JP2021027450A - Distribution system, receiving device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a distribution system capable of distributing, in synchronism with information on a trigger for an event distributed with a broadcast signal, the information on the trigger for the event through a communication network.SOLUTION: A distribution system comprises an event generation section, a media timed event generation section, a media timed event insertion section, and a distribution server function section. The event generation section generates event information to be transmitted with a broadcast signal. The media timed event generation section generates, based upon the event information, a media timed event as event notification data to be inserted into a media content distributed through a communication network. The media timed event insertion section inserts the generated media timed event into the media content for distribution. The distribution server function section distributes the media content having the media timed event inserted through the communication network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to distribution systems, receivers and programs.

There are technologies for notifying events that synchronize with content such as video and audio delivered by the web. As described in Non-Patent Document 1, standardization of such an event notification method is being attempted. Non-Patent Document 1 describes a request for a timed event (event to be timed) associated with video media or audio media on the web, and a use case thereof.

"Media Timed Events --W3C Interest Group Note 03 June 2019", World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), updated June 3, 2019, downloaded June 26, 2019, URL https://www.w3.org/TR / 2019 / NOTE-media-timed-events-2019

By the way, it is expected that the technology of distributing broadcast contents (video and audio) via a communication network at the same time (or almost at the same time) of broadcasting such as television will become widespread in the future. In a broadcasting system, it is possible to notify an event trigger by using an event message (EM, Event Message). When distributing broadcast contents via a communication network, it is desirable to be able to distribute not only video and audio but also information corresponding to the above event message at an appropriate timing. In order to distribute such trigger information, it is conceivable to use the media timed event (MTE) described in Non-Patent Document 1. However, in the conventional technology, there is no method of distributing MTE on a communication network in synchronization with event information (EM or the like) distributed by a broadcast signal.

The present invention has been made based on the above-mentioned problem recognition. The present invention, for example, when delivering content by communication at the same time (or almost at the same time) as broadcasting, triggers an event via a communication network in synchronization with information of a trigger of an event delivered by a broadcast signal. It is intended to provide a distribution system, a receiving device, and a program capable of distributing the information of the above.

[1] In order to solve the above problems, the distribution system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an event generation unit that generates event information for transmission by a broadcast signal, and a medium that distributes via a communication network based on the event information. A media timed event generator that generates a media timed event that is event notification data to be inserted into the content, and a media timed event insertion that inserts the generated media timed event into the media content for distribution. A distribution system including a unit and a distribution server function unit that distributes the media content into which the media timed event is inserted via a communication network.

[2] Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above distribution system, the media content is a moving image content, and the media timed is provided with a moving image file management unit for managing the moving image files constituting the moving image content. The event insertion unit adds the media timed event generated to the video file scheduled to be distributed among the video files managed by the video file management unit.

[3] Further, one aspect of the present invention is a receiving device that receives media content via a communication network, and is media time, which is event notification data generated based on event information for transmission by a broadcast signal. When the event is inserted in the media content, it is a receiving device that receives the media timed event inserted in the media content via the communication network.

[4] Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned receiving device, a broadcast receiving function unit that receives a broadcast signal and presents the content obtained by demolishing the broadcast signal, and the received media content. When the predetermined media timed event is inserted in, the broadcast reception function unit further includes a control unit for controlling the start of reception of the broadcast signal.

[5] Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned receiving device, a cooperation unit that performs a cooperation operation with a broadcast receiving device having a function of receiving a broadcast signal and the said media time predetermined for the received media content. When the event is inserted, the cooperation unit further includes a control unit that controls the cooperation unit to perform the cooperation operation with the broadcast receiving device.

[6] Further, one aspect of the present invention is a program for making a computer function as the distribution system of the above [1] or [2].

[7] Further, one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a receiving device according to any one of the above [3] to [5].

According to the present invention, a media timed event, which is event notification data, can be inserted into media content distributed via a communication network based on event information for distribution by broadcasting.

It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the whole structure of the content distribution system by embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the more detailed functional structure of the broadcasting equipment by the same embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the more detailed functional structure of the communication distribution equipment by this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline of the method of adding MTE to the content in the communication distribution equipment by the same embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the specific data example of the MTE inserted into the moving image content (via the Internet) by the same embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the specific data example included in the EM inserted in the broadcast signal by the same embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an operation sequence for transmitting the same event or a similar event to both the receiving devices 51 and 52 by using EM and MTE according to the same embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an operation sequence for controlling the receiving device 51 that has received the moving image file distributed by the communication network to return it to the broadcast content according to the same embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a sequence of a series of operations in which a receiving device 52 that has received a moving image file distributed by a communication network requests a cooperative operation from the receiving device 51 according to the same embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of the content distribution system according to the present embodiment. The illustrated content distribution system 1 is a system for distributing video content for broadcasting as both a broadcast signal and communication data. As shown in the figure, the content distribution system 1 includes a broadcasting facility 10, a communication distribution facility 30, receiving devices 51 and 52, and a communication network 70. Further, the broadcasting equipment 10 includes a video supply system 11, a multiplexing device 15, and a modulation / transmission system 17. Further, the communication distribution equipment 30 includes a video resource management device 31 and a web distribution server device 32. Further, a part of the devices constituting the event insertion system 20 is included in the broadcasting equipment 10 side. The other part of the device constituting the event insertion system 20 is included in the communication equipment 30 side.

The broadcasting equipment 10 is a group of devices for transmitting a broadcasting signal of a television. The broadcasting equipment 10 is operated by, for example, a broadcasting company. The functions of the video supply system 11, the multiplexing device 15, and the modulation / transmission system 17 that constitute the broadcasting equipment 10 are as described below.

The video supply system 11 is a system that supplies video content. Video content includes video and audio. The video supply system 11 supplies the video content to the multiplexing device 15 for transmission as a broadcast signal, and also supplies the video content to the video resource management device 31 for simultaneous distribution via the communication network.
The multiplexing device 15 is a device having a function of multiplexing and outputting the video content supplied by the video supply system 11 and other information. The multiplexing device 15 multiplexes the video content and, for example, control information. Here, an example of the control information is the event information supplied by the event insertion system 20. Details of the multiplexing device 15 will be described later.
The modulation / transmission system 17 modulates the broadcast signal using the signal output by the multiplexing device 15, and transmits the broadcast signal to the outside.

The communication distribution equipment 30 is a group of devices for distributing video content via the communication network 70. The communication distribution equipment 30 is operated by, for example, a network distribution company. The network distribution company may also serve as the above-mentioned broadcasting company. The functions of the video resource management device 31 and the web distribution server device 32 included in the communication distribution facility 30 are as described below.

The video resource management device 31 is a device that manages video resources for distribution via the communication network 70. The moving image resource is managed as, for example, a moving image file having a predetermined time length. The moving image file is, for example, a file encoded in the mp4 format. The video resource management device 31 at least temporarily stores a group of video files for distribution. Further, the video resource management device 31 has a function of adding event information passed from the event insertion system 20 to a video file for distribution.
The web distribution server device 32 receives video files from the video resource management device 31 as appropriate, temporarily stores the video files in a buffer, and sequentially distributes the video files via the communication network 70 at a predetermined timing. To do.

The communication network 70 is a network for data communication used when the web distribution server device 32 distributes a moving image file. In the communication network 70, for example, communication using the Internet Protocol (IP) is performed. A large number of devices including the web distribution server device 32 are connected to the communication network 70, and data can be transmitted to and received from each other between these devices.

The receiving devices 51 and 52 are devices used by the user to view the video content. Each of the receiving devices 51 and 52 has a function of receiving a moving image file from the web distribution server device 32 via the communication network 70. Further, each of the receiving devices 51 and 52 has a function of decoding the received moving image file and presenting the video content on the screen or the like. Of the receiving devices 51 and 52, the receiving device 51 has a function of receiving a broadcast signal. The receiving device 51 demodulates the received broadcast signal and presents the broadcast video content on a screen or the like. On the other hand, the receiving device 52 does not have a function of receiving or demodulating a broadcast signal. That is, the receiving device 52 is, so to speak, a terminal dedicated to Internet communication.

The receiving device 51 is, for example, a television receiver. In the receiving device 51, a hybrid cast application is appropriately operated. On the other hand, the receiving device 52 is, for example, a device such as a PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a wearable terminal. A video playback player operates on the receiving device 52. The video playback player on the receiving device 52 requests a video file from the web distribution server device 32 based on a user operation or the like. In addition, the moving image playback player sequentially receives and plays back the moving image files. Although FIG. 1 shows only one receiving device 51 and one receiving device 52, in reality, the content distribution system 1 includes a large number of receiving devices 51 and a large number of receiving devices 52. be able to.

The receiving device 51 may include a broadcast receiving function unit and a control unit as its configuration. The broadcast reception function unit has a function of receiving a broadcast signal and presenting the content obtained by demodulating the broadcast signal. The broadcast signal is modulated by a predetermined method. Further, the broadcast signal conveys the content encoded by a predetermined method. The control unit controls the broadcast reception function unit to start receiving the broadcast signal when the media timed event is inserted into the received media content.

The receiving device 52 may include a cooperation unit and a control unit as its configuration. The cooperation unit has a function of performing a cooperation operation with an external broadcast receiving device. The external broadcast receiving device has a function of receiving a broadcast signal. The external broadcast receiving device may be the receiving device 51 described above. Further, when the media timed event is inserted into the received media content, the control unit controls the cooperation unit to perform a cooperation operation with the broadcast receiving device.

The receiving device 51 and the receiving device 52 can also communicate with each other, for example, in the home via a home communication network. The receiving device 51 and the receiving device 52 can also cooperate with each other by, for example, a broadcasting / communication cooperation system (hybrid cast or the like). When the receiving device 51 and the receiving device 52 cooperate with each other, for example, "Hybridcast Connect" can be used.

Next, a more detailed functional configuration of each of the broadcasting equipment 10 and the communication distribution equipment 30 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a more detailed functional configuration of the broadcasting equipment 10. As shown in the figure, the broadcasting equipment 10 includes a broadcast video supply device 12, an encoder device 13, an encoder device 14, a TS multiplexing device 16, a modulation device 18, a transmission device 19, an event generation device 21, and the like. The EM transmission device 22, the EM setting file management unit 23, and the MTE transmission device 24 are included.

The broadcast video supply device 12, the encoder device 13, and the encoder device 14 constitute the video supply system 11 of FIG.
The broadcast video supply device 12 supplies video content (including video and audio) for television broadcasting. The broadcast video supply device 12 passes the video content to the encoder devices 13 and 14, respectively.
The encoder device 13 encodes the video content output by the broadcast video supply device 12 in a manner for television broadcasting. The encoder device 13 is, for example, an MPEG2 system or an MPEG-H HEVC / H. The video content is encoded using the 265 method or the like. The encoder device 13 passes the code obtained by the coding process to the TS multiplexing device 16.
The encoder device 14 encodes the video content output by the broadcast video supply device 12 by a method for online distribution. The encoder device 14 generates, for example, MPEG-DASH moving image content. DASH stands for "Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP" (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming by HTTP). The encoder device 14 generates, for example, an MP4 format moving image file. The encoder device 14 uploads the data obtained as a result of the coding process to the moving image resource management device 31 (FIG. 3).

The TS multiplexing device 16 corresponds to the multiplexing device 15 in FIG.
The TS multiplexing device 16 multiplexes and outputs the code of the video output by the encoder device 13 and at least the information including the EM (event message) passed from the EM sending device 22. The EM and the EM sending device 22 will be described later.

The modulation device 18 and the transmission device 19 constitute the modulation / transmission system 17 of FIG.
The modulation device 18 modulates the broadcast signal using the signal output by the TS multiplexing device 16.
The transmission device 19 transmits the broadcast signal modulated by the modulation device 18 to the outside. The signal transmitted by the transmission device 19 propagates in the air, a metal cable, or the like.

The event generation device 21, the EM transmission device 22, the EM setting file management unit 23, and the MTE transmission device 24 are elements that constitute the event insertion system 20.
The event generation device 21 generates event information for transmission together with the broadcast content. In the present embodiment, the event information generated by the event generation device 21 is transmitted to the receiving device side via both the broadcast signal and the communication network 70. The event generation device 21 passes the generated event information to the EM transmission device 22.
The EM sending device 22 generates and outputs an EM (event message, Event Message) based on the event information passed from the event generating device 21. The EM transmission device 22 passes the generated EM data to both the TS multiplexing device 16 and the EM setting file management unit 23.
The EM setting file management unit 23 generates an MTE (Media Timed Event (s)) for transmission on the communication network 70 based on the EM passed from the EM transmission device 22. The EM setting file management unit 23 passes the generated MTE to the MTE transmission device 24.
The MTE transmission device 24 sends the MTE data passed from the EM setting file management unit 23 to the MTE insertion device 25 on the communication distribution equipment 30 side. The MTE transmission device 24 automatically operates the MTE insertion device 25 based on, for example, the operation of the operator or with reference to the EM setting file managed by the EM setting file management unit 23.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the event generated by the event generation device 21 is also carried on the broadcast signal and is also passed to the communication distribution equipment 30 side. That is, the event can also be added to a moving image file transmitted via a communication network.

The above MTE is metadata representing an event synchronized with audio media or video media. In other words, the MTE is associated with the time (absolute time or relative time) in audio and video media. In general, MTEs replace content, insert advertisements, present auxiliary content, change web pages, and perform predetermined procedures (programs, etc.) at a predetermined time in audio media and video media. ) Is used to execute. MTE itself is an existing technical concept and is also described in the literature cited as Non-Patent Document 1 in the background art. The MTE may have information indicating the timing in the moving image content (for example, relative time or absolute time information) inside. Further, the MTE itself may not have such time information. Even when the MTE itself does not have time information, the timing at which the MTE is transmitted may be information representing a predetermined time.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a more detailed functional configuration of the communication distribution equipment 30. As shown in the figure, the communication distribution equipment 30 includes an MTE insertion device 25, a video resource management device 31, and a web distribution server device 32. Of these, the video resource management device 31 and the web distribution server device 32 have already been described with reference to FIG.
Further, the MTE insertion device 25 is an element constituting the event insertion system 20.
The MTE insertion device 25 receives MTE data from the MTE transmission device 24 on the broadcasting equipment 10 side, and inserts the MTE into a predetermined file among the moving image files managed by the moving image resource management device 31. The timing of inserting the MTE into the video resource will also be described in FIG. 4 below.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a method of adding MTE to the content in the communication distribution equipment 30. As shown, a moving image file is composed of a plurality of fragments. The communication distribution equipment 30 sequentially distributes these plurality of fragments of the moving image file. In the figure, each fragment of the moving image file is shown as a moving image file 0001, a moving image file 0002, ..., And a moving image file 0010. In the figure, each fragment of the moving image file is in a transmitted state, a state stored in a transmission buffer, or an unprocessed state. Fragments that the web distribution server device 32 has sent to the receiving devices 51 and 52 are shown as "sent video". Fragments that are stored in the transmit buffer of the web distribution server device 32 and have not yet been transmitted by the web distribution server device 32 are designated as "transmission buffers". Fragments that are stored in the video resource management device 31 but not yet stored in the transmit buffer of the web distribution server device 32 are shown as "unprocessed video". Specifically, the fragment "video file 0001" is a "sent video". Further, fragments "moving image file 0002" to "moving image file 0005" are stored in the "transmission buffer". Further, fragments "moving image file 0006" to "moving image file 0010" are "unprocessed moving images".

When an MTE to be inserted occurs in the situation shown in FIG. 4, the MTE is added to the fragment of the "unprocessed video" managed by the video resource management device 31 that is scheduled to be delivered at the earliest timing. Will be done. In other words, the MTE insertion device 25 passes the MTE to be inserted into the content to the video resource management device 31. The MTE insertion device 25 adds the MTE to the fragment of the unprocessed video managed by the video resource management device 31 that is scheduled to be sent at the earliest (earliest) timing, so that the video resource management device 31 Instruct. The moving image resource management device 31 adds the MTE to the fragment (“moving image file 0006” in the example shown here). After that, the fragments after the moving image file 0006 are also sequentially transferred to the transmission buffer of the web distribution server device 32, and further sent to the receiving device 51.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a specific data example of the MTE inserted in the moving image content. In the figure, the line numbers of the data are added for convenience. As shown in the figure, the MTE can be configured as text data having a block structure as an example. The MTE illustrated here is an example, and is an MTE representing "Earthquake Early Warning". The MTE of this "Earthquake Early Warning" corresponds to the EM (Earthquake Early Warning) emergency earthquake breaking news inserted in the broadcast signal.

In the figure, the left curly brace (curly braces) on the first line represents the start of the entire MTE. This left curly brace on the first line corresponds to the right curly brace on the 16th line. From the second line to the fifteenth line, a set of pairs of data item names and data item values is described. One data item name and one data item value are associated with each other by a colon (:).

In the second line, the data item name "scheme_id" (scheme identifier) and its data item value "urn: mpeg: dash: event: strl" are described. The data item name "scheme_id" has an event string.
In the third line, the data item name "value" and the data item value "1" are described.
In the 4th line, the data item name "event_id" (event identifier) and the data item value "5" are described. This event identifier is information for uniquely identifying the event.
In the 5th and 7th lines, the data item name "presentation_delta" (presentation time delta) and the data item value "1" are described, respectively. This presentation time delta represents the relative time of the presentation time.
In the sixth line, the data item name "time_scale" and the data item value "1" are described. This represents the time scale of the presentation time.
On the 8th line, the data item name "event_duration" (event duration) and the data item value 3 are described. This represents the length of presentation time.

The data item name "message_data" (message data) and the data item value are described in the 9th to 15th lines. This message data is for storing general-purpose messages. The value of the above message data further has an internal block structure. This internal block contains five pairs of data item names and data item values. The pairs are as follows.
That is, on the 10th line, the data item name "component_tag" (component tag) and the data item value "0x40" are described.
On the 11th line, the data item name "message_group_id" (message group identifier) and the data item value 0 are described.
On the 12th line, the data item name "message_id" (message identifier) and the data item value 170 are described.
On the 13th line, the data item name "message_version" and the data item value 1 are described.
On the 14th line, the data item name "private_data" (private data) and the data item value "emergency" (emergency) are described.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of data included in the EM inserted in the broadcast signal. As described above, the EM is multiplexed as a part of the broadcast signal by the TS multiplexing device 16 and transmitted from the transmitting device 19. In the figure, the line numbers of the data are added for convenience. As shown in the figure, the EM can be configured as text data having a block structure as an example. The EM shown here is an example, and is a message of "Earthquake Early Warning" representing the same event as the MTE shown in FIG.

The pair of the left curly brace in the first row and the right curly brace in the seventh row of the illustrated data represents the range of one block. The second to sixth lines include five pairs of data item names and data item values. The pairs are as follows. That is, the data item name "component_tag" and the data item value "0x40" are described in the second line. In the third line, the data item name "message_group_id" (message group identifier) and its data item value 0 are described. In the fourth line, the data item name "message_id" (message identifier) and the data item value 170 are described. In the fifth line, the data item name "message_version" and the data item value 1 are described. In the sixth line, the data item name "private_data" (private data) and the data item value "event msg" (event message) are described.

Next, the procedure of the operation based on the event (EM or MTE) in the content distribution system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an operation sequence for transmitting the same event or a similar event to both the receiving devices 51 and 52 using EM and MTE. Hereinafter, this sequence will be described.

In step S11, the event generation device 21 generates a predetermined event.

In step S12, the event generation device 21 passes the event generated in step S11 to the EM sending device 22. The EM transmission device 22 passes the EM corresponding to the event to the TS multiplexing device 16. The TS multiplexing device 16 multiplexes the passed EM to the TS. The modulation device 18 modulates the TS output from the TS multiplexing device. The modulation device 18 passes the modulated broadcast signal to the transmission device 19.

On the other hand, in step S13, the EM transmission device 22 passes the EM to the EM setting file management unit 23 based on the event passed to the EM transmission device 22. The EM setting file management unit 23 generates an MTE based on the passed EM and passes it to the MTE transmission device 24. The MTE sending device 24 passes the MTE to the MTE inserting device 25. The MTE insertion device 25 adds the MTE to one of the unprocessed moving image files managed by the moving image resource management device 31. That is, the MTE insertion device 25 inserts the MTE into the moving image content distributed via the communication network 70. The moving image file is acquired by the web distribution server device 32.

In step S14, the transmission device 19 transmits a broadcast signal including the EM. The receiving device 51 having a broadcast receiving function receives the broadcast signal transmitted from the transmitting device 19.
On the other hand, in step S15, the web distribution server device 32 transmits a moving image file including the MTE. The receiving device 52 receives the moving image file distributed from the web distribution server device 32.

In step S16, the receiving device 51 performs processing according to the event represented by the EM received in step S14.
In step S17, the receiving device 52 performs processing according to the event represented by the MTE received in step S15.

As described above, by using the present embodiment, the event generated by the event generation device 21 is the receiving device 51 or 52, respectively, by the EM in the broadcast signal or by the MTE distributed via the communication network. Will be delivered to. That is, both the receiving device 51 having a function of receiving the broadcast signal and the receiving device 52 having no function of receiving the broadcast signal can perform an operation based on the same event generated by the event generating device 21. For example, when the receiving devices 51 and 52 present video content, they may produce sound effects, visual effects, and other effects by controlling peripheral devices based on the same transmitted event. it can.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an operation sequence for controlling the receiving device 51 that has received the moving image file distributed by the communication network to return it to the broadcast content. Hereinafter, this sequence will be described.

In step S21, the event generation device 21 generates a predetermined event.

In step S22, the MTE based on the event generated by the event generation device 21 in step S21 is passed to the web distribution server device 32. The specific procedure is as follows. That is, the event generation device 21 passes the event generated in step S21 to the EM transmission device 22. Based on the event passed to the EM sending device 22, the EM sending device 22 passes the EM to the EM setting file management unit 23. The EM setting file management unit 23 generates an MTE based on the passed EM and passes it to the MTE transmission device 24. The MTE sending device 24 passes the MTE to the MTE inserting device 25. The MTE insertion device 25 adds the MTE to one of the unprocessed moving image files managed by the moving image resource management device 31. That is, the MTE insertion device 25 inserts the MTE into the moving image content distributed via the communication network 70. The moving image file is acquired by the web distribution server device 32.

In step S23, the web distribution server device 32 transmits a moving image file including the MTE via the communication network 70. The receiving device 51 receives the moving image file distributed from the web distribution server device 32.

In step S24, the receiving device 51 performs processing based on the MTE included in the moving image file received in step S23. Specifically, the receiving device 51 stops the operation of the web browser that has received the moving image file transmitted from the web distribution server device 32.
Subsequently, in step S25, the receiving device 51 receives the broadcast signal and starts presenting the broadcast content. The broadcast service received by the receiving device 51 in this step may be specified in the MTE received by the receiving device 51 in step S23. Further, the video content originally received by the receiving device 51 is associated with the specific broadcasting service in advance, and in step S25, the receiving device 51 may receive the broadcasting signal of the broadcasting service.

As described above, by using the present embodiment, it is possible to control the receiving device 51 presenting the contents of the communication network to be returned to the broadcast contents based on the event generated by the event generating device 21.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a sequence of a series of operations in which the receiving device 52 that has received the moving image file distributed by the communication network requests the receiving device 51 to perform a cooperative operation. Hereinafter, this sequence will be described.

In step S31, the event generation device 21 generates a predetermined event.

In step S32, the MTE based on the event generated by the event generation device 21 in step S31 is passed to the web distribution server device 32. The specific procedure is as follows. That is, the event generation device 21 passes the event generated in step S31 to the EM transmission device 22. Based on the event passed to the EM sending device 22, the EM sending device 22 passes the EM to the EM setting file management unit 23. The EM setting file management unit 23 generates an MTE based on the passed EM and passes it to the MTE transmission device 24. The MTE sending device 24 passes the MTE to the MTE inserting device 25. The MTE insertion device 25 adds the MTE to one of the unprocessed moving image files managed by the moving image resource management device 31. That is, the MTE insertion device 25 inserts the MTE into the moving image content distributed via the communication network 70. The moving image file is acquired by the web distribution server device 32.

In step S33, the web distribution server device 32 transmits a moving image file including the MTE via the communication network 70. The receiving device 52 receives the moving image file distributed from the web distribution server device 32.

In step S34, the receiving device 52 performs processing based on the MTE included in the moving image file received in step S33. Specifically, the receiving device 52 transmits a request for cooperative operation to the receiving device 51, for example, via a short-range wireless communication network. The receiving device 51 receives the cooperation request transmitted from the receiving device 52. The receiving device 51 and the receiving device 52 that operate in cooperation with each other may be associated with each other by executing the pairing procedure in advance. Alternatively, when making a cooperation request in this step, pairing may be performed between the receiving device 51 and the receiving device 52 to establish a connection.
Next, in step S35, the receiving device 51 executes the cooperation operation based on the cooperation request received in step S34.
Then, in step S36, the receiving device 51 returns a response regarding the cooperative operation to the receiving device 52. The receiving device 52 receives the response from the receiving device 51.

As described above, by using the present embodiment, the receiving device 52 presenting the contents of the communication network requests the receiving device 51 to cooperate with each other based on the event generated by the event generating device 21. It becomes possible to do. Here, an example of the cooperative operation is that the receiving device 51 starts receiving a specific broadcasting service.

The content distribution system 1 transmits events (EM and MTE), for example, for the following uses.

The first application example is to control or synchronize an IoT device or the like on the receiving device side in conjunction with moving image content by transmitting an event. Note that "IoT" represents the Internet of Things.
The second application example is the presentation of additional information according to the scene (time) of the moving image content. Here, the additional information is in the form of, for example, a pop-up on the screen or insertion of a CM (commercial message).
A third use example is to transmit an emergency event (for example, an Earthquake Early Warning) via a communication network. Further, as a derivative form thereof, when an emergency event is transmitted, the receiving device side may perform a pullback from the reproduction of the moving image content by communication to the broadcasting (example shown in FIG. 8).
The fourth use example is to convey the timing for the viewer to participate in the program, for example, answering a quiz or totaling a questionnaire.
A fifth use example is to send additional information such as subtitle text.

The function of each device included in the content distribution system 1 in the above-described embodiment is realized by using, for example, an electronic circuit. Further, each function may be internally provided with a storage means such as a semiconductor memory or a magnetic hard disk device, if necessary.

It should be noted that at least a part of the functions of each device included in the content distribution system 1 can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read by a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The "computer-readable recording medium" is a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a USB memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system. Say that. Furthermore, a "computer-readable recording medium" is a device that temporarily and dynamically holds a program, such as a communication line when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. , In that case, a program may be held for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system serving as a server or a client. Further, the above-mentioned program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions, and may be further realized by combining the above-mentioned functions with a program already recorded in the computer system.

The present embodiment is summarized as follows. That is, the content distribution system 1 (also referred to as a “distribution system”) includes an event generation unit, a media timed event generation unit, a media timed event insertion unit, and a distribution server function unit. The event generation unit generates event information for transmission by a broadcast signal. The event generation device 21 corresponds to this event generation unit. The media timed event generation unit generates a media timed event which is event notification data to be inserted into the media content distributed via the communication network based on the event information. The EM setting file management unit 23 and the MTE transmission device 24 correspond to the media timed event generation unit. The media timed event insertion unit inserts the generated media timed event into the media content for distribution. The MTE insertion device 25 corresponds to this media timed event insertion unit. The distribution server function unit distributes the media content into which the media timed event is inserted via a communication network (for example, the Internet). The web distribution server device 32 corresponds to this distribution server function unit.

Further, the content distribution system 1 may include a moving image file management unit. In this case, the media content is a moving image content. In addition, the moving image file management unit manages the moving image files constituting the moving image content. The video resource management device 31 corresponds to this video file management unit. As an example, the media timed event insertion unit adds the media timed event generated to the video file to be distributed among the video files managed by the video file management unit.

Further, the content distribution system 1 includes at least one of the receiving device 51 and the receiving device 52. The receiving device 51 or 52 receives the media content distributed from the distribution server function unit via the communication network. As described above, the media content includes media timed events. That is, the receiving device 51 or 52 receives the media content via the communication network. Further, when a media timed event, which is event notification data generated based on event information for transmission by a broadcast signal, is inserted into the media content, the receiving device 51 or 52 inserts the media content into the media content. The inserted media timed event is received via the communication network.

In addition, the receiving device 51 includes a broadcast receiving function unit and a control unit. The broadcast reception function unit has a function of receiving a broadcast signal and presenting the content obtained by demodulating the broadcast signal. The broadcast signal is modulated by a predetermined method. Further, the broadcast signal conveys the content encoded by a predetermined method. The control unit controls the broadcast reception function unit to start receiving the broadcast signal when the media timed event is inserted into the received media content.

Further, the receiving device 52 may include a cooperation unit and a control unit. The cooperation unit has a function of performing a cooperation operation with an external broadcast receiving device. The external broadcast receiving device has a function of receiving a broadcast signal. The external broadcast receiving device may be the receiving device 51 described above. Further, when the media timed event is inserted into the received media content, the control unit controls the cooperation unit to perform a cooperation operation with the broadcast receiving device.

Further, at least a part of the functions of the device included in the content distribution system 1 can be realized by a computer and a program describing a processing procedure of the computer.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention can be further implemented in the following modifications.

In the above embodiment, the EM multiplexed on the broadcast signal and the MTE for net distribution are transmitted at the same timing (or at substantially the same timing). As a modification, EM may not be multiplexed on the broadcast signal side, and MTE may be added only on the side of the video content distributed on the communication network. Even in a broadcasting station that does not have broadcasting equipment for transmitting EM, it is possible to transmit information on the timing of an event or the like linked to the video content via the communication network by the method of this modification.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to transmit MTE, which is information equivalent to event information (EM) transmitted by a broadcast signal, only through a communication network such as the Internet. In addition, EM and MTE can be transmitted at substantially the same timing. Further, even a broadcasting station that does not have equipment for transmitting EM as broadcasting equipment can transmit MTE synchronized with video content as a mechanism of network distribution performed at the same time as broadcasting. Further, based on the MTE, the receiving device can operate the TV receiver and the terminal device other than the TV receiver in cooperation with each other.

As the use of the Internet by broadcasters progresses, according to this embodiment, for example, when broadcasting programs are simultaneously distributed on the Internet, the same function as EM placed on a broadcast signal is realized in video distribution on the Internet. be able to. Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to distribute the MTE via the Internet by using the EM transmission device of the broadcasting equipment.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs and the like within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

The present invention can be used, for example, in a content distribution business using broadcasting and communication. However, the scope of use of the present invention is not limited to those exemplified here.

1 Content distribution system 10 Broadcast equipment 11 Video supply system 12 Broadcast video supply device 13 Encoder device 15 Multiplexing device 17 Modulation / transmission system 20 Event insertion system 21 Event generation device 22 EM transmission device 23 EM setting file management unit 24 MTE transmission device 25 MTE insertion device 30 Communication distribution equipment 31 Video resource management device 32 Web distribution server device 51 Receiver 52 Receiver 70 Communication network

Claims (7)

An event generator that generates event information for transmission by broadcast signals,
A media timed event generation unit that generates a media timed event that is event notification data to be inserted into media content distributed via a communication network based on the event information.
A media timed event insertion unit that inserts the generated media timed event into the media content for distribution, and
A distribution server function unit that distributes the media content into which the media timed event is inserted via a communication network, and
Delivery system with. The media content is video content and
It is equipped with a video file management unit that manages the video files that make up the video content.
The media timed event insertion unit adds the media timed event generated to the video file to be distributed among the video files managed by the video file management unit.
The delivery system according to claim 1. Receivers that receive media content over communication networks,
And
When a media timed event, which is event notification data generated based on event information to be transmitted by a broadcast signal, is inserted in the media content, the media timed event inserted in the media content is inserted. Receive via the communication network,
Receiver. A broadcast reception function unit that receives a broadcast signal and presents the content obtained by demodulating the broadcast signal.
When a predetermined media timed event is inserted in the received media content, a control unit that controls the broadcast reception function unit to start receiving the broadcast signal, and a control unit.
Further prepare
The receiving device according to claim 3. A cooperation unit that cooperates with a broadcast reception device that has a function to receive broadcast signals,
When a predetermined media timed event is inserted in the received media content, a control unit that controls the cooperation unit to perform a cooperation operation with the broadcast receiving device, and a control unit.
Further prepare
The receiving device according to claim 3. A program for operating a computer as the distribution system according to claim 1. A program for operating a computer as a receiving device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

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