broadcast is described. The management device that manages the receiver that acquires the communication content connected via the Internet and the receiver that displays the data broadcast and the communication content distributed from the information distribution device receives the selection by the user Determining means for performing determination based on a determination request transmitted from the receiver, whether or not the receiver receiving the data broadcast of the channel is a receiver capable of acquiring the communication content; And a determination result transmission means for transmitting the determination result of the determination means to the receiver.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by each device, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer is actually executed based on the instructions of the program. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing a part or all of the process and the process is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

  In addition, each process realized by the above-described software can be realized as firmware or hardware configuration, and each process can be realized as each means. The technical scope of the present invention is realized by such firmware or hardware configuration. Is also included.

100 broadcasting station 101 broadcasting device 200 operation center 201 service level response server 202 terminal management DB
202 Service level management DB
300 content site 301 communication content server 400 receiver (television receiver)
401 Set-top box (receiver)
402 Display device

Claims (9)

A receiver capable of displaying data broadcast and communication content distributed from an information distribution device, and a management device for managing the receiver that acquires the communication content are connectable via the Internet, and a plurality of types of channels A digital broadcasting system including a broadcasting station that broadcasts the data broadcasting on each channel,
In the broadcasting station,
Broadcast means for broadcasting a data broadcast including a BML script in which link information to the information distribution device for acquiring the communication content is described;
In the receiver,
Channel selection means for selecting which data broadcast of the data broadcast transmitted from each channel of the broadcast station is received;
Data broadcast receiving means for receiving the data broadcast broadcast on the channel selected by the channel selecting means;
Analyzing means for analyzing the BML script included in the data broadcast received by the data broadcast receiving means;
Based on the BML script analyzed by the analysis means, a request for determining whether or not the communication content can be acquired to the management device on the channel that broadcasts the data broadcast received by the data broadcast reception means is transmitted. Determination request transmission means for performing,
In the management device,
Based on the determination request of the receiver transmitted by the determination request transmission means of the receiver, the receiver that has received the data broadcast of the channel selected by the channel selection means can acquire the communication content Determining means for determining whether the receiver is a correct receiver;
A determination result transmission means for transmitting the determination result of the determination means to the receiver;
In the receiver,
Determination that the determination result transmitted by the determination result transmission unit of the management apparatus is that the receiver that is receiving the data broadcast broadcast on the channel selected by the channel selection unit can acquire the communication content In this case, communication content acquisition request means for making an acquisition request for the communication content to the information distribution device based on the link information described in the data broadcast,
A digital broadcasting system, further comprising: display means for displaying the communication content acquired by the communication content acquisition request means by the acquisition request to the information distribution apparatus and the data broadcast on the same screen. The determination request transmission transmitted by the determination request transmission means includes at least receiver identification information for identifying the receiver, and channel information broadcasting a data broadcast received by the receiver,
Whether the determination unit of the management device is a service level receiver capable of acquiring communication content by using the receiver identification information and the channel information transmitted by the determination request transmission unit. First determination means for determining whether or not,
When the first determination means determines that the receiver is a service level receiver capable of acquiring the communication content, the program broadcast on the channel information transmitted by the determination request transmission means And a second determination means for determining whether or not the data broadcast received by the receiver is a program to be acquired for the communication content. Item 2. The digital broadcasting system according to Item 1. The BML script included in the data broadcast includes service level information of a receiver that can acquire the communication content,
In the receiver,
When the determination result transmitted by the determination result transmission unit of the management apparatus is a determination that the communication content can be acquired, a service level at which the receiver can acquire the communication content is stored in the storage unit Recording means for recording on,
The receiver is distributed from the information distribution device by comparing the service level recorded in the recording unit by the recording means and the service level information included in the BML script included in the data broadcast. Service level determination means for determining whether or not the service level is for acquiring communication content;
The communication content acquisition requesting unit of the receiver transmits the data broadcast when the service level determination unit determines that the receiver is at a service level for acquiring the communication content distributed from the information distribution device. 3. The digital broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein an acquisition request for the communication content is made to the information distribution apparatus based on the link information described. When receiving an instruction to end the display of the communication content displayed on the display unit of the receiver, the automatic acquisition of the communication content based on the BML script of the data broadcast is temporarily suppressed in the storage unit of the receiver A temporary deterrence means to make the state
A temporary suppression state determination unit that determines whether the communication content automatic acquisition of the receiver is in a temporary suppression state by the temporary suppression unit when the data broadcast is received by the data broadcast reception unit;
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a release unit that releases the temporary suppression state when the receiver determines that the receiver is in the temporary suppression state. The digital broadcasting system according to item. In the receiver,
5. The digital broadcasting system according to claim 4, wherein the receiver that has released the temporary inhibition state by the releasing means includes program content display means for displaying program content included in the BML script of the data broadcast. A data broadcast including a BML script describing link information to an information distribution apparatus for acquiring communication content from a broadcasting station having a plurality of types of channels for transmitting the data broadcast is received, and the data broadcast and the information distribution are received. In a receiver connected via the Internet with a management device that displays the communication content distributed from the device and manages the receiver from which the communication content is acquired,
Channel selection means for selecting which data broadcast of the data broadcast transmitted on each channel of the broadcast station is received;
Data broadcast receiving means for receiving the data broadcast broadcast on the channel selected by the channel selecting means;
Analyzing means for analyzing the BML script included in the data broadcast received by the data broadcast receiving means;
Based on the BML script analyzed by the analysis means, a request for determining whether or not the communication content can be acquired to the management device on the channel that broadcasts the data broadcast received by the data broadcast reception means is transmitted. Determination request transmission means to perform,
In the case where it is determined that the receiver that is receiving the data broadcast broadcast on the channel selected by the channel selection unit based on the determination request transmitted by the determination request transmission unit can acquire the communication content. Communication content acquisition request means for making an acquisition request for the communication content to the information distribution device based on the link information described in the data broadcast
A receiver comprising: display means for displaying the communication content acquired by the communication content acquisition request means in response to an acquisition request to the information distribution apparatus and the data broadcast on the same screen. A data broadcast including a BML script describing link information to an information distribution apparatus for acquiring communication content from a broadcasting station having a plurality of types of channels for transmitting the data broadcast is received, and the data broadcast and the information distribution are received. In a management device that manages a receiver that displays communication content distributed from a device and a receiver that acquires the communication content connected via the Internet,
It is determined based on a determination request transmitted from the receiver whether or not the receiver receiving the data broadcast of the channel for which selection by the user is received is a receiver that can acquire the communication content. Determining means for executing
A management apparatus comprising: determination result transmission means for transmitting the determination result of the determination means to the receiver. A receiver capable of displaying data broadcast and communication content distributed from an information distribution device, and a management device for managing the receiver that acquires the communication content are connectable via the Internet, and a plurality of types of channels A control method for controlling a digital broadcasting system including a broadcasting station that broadcasts the data broadcasting on each channel,
In the broadcasting station,
A broadcasting step in which the broadcasting means of the broadcasting station broadcasts a data broadcast including a BML script in which link information to the information distribution device for acquiring the communication content is described;
In the receiver,
A channel selection step in which the channel selection means of the receiver selects which data broadcast of the data broadcasts transmitted from the respective channels of the broadcast station is received;
A data broadcast receiving step in which the data broadcast receiving means of the receiver receives the data broadcast broadcast on the channel selected in the channel selection step;
An analyzing step in which the analyzing means of the receiver analyzes the BML script included in the data broadcast received in the data broadcast receiving step;
Based on the BML script analyzed by the analysis unit, the determination request unit of the receiver can acquire the communication content to the management device through a channel that broadcasts the data broadcast received by the data broadcast reception unit. A determination request transmission step for transmitting a determination request as to whether or not there is,
In the management device,
The receiver in which the determination unit of the management device receives the data broadcast of the channel selected in the channel selection step based on the determination request of the receiver transmitted in the determination request transmission step of the receiver Is a determination step of determining whether or not the receiver is capable of acquiring the communication content;
A determination result transmission unit of the management device includes a determination result transmission step of transmitting the determination result of the determination step to the receiver;
In the receiver,
The communication content acquisition requesting means of the receiver receives the data broadcast in which the determination result transmitted in the determination result transmission step is broadcast on the channel selected in the channel selection step. A communication content acquisition request step for making a request for acquisition of the communication content to the information distribution device based on the link information described in the data broadcast in the case of determination that content can be acquired;
The display means of the receiver includes a display step of displaying the communication content acquired by the acquisition request to the information distribution device in the communication content acquisition request step and the data broadcast on the same screen. Characteristic control method. A receiver capable of displaying data broadcast and communication content distributed from an information distribution device, and a management device for managing the receiver that acquires the communication content are connectable via the Internet, and a plurality of types of channels A program for controlling as a digital broadcasting system including a broadcasting station that broadcasts the data broadcasting on each channel,
The broadcasting station,
Function as a broadcasting means for broadcasting a data broadcast including a BML script in which link information to the information distribution apparatus for acquiring the communication content is described;
The receiver
Channel selection means for selecting which data broadcast of the data broadcast transmitted from each channel of the broadcast station is received;
Data broadcast receiving means for receiving the data broadcast broadcast on the channel selected by the channel selecting means;
Analyzing means for analyzing the BML script included in the data broadcast received by the data broadcast receiving means;
Based on the BML script analyzed by the analysis means, a request for determining whether or not the communication content can be acquired to the management device on the channel that broadcasts the data broadcast received by the data broadcast reception means is transmitted. Function as a determination request transmission means to
The management device,
Based on the determination request of the receiver transmitted by the determination request transmission means of the receiver, the receiver that has received the data broadcast of the channel selected by the channel selection means can acquire the communication content Determining means for determining whether the receiver is a correct receiver;
Function as determination result transmission means for transmitting the determination result of the determination means to the receiver;
The receiver
Determination that the determination result transmitted by the determination result transmission unit of the management apparatus is that the receiver that is receiving the data broadcast broadcast on the channel selected by the channel selection unit can acquire the communication content In this case, communication content acquisition request means for making an acquisition request for the communication content to the information distribution device based on the link information described in the data broadcast,
The communication content acquisition request means functions as display means for displaying the communication content acquired by the acquisition request to the information distribution apparatus and the data broadcast on the same screen. Possible program.

Images