JP4613446B2 - Broadcast data distribution system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
The present invention relates to a broadcast data distribution system , and more particularly to an on-demand broadcast data distribution system using the Internet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a viewer of a television broadcast program selects and watches a broadcast program of a broadcasting station that includes the place of residence of the viewer in the service area.
[0003]
Also, if you cannot watch the program you want to watch at the broadcast time for the convenience of the viewer, record the TV broadcast program in advance using a home video set and watch the recorded program at a convenient time. ing.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional television broadcast distribution / reception system as described above, broadcast programs distributed in other service areas cannot be viewed at home, and the user is away from home and in another service area. Sometimes, broadcast programs that can be viewed at home cannot be viewed.
[0005]
In addition, when recording a broadcast program as described above, the viewer must perform a series of operations such as purchase of a video set, reservation of recording with the video set, and playback of the recorded video tape, which is not convenient. It was.
[0006]
Also, in order to record a broadcast program using a video set, the setup for recording must be completed before the start of the broadcast, but it is often the case that this setup is forgotten and cannot be recorded. Was. In addition, although setup has been performed, recording may fail. Furthermore, even if the program should have been viewed and recorded after the broadcast of the program ended, it was not a request that could be fulfilled unless it was rebroadcast.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and is an on-demand system that allows a viewer to watch a program broadcast in a service area outside the corresponding service area. An object is to provide a broadcast data distribution system .
[0008]
In order to solve the above problems, a broadcast data distribution system of the present invention is provided for each service area of a plurality of broadcast stations, and stores program data that is always received and encoded by a program of a receivable broadcast station. When receiving a signal transmitted by the remote controller when the user operates the numeric buttons, the service provider side device that stores the program data on demand and distributes the program data upon request, and the numeric buttons are supported. After converting to service area information and channel information, it is rewritten and transmitted to electronic information to be transmitted to the corresponding service providing device through the network, and the program data distributed from the service providing device is downloaded, and the program is downloaded. a computer that converts the video and audio signals by decoding the data, is connected to a computer, And a television receiver for reproducing the video signal and the audio signal converted by the computer.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A broadcast data distribution / reception apparatus and broadcast data distribution / reception method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Broadcast data distribution / reception devices can be broadly divided into service providing equipment 1 (FIG. 3) and viewer equipment 2 (FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the service providing equipment 1 is a video server. It corresponds to. The service providing side device 1 and the viewer side device 2 can be connected via the Internet 3.
[0017]
The video server which is the service providing side device 1 is managed by the service provider, and is provided in a place where the radio wave transmitted from the transmitting antenna of the broadcasting station in the service area can be received as shown in FIG. Yes. It is preferable that the service providing side device 1 is provided in each of a large number of service areas existing all over the world. However, in the present invention, at least one service providing side device 1 is provided in at least one service area. Good. In addition, it is preferable that the service providing side device 1 is also provided in the service area of the cable television.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 2, the service providing device 1 includes a broadcast receiving device 11 and a video server storage device 12 for receiving a television broadcast. The broadcast receiving apparatus 11 includes a television broadcast receiving antenna 11A, a television broadcast signal input unit 11B, a tuner unit 11E including a video / audio demodulator, and an MPEG encoder 11C. The TV broadcast receiving antenna 11A captures radio waves from a ground station or a satellite. The TV broadcast signal input unit 11B inputs a high frequency signal sent from a cable broadcasting company via a cable. The television broadcast receiving antenna 11A and the television broadcast signal input unit 11B are connected to a plurality of tuner units 11E via a distributor 11D. The tuner unit 11E includes a frequency converter including a mixer 11F and a reference frequency generator 11G, and is provided in the same number as the number of channels that can be received in the service area, and one tuner unit 11E includes only one channel. Always receive. The MPEG encoder 11C is provided at the subsequent stage of the tuner unit 11E, and the signals received by the tuner units 11E are respectively encoded by MPEG and converted into digital data.
[0019]
The video server storage device 12 is provided in the subsequent stage of the MPEG encoder 11C, and includes a storage 12A and an Internet connection unit 12B as shown in FIG. The storage 12A stores digital data encoded by the MPEG encoder 11C. Digital data to be stored is independent data for each broadcast date and program. The Internet connection unit 12B is a part that connects the service providing side device 1 to the Internet 3, and outputs digital data stored in the storage 12A to the Internet 3 based on a program distribution request to be described later.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 4, the viewer side device 2 includes a remote controller 21, a remote control light receiving unit 22, a computer (PC) 23, and a viewing television 24. The viewing television 24 is connected to the computer 23 and displays the video signal from the computer 23 on the viewing television 24. The remote controller 21 transmits an infrared signal to the remote control light receiving unit 22. The remote control light receiving unit 22 is connected to the computer 23, receives the infrared signal from the remote control 21, and outputs it to the computer. The computer 23 has a command conversion program, and by executing this program, the data generated from the infrared signal input from the remote control light receiving unit 22 is converted into a command including various information, for example, a television broadcast station. The command is converted into a command including regional information, information on the reception frequency of the television broadcast, viewer's Internet address information, encrypted restoration information, and the like.
[0021]
The computer 23 includes an Internet connection unit 23A and an MPEG decoder (not shown). The Internet connection unit 23A is a part that connects the viewer side device 2 to the Internet 3, and sends a broadcast program distribution request for transmitting a command converted by the command conversion program via the Internet 3, and provides a service. The broadcast program data distributed from the side device 1 is received. The MPEG decoder decodes broadcast program data received via the Internet 3. The decoded data is converted into a composite signal or audio signal as a video signal and output to the viewing television 24, and video and audio are reproduced on the viewing television 24.
[0022]
Next, a method for distributing / receiving broadcast program data currently being broadcast will be described with reference to FIGS. First, before distributing / receiving a broadcast program, each device constituting the viewer-side device 2 is connected, and the viewer-side device 2 is set up. Specifically, first, the computer 23 (FIG. 4) and the viewing television 24 are connected, the computer 23 and the remote control light receiving unit 22 are connected, and the computer 23 and the Internet 3 are connected to the Internet connecting unit 23A. Connect through.
[0023]
In the setup, first, information necessary for Internet connection and information necessary for downloading data via the Internet 3 are registered in the computer 23. Next, a remote control input operation is performed to input information on the area of the broadcasting station and the channel to be viewed by the viewer to the remote controller 21. The remote controller input operation is performed by pressing a numeric button on the remote controller 21 corresponding to the channel number to be viewed and a button corresponding to the service area. By this remote control input operation, infrared data is sent from the remote control 21 to the remote control light receiving unit 22, and a data transmission registration operation for registering information on the service area and channel to be viewed in the computer 23 is performed. When there are a plurality of broadcast stations that the user wants to watch, the data transmission registration operation by the remote controller input operation described above is performed for each broadcast station, thereby registering the plurality of broadcast stations. Through the above operations, connection and setup of each device are completed.
[0024]
Information on the service area and channels broadcast in the service area can be obtained from newspaper magazines or the like, but can also be obtained from data sites of television programs around the world. In this case, the desired service area and channel information can be more easily registered in the computer 23 only by the operation of the viewer selecting a broadcast station that the viewer wants to watch and pressing a predetermined button on the remote controller 21.
[0025]
Next, the broadcast receiving device 11 of the service providing side device 1 always receives all the programs of the television stations that can be received at the place where the service providing side device 1 is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a radio wave transmitted from a television broadcast station is captured by a television broadcast receiving antenna 11A that constitutes the broadcast receiving device 11 (S11), and a predetermined frequency is obtained in the tuner unit 11E. Only the signal is received and demodulated (S12), and the received signal is encoded by the MPEG encoder 11C (S13) and stored in a predetermined area in the storage 12A (S14).
[0026]
In an area corresponding to each channel in the storage 12A, that is, in a video server channel, as shown in FIG. 6, digital data corresponding to a program broadcast from each broadcasting station is always stored. Specifically, digital data of a broadcast program encoded from the left end to the right side in FIG. 6 of the video server channel is stored with time. Then, the digital data is stored up to the maximum storage capacity of the video server channel, that is, the right end of the video server channel in FIG. 6, and there is no storage area for storing the digital data any more. In this case, the data in the storage area A where the oldest digital data is stored is erased to secure the storage area, and the digital data of the broadcast program is newly stored in this area.
[0027]
Next, the viewer operates the viewer-side device 2 with the same feeling as when selecting a normal television program. Specifically, a broadcast station and a broadcast program are designated by pressing a numeric button of the channel number of the broadcast station to be viewed on the remote controller 21 (S21). When the button is pressed, an infrared signal is transmitted from the remote controller 21 to the remote control light receiving unit 22 (S22), and the remote control light receiving unit 22 receives the infrared signal (S23).
[0028]
In the computer 23 to which the remote control light receiving unit 22 is connected, channel information corresponding to the button operation of the remote control 21 is registered in the above-described setup, and the infrared signal received by the remote control light receiving unit 22 based on this information is registered. The program data is created by converting the information into the service area information and the channel information corresponding to the number buttons of the pressed remote controller 21 (S24), and the program data is converted into an Internet streaming address (S25). The provided Internet connection unit 23A rewrites the electronic information to be transmitted on the Internet 3 and transmits it to the Internet 3 (S26). The electronic information includes an Internet address that is unique to the viewer's computer 23. Broadcast program data distributed from the service providing side device 1 described later is distributed to this Internet address. Information about the viewer is included in the electronic information in an encrypted state to prevent data leakage. The computer 23 sends a broadcast program distribution request by transmitting electronic information from the Internet connection unit 23 </ b> A to the service providing apparatus 1 via the Internet 3.
[0029]
The service providing side device 1 receives the electronic information of the broadcast program distribution request via the Internet connection unit 12B connected to the Internet 3, selects the broadcast station and program specified in the distribution request, The broadcast program data in the video server channel is transmitted from the program streaming address to the viewer-side computer 23 via the Internet 3 in a streaming format (S15).
[0030]
In order to transmit broadcast program data, a channel specified in the broadcast program distribution request is selected and distribution starts from the latest data in the video server channel (FIG. 6) corresponding to this channel. Distribute the data stored in the video server channel. For example, if the data is currently stored in the storage area B at the right end of FIG. 6, distribution starts from the streaming address of the data in the storage area B, and then the broadcast program data is stored next to the storage area B. Broadcast program data stored in the storage area A, which is a stored area, is distributed. Distribution performed in this way is performed when a distribution request for distributing a broadcast program currently being broadcast is made, but when distributing a broadcast program broadcast in the past, the latest data is used. Instead of starting distribution, the broadcast program specified in the broadcast program distribution request is selected and distribution starts from the streaming address of the program.
[0031]
The viewer side device 2 downloads the program data distributed from the service providing side device 1 via the Internet 3 (S31), decodes it with an MPEG decoder provided in the computer 23 (S32), and serves as a video signal. It is converted into a composite signal or an audio signal and output to the viewing television 24 (S33). The viewing television 24 displays video on the monitor based on the composite signal and audio signal, and outputs audio from the speaker (S34).
[0032]
After the viewer views the program, the service provider collects the memory usage fee and the broadcast receiving device usage fee for the storage 12A and the broadcast receiving device used for viewing the broadcast program. It also collects administrative expenses.
[0033]
In the case of conventional television broadcast viewing or when a program is distributed from a predetermined content distribution company, the service area is limited to a narrow range, so there is a limit to the expansion of viewers and customers. However, the service providing side device 1 of the broadcast data distribution / reception apparatus according to the present embodiment can be provided in the service area of each country in the world, and the service providing side device 1 and the viewer side device 2 have the Internet 3. Therefore, it is possible to access the service provider devices 1 in the world from anywhere in the world. Therefore, even a program broadcast on the back side of the earth can be viewed regardless of where the viewer is, and the viewers and customers can be expanded. Further, even when the viewer is staying in a region or abroad and is not at home, the viewer can view a broadcast program of a broadcasting station including the home in the service area.
[0034]
As long as the storage capacity of the storage 12A permits, the broadcast program data received by the broadcast receiving device 11 of the service providing side device 1 is stored in the storage 12A, and the storage 12A is stored based on the broadcast program distribution request from the viewer side device 2. In order to distribute the broadcast program data to the viewer side device 2, the program was broadcast without a conventional video set or without a complicated recording reservation operation in the video set. By simply specifying the channel and broadcast time, you can watch programs broadcast in the past whenever you like. Therefore, even if the user wants to watch the program after listening to the reputation of the broadcasted program, he / she can freely watch it whenever he / she wants to watch it.
[0035]
Since broadcast programs broadcast in the past can be viewed without using a video set, troublesome operations such as replacing videotapes are unnecessary even for long-duration programs. There is no need to worry about the remaining recording time of a recording medium such as a video tape.
[0036]
In the broadcast data distribution / reception device according to the present invention, not only a viewer who can be in front of the viewing television 24 during the broadcast time of a predetermined program, but also all viewers who are interested in the program. On the other hand, since broadcast programs can be delivered reliably, the higher the quality of the program, the more viewers will be available after the broadcast ends, and there will be a much larger number of program producers and program sponsors than before. A viewer can be obtained. Therefore, broadcasting can be performed without lowering the production quality of the program.
[0037]
The encoding at the service providing side device 1 and the decoding at the viewer side device 2 are performed by using MPEG, which is an internationally standardized compression code, and using the Internet 3, which is a general line, for broadcasting program data. Therefore, it is possible to distribute the stream to the viewer side device 2 without dropping frames.
[0038]
In the broadcast data distribution / reception method described above, all of the devices other than the connection, setup, remote control operation, and collection of expenses by the service provider in the viewer side device 2 are performed automatically. The time until the program is displayed on the monitor after selecting the broadcasting station and selecting the program is short, and the viewer selects the TV station and selects the program without feeling that the Internet 3 is interposed. be able to.
[0039]
The broadcast data distribution / reception device and distribution / reception method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and improvements can be made within the scope described in the claims. For example, although the computer 23 of the broadcast data distribution / reception device according to the present embodiment has a command conversion program, the computer 23 may be provided with a dedicated command conversion device instead.
[0040]
Further, the remote control light receiving unit 22 is connected to the computer 23. However, when the viewing television 24 has a function of receiving an infrared signal from the remote control 21 and outputting it to the computer 23, the remote control light reception is performed. It is not necessary to provide a part. The viewing television 24 may be a monitor.
[0041]
In the setup, the channel number is input to the remote controller 21, but the frequency may be input.
[0042]
In the broadcast data distribution / reception device according to the present embodiment, as in the conventional television for viewing, the computer 23 is controlled by remote control to perform channel selection or the like. Alternatively, channel selection or the like may be performed by operating the mouse.
[0043]
Instead of the computer 23, a dedicated device having the same function as the computer 23 may be used to connect to the television. In this case, compared to the case where the computer 23 is used, the viewer can easily connect and operate the device, and the user interface can be improved.
[0044]
The MPEG compression rate may be fixed, but may be selectable depending on the service form and network environment.
[0045]
The encoding is performed using the MPEG system, but the encoding is not limited to the MPEG system, and any apparatus can be used as long as it can distribute the stream to the viewer side device 2 without applying a great load on the network and dropping frames. Therefore, an internationally standardized compression code other than MPEG may be used.
[0046]
In addition to the storage 12A in the video server storage device 12, another inexpensive storage is provided separately, and old program data to be deleted is transferred from the storage 12A in the video server storage device 12 to this inexpensive storage for a long period of time. You may make it preserve | save. Then, in response to a broadcast program distribution request from the viewpoint of viewing, the old program data stored in an inexpensive storage is distributed. By doing in this way, it is possible to distribute programs that are much older than in the case of the broadcast data distribution / reception device and distribution / reception method according to the present embodiment, and a viewer with more enhanced video-on-demand functions. Can enable service.
[0047]
The advertisement distributed in the distributed program may be broadcast as it is received by the broadcast receiving device 11 of the service providing side device 1, but the latest advertisement is replaced by always replacing the same company advertisement with a new one. May be broadcast.
[0048]
According to the present invention , the video server is connected to a predetermined network and distributes broadcast data via the predetermined network. The video server can be accessed from anywhere in the world, and even a program broadcast on the other side of the earth can be viewed regardless of where the viewer is.
[0049]
In addition, the video server receives broadcast data, stores it in storage, and responds to broadcast programs from the stored broadcast data based on a desired broadcast program distribution request made to the video server via a predetermined network. In order to select broadcast data to be distributed and distribute the broadcast data, the viewer can view a past broadcast program only by specifying a desired broadcast program, and perform a recording reservation operation in a video set, etc. It is possible to enjoy programs that have been broadcast in the past, and to create a new type of video on demand.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a broadcast data distribution / reception device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a broadcast data distribution / reception device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a service providing side device of a broadcast data distribution / reception device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a viewer-side device of the broadcast data distribution / reception device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a broadcast data distribution / reception method according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a video server channel in the entire storage provided in the service providing side device of the broadcast data distribution / reception device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Service provision side apparatus 3 Internet 11 Broadcast receiving apparatus 11B MPEG encoder 12A Storage 23 Computer

Claims (1)

Provided in each service area of a plurality of broadcasting stations, providing a service for storing program data that is always received and encoded in a receivable program in the storage, and distributing the program data in response to a request Side equipment,
A remote control with number buttons,
When the remote controller by the user operating the numeric buttons to receive a signal to be transmitted, after conversion to the information and the channel information of the service area corresponding to the numeric buttons, the service providing side device corresponding through the network A computer that rewrites and transmits electronic information for transmission to the computer, downloads the program data distributed from the service providing device, decodes the program data, and converts it into a video signal and an audio signal;
A broadcast data distribution system comprising: a television receiver connected to the computer and reproducing the video signal and the audio signal converted by the computer .

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