JP4585032B1 - Information reception control device, information reception control method, information reception control program, and information distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To easily control content reception within a broadcast target range.
A distribution server (information distribution) that distributes content over an IP communication network (communication medium different from a broadcast wave) within a broadcast wave reception range from a broadcast transmission device (broadcast station) of a broadcast station. A receiver 4 (information reception control device) capable of receiving content from the device), a main body unit 22, an antenna unit 21 connectable to the main body unit 22, and the antenna unit 21 are connected to the main body unit 22. Content reception availability determination means for determining whether or not content can be received based on the reception status of the broadcast wave from the broadcast transmission device 11 in the state and the reception status of the broadcast wave from the broadcast transmission device 11 in the disconnected state In this determination, it is assumed that the receiver 4 includes a content receiving unit that receives content from the distribution server 12 when it is determined that the content can be received.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information reception control device, an information reception control method, an information reception control program, and an information distribution system.

  When digital terrestrial broadcast content is retransmitted via the Internet, there is a possibility that it will be distributed outside the broadcast target area for which a broadcast license has been acquired. Therefore, it is necessary to perform distribution control for the broadcast target range so that the mobile terminal, TV, and STB (Set Top Box) existing only in the broadcast target area are distributed.

  As one of such distribution control methods, for example, a TTL (Time To Live) value included in the header of IP data of content to be transmitted, that is, a hop count of a router through which is set in advance for each broadcast target area Has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). When content is distributed with such settings, when the TTL value set for the IP data becomes zero, the router in the transfer route discards the IP data in the middle, so the content is broadcast even via the Internet. It can be prevented from being distributed outside the target area. That is, the content can be transmitted only to the broadcast target area.

  Further, as another aspect, when a user lives in an area where broadcast waves are received and has a portable receiver, a storage medium storing information indicating reception permission in a specific registered area is stored. A device using a mounted receiver has been proposed (see Patent Document 2). If such a receiver is a legitimate user, it can receive content via the Internet even when he / she is staying outside the registered area.

JP 2007-336022 A JP 2008-141429 A

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, unless the TTL value is set strictly for each broadcast target area, control cannot be performed so as to distribute only within the broadcast target area, and the setting becomes complicated. In addition, depending on the routing protocol employed by each router in a plurality of communication carriers, the route until content arrives may be different even within the same broadcast target area, and the TTL value is not necessarily limited to the broadcast target area. It is not guaranteed that the value can be reached only within. Therefore, since there is a possibility that the content is not distributed even within the broadcast target area, or the content may be distributed even outside the broadcast target area, the distribution control method using the TTL value of the IP data is There are problems in terms of feasibility and reliability.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, a storage medium storing information indicating reception permission must be attached to the receiver. Therefore, even if the user has a receiver in the broadcast target area, the content is not distributed unless the storage medium is always mounted on the receiver.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described problems, the present invention provides an information reception control device, an information reception control method, an information reception control program, and an information distribution system that can easily control distribution requests for content in a broadcast target range. The purpose is to do.

An information reception control device according to one aspect of the present invention is the same as content superimposed on a broadcast wave from a broadcast station by a communication unit using a communication medium different from the broadcast wave within a reception range of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station. An information reception control device capable of receiving content from an information distribution device that distributes content or related content, and a main body unit, an antenna unit that can be connected to the main body unit and can measure the reception status of broadcast waves, , the information antenna unit has measured reception state of the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station in a state where the antenna unit is not connected to the main body portion, the antenna portion in a state where the antenna unit is connected to the body portion from a broadcasting station among the information measured reception status of broadcast waves, information antenna unit has measured reception state of the broadcast wave in a state where the antenna unit is not connected to the body portion or both of the broadcast waves, Based on the information obtained by measuring the reception status, a contents receiving determination means for determining reception possibility of the content same content or related content, broadcasting station when it is determined to be received in the determination of the content receiving availability judging means Content receiving means for receiving from the information distribution apparatus the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from

In addition to the above-described configuration, the information reception control device according to one aspect of the present invention may be configured such that the content reception availability determination unit includes a broadcast wave from a broadcasting station in a state where the antenna unit is not connected to the main body unit. when connected to the main body within a predetermined time from the time of the measured reception state of the content of the same content or related content that is superimposed on a broadcast wave from a broadcast station by using the data during the measurement It is preferable to determine whether or not it can be received.

  In addition to any of the above-described configurations, the information reception control device according to one aspect of the present invention is connected to a power source, and the content reception availability determination unit is configured to perform predetermined processing after the device is disconnected from the power source. When the connection is made again after a lapse of time, the data measured after the lapse of the predetermined time and stored in the device is the same as or related to the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station It is preferably not used for determining whether or not content can be received.

  A communication medium different from the above-described broadcast wave is an IP communication network. In addition to any of the above-described configurations, an information reception control device according to one aspect of the present invention is an information reception control device including a broadcast station. The IP address assigned to the own device when the reception of the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave or the related content is permitted is stored, and the content reception availability determination means is assigned to the own device. Receiving the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station or related content when the IP address is the same as the IP address assigned when content reception was permitted in the past It is preferable to allow.

An information reception control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a main body, an antenna that can be connected to the main body and can measure a reception state of a broadcast wave , a content reception availability determination unit, and a content reception unit. An information distribution apparatus that distributes the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station or related content by communication means using a communication medium different from the broadcast wave within the reception range of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station The information reception control method executed by the information reception control apparatus capable of receiving these contents from the content receiving permission determination means, wherein the antenna unit is not connected to the main body unit from the broadcasting station in a state in which the antenna unit is not connected the information obtained by measuring the reception status of broadcast waves, the reception status of broadcast waves from the antenna unit is a broadcasting station in a state where the antenna unit is connected to the main body portion measured Were among the information, based on the information an antenna unit is measured reception state of the antenna unit is information obtained by measuring the reception status of broadcast waves or both broadcast waves, in a state of not being connected to the body portion, the same content The step of determining whether or not the content or the related content can be received, and the content receiving unit is the same as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station when the content receiving unit determines that the content can be received Receiving the content or related content from the information distribution device.

An information reception control program according to an aspect of the present invention includes a content superimposed on a broadcast wave from a broadcast station by a communication unit using a communication medium different from the broadcast wave within a reception range of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station. A main body, an antenna unit that can be connected to the main body and can measure the reception status of broadcast waves from an information distribution device that distributes the same content or related content. , a computer that controls a computer, the information antenna unit has measured reception state of the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station in a state where the antenna unit is not connected to the main body portion, the antenna portion is connected to the body portion an antenna portion in a state that is out of the information of the reception status and the measurement of the broadcast waves from a broadcast station, an antenna for the antenna unit is not connected to the main body portion Information There was measured reception state of the broadcast wave or based on both information obtained by measuring the reception status of broadcast wave content receiving determination means for determining reception possibility of the content same content or related content, the content receiving, As content reception control means for performing control to receive the same content or related content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station from the information distribution device when it is determined that the reception is possible in the determination of the availability determination means It is for functioning.

The information distribution system as one aspect of the present invention is the same as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station by the communication means using a communication medium different from the broadcast wave within the reception range of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station. Information distribution device that distributes the content or related content, the main unit, the antenna unit that can be connected to the main unit and can measure the broadcast wave reception status, and the antenna unit is not connected to the main unit the information the antenna unit is measured reception state of the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station in the state, the antenna portion of the information that the antenna unit is measured reception state of the broadcast wave from a broadcast station while connected to the main body portion among them, based on the information an antenna unit is measured reception state of the antenna unit is information obtained by measuring the reception status of the broadcast wave detected or both the broadcast waves, in a state of not being connected to the body portion The content reception availability determination unit that determines whether or not the same content as the content described above or related content can be received, and the content reception availability determination unit that is determined to be receivable is superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station. And an information reception control device having content receiving means for receiving the same content as or related content from the information distribution device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information reception control device, an information reception control method, an information reception control program, and an information distribution system that can easily control a distribution request for content in a broadcast target range.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the information delivery system which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the broadcast transmission apparatus and distribution server which the broadcasting station shown in FIG. 1 has. It is a block diagram of the receiver shown in FIG. It is an example of the data memorize | stored in the reception information storage part of the antenna part shown in FIG. It is an example of the data memorize | stored in the reception information storage part of the main-body part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the external reception condition detection process performed with the antenna part of the receiver shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which registers the external reception status information created by the process shown in FIG. 6 in the reception information storage part of the main-body part of a receiver. It is a flowchart which shows the content delivery request process which the receiver shown in FIG. 3 performs with respect to a delivery server. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the external reception condition determination process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the external reception condition detection process of the receiver which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of registering main body reception status information stored in the antenna unit 21 in the main body unit 22 in the process of FIG. 10. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the external reception condition determination process in Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the external reception condition determination process in Example 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the broadcast transmission apparatus which concerns on Example 4 of this invention.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

  An information distribution system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an information distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information distribution system 1 includes a broadcasting station 2, an IP communication network 3, and a receiver 4. In this information distribution system 1, the receiver 4 determines whether or not the same content as the content broadcast by the broadcast station 2 or related content can be distributed based on the reception intensity of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station 2, and the reception intensity. Is a predetermined level or higher, a request for distribution of these contents is made via the IP communication network 3. In FIG. 1, one broadcasting station 2 and receiver 4 are shown, but there are actually a plurality of each.

  The broadcast station 2 includes a broadcast transmission device 11 and a distribution server 12. The broadcast transmission device 11 transmits broadcast contents such as broadcast programs, data broadcasts, EPG (Electric Program Guide) information on broadcast waves. The distribution server 12 sends, to the receiver 4, the broadcast content transmitted by the broadcast transmission device 11, the content related to the broadcast content, or the content produced independently regardless of the broadcast content via the IP communication network 3. To deliver.

  The IP communication network 3 is another communication medium that is different from broadcast by broadcast waves between the broadcast station 2 and the receiver 4. The IP communication network 3 is, for example, the Internet, CATV, dedicated line, VPN (virtual LAN), WAN, or the like using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), or these It is composed of a combination of networks. As another communication medium, a network using a communication protocol other than the IP communication network 3 may be used.

  In the case of the first embodiment, the receiver 4 is a terminal used at home, and is connected to the home power supply 5 and used. The receiver 4 receives a broadcast wave from the broadcast station 2 with an antenna and outputs broadcast content superimposed on the received broadcast wave. In addition, the receiver 4 determines whether or not the content distributed from the distribution server 12 via the IP communication network 3 can be received, and receives the content if it can be received. The receiver 4 includes an antenna unit 21 and a main body unit 22. The antenna unit 21 according to the first embodiment is connected to the main body unit 22 by a dedicated cable, and receives a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station 2 in a state where the antenna unit 21 is interconnected to the main body unit 22 by the dedicated cable ( It is possible to measure the reception status of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station 2 in a state where it is not connected to the main body unit 22 (this status is referred to as an external reception status).

  Note that the connection relationship between the antenna unit 21 and the main body unit 22 of the first embodiment adopts a configuration in which connection is made by wire, but may be configured to be able to communicate with each other wirelessly. Here, “the state in which the antenna unit 21 is connected to the main unit 22” in wireless communication means that the antenna unit 21 and the main unit are within a range in which communication is possible by a communication connection method such as BlueTooth (registered trademark) or WiFi. This means the case where both of the parts 22 are in a positional relationship and are set to be capable of mutual communication. The state where the antenna part 21 is not connected to the main body part 22 means that mutual communication is impossible. This includes a state in which they are in a positional relationship or a positional relationship in which mutual communication is possible but is not set to be capable of mutual communication. The receiver 4 is, for example, a TV broadcast or radio broadcast receiver, and may have a recording function and a recording function. The receiver 4 is not limited to a terminal used at home, but may be a portable terminal or a terminal mounted in a car.

  In this information distribution system 1, it is determined whether the receiver 4 is within the range of the broadcast receivable area based on the reception intensity of the broadcast wave in its own device. Allow content reception. Here, for example, in a state where the main body unit 22 and the antenna unit 21 are connected, information obtained by measuring the reception sensitivity of the broadcast wave with the antenna unit 21 in the house where the receiver 4 is placed (hereinafter, the information is stored in the main unit). When the reception environment is not good from the reception status information), the user cannot view the broadcast via the receiver 4 and cannot view the content distributed via the IP communication network 3.

  Therefore, in this information distribution system 1, the antenna unit 21 can be detached from the main body unit 22, and the antenna unit 21 that has been removed and taken to another place (the antenna unit that is not connected to the main body unit 22). 21) If the reception environment is good based on the information obtained by measuring the reception sensitivity according to 21) (this information is external reception status information), the main body unit 22 can be reattached to the main body unit 22 by reattaching the antenna unit 21 within a predetermined time. Content output can be received. For example, in a house where the main body 22 of the receiver 4 is placed, if the broadcast reception environment is not good, the antenna unit 21 removed from the main body 22 is taken out outdoors, and the reception status of the broadcast by the antenna unit 21 is If it is satisfactory, the main body part 22 can permit the reception of the content by attaching the antenna part 21 to the main body part 22 again within a predetermined time.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the broadcast transmission device 11 and the distribution server 12 included in the broadcast station 2 illustrated in FIG.

(Configuration of broadcast transmission device 11)
First, the broadcast transmission device 11 will be described. In this example, the broadcast transmitting apparatus 11 assumes digital terrestrial broadcasting, and transmits the content for the broadcast program as stream data according to the broadcast schedule. Also, the broadcast transmitting apparatus 11 can transmit data broadcast and EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information superimposed on the broadcast wave. The broadcast transmission device 11 corresponds to an example of a broadcast station in the claims.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the broadcast transmission device 11 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a server communication unit 33. Here, the control unit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory), which are hardware resources (not shown), and the CPU is stored in the ROM. Various functions of the content stream creation unit 41, the EPG information creation unit 42, the data broadcast creation unit 43, the broadcast material acquisition unit 44, and the MUX unit 45 are realized by reading various programs into the RAM and executing them in cooperation. . The storage unit 32 stores a broadcast content database (Data Base) 51, a broadcast schedule DB 52, and a data broadcast content DB 53. The storage unit 32 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory. It is comprised from the memory | storage device. The server communication unit 33 is a communication interface that performs communication with the distribution server 12.

  The content stream creation unit 41 creates broadcast content with reference to the broadcast content DB 51. In the present embodiment, the broadcast content is described as a transport stream (TS) that is encoded and multiplexed in accordance with the MPEG2-TS (Motion Photographic Coding Experts Group-2 Transport Stream) standard. In the MPEG2-TS standard, video and audio of transmitted content is generated as an encoded ES (Elementary Stream), and a PES (Packetized Elementary Stream) in which ES is packetized for each meaningful unit is generated. Is done. Further, a TS (Transport Stream) packet obtained by dividing the PES is transmitted from the broadcast transmitting apparatus 11.

  In addition, the content stream creation unit 41 assigns a 13-bit packet identifier called PID to the header of each TS packet, so that each TS packet can be one of video data, audio data, control data, etc. of the broadcast content. Can be classified. Further, the control data here refers to data called SI / PSI (Service Information / Program Specific Information). SI of SI / PSI includes information necessary for creating EPG information, and PSI is control data including information for performing basic control. The TS packet may be subjected to an encryption process (hereinafter referred to as “scramble process”) for preventing viewing contrary to the intention of the broadcast transmitting apparatus 11. Here, for example, Multi2 can be used as the scrambling method. This Multi2 is one of the methods for encrypting digital data, and is widely used in BS digital broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting.

  The EPG information creation unit 42 creates EPG information with reference to the broadcast schedule DB 52.

  The data broadcast creation unit 43 creates information related to the data broadcast such as weather forecast and information related to the program from the data broadcast content DB 53 and supplies the information to the MUX unit 45 together.

  The broadcast material acquisition unit 44 creates broadcast content other than the broadcast content stored in the broadcast content DB 51. For example, when a signal directly generated from a camera or microphone (not shown) (for example, video data or audio data such as a live broadcast program or a live broadcast program) is input, the broadcast material acquisition unit 44 receives data for these broadcast contents. It is converted into a format, created as content data, and supplied to the MUX unit 45.

  The MUX unit 45 includes content data created by the content stream creation unit 41 with reference to the broadcast content DB 51 or content data created by the broadcast material acquisition unit 44, and the EPG information creation unit 42 refers to the broadcast schedule DB 52. The EPG information created in this way and the data broadcast program data created by the data broadcast creation unit 43 with reference to the data broadcast content DB 53 are multiplexed to generate broadcast data. Then, the broadcast data is transmitted as a broadcast wave from an antenna (not shown) of the broadcast transmission device 11. Note that these broadcast data are also transmitted to the distribution server 12 via the server communication unit 33 via a dedicated line or the like.

  The broadcast content DB 51 stores broadcast program information that is the source of the broadcast content. The broadcast schedule DB 52 stores broadcast schedule information of broadcast programs broadcast by the broadcast transmission device 11. The broadcast schedule DB 52 may store broadcast schedule information of other broadcast stations 2. The data broadcasting content DB 53 stores information related to data broadcasting such as weather forecasts and information related to broadcasting programs. In addition to the above information, the data broadcasting content DB 53 includes URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information provided by the distribution server 12 related to the broadcast program and search query information that can be used in the P2P (Peer to Peer) method. It may be stored. Information related to data broadcasting is also encoded and multiplexed in accordance with the MPEG2-TS standard in the same manner as the above-described broadcasting content.

  In this way, the broadcast transmitting apparatus 11 sends out stream data of content as a broadcast program from the broadcast content DB 51 according to the broadcast schedule. In addition, for live broadcast programs and live broadcast programs that are not programs in which pre-stored content is broadcast, camera and microphone signals (not shown) are input to the broadcast material acquisition unit 44 and broadcast together with EPG information from the broadcast schedule DB 52. Can be multiplexed to data.

(Configuration of distribution server 12)
Next, the configuration of the distribution server 12 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution server 12 includes a control unit 96, a broadcast device communication unit 62, a storage unit 63, and an IP communication control unit 64. Here, the control unit 96 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like, which are hardware resources (not shown), and the CPU reads various programs stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes them in cooperation. Each function of the content distribution control unit 71 and the content creation unit 72 is realized. The broadcast device communication unit 62 is a communication interface that receives content from the server communication unit 33 of the broadcast transmission device 11. The storage unit 63 stores a distribution content DB 82 and a frequency DB 83, and the storage unit 63 includes a storage device such as an HDD or a flash memory. The IP communication control unit 64 is a communication interface that performs communication with the receiver 4 via the IP communication network 3.

  The content distribution control unit 71 distributes content in response to a content distribution request from the receiver 4 after performing device authentication or the like based on the device ID information of the receiver 4. Note that the content distribution control unit 71 distributes content regardless of whether the content requested from the receiver 4 is area-limited.

  The content creation unit 72 generates content to be distributed to the receiver 4 that performs distribution by the content distribution control unit 71. For example, the content creation unit 72 reads content to be distributed from the distribution content DB 82. The content distributed to the receiver 4 may be a content requested by the receiver 4 or a content linked to the program may be generated. The content creation unit 72 may generate the requested content when the receiver 4 requests specific content, and may automatically generate and transmit the program-linked content otherwise. .

  The distribution content DB 82 stores broadcast data transmitted from the MUX unit 45 of the broadcast transmission device 11 via a dedicated line. The contents stored in the distribution content DB 82 include program-linked contents related to the broadcast data, contents that can be distributed even after the broadcast ends (contents that can be distributed regardless of real time), and the above-mentioned area-limited contents. Contents that are not things are also stored.

  The frequency DB 83 stores the frequency and name of the broadcasting station 2 that can be received for each region. In response to an acquisition request from the receiver 4, the distribution server 12 generates data that becomes a broadcast station list in which the designated area is estimated to be a broadcast range by referring to the frequency DB 83, and generates the generated data. Can be provided.

  In this way, the distribution server 12 distributes the broadcast content provided by the broadcast transmission device 11, content related to the broadcast content, and other content via the IP communication network 3 to the receiver 4 that has requested the content distribution. .

(Configuration of receiver 4)
Next, the configuration of the receiver 4 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the receiver 4 shown in FIG. The receiver 4 includes an antenna unit 21 and a main body unit 22 as main components. The antenna unit 21 is connected to the main body unit 22 with a dedicated cable. When the user takes the antenna unit 21 outdoors, for example, the broadcast wave of the broadcasting station 2 is received in a better reception condition than indoors. can do.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna unit 21 includes a tuner 91, a reception information storage unit 92, a battery 93, an operation input unit 94, a reception status detection unit 95, a control unit 96, a timer 97, a broadcast station table 98, a main body connection unit. 99 is the main component. Here, the control unit 96 includes a central processing unit such as a CPU, and controls the entire antenna unit 21. The reception information storage unit 92 and the broadcast station table 98 described above are stored in a storage unit (not shown), and the storage unit is composed of a storage device such as a ROM or a flash memory, for example.

  The tuner 91 receives a broadcast wave from the broadcast transmission device 11 via the antenna 21 </ b> A and supplies a reception signal to the main body unit 22. Further, the tuner 91 supplies the reception state (for example, received electric field strength) of the broadcast wave from the broadcast transmission device 11 to the control unit 96.

  The reception information storage unit 92 is a storage part in which the reception status of each broadcasting station 2 received by the antenna unit 21 is stored.

  FIG. 4 is an example of data stored in the reception information storage unit 92 of the antenna unit 21 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the received information storage unit 92 includes columns such as “broadcast type”, “broadcast frequency”, “external received signal level”, “external received signal level measurement date”.

  In the “broadcast type” column (hereinafter simply referred to as “broadcast type”, the same applies to other columns), broadcast types such as FM, AM, digital terrestrial broadcasting, BS, and CS are stored. The “external reception signal level” includes an external reception signal level for each broadcasting station 2 when measured by the antenna unit 21 in a state where the antenna unit 21 of the receiver 4 is not connected to the main body unit 22. A numerical value (unit: dB) indicating the received signal level is stored. “External reception signal level measurement date / time” stores the date / time information at which the “external reception signal level” was measured. If reception detection processing is performed a plurality of times for the broadcasting station 2 specified by the same “broadcast type” and “broadcast frequency”, the “external reception signal level” and “external reception” stored so far are stored. The information of “signal level measurement date” is overwritten. However, in the case of being performed a plurality of times, a storage area corresponding to the number of times or a predetermined number of times may be provided and stored. The reception information storage unit 92 may store “broadcast station name” in addition to the above “broadcast type”. In this case, “Broadcasting station name” stores information indicating the name of each broadcasting station 2 as the broadcasting station name.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the battery 93 is power supply means for supplying power to the antenna unit 21.

  The operation input unit 94 is an input unit that receives an operation from a user. For example, it is used when the user inputs current position information, and a zip code or the like can be input. The control unit 96 can specify the frequency table corresponding to the area by referring to the frequency DB 83 based on the zip code input from the operation input unit 94. Further, it is used when a user inputs the reception status registration request when he / she wants to take the antenna unit 21 outdoors to register the reception status.

  The reception status detection unit 95 detects the reception status of the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast transmission device 11 of the broadcast station 2 based on the reception status detection instruction from the control unit 96. For example, the reception status detection unit 95 is configured by an electric field reception intensity signal generation circuit (not shown) that can generate an electric field reception intensity signal, and a value obtained from the generation circuit is output to the main control unit 110. . As the generation circuit, for example, a known RSSI (Receive Signal Strength Indication) circuit can be provided, and an electric field reception intensity signal can be obtained from the RSSI circuit. Any circuit may be used as long as the electric field reception intensity can be detected. By using the electric field reception intensity signal obtained from the electric field reception intensity signal generation circuit described above, it is possible to detect the broadcast wave reception status.

  The timer 97 is used when measuring the time from when the reception status of the broadcast station 2 starts to be determined or when the determination ends to when the broadcasting station 2 is connected to the main unit 22. The control unit 96 can determine whether or not the antenna unit 21 has been connected to the main unit 22 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception status was detected by the timer 97. By this determination, it is possible to prevent the content from the distribution server 12 from being acquired due to user injustice.

  The broadcast station table 98 includes broadcast frequency information of the broadcast station 2 that can be received for each area specified by a postal code, a predetermined value (a predetermined level value) of electric field reception intensity that can be received at each broadcast frequency, It consists of information such as the broadcast station name of the broadcast station 2. Based on the zip code information input from the operation input unit 94, the control unit 96 refers to the broadcast station table 98 and can receive the broadcast frequency information of the broadcast station 2 corresponding to the area and the broadcast frequency. A value of a predetermined level of the electric field reception intensity can be specified. The control unit 96 of the antenna unit 21 can perform the tuning process by the tuner 91 more quickly by using the broadcast frequency information of the broadcast station 2 specified with reference to the broadcast station table 98. Further, the reception availability determination unit 113 of the main body unit 22 compares the measured value with the value of the electric field reception intensity that can be received at the frequency of the broadcast station 2 specified with reference to the broadcast station table 98. It is possible to determine whether or not reception is possible from the broadcast station 2 corresponding to the broadcast frequency. Note that the broadcast station table 98 may be provided not only in the antenna unit 21 but also in the main body unit 22. The above-mentioned information included in the broadcast station table 98 may be stored in the reception information storage unit of the receiver 4 by inquiring the frequency DB 83 of the distribution server 12.

  The main body connection unit 99 is an interface for connecting the antenna unit 21 to the main body unit 22 described later. When the main control unit 110 measures the reception status in a state where the antenna unit 21 is connected to the main body unit 22 via the main body connection unit 99, the main control unit 110 processes the measurement information as “main body reception status information”, When the reception state is measured in a state where the antenna unit 21 is not connected to the unit 22 via the main body connection unit 99, the measurement information is processed as “external reception state information”.

  Next, the main body 22 will be described. The main unit 22 includes an antenna connection unit 101, a demodulation unit 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, a communication control unit 105, a reception information storage unit 106, a power supply detection unit 107, a timer 108, an operation input unit 109, a main control unit 110, and a video output unit. 111, the audio output unit 112, the reception availability determination unit 113, and the reception availability determination information DB 114 are main components. Here, the main control unit 110 includes a central processing unit such as a CPU, and controls the entire receiver 4 including the main body unit 22 and the antenna unit 21 described above. The information stored in the reception information storage unit 106 and the reception availability determination information DB 114 described above is stored in a storage unit (not shown), and the storage unit is, for example, from a storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory. Composed.

  The antenna connection unit 101 is an interface connected to the antenna unit 21. When the main control unit 110 detects the reception state with the antenna unit 21 connected to the main body unit 22, the main control unit 110 processes the reception state as the main body reception state.

  Demodulation section 102 demodulates the received signal based on the received information from tuner 91 and decodes each signal. The ROM 103 stores programs and fixed data, and is appropriately read from the main control unit 110. The RAM 104 is used for the main control unit 110 to temporarily store data during arithmetic processing. The communication control unit 105 is a communication interface that communicates with the distribution server 12 of the broadcast station 2 via the IP communication network 3.

  When the data stored in the reception information storage unit 92 of the antenna unit 21 is transmitted to the reception information storage unit 106, the data (FIG. 4) is stored. In addition, when the reception status of the broadcasting station 2 is measured with the antenna unit 21 connected to the main unit 22, the received signal level of the main unit, the IP address assigned to the receiver 4, the device ID, and the power history Information such as information is stored.

  FIG. 5 is an example of data stored in the reception information storage unit 106 of the main body unit 22 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the received information storage unit 106 includes “device ID”, “broadcast type”, “broadcast frequency”, “main body received signal level”, “external received signal level”, “external received signal level measurement date / time”. ”,“ Power supply progress information ”,“ Power supply elapsed time ”, and“ IP address ”are provided. Note that the data of “broadcast type”, “broadcast frequency”, “external reception signal level”, and “external reception signal level measurement date” shown in FIG. 5 are stored in the reception information storage unit 92 shown in FIG. Since this is the same as the data of “broadcast type”, “broadcast frequency”, “external reception signal level”, and “external reception signal level measurement date / time”, description thereof will be omitted. Note that the reception information storage unit 106 may store “broadcast station name” in addition to the above “broadcast type”, similarly to the reception information storage unit 92 described above. In this case, “Broadcasting station name” stores information indicating the name of each broadcasting station 2 as the broadcasting station name.

  In the “device ID” column, identification number information for uniquely identifying the receiver 4 is stored as the device ID of the receiver 4. This identification number information is used, for example, for device authentication processing when making a content distribution request to the distribution server 12. The “main body received signal level” is a numerical value indicating the received signal level for each broadcasting station 2 when the antenna section 21 of the receiver 4 is connected to the main body section 22 as the main body received signal level. (Unit is dB) is stored. The “power supply progress information” stores a flag for determining whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the receiver 4 was disconnected from the household power supply 5 as the power supply progress information. In the “power supply progress information” column, “1” is stored when a predetermined time has passed since the receiver 4 was disconnected from the household power supply 5, and “0” when the receiver 4 has not passed. Is stored. The “power elapsed time” stores the date and time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the receiver 4 was disconnected from the household power source 5 as the power elapsed time. Here, the predetermined time after the receiver 4 is disconnected from the household power supply 5 is assumed to be the movement of the receiver 4 in the house, and the receiver 4 is attached to another place with the receiver 4 For example, it is preferably set between about 15 minutes and 30 minutes, and the date and time when this time has elapsed since the power supply was removed is stored. In “IP address”, IP address information assigned to the receiver 4 is stored as an IP address.

  The main control unit 110 may not store the “external reception signal level” stored in the reception information storage unit 92 of the antenna unit 21 in the reception information storage unit 106.

  The power source detection unit 107 detects whether or not the home power source 5 is connected. The timer 108 is used when measuring the time elapsed since the receiver 4 was disconnected from the household power supply 5. The main control unit 110 measures time with the timer 108 based on the detection signal from the power supply detection unit 107 and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the power supply 5 was disconnected from the home power supply 5. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the main control unit 110 stores the information (determination flag “1”) in the reception information storage unit 106.

  The operation input unit 109 receives an input from the user and transmits a user instruction to the main control unit 110. The operation input unit 109 is, for example, a remote control or a touch panel, but may be a voice input or the like.

  The video output unit 111 converts the display information sent from the main control unit 110 into a display signal and displays it on the display device 6. The display device 6 is, for example, a display or a television. Note that the receiver 4 may include the display device 6.

  The audio output unit 112 converts the audio data from the main control unit 110 into an audio signal and reproduces it by the audio reproduction device 7. The audio reproduction device 7 is a speaker, for example. The receiver 4 may include an audio playback device 7.

  The reception availability determination unit 113 determines whether the content can be received from the main body reception status information and the external reception status information in the receiver 4. Specifically, if the receiver 4 can determine that the receiver 4 is within the broadcast range of the broadcast station 2 (the reception sensitivity is equal to or higher than a predetermined level), the reception availability determination unit 113 can receive content from the distribution server 12. Is determined. If the content requested from the receiver 4 is not limited to the area, it is determined that the content can be received regardless of whether the receiver 4 is a receivable area of the broadcasting station 2 or not. The details of the content reception availability determination process of the reception availability determination unit 113 will be described later.

  The reception availability determination information DB 114 is a DB having past information about whether or not the receiver 4 can receive content. Accordingly, the receiver 4 (reception availability determination unit 113) determines whether or not reception is possible based on the information stored in the reception information storage unit of the receiver 4, and stores the information in the reception availability determination information DB 114. By referring to information stored in the past, it is possible to determine whether or not the receiver 4 can receive signals.

(Receiver external reception status detection process)
Next, the external reception status detection process of the receiver 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an external reception status detection process executed by the antenna unit 21 of the receiver 4. In the following flowchart, the antenna unit 21 is removed from the main body unit 22 of the receiver 4 (the antenna unit 21 and the main body unit 22 are not connected).

  START: When the control unit 96 of the antenna unit 21 receives a request for registration of external reception status from the operation input unit 94, it starts the following processing. The external reception status registration request can be generated, for example, when the user inputs a message indicating that the external reception status is to be detected from the operation input unit 94 of the antenna unit 21 by a button operation or the like.

  S1: The control unit 96 determines whether or not there is an input of a designated area (for example, input of a zip code) from the operation input unit 94. When there is an input of the designated area (YES in step S1), the control unit 96 proceeds to the process of step S2, and when there is no input (NO in step S1), the control unit 96 proceeds to the process of step 3.

  S2: The control unit 96 reads each frequency that can be received in the designated area from the broadcast station table 98, and causes the reception status detection unit 95 to execute tuning processing based on the read frequency information. Receiving the execution request, the reception status detection unit 95 executes tuning processing for the broadcast station 2 by the tuner 91. When the process of step S2 is completed, the control unit 96 proceeds to the process of step S4.

  S3: The control unit 96 causes the reception status detection unit 95 to execute an auto seek process. Receiving the execution request, the reception status detection unit 95 executes a process of checking the electric field reception intensity at predetermined frequency intervals by the tuner 91. When the process of step S3 is completed, the control unit 96 proceeds to the process of step S4.

  S4: The control unit 96 obtains each broadcast frequency obtained by the tuning process in step S2 or the auto seek process in step S3 and the external reception status at the broadcast frequency (in this example, information indicating the received electric field strength). Are stored in the received information storage unit 92 in association with each other. Specifically, the control unit 96 stores the received information storage unit 92 (FIG. 3) in the received information storage unit 92 in association with the broadcast type and the broadcast frequency, and the external received signal level specified by them. . That is, for each broadcast station 2, the broadcast type, broadcast frequency, and external reception signal level (hereinafter, these pieces of information are referred to as “external reception status information”) are stored in the reception information storage unit 92. When the process of step S4 is completed, the control unit 96 proceeds to the process of step S5.

  S5: The control unit 96 starts measuring the timer 97. When the process of step S5 is completed, the control unit 96 proceeds to the process of step S6.

  S6: The controller 96 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the timer 97 started counting. Here, for example, the predetermined time is set to 10 minutes, 15 minutes, etc., but from when the user takes the antenna unit 21 out of the receiver 4 to the outside and starts the process, the user can reconnect with the main body unit 22. It is preferable to set appropriately considering the time. Note that the timing of the timer 97 may be after the timer 97 is detached from the main body 22. The control unit 96 moves to the process of step S7 when the predetermined time has elapsed after measurement (YES in step S6), and moves to the process of step S9 if not (NO in step S6). To do.

  S7: The control unit 96 deletes the external reception status information stored in the reception information storage unit 92. Specifically, the control unit 96 deletes the “external reception signal level” information stored in the reception information storage unit 92 for each broadcast station 2 specified by “broadcast type” and “broadcast frequency”. If a plurality of pieces of “external reception signal level” information stored for each broadcasting station 2 specified by “broadcast type” and “broadcast frequency” are stored in the reception information storage unit 92, all of them are deleted. It is preferable to do. When the process of step S7 is completed, the control unit 96 proceeds to the process of step S8.

  S8: The control unit 96 displays on the display device 6 that the “external reception signal level” information has been deleted, and ends the processing (END). The information indicating that the “external reception signal level” information has been deleted is displayed on the display device 6 to which the receiver 4 is connected after the antenna unit 21 is reconnected to the main body unit 22. Also good.

  S9: The control unit 96 detects whether or not the antenna unit 21 is connected to the main body unit 22. When it is detected that the antenna unit 21 is connected to the main body unit 22 (YES in step S9), the control unit 96 proceeds to the process of step S10, and when it is detected that the antenna unit 21 is not connected (in step S9). If NO, the process proceeds to step S6.

  S 10: The control unit 96 transmits external reception status information to the main body unit 22. That is, when the antenna unit 21 is connected again to the main unit 22 within a predetermined time from the time when the antenna unit 21 is connected to the main unit 22, the external reception status information is stored in the main unit 22. Transmitted to the unit 22. Then, the control part 96 complete | finishes the said process (END).

(External reception status information registration process of receiver 4)
Next, a process of registering the external reception status information created by the process shown in FIG. 6 in the reception information storage unit 106 of the main body unit 22 of the receiver 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the external reception status information registration process.

  START: The main control unit 110 of the main body unit 22 starts the following processing when the antenna unit 21 is connected.

  S21: The main control unit 110 determines whether or not the external reception status information (step S10 in FIG. 6) transmitted from the antenna unit 21 has been received. When receiving the external reception status information (YES in step S21), main controller 110 proceeds to the process of step S22, and when not receiving external reception status information (NO in step S21), external reception status The status information registration process is terminated (END).

  S22: The main control unit 110 stores the external reception status information transmitted from the antenna unit 21 in the reception information storage unit 106 (FIG. 3), and ends the external reception status information registration process (END).

(Content Receivability Determination Processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, content reception availability determination processing executed by the receiver 4 for the distribution server 12 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the content reception availability determination process.

  START: The main control unit 110 of the main body unit 22 starts the following process when a content reception request is issued to the distribution server 12. For example, when the user operates the operation input unit 94 to view a program received by broadcast waves via the IP communication network 3, the content distribution request is generated.

  Step S31: The main control unit 110 detects whether or not content is being received by broadcast waves from the broadcast station 2 that has requested content reception from the user. If the content is not being received from the broadcast station 2 by broadcast waves (NO in step S31), the main control unit 110 proceeds to the process of step S32, and if it is being received by broadcast waves (in step S31). YES), the process proceeds to step S33.

  Step S32: The main control unit 110 receives the broadcast wave of the broadcast station 2 that has requested content reception. Specifically, the main control unit 110 specifies the broadcast wave frequency information of the broadcast station 2 with reference to the broadcast station table 98, and performs tuning processing based on the specified broadcast frequency information in the reception status detection unit 95. Let it run. Receiving the execution request, the reception status detection unit 95 performs a tuning process to the broadcast frequency of the broadcast station 2 by the tuner 91. When the process of step S32 is completed, the main control unit 110 proceeds to the process of step S33.

  Step S33: The main control unit 110 detects the broadcast reception status from the broadcast station 2. The main control unit 110 stores in the reception information storage unit 106 the main body reception status information (main body reception signal level) of the broadcast station 2 detected by the process of step S33. In addition, when the main body reception status information of the broadcasting station 2 is already stored in the reception information storage unit 106, it is overwritten. When the process of step S33 is completed, the main control unit 110 proceeds to the process of step S34.

  Step S34: The main control unit 110 causes the reception availability determination unit 113 to determine whether or not content reception is possible from the broadcast reception status detected by the process of step S33. Based on the main body reception status information stored in the reception information storage unit 106, the reception availability determination unit 113 determines whether the content can be received with reference to the broadcast station table 98. Specifically, the main body received signal level of the broadcast frequency is compared with a predetermined level value of the electric field reception intensity associated with the receivable broadcast frequency stored in the broadcast station table 98. If it is the above value, it is determined that the content can be received via the IP communication network 3, and if the value is less than a predetermined level, the content cannot be received via the IP communication network 3. judge. If it is determined that the content can be received (YES in step S34), the main control unit 110 proceeds to the process in step S35 and determines that the content cannot be received. If YES (NO in step S34), the process proceeds to step S36.

  Step S35: The main control unit 110 transmits a content reception request to the distribution server 12, and receives the content via the IP communication network 3. Then, the main control unit 110 controls the demodulation unit 102 and the video output unit 111 and / or the audio output unit 112 to output the received content as video or audio output data. The video output unit 111 displays the output content on the display device 6, and the audio output unit 112 plays the output content on the audio playback device 7, and ends the processing (END).

  Step S36: The main control unit 110 performs a content reception availability determination process (external reception status determination process) from the external reception status of the receiver 4. Details of the external reception status determination process will be described later. When the process of step S36 is completed, the main control unit 110 proceeds to the process of step S37.

  Step S37: The main control unit 110 determines whether or not content can be received from the determination in the external reception status determination process in step S36. If the main control unit 110 determines that the content can be received from the determination in the external reception status determination process in step S36 (YES in step S37), the main control unit 110 proceeds to the process in step S35 and cannot receive the content. (NO in step S37), the process proceeds to step S38.

  Step S38: The main control unit 110 outputs a display indicating that reception is not possible to the display device 6 and ends the processing (END).

(External reception status judgment processing)
Next, details of the external reception status determination process of the receiver 4 shown in step S36 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the external reception status determination process.

  S71: The main control unit 110 of the receiver 4 causes the reception availability determination unit 113 to perform a content distribution availability determination process based on the external reception status of the receiver 4. Based on the external reception status information stored in the reception information storage unit 106, the reception availability determination unit 113 determines whether the content can be received with reference to the broadcast station table 98. Specifically, the external reception signal level of the broadcast frequency is set to a predetermined level compared to a predetermined level value of the electric field reception intensity associated with the receivable broadcast frequency stored in the broadcast station table 98. If it is the above value, it is determined that the content can be received via the IP communication network 3, and if the value is less than a predetermined level, the content cannot be received via the IP communication network 3. judge. If it is determined that reception is possible (YES in step S71), the reception determination unit 113 proceeds to the process of S72, and if it is determined that reception is not possible (NO in step S71), the process proceeds to S73. Transition to processing. Note that a BER (bit error rate) value may be used in order to determine whether or not the broadcast wave of the broadcast station 2 is at a receivable level. In that case, it is necessary to provide the receiver 4 with a circuit capable of detecting the BER and to store a receivable BER value in the broadcast station table 98.

  S72: Receivability determination unit 113 determines that content reception to receiver 4 is possible, and notifies main control unit 110 of the determination result. When the main control unit 110 receives the notification, the main control unit 110 proceeds to the process of step S37 in FIG. 8 (RETURN).

  S73: Receivability determination unit 113 determines that content reception to receiver 4 is not possible, and notifies main control unit 110 of the determination result. When the main control unit 110 receives the notification, the main control unit 110 proceeds to the process of step S37 in FIG. 8 (RETURN).

  As described above, content reception control is performed on the receiver 4 side in the information distribution system 1. That is, if it is determined that reception is possible at least in the main body reception status (YES in step S34 in FIG. 8), the receiver 4 within the range in which broadcast waves can be received makes a content reception request to the distribution server 12. The received content can be output (step S35 in FIG. 8).

  In addition, when it is not determined that reception is possible in either the main body reception situation or the external reception situation (NO in S34 in FIG. 8, S36, NO in Step S71 in FIG. 9, S73), the content to the receiver 4 cannot be received. Therefore, the receiver 4 that is out of the broadcast range can restrict the reception of content from the distribution server 12.

  Further, as described above, when it is determined that reception is possible based on the external reception status of the antenna unit 21 in a state where it is not connected to the main body unit 22 (YES in step S36 in FIG. 8 and step S71 in FIG. 9). S72), the content is distributed from the distribution server 12 (step S43 in FIG. 9). That is, for example, in a house where the main body portion 22 of the receiver 4 is placed, if the reception environment for broadcasting is not good, the antenna portion 21 removed from the main body portion 22 (the antenna portion 21 not connected to the main body portion 22). ) To the outdoors, and if the reception status of the broadcast by the antenna unit 21 is good, then the content can be received by the main unit 22 by reattaching the antenna unit 21 to the main unit 22. For example, even when the layout of the house is changed and the receiver 4 is in an environment where it is difficult to receive the broadcast, if the antenna unit 21 is taken out to a place where the reception condition is good, the content can be similarly received by the main body unit 22. Can be received.

  As described above, the information distribution system 1 can appropriately receive contents even in an environment in which broadcasting is difficult to receive while the area for receiving contents is limited depending on the reception status of broadcasting. That is, by storing the external reception status information stored in the antenna unit 21 in the main body unit 22, for example, the reception status is not preferable depending on the installation location of the receiver 4. It is possible to prevent a problem that the content cannot be received via the IP communication network 3 due to a bad situation.

  In addition, if the antenna unit 21 is not reconnected to the main body unit 22 within a predetermined time, the content cannot be received (steps S7 and S8 in FIG. 6), so that unauthorized use can be prevented. For example, the user brings the antenna unit 21 to an area that is different from the place where the main body unit 22 is installed and takes a predetermined time or more to reconnect to the main body unit 22 and receives the antenna unit 21 there. Even if the situation is detected, the main unit 22 cannot receive the content.

  Subsequently, Example 2 of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment of the present invention, in the process corresponding to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, when the reconnection of the antenna unit 21 to the main body unit 22 is not performed within a predetermined time, the external reception status information is deleted. 7 (the processing corresponding to step S5 to step S8 in FIG. 6) is not executed, and in the processing corresponding to FIG. 7, the main body portion 22 of the receiver 4 transmits an external reception state transmitted from the antenna portion 21. In consideration of the measurement date and time and the date and time when the antenna unit is connected to the main unit 22, and in the content reception availability determination process, the power history information stored in the reception information storage unit 106 of the receiver 4 is used. The point which determines whether content can be received is different from the processing of the first embodiment. Therefore, since the functions, configurations, and operations of the other devices are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof will be omitted. System 1A).

(External reception status detection processing)
With reference to FIG. 10, the external reception status detection process according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the external reception status detection process. In addition, about the same process as the antenna part 21 of Example 1 shown in FIG. 6, the same step number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  S2A: When it is determined in step S1 that there is an input of the designated area, the control unit 96 reads each frequency that can be received in the area, and detects each reception status and the current date and time. Specifically, the control unit 96 reads each frequency that can be received in the designated area from the broadcast station table 98, and causes the reception status detection unit 95 to execute tuning processing based on the read frequency information. The current date and time when the process is performed is acquired. The current date and time can be obtained from a clock mechanism (not shown) built in the receiver 4 or an NTP server via the IP communication network 3. When the process of step S2A is completed, the control unit 96 proceeds to the process of step S4A.

  S3A: When it is determined in step S1 that there is no input of the designated area, the control unit 96 performs auto seek processing and detects the current time for each broadcast type. Specifically, the control unit 96 causes the reception status detection unit 95 to execute an auto seek process and acquires the current date and time when the process is performed. When the process of step S3A is completed, the control unit 96 proceeds to the process of step S4A.

  S4A: The control unit 96 stores each frequency obtained by the process of step S2A or step S3A, the reception status at the frequency, and the current date and time in the reception information storage unit 92 in association with each other. Specifically, the control unit 96 stores “external reception signal level” information and “external reception signal level measurement date and time” for each broadcast station 2 specified by the “broadcast type” and “broadcast frequency” in the reception information storage unit 92. Is stored. When the process of step S4A is completed, the control unit 96 proceeds to the process of step S5A.

  S5A: The control unit 96 detects whether or not the antenna unit 21 is connected to the main body unit 22. If it is detected that the antenna unit 21 is connected to the main body unit 22 (YES in step S5A), the control unit 96 proceeds to the process of step S6A, and if not connected (NO in step S5A). The determination process in step S5A is continued until a connection is detected.

  S <b> 6 </ b> A: The control unit 96 transmits external reception status information to the main body unit 22. That is, the external reception status information is transmitted from the antenna unit 21 to the main body unit 22. Then, the control part 96 complete | finishes the said process (END).

(External reception status registration process)
Next, processing for registering main body reception status information stored in the antenna unit 21 in the main body unit 22 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the external reception status information registration process. In addition, about the same process as the antenna part 21 of Example 1 shown in FIG. 7, the same step number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  S21A: The main control unit 110 compares the time data when the external reception status is measured with the date and time when the antenna unit 21 is connected to the main body unit 22, and determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed. Here, for example, a value such as 10 minutes or 15 minutes is set as the predetermined time, but the time from when the user takes the antenna unit 21 to the outdoors and starts the process until the user reconnects with the main body unit 22 is determined. It is preferable to set appropriately considering the above. The main control unit 110 compares the time data when the external reception status is measured with the date and time when the antenna unit 21 is connected to the main body unit 22, and if the predetermined time has not elapsed (YES in step S21A), When the process proceeds to step S22B and a predetermined time has elapsed (NO in step S21A), the process proceeds to step S22A.

  S22A: The main control unit 110 ends the process without storing the external reception status of the antenna unit 21 in the reception information storage unit 106 (END).

  S22B: The main control unit 110 stores the external reception status of the antenna unit 21 in the reception information storage unit 106 and ends the processing (END).

(External reception status judgment processing)
Next, the details of the external reception status determination process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the external reception status determination process. In FIG. 12, only the points different from the details of the external reception status determination process shown in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment will be described, and the content reception availability determination process as a whole is shown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. The illustration and description are omitted.

  S71G: When it is determined that the content can be received in the process of step S71, the reception availability determination unit 113 stores the power supply progress information at the time of the determination in the reception information storage unit 106. When the process of step S71G is completed, the reception availability determination unit 113 proceeds to the process of step S71H.

  S <b> 71 </ b> H: The reception availability determination unit 113 refers to the reception information storage unit 106 and determines whether the content can be received from the power supply progress information of the receiver 4. The reception availability determination unit 113 searches the data related to the receiver 4 with reference to the reception information storage unit 106, and when the power history information of the receiver 4 is “0” or blank data (step If YES in S71H, it is determined that “reception is possible”, and if the power supply progress information is “1”, the date and time when the power supply progress information is stored and the date and time when the external reception status is measured are further compared. . Then, when the date and time when the external reception status is measured is new (YES in step S71H), the content distribution control unit 71 determines that the process is in step S72 and falls under “receivable”, and the power supply progress information If the date and time is new (NO in step S71H), the process proceeds to step S73, and it is determined that the reception is not possible. When there is a plurality of power supply progress information, the power supply elapsed date and time stored in the reception information storage unit 106 is compared with the latest one.

  As described above, content reception control is performed on the receiver 4 side in the information distribution system 1A of the second embodiment. That is, as in the first embodiment, when it is determined that reception is possible at least in the main body reception status (YES in step S34 in FIG. 8), the receiver 4 within the range in which broadcast waves can be received is transmitted to the distribution server 12. The content reception request can be made and the received content can be output (step S35 in FIG. 8).

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when it is not determined that reception is possible in either the main body reception situation or the external reception situation (NO in S34 in FIG. 8, S36, NO in step S71H in FIG. 12, S73), the receiver Therefore, the receiver 4 that is outside the broadcasting range can be restricted from receiving the content from the distribution server 12.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when it is determined that reception is possible based on the external reception state by the antenna unit 21 in a state where it is not connected to the main body unit 22 (in step S36 in FIG. 8 and step S71H in FIG. 12). YES, S72), the content is distributed (step S43 in FIG. 9). That is, for example, in a house where the main body portion 22 of the receiver 4 is placed, if the reception environment for broadcasting is not good, the antenna portion 21 removed from the main body portion 22 (the antenna portion 21 not connected to the main body portion 22). ) To the outdoors, and if the reception status of the broadcast by the antenna unit 21 is good, then the content can be received by the main unit 22 by reattaching the antenna unit 21 to the main unit 22. For example, even when the layout of the house is changed and the receiver 4 is in an environment where it is difficult to receive the broadcast, if the antenna unit 21 is taken out to a place where the reception condition is good, the content can be similarly received by the main body unit 22. Can be received.

  As described above, in the information distribution system 1A, as in the first embodiment, the content reception area is limited depending on the reception status of the broadcast, but the content is appropriately received even in an environment where the broadcast is difficult to receive. be able to. That is, by storing the external reception status information stored in the antenna unit 21 in the main body unit 22, for example, the reception status is not preferable depending on the installation location of the receiver 4. It is possible to prevent a problem that the content cannot be received via the IP communication network 3 due to a bad situation.

  In addition to the above-described effects, the information distribution system 1A determines the presence / absence of power supply progress information. If the power supply progress information is present, the receiver 4 is illegally moved other than moving inside the house. Therefore, the external reception status information recorded after the date and time when the power supply progress information is stored is controlled not to allow the reception of the content. It is possible to determine whether or not reception is possible.

  The external reception status detection process and the external reception status registration process executed by the receiver 4 in the second embodiment are the same as the external reception status detection process (FIG. 6) and the external reception status executed by the receiver 4 in the first embodiment. You may each employ | adopt the method similar to a registration process (FIG. 7).

  Subsequently, Example 3 of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment of the present invention is different from the processing of the first embodiment in that content reception availability determination is performed using the IP address information stored in the reception information storage unit 106 of the receiver 4. Therefore, since the functions, configurations, and operations of the other devices are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and description are omitted (hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the information distribution system in the third embodiment is referred to as the information distribution system for the sake of convenience). System 1B).

  With reference to FIG. 13, the details of the external reception status determination processing in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the external reception status determination process. In FIG. 13, only the differences from the details of the external reception status determination process shown in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment will be described. The content reception availability determination process as a whole is the content reception availability determination process shown in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. The illustration and description are omitted.

  S71D: When it is determined that the content can be received in the process of step S71, the reception availability determination unit 113 stores the IP address allocated to the receiver 4 and the external reception status information in the reception information storage unit 106. . When the process of step S71D is completed, the content distribution control unit 71 proceeds to the process of step S71E.

  S71E: The reception availability determination unit 113 refers to the reception information storage unit 106 and compares the IP address information at the time when it is determined that reception is possible last time with the IP address information that is determined to be distributable in step S71 this time. Note that the data at the time when it is determined that reception is possible last time is stored in association with the reception availability determination information DB 114, for example, when the receiver 4 determines that content reception is possible by the content reception availability determination processing. In addition, the data determined on the date and time closest to the current determination date and time can be regarded as the data determined to be deliverable last time. If there is no data that can be distributed last time (YES in step S71E), the reception availability determination unit 113 determines that there is no determination target and determines that distribution is possible, and the process proceeds to step S72. On the other hand, if the IP addresses do not match, the reception availability determination unit 113 determines that distribution is not possible, and the process proceeds to step S71F. Even when the IP addresses do not match, the reception availability determination unit 113 has different values of the external reception signal level stored in the reception information storage unit 106 or the date and time when the external reception status information is measured. If it is determined that the received signal level is different from the external received signal level, it may be determined that the content can be distributed if the received signal level is equal to or higher than the predetermined reception level, and the process may proceed to step S72.

  S71F: The reception availability determination unit 113 deletes the current IP address information stored in the reception information storage unit 106 in step S71D. When the process of step S71F is completed, the reception availability determination unit 113 proceeds to the process of step S73.

  As described above, content reception control is performed on the receiver 4 side in the information distribution system 1B. That is, as in the first embodiment, when it is determined that reception is possible at least in the main body reception status (YES in step S34 in FIG. 8), the receiver 4 within the range in which broadcast waves can be received is transmitted to the distribution server 12. Then, a content reception request can be made and the received content can be output (step S35 in FIG. 8).

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when it is not determined that reception is possible in either the main body reception situation or the external reception situation (NO in S34 in FIG. 8, S36, NO in step S71E in FIG. 13), the receiver Since the content cannot be received by the receiver 4, the receiver 4 that is out of the broadcasting range can restrict the reception of the content from the distribution server 12.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when it is determined that reception is possible based on the external reception state by the antenna unit 21 in a state where it is not connected to the main body unit 22 (in step S36 in FIG. 8 and step S71E in FIG. 13). YES, S72), the content is distributed (step S43 in FIG. 13). That is, for example, in a house where the main body portion 22 of the receiver 4 is placed, if the reception environment for broadcasting is not good, the antenna portion 21 removed from the main body portion 22 (the antenna portion 21 not connected to the main body portion 22). ) To the outdoors, and if the reception status of the broadcast by the antenna unit 21 is good, then the content can be received by the main unit 22 by reattaching the antenna unit 21 to the main unit 22. For example, even when the layout of the house is changed and the receiver 4 is in an environment where it is difficult to receive the broadcast, if the antenna unit 21 is taken out to a place where the reception condition is good, the content can be similarly received by the main body unit 22. Can be received.

  As described above, in this information distribution system 1B, as in the first embodiment, the content reception area is limited by the broadcast reception status, but the content is appropriately received even in an environment where the broadcast is difficult to receive. be able to. That is, by storing the external reception status information stored in the antenna unit 21 in the main body unit 22, for example, the reception status is not preferable depending on the installation location of the receiver 4. It is possible to prevent a problem that the content cannot be received via the IP communication network 3 due to a bad situation.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, if the antenna unit 21 is not reconnected to the main body unit 22 within a predetermined time, content cannot be received (steps S7 and S8 in FIG. 6), thereby preventing unauthorized use. can do. For example, the user brings the antenna unit 21 to an area that is different from the place where the main body unit 22 is installed and takes a predetermined time or more to reconnect to the main body unit 22 and receives the antenna unit 21 there. Even if the situation is detected, the main unit 22 cannot receive the content.

  In the information distribution system 1B, in addition to the above-described effects, the IP address assigned to the receiver 4 when it was determined that distribution was possible last time, and when it was newly determined that distribution is possible this time The IP address assigned to the receiver 4 is compared, and if they match, it is determined that the content can be distributed. As a result, it is determined that the receiver 4 has made a content reception request from the same location (or the same environment) as the location where it was installed when the previous content delivery request was made, or a substantially similar location. It can be determined that reception is possible.

  The external reception status detection process and the external reception status registration process executed by the receiver 4 in the third embodiment are the same as the external reception status detection process (FIG. 6) and the external reception status executed by the receiver 4 in the first embodiment. The same method as the registration process (FIG. 7) is employed, but the external reception status detection process (FIG. 10) and the external reception status registration process (FIG. 11) executed by the receiver 4 in the second embodiment are employed. You may do it.

  Subsequently, Example 4 of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the broadcast transmitting apparatus 11 is different from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, since the functions, configurations, and operations of the other devices are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted (hereinafter, for convenience, when referring to the entire information distribution system in the fourth embodiment, the information distribution is described. System 1C).

  A case where the broadcasting station 2 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention transmits an analog broadcast will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a broadcast transmission device 11A according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Since the fourth embodiment is different from the other embodiments only in the broadcast transmitting device 11A, only the broadcast transmitting device 11A will be described. Note that the content distribution request control processing performed between the distribution server 12 and the receiver 4 may be any one of the above-described first to third embodiments.

  The broadcast transmitting apparatus 11A includes a control unit 31A and a server communication unit 33A. The control unit 31A includes a broadcast audio signal output unit 41A, a timing control unit 42A, a broadcast material acquisition unit 43A, a multiplexed information generation unit 44A, and a multiplexing unit. The conversion unit 45A is a main component. The broadcast audio signal output unit 41A outputs an audio signal of a program that has already been recorded. The timing control unit 42A is a part that controls so that multiplexed information, which will be described later, can be sent to the broadcast audio signal at a predetermined timing. For example, when a music piece in a broadcast program is being broadcast, music information such as an artist name and a music title of the music piece is transmitted as multiplexed information. The broadcast material acquisition unit 43A creates broadcast content other than broadcast content. For example, when a signal directly generated from a camera or microphone (not shown) (for example, video data or audio data of a live broadcast program or a live broadcast program) is input, the broadcast material acquisition unit 43A receives data for these broadcast contents. It is converted into a format, created as content data, and supplied to the multiplexing unit 45A. For example, when a music piece in a broadcast program is being broadcast, the multiplexing information generation unit 44A generates music information such as an artist name and a music name of the music as multiplexing information and supplies the music information to the multiplexing unit 45A. To do. The multiplexing unit 45A performs broadcasting by multiplexing the multiplexed information with the broadcast audio signal. Also, URL and P2P search query information may be included as multiplexed information.

  The information distribution system 1 </ b> C configured as described above can achieve the effects of the first embodiment because the content distribution process performed between the distribution server 12 and the receiver 4 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. In addition, about the content delivery process performed between the delivery server 12 and the receiver 4, the effect of Example 2 or Example 3 mentioned above is each employ | adopted by employ | adopting any system of Example 2 or Example 3 mentioned above, respectively. You can also play.

  As described above, the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, a client server type network system that downloads content from the broadcast transmission device 11 of the broadcast station 2 is adopted, but a P2P type network system may be used. In this case, the receiver 4 broadcasts the content request to the broadcast transmission device 11 of the broadcast station 2 via the IP communication network 3 as a search query, and also transmits the reception result determination result information, and holds the content. It is also possible to convey information about the peer to be downloaded and download the content from the peer.

  In addition, the antenna unit 21 of the receiver 4 in each of the above-described embodiments is configured to be physically separable from the main body unit 22, but as another modified example, the antenna unit 21 that cannot be physically removed is provided. An antenna that is configured by a receiver 4 that has the function of the antenna unit 21 that is different from the receiver 4 and that cannot physically remove the reception status of the device that has the function of the antenna unit 21 You may make it transmit to USB receiver etc. to the receiver 4 which has the part 21. FIG. In this case, the reception status detected by the antenna unit 21 that cannot be physically removed is handled as the “main body reception status information” described above, and the reception status detected by a device having the function of the antenna unit 21 different from the receiver 4 is received. The situation is handled as the “external reception status information” described above.

  In addition, the receiver 4 having the main body 22 and the antenna unit 21 described above is not necessarily a set of products, and the antenna unit 21 is sold separately for a device having the function of the main body 22, The receiver 4 may be configured by combining the device and the antenna unit 21. Alternatively, a program that realizes the function of the main unit 22 is installed in a device that does not originally have the function of the receiver 4 (for example, a PC). 4 may be configured.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the receiver 4 determines whether or not the content can be received by referring to the external reception status information only when it is not determined that reception is possible based on the main body reception status information of the receiver 4. In addition, only the external reception status information of the receiver 4 or only the main body reception status information of the receiver 4 is referred to, and the receiver is based on only this external reception status information or only the main body reception status information. 4 may determine whether or not the content can be received.

  Further, all or a part of the functions of each unit described in each of the above-described embodiments may be configured by a program, and the program may be installed in an information processing apparatus (computer) to realize each unit as a function. The program can be directly installed on a computer from a medium stored in a state where the program is executed. However, the program may be installed on a remote computer via a network.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information distribution system, 2 ... Broadcast station, 3 ... IP communication network (communication medium different from the broadcast wave from a broadcast station), 4 ... Receiver (information reception control apparatus), 5 ... Home power supply (power supply), 6 ... Display device, 7 ... Audio playback device, 11, 11A ... Broadcast transmission device (part of broadcast station), 12 ... Distribution server (information) Distribution device), 21A ... antenna, 21 ... antenna unit, 22 ... main body unit, 31, 31A ... control unit, 32 ... storage unit, 33,33A ... server communication unit, 41 ... Content stream creation unit, 41A ... Broadcast audio signal output unit, 42A ... Timing control unit, 42 ... EPG information creation unit, 43 ... Data broadcast creation unit, 43A ... Broadcast Material acquisition unit, 44A ... multiplexed information generation unit, 44 ... broadcast material acquisition 45A ... multiplexing unit, 51 ... broadcast content DB, 52 ... broadcast schedule DB, 53 ... data broadcast content DB, 62 ... broadcast device communication unit, 63 ... memory 64, communication control unit, 71 ... content distribution control unit (content distribution means), 72 ... content creation unit, 82 ... distribution content DB, 83 ... frequency DB, 91 ... Tuner, 92 ... reception information storage unit, 93 ... battery, 94 ... operation input unit, 95 ... reception status detection unit, 96 ... control unit, 97 ... timer, 98 ..Broadcasting station table, 99... Main body connection unit, 101... Antenna connection unit, 102... Demodulation unit, 105 .. Communication control unit, 106. Power detection unit 108, ... Immer, 109 ... Operation input unit, 110 ... Main control unit (content receiving means), 111 ... Video output unit, 112 ... Audio output unit, 113 ... Receivability determination unit (content reception) Acceptability judging means), 114... Reception acceptability judgment information DB,

Claims (7)

Information distribution in which the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station or a related content is distributed by communication means using a communication medium different from the broadcast wave within the reception range of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station An information reception control device capable of receiving these contents from the device,
The main body,
An antenna unit that can be connected to the main unit and can measure the reception status of broadcast waves ;
The information the antenna unit is the antenna portion in a state not connected to the main body has measured reception state of the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station, the antenna in a state where the antenna unit is connected to the body portion part out of the information measured reception status of broadcast waves from the broadcast station, the information the antenna unit is the antenna portion is measured reception state of the broadcast wave in a state of not being connected to the body portion or both, Content reception availability determination means for determining whether or not the same content as the content described above or related content can be received based on information obtained by measuring the reception status of the broadcast wave;
Content receiving means for receiving, from the information distribution device, the same content or related content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station when it is determined that the content can be received in the determination of the content reception availability determination means; ,
An information reception control device comprising: The information reception control device according to claim 1,
The content receiving determination means, the body portion within a predetermined time from the time of the antenna unit in a state where the antenna unit is not connected to the main body portion has measured reception state of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station An information reception control device that, when connected, uses the data at the time of measurement to determine whether to receive the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station or related content . The information reception control device according to claim 1 or 2,
The device is connected to a power source
When the content reception availability determination unit is reconnected after a lapse of a predetermined time after the device is disconnected from the power source,
The data measured after the predetermined time has elapsed and stored in the device is not used for determining whether to receive the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station or related content. Information reception control device. The information reception control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The communication medium different from the broadcast wave is an IP communication network,
In the information reception control device, the IP address assigned to the device when the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station or the related content is permitted to be received is stored.
The content reception availability determination means includes:
The same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station when the IP address assigned to the device is the same as the IP address assigned when content reception was permitted in the past Alternatively, an information reception control device that permits reception of related content. A main body, an antenna that can be connected to the main body and can measure the reception status of a broadcast wave from a broadcast station , a content reception availability determination means, a content reception means, and a broadcast wave reception range from the broadcast station The content can be received from an information distribution device that distributes the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station or a related content by means of communication using a communication medium different from the broadcast wave. An information reception control method executed by an information reception control device,
The content reception availability determination means includes information that the antenna unit measures the reception status of broadcast waves from the broadcasting station in a state where the antenna unit is not connected to the main body unit, and the antenna unit is connected to the main body unit. of the antenna units in a state of being connected with the information obtained by measuring the reception status of broadcast waves from the broadcast station, receiving the antenna unit is a broadcast wave in a state where the antenna unit is not connected to the main body Determining whether or not the same content as the content described above or the related content can be received based on information obtained by measuring the situation, or information obtained by measuring the reception status of both broadcast waves;
When the content receiving unit determines that the content can be received in the determination of the content reception availability determination unit, the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station or related content is transmitted from the information distribution device. Receiving step;
An information reception control method comprising: Information distribution in which the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station or a related content is distributed by communication means using a communication medium different from the broadcast wave within the reception range of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station A computer that can receive these contents from a device and controls a main body unit and an antenna unit that can be connected to the main body unit and can measure the reception status of broadcast waves ,
The above computer
The information the antenna unit is the antenna portion in a state not connected to the main body has measured reception state of the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station, the antenna in a state where the antenna unit is connected to the body portion part out of the information measured reception status of broadcast waves from the broadcast station, the information the antenna unit is the antenna portion is measured reception state of the broadcast wave in a state of not being connected to the body portion or both, Content reception availability determination means for determining whether or not the same content as the content described above or related content can be received based on information obtained by measuring the reception status of the broadcast wave of
Content that performs control to receive from the information distribution device the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station or related content when it is determined that the content can be received in the determination of the content reception availability determination unit Reception control means,
Information reception control program to function as Information distribution in which the same content as the content superimposed on the broadcast wave from the broadcast station or a related content is distributed by communication means using a communication medium different from the broadcast wave within the reception range of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station Equipment,
A main body, an antenna that can be connected to the main body and capable of measuring a broadcast wave reception state, and the antenna is broadcast from the broadcasting station in a state where the antenna is not connected to the main body. the information obtained by measuring the reception condition of the waves, of the information obtained by measuring the reception status of the broadcast wave from the antenna part is the broadcasting station in a state where the antenna unit is connected to the body portion, the antenna portion Content that is the same as or related to the content based on information that the antenna unit measures the reception status of the broadcast wave, or information that measures the reception status of both broadcast waves when not connected to the main unit And a broadcast wave from the broadcast station when it is determined that the reception is possible in the determination of the content reception availability determination unit and the content reception availability determination unit. A content receiving unit that the superimposed content identical content or related content is received from the information distribution apparatus, an information reception control apparatus having,
An information distribution system comprising:

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