JP7096564B2 - Information communication terminal device and display control method in the device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information communication terminal device and a display control method in the device, and more particularly to an information communication terminal device capable of viewing program contents provided via a communication network and a display control method in the device.

Conventionally, a television broadcasting service in which a viewer receives a broadcast of program content from a broadcasting station with a terminal device such as a television receiver, a set-top box, or a smartphone with a built-in receiving tuner and watches the program content. It is well established in the world. In recent years, an IPTV service ("" (Sometimes referred to as "Internet broadcasting service") is becoming widespread. As such IPTV services, services such as IP broadcasting and IP retransmission are known. The IP broadcasting service is a service that allows you to watch program contents of various channels using a communication network based on the channel concept in which programs are organized along the time axis like the conventional television services. .. Similarly, the IP retransmission service is a service that enables the use of existing terrestrial digital broadcasting, BS digital broadcasting, CS digital broadcasting, etc. using a communication network. With such an IPTV service, even in places where it is difficult to receive radio waves such as terrestrial digital broadcasting, terrestrial digital broadcasting can be performed by connecting a viewing terminal device (with or without a tuner) to the Internet instead of an antenna. You can use the same services as.

In such an IPTV service, typically, the video / audio data related to the program content and the related information are distributed to the viewer using different distribution schemes. That is, video / audio data is distributed using RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) based on IP multicast technology, whereas related information is distributed using HTTP in many cases. For this reason, the IPTV service requires a technique for displaying video / audio data and related information at a desired timing in a viewer's terminal device as program content.

For example, Patent Document 1 below synchronizes data such as subtitles transmitted separately from video content data with video content data in a broadcast retransmission service that retransmits conventional television broadcasting using a communication network. Discloses the reproduction technology to reproduce.

By the way, in terrestrial digital broadcasting, the viewable range (that is, the broadcasting area or broadcasting area) is roughly determined by the reachable distance of the broadcasting wave output from the radio tower, and the broadcasting can be selected according to the viewer's place of residence or current location. The station (channel) has been decided. The viewer currently registers in advance the broadcasting stations that can be selected by inputting the postal code, address, etc. into the television receiver and registering the settings. Therefore, when a viewer uses an IP retransmission service corresponding to terrestrial digital broadcasting using a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone, the terminal device recognizes a broadcasting station whose broadcasting area is the viewer's current location. There is a need to.

The following Patent Document 2 limits the IP type broadcasting output from the broadcasting receiver to the IP type broadcasting of a broadcasting station whose broadcasting area is the current location of the broadcasting receiver, and the user of the broadcasting receiver has a plurality of IP type broadcasting. Disclosed is a technology that enables a desired IP type broadcast to be selected from among them.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-188910 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-049896

While pursuing IPTV services to become services equivalent to terrestrial digital broadcasting, the viewing style of viewers (users) has changed from the conventional stationary television receivers to mobile ones such as smartphones. It is expected that the system will shift to information and communication terminal devices. However, at present, no easy-to-use information communication terminal device considering the IPTV service has been proposed.

That is, in the conventional terrestrial digital broadcasting, the broadcasting area is limited due to the limitation of the reachable distance of the broadcasting wave. For example, if a user living in the metropolitan area is temporarily in a rural area due to a business trip or a trip, the user cannot watch a program for the metropolitan area and can watch a program of a broadcasting station in that region. become. Therefore, a user who is temporarily in a rural area must make a reservation recording in order to watch a program broadcast in the metropolitan area, and cannot enjoy watching in real time. In addition, there are many users who want to frequently watch programs from their hometown broadcasting stations, and there is also a strong desire to know the damage situation in their hometown in real time, especially when a natural disaster such as an earthquake or typhoon occurs. However, in the current terrestrial digital broadcasting, a broadcast program (viewing screen) in which a main program based on video / audio data and a data broadcast program based on data broadcast data are laid out is provided in a limited space of a television screen. The user could only watch the program of the broadcasting station in the broadcasting area registered in the setting.

Therefore, in view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an IPTV service capable of distributing program contents beyond the boundaries of such a broadcasting area under the restriction of the broadcasting area by terrestrial digital broadcasting or the like.

That is, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an information communication terminal device having an easy-to-use user interface in consideration of the IPTV service, and a display control method in the device.

Further, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an information and communication terminal device having a user interface that allows a user to set a plurality of broadcasting areas to be viewed by a simple operation, and a display control method in the device. That is.

Further, one of the objects of the present invention is an information communication terminal device having a user interface that allows a user to select at least one of a plurality of set broadcasting areas by a simple operation, and a display in the device. It is to provide a control method.

Further, one of the objects of the present invention is a user interface that allows a user to cross-select one broadcasting station from a plurality of broadcasting stations (channels) over a plurality of set broadcasting areas. It is to provide an information communication terminal apparatus having the above and a display control method in the apparatus.

The present invention for solving the above problems is configured to include the following invention-specific matters or technical features.

That is, the present invention according to a certain viewpoint is an information communication terminal device suitable for an IPTV service that distributes program data from any distribution server via a communication network. The information communication terminal device includes a storage means capable of storing at least two or more area names for identifying each broadcasting area partitioned by the reach of the broadcast wave, and at least one of the plurality of stored area names. According to the area setting means for setting one area name, the specific means for specifying at least one channel allocation of the broadcasting area corresponding to the set at least one area name, and the acquired at least one channel allocation. According to the selection means for selecting the channel of the program and the link information associated with the selected channel, the program data is requested to be distributed to a specific distribution server, and the program data is distributed from the specific distribution server in response to the request. It is provided with a program data acquisition means for acquiring the program data to be acquired, and a display control means for controlling the display of the program content based on the acquired program data on the screen of the user interface.

The storage means may store the area name of the area specified according to the geolocation information acquired from the location information acquisition system.

The area setting means may control the plurality of area names so as to be selectably displayed on the screen.

Further, the area setting means may control so that the plurality of area names are scrolled and displayed on the screen.

Further, the area setting means may control so that the plurality of area names are displayed in a list.

The display control means may control the screen so that channel icons associated with the plurality of channels are selectively displayed on the screen according to the acquired at least one channel allocation. Further, the selection means may select the one channel corresponding to the one channel icon when one channel icon is selected from the channel icon group displayed on the screen.

When a plurality of the region names are set, the channel allocation specifying means may identify a plurality of the channel allocations corresponding to each of the plurality of region names.

Further, the display control means may control so that the channel icons associated with the plurality of channels are selectively displayed on the screen according to the plurality of channel allocations. Further, the channel selection means may select the one channel corresponding to the one channel icon when one channel icon is selected from the channel icon group displayed on the screen.

Further, the display control means includes a first channel icon group associated with a plurality of channels according to the first channel allocation, and a second channel associated with the plurality of channels according to the second channel allocation. It is possible to control so that the icons are displayed continuously.
The information communication terminal device according to claim 8.

Further, the display control means can control the first channel icon group and the second channel icon group so as to be scroll-displayed.

Further, the present invention according to another viewpoint is a display control method in an information communication terminal device suitable for an IPTV service that distributes program data from any distribution server via a communication network. In the method, at least two or more area names for identifying each broadcasting area partitioned by the reach of the broadcast wave are stored in the storage means, and at least one of the plurality of stored area names is stored. The area name is set and stored in the storage means, and at least one channel allocation of the broadcasting area corresponding to the set at least one area name is performed based on the channel allocation information stored in the storage means. To a specific distribution server via a communication interface according to the identification, the selection of one channel according to the acquired at least one channel allocation, and the link information associated with the selected one channel. Requesting distribution of program data, acquiring the program data distributed from the specific distribution server in response to the request, and program content based on the acquired program data on the screen of the user interface. Includes controlling so that is displayed.

Furthermore, according to another aspect, the present invention is a computer program for realizing the above-mentioned method for causing a computing device to display program contents based on program data distributed from any distribution server via a communication network. It can be a recording medium on which the program is recorded non-temporarily.

In the present disclosure, the "means" does not simply mean a physical means, but also includes a case where the function of the means is realized by software. Further, the function of one means may be realized by two or more physical means, or the function of two or more means may be realized by one physical means.

Further, in the present disclosure, the "system" includes a logical assembly of a plurality of devices (or functional modules that realize a specific function), and each device or functional module is physically a single device. It does not matter whether it is composed or as a separate object.

According to the present invention, an IPTV service capable of providing program content beyond the boundaries of such a broadcasting area is provided under the limitation of the broadcasting area by terrestrial digital broadcasting or the like.

Other technical features, objectives, and effects or advantages of the invention will be demonstrated by the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure for schematically explaining the scheme of the IPTV service which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of the information communication terminal apparatus suitable for the IPTV service system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating an example of the storage contents of the memory module of the information communication terminal apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining an example of the functional configuration of the information communication terminal apparatus adapted to the IPTV service system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the channel allocation information in the information communication terminal apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the area setting process in the information communication terminal apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the top screen displayed on the user interface of the information communication terminal apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the area setting screen displayed on the user interface of the information communication terminal apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the top screen after setting displayed on the user interface of the information communication terminal apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the channel selection process in the information communication terminal apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the channel icon in the screen displayed on the user interface of the information communication terminal apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the area setting screen displayed on the user interface of the information communication terminal apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the top screen after setting displayed on the user interface of the information communication terminal apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen at the time of channel selection displayed in the user interface of the information communication terminal apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of the distribution server in the distribution company system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and there is no intention of excluding various modifications and applications of techniques not specified below. The present invention can be implemented with various modifications (for example, combining each embodiment) without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Further, in the description of the following drawings, the same or similar parts are represented by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily match the actual dimensions and ratios. Even between drawings, there may be parts where the relationship and ratio of dimensions differ from each other.

[First Embodiment]
The present embodiment is characterized in that the information communication terminal device causes the user to selectively set one or a plurality of broadcasting areas, and displays a channel icon according to the set broadcasting area on the user interface.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for schematically explaining an overall scheme of an IPTV service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present disclosure, the IPTV service refers to a broadcasting service in which program content is streamed or distributed to viewers via an IP (Internet Protocol) -based network, and is a conventional broadcasting service using broadcast waves (for example, terrestrial digital). It is distinguished from the broadcasting service). The terms "transmission" and "delivery" here may be synonymous, and the terms "transmission" and "transfer" are not excluded. At the time of filing of the present application, services such as IP broadcasting and IP retransmission are known as IPTV services. The IPTV service system 1 according to the present disclosure is a system that realizes a broadcasting service in which program contents are distributed from a broadcasting station side to a viewer side via an IP-based network. The program content refers to a "program" that is organized along the time axis and is viewed by the viewer, and may include information related thereto such as so-called subtitle data and data broadcasting data. Program content is composed of, for example, digital data packages or data streams such as video, images, characters and / or audio. The data stream related to the program content is composed of, for example, the "H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC" format, which is a high compression coding technique. In the present disclosure, the data stream related to the program content may be referred to as "program data stream" or simply "program data".

As shown in the figure, the communication network 10 may include an IP-based computer network (hereinafter referred to as “IP network”) 12, a mobile communication network 14 compliant with the mobile communication system standard, and the like. The communication network 10 may include the form of a content delivery network (CDN). In the present disclosure, the communication network 10 is used in a broad concept including the Internet constructed by an IP network, but the purpose is to exclude not only the IP network but also a network of other protocols that enable distribution of program data. is not. Further, the communication network 10 may include a wireless network (for example, Wi-Fi®) constructed by a wireless base station or a wireless access point (not shown). The IP network 12 and the mobile communication network 14 are connected via, for example, a gateway 16 or the like, but the IP network 12 and the mobile communication network 14 are not limited to this.

The broadcaster system 20 may be configured to include broadcasting equipment for performing television broadcasting and radio broadcasting. The broadcaster system 20 is managed and operated by, for example, a broadcaster (for example, a broadcasting station) to which a broadcasting license is granted, but the system 20 is not limited to this. Although not shown, the broadcaster system 20 provides, for example, a broadcasting service (for example, terrestrial digital broadcasting) of program contents stored in a transmission server under the control of an automatic operation device. That is, the broadcaster system 20 sends out program data according to the program organization along the time axis. For example, the program data is emitted as a broadcast wave from a radio tower toward a broadcast target area. Further, the program data may be transmitted to the distributor system 30 via, for example, a dedicated line 18.

The program content in the present disclosure may be the same as the broadcast program content provided by the conventional broadcast service, or may be, for example, additional content added to the broadcast program content. Alternatively, the program content may be different from the broadcast program content.

The distribution company system 30 may be configured to include a distribution server that distributes program data provided by a broadcasting company, a production company, or the like to viewers via a communication network 10. The hardware configuration of the distribution server is shown, for example, in FIG. 15, but since such a configuration is known, the details thereof will be omitted. The distribution company system 30 is managed and operated by, for example, a content distribution company (CDN provider), an Internet provider (ISP), or the like, but is not limited thereto. A plurality of distributor systems 30 may be installed, and one distributor system 30 may include a plurality of distribution servers. The program data is provided to the distributor system 30 via, for example, a broadcast wave emitted from a radio tower or a dedicated line. The distributor system 30 temporarily stores the provided program data in the distribution server in preparation for the distribution timing, and according to the program organization, for example, using RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) based on IP multicast technology, It may be streamed to the information communication terminal device 40 of the viewer. The program data may be streamed to the information communication terminal device 40 using HTTP long polling or another transmission protocol. Further, the distribution operator system 30 can distribute data and other information (for example, EPG and channel allocation information) related to a part of the program content (for example, program-related information) to the information communication terminal device 40 of the viewer. Typically, the distributor system 30 scrambles and distributes various data including program data and the like.

In this disclosure, the broadcaster system 20 and the distributor system 30 are configured as separate systems, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the broadcaster system 20 is the distributor system 30. It may be configured to include functions and vice versa. Further, the distribution company system 30 may be managed and operated by a broadcasting company.

The information communication terminal device 40 is a computing device operated by a user who is a viewer who watches a program, and includes, for example, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a feature phone, and other intelligent devices. However, it is not limited to these. In this example, the information communication terminal device 40 is assumed to be a smartphone capable of interactive operation by a touch panel or a touch screen, and is configured as a viewing terminal device suitable for viewing program contents in an IPTV service as described below. Will be done.

That is, the information communication terminal device 40 may be configured to include a CPU (processor), a chip set and a memory, a communication module, hardware resources such as a user interface, and an operating system (for example, a kernel, various device drivers, a standard library, and the like. ) (Hereinafter referred to as "OS"). The information communication terminal device 40 executes various application programs on the OS under the control of the processor and realizes a desired function. In the present disclosure, the information communication terminal device 40 is, for example, a command group or a module for making the information communication terminal device 40 function as a viewer (so-called viewing terminal device) capable of viewing a program in an IPTV service as one of application programs. An IPTV viewing program including the above can be implemented. Alternatively, the information communication terminal device 40 may be configured to implement the browser program as one of the application programs and to realize the above functions by the add-on program of the browser realized by the browser program.

The information communication terminal device 40 equipped with the IPTV viewing program receives and receives video / audio data (that is, program data) related to the main program content streamed from the distributor system 30 according to, for example, RTSP. The video of the program based on the program data is displayed in real time in a predetermined display area of the screen as a user interface, and audio (voice, music, sound effect, etc.) synchronized with the video based on the program data is output. The information communication terminal device 40 displays the sub-program content distributed from the distributor system 30 in accordance with, for example, the HTTP long poll, superimposed on the main program content, or is the display area of the main program content. Display in another display area. The sub-program content may be interlocking content (complementary or related content) of the main program content, or non-interlocking content (independent content).

Further, the information communication terminal device 40 of the present embodiment distributes a distribution request for channel allocation information to the distribution operator system 30, and acquires predetermined channel allocation information to be distributed in response to the request. This is stored in a predetermined storage area. Channel allocation information can also be delivered according to, for example, HTTP long polling, but is not limited to this. The information communication terminal device 40 displays, for example, a channel icon or an object superimposed on the screen according to the stored channel allocation information in response to the user's operation.

The information communication terminal device 40 may be a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone in this example, may be a stationary television receiver, or may be configured to include a set-top box. ..

In the IPTV service system 1 as described above, the user operates the user interface of the information communication terminal device 40 to set in advance one or a plurality of broadcasting areas to be viewed. When selecting a desired broadcasting station (channel) in the broadcasting area to be viewed, the user operates the user interface to display a channel icon (that is, a channel number) on the screen and selects an icon corresponding to the desired channel. .. The information communication terminal device 40 distributes a distribution request for program data associated with the channel to the distribution operator system 30, whereby the information communication terminal device 40 receives the program data and displays the program data on the screen of the user interface. Display in real time.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the IPTV service system 1 may include an authentication server for authenticating a user (viewer) and / or an information communication terminal device 40 when providing an IPTV service. ..

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information communication terminal device adapted to the IPTV service system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, among various hardware resources constituting the information communication terminal device 40, those particularly related to the present disclosure are shown.

That is, as shown in the figure, the information communication terminal device 40 typically includes one or more processor modules 41, a chipset 42, a memory module 43, an I / O controller 44, and various types. It may be configured to include a peripheral interface 45 and various input / output devices 46. Further, the information communication terminal device 40 of this example includes a GPS module 47. Although not shown, the information communication terminal device 40 may include a call unit that realizes a call function. For example, the information communication terminal device 40 may accept voice input from the user via the telephone unit.

The processor module 41 includes, but is not limited to, for example, a processor (processor core), a microcontroller, a digital signal processor and / or a combination thereof. The chipset 42 includes a bridge to a bus connecting a processor module 41, a memory module 43, an I / O controller 44, and the like, and a circuit in which other components necessary for configuring the information communication terminal device 40 are integrated. The chipset 42 is controlled by, for example, the processor module 41.

The memory module 43 is typically a primary storage device comprising a volatile memory (eg RAM), a non-volatile memory (eg ROM, flash memory, etc.) and / or a combination thereof. The memory module 43 typically holds all or part of a device driver, an operating system (OS) program, one or more application programs, data, etc., as shown in FIG. 3, and is a processor module 41. Used for use. In this embodiment, the application program includes an IPTV viewing program executed on the information communication terminal 130. The IPTV viewing program of the present disclosure is configured to include a function that allows a user to set a plurality of broadcasting areas and select a desired channel from the plurality of set broadcasting areas. The data includes, for example, channel allocation information, set area names, and the like. The IPTV viewing program may be stored in advance in the memory module 43 at the time of shipment of the information communication terminal device 40, or may be downloaded from a predetermined server computer on the communication network 10 using the communication interface 45b to be a memory module. It may be stored in 43.

The I / O controller 44 is a circuit that controls communication with various peripheral interfaces 45 (for example, I / O interface 451 and communication interface 452). The I / O interface 451 controls the operation of external input / output devices such as the touch panel 461 and the speaker 462 that make up the user interface, for example. The I / O interface 451 also includes, for example, a serial controller or a parallel controller and may control the operation of external storage devices and other peripheral devices. The communication interface 452 is a circuit that enables computer communication via the IP network 12. In the present disclosure, the communication interface 452 is mainly used for communication (for example, streaming distribution) with the distributor system 30 via the IP network 12.

The touch panel 461 includes a display for displaying program contents composed of images, characters, and images, and a transparent touch sensor formed so as to substantially match the size of the display. The touch panel 461 is an example of a device that realizes a user interface. The touch panel 461 displays various screens on the display under the control of the processor module 41, and accepts interactive operations from the user. In the present disclosure, the touch panel 461 provides the user with a screen related to the program content under the control of the processor module 41, and accepts an interactive touch operation or the like by the user. The operation to the touch panel 461 may be performed by the user's finger or by the stylus. An operation button (not shown) may be provided in place of the user operation by the touch panel 461 or in order to supplement the operation. Instead of the touch panel 461, a normal display and operation buttons such as a numeric keypad and an arrow key may be adopted.

The speaker 462 outputs audio or sound based on an audio signal generated by a sound processor (not shown). Under the control of the processor module 41, the speaker 462 outputs, for example, audio, music, sound effects, and the like synchronized with the video in the received program content.

The GPS module 47 is a circuit that demodulates the GPS signal received by the GPS antenna 471 into a baseband signal. The information communication terminal device 40 can acquire position information by processing a digital signal corresponding to a GPS signal by the processor module 41. The acquired location information is used, for example, to identify a broadcasting area that covers the user's current location.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information communication terminal device adapted to the IPTV service system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, among various components of the information communication terminal device 40, those particularly related to the present disclosure are shown. Such components cooperate with various hardware resources by the above-mentioned hardware resources themselves or a part thereof, or by, for example, the processor of the information communication terminal device 40 executing an application program on the OS. Can be realized.

As shown in the figure, the information communication terminal device 40 of the present embodiment includes a storage unit 4100, a program viewing processing unit 4200, an I / O control unit 4300, a user interface unit 4400, and a communication interface unit 4500. It is configured to include.

The storage unit 4100 stores the channel allocation information and stores one or more area names for identifying each broadcasting area that the user wants to watch according to the channel allocation information. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of channel allocation information in the information communication terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The channel allocation information is a table that defines the channel allocation (channel allocation) of the broadcasting area divided by the reach of the broadcasting wave. The channel allocation information of the present embodiment includes network location information (for example, URL, etc.) of the distribution server of the distribution company system 30 corresponding to each broadcasting area. The channel allocation information is acquired from, for example, a server computer such as a broadcaster system 20 and / or a distributor system 30. For example, in the case of terrestrial digital broadcasting, the area name is the name of the broadcasting area such as "Sapporo", "Tokyo" (for example, the area based on Tokyo Sky Tree), and "Kagoshima". As will be described later, the region name is set by the region setting unit 4210 and stored in the storage unit 4100 via an interactive operation of the user. Further, the storage unit 4100 may provide a cache function for temporarily storing the program data acquired by the program data acquisition unit 4240. In the present disclosure, the storage unit 4100 is an aspect of the storage means.

Returning to FIG. 4, the program viewing processing unit 4200 performs processing for enabling viewing of the program content by the IPTV service under the control of the processor. The program viewing processing unit 4200 includes, for example, a region setting unit 4210, a channel allocation specifying unit 4220, a channel selection unit 4230, a program data acquisition unit 4240, and a decoding unit 4250.

The area setting unit 4210 sets the selected area name stored in the storage unit 4100 as the broadcast area to be viewed (that is, the broadcast area that the user has viewed) under the interactive operation of the user. The region name is selected from a plurality of region names defined in the channel allocation information. For example, the area setting unit 4210 displays a list of broadcasting areas (region names) on the touch panel 461 in response to a user's input operation, and causes the user to select the area name. Alternatively, the area setting unit 4210 may set the area name defined in the channel allocation information based on the position information acquired from the GPS module 47 under the operation of the user. The list of broadcasting areas (region names) may be hierarchically organized, for example, "Kanto"-> "Tokyo"-> "Tokyo SkyT". The area setting unit 4210 writes the area name selected by the user in the storage unit 4100. In the present disclosure, the regional setting unit 4210 is one aspect of the regional setting means.

The channel allocation specifying unit 4220 identifies the channel allocation corresponding to the set broadcasting area. When there are a plurality of set broadcasting areas, the channel allocation specifying unit 4220 identifies the plurality of channel allocations correspondingly. The channel allocation specifying unit 4220 may specify the corresponding channel allocation from the channel allocation information, for example. As a result, the information communication terminal device 40 can allow the user to select any channel that can be viewed in the set broadcasting area according to the specified channel allocation. In the present disclosure, the channel allocation specifying unit 4220 is one aspect of the channel allocation specifying means.

The channel selection unit 4230 selects one of the channels in the set broadcasting area according to the specified channel allocation under the interactive operation of the user. As an example, when the user receives an input operation (for example, a tap operation) to the touch panel 461 while the user is watching the program content, the channel selection unit 4230 reads the current channel allocation from the storage unit 4100 and reads the channel. A group of icons (hereinafter referred to as "channel icons") associated with selectable channel numbers according to the allocation is controlled so as to be displayed on the screen of the touch panel 461, and the channel selection by the user is accepted. For example, the channel icon may be superimposed on the program content currently being played and displayed. As described in other embodiments, when a plurality of broadcast areas are set, the channel selection unit 4230 corresponds to this so that the channel icon group of each broadcast area is continuously displayed. Take control. In this case, the channel selection unit 4230 may be controlled so that the channel icons are sequentially scrolled and displayed in response to, for example, a user's swipe operation. When the channel selection unit 4230 receives the channel icon selected by the user's operation, the channel selection unit 4230 notifies the program data acquisition unit 4240 of this.

Upon receiving the notification of the channel icon from the channel selection unit 4230, the program data acquisition unit 4240 identifies the URL associated with the channel icon from the channel allocation, and based on the specified URL, via the communication interface unit 4500. , Sends a distribution request for program data corresponding to the selected channel number. In response to this, the distributor system 30 starts streaming distribution of program data according to RTSP. The program data streamed by the distributor system 30 is the program data of the program contents according to the program organization table.

Further, the program data acquisition unit 4240 acquires the program data streamed from the distributor system 30 via the communication interface unit 4500 in response to the program data distribution request. The program data acquisition unit 4240 delivers the program data to the decoding unit 4250 so that the program content based on the acquired program data is displayed on the screen. In the present disclosure, the configuration of the program data acquisition unit 4240 or this and the communication interface unit 4500 is one aspect of the program data acquisition means.

The decoding unit 4250 decodes the program data, generates video data for displaying the video related to the program content on the touch panel 461, and generates audio data synchronized with the video. When the program data distributed from the distributor system 30 is scrambled, the decoding unit 4250 descrambles it. The generated video data and audio data are output to the user interface unit 4400 via the I / O control unit 4300.

The I / O control unit 4300 includes, for example, an input control unit 4310 and an output control unit 4320. The input control unit 4310 calculates the position coordinates in the touched screen based on the operation signal detected by the touch sensor of the touch panel 461, and inputs this to the program viewing processing unit 4200. In the program viewing processing unit 4200, for example, an input processing unit (not shown) interprets a user's input operation from position coordinates in the screen and executes processing according to the input operation. The output control unit 4320 controls the display of the touch panel 461 so that the video of the program content based on the video data output from the decoding unit 4250 is displayed, and outputs the audio synchronized with the video. , Control the speaker 462. In the present disclosure, the output control unit 4320 controlled by the program viewing processing unit 4200 is one aspect of the display control means.

The user interface unit 4400 includes, for example, a touch panel 461 and a speaker 462, and provides a user interface to the user. As described above, the user interface unit 4400 provides the user with a screen displaying various images, images, characters, etc. on the touch panel 461, and detects and accepts the interactive operation by the user by the touch sensor.

The communication interface unit 4500 includes, for example, a transmission unit 4510 and a reception unit 4520. For example, the transmission unit 4510 converts the distribution request of the program data by the program data acquisition unit 4240 into a predetermined communication data format and transmits it on the communication network 10. The receiving unit 4520 receives the data addressed to itself on the communication network 10, converts the format, and delivers this to the program viewing processing unit 4200.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the regional setting process in the information communication terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Such processing is realized, for example, by the information communication terminal device 40 executing an IPTV viewing program under the control of a processor and cooperating with various hardware resources.

The program viewing processing unit 4200 of the information communication terminal device 40 monitors whether or not the regional setting button is selected by the user during operation (S601). For example, it is assumed that the information communication terminal device 40 displays the top screen 700 as shown in FIG. 7 on the user interface unit 4400. On the top screen 700 shown in the figure, the setting icon 702 is displayed together with the IPTV icon 701 indicating that the IPTV viewing program is being executed. Further, on the top screen 700, the program content of the selected channel may be reproduced and displayed. Now, the user taps the setting icon 702 on the top screen 700 and then selects the regional setting button from the setting menu (not shown). As a result, the program viewing processing unit 4200 determines that the regional setting button has been selected (Yes in S601).

When the regional setting button is selected, the program viewing processing unit 4200 acquires the channel allocation information (S602). As an example, the program viewing processing unit 4200 reads the channel allocation information from the storage unit 4100. As another example, the program viewing processing unit 4200 may acquire the latest channel allocation information from, for example, the broadcaster system 20 or the distributor system 30 via the communication interface unit 4500. The program viewing processing unit 4200 displays the area setting screen based on the acquired channel allocation information (S603).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a regional setting screen 800 displayed on the user interface of the information communication terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The user can set, for example, a plurality of broadcast areas to be viewed on the area setting screen 800. In this example, the area setting screen 800 can set three broadcasting areas, and can also set the information communication terminal device 40, that is, the broadcasting area covering the current position of the user who holds the information communication terminal device 40. It is configured. For example, the user taps the selection area 801a of the "region setting 1" to display a list of region names corresponding to the selectable broadcast region defined in the channel allocation information (not shown). The list of region names can be displayed, for example, in pull-down menu format or drum roll format, but is not limited to these. The user selects a region name corresponding to the broadcast region desired to be viewed from the list display. In response to this, the program viewing processing unit 4200 accepts the area name selected by the user (S604). Further, the user of the area setting screen 800 may check the check box 802 regarding the GPS position information. In the example, "Tokyo SkyT" is selected as "Regional setting 1", "Sapporo" is selected as "Regional setting 2", and the broadcasting area of the current position acquired by the GPS module 47 is selected. It is shown.

The user then taps, for example, the back arrow icon 803 to confirm the region setting. In response to this, the program viewing processing unit 4200 sets the received area name as the broadcasting area to be viewed and stores it in the storage unit 4100 (S605). The program viewing processing unit 4200 displays the top screen 900 in which the contents of the setting of the broadcasting area are reflected, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, by tapping the back arrow icon 803. The user can easily switch the broadcasting area by selecting any of the area name icons 901 displayed on the top screen 900. The top screen 900 in the figure shows a state in which "Tokyo SkyT" is selected as the current viewing target broadcasting area. As a result, as will be described later, the channel number of the selected broadcasting area is displayed on the screen of the information communication terminal device 40. Further, as described in other embodiments, the user may select a plurality of broadcast areas to be viewed on such a top screen.

As described above, the information communication terminal device 40 allows the user to select a plurality of broadcasting areas to be viewed, and can set the selected broadcasting area as the broadcasting area to be viewed. Further, the information communication terminal device 40 can set a broadcasting area that covers the user's current position as a broadcasting area to be viewed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a channel selection process in the information communication terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Such processing is realized, for example, by the information communication terminal device 40 executing an IPTV viewing program under the control of a processor and cooperating with various hardware resources. As an example, the program viewing processing unit 4200 of the information communication terminal device 40 starts executing such processing when a channel selection trigger operation is performed during operation. The channel selection trigger operation is an operation for making the channel that the user wants to watch selectable. For example, when a certain program content is reproduced and displayed on the screen of the user interface of the information communication terminal device 40, the information communication terminal device 40 can perform a tap operation via the user interface. Upon detection, a channel icon (so-called channel number) is superimposed and displayed on the screen.

That is, as shown in the figure, when the program viewing processing unit 4200 determines that the channel selection trigger operation has been performed according to the input from the user interface unit 4300 during operation, the program viewing processing unit 4200 is set with reference to the storage unit 4100. Acquire the area name (broadcast area) (S1001). Next, the program viewing processing unit 4200 specifies the channel allocation of the acquired area name (S1002). The channel allocation indicates, for example, the allocation of frequency bands (channels) for each broadcasting area in the conventional broadcasting wave.

Subsequently, the program viewing processing unit 4200 controls so that the channel number according to the specified channel allocation is displayed on the screen on the user interface unit 4400 (S1003). The channel number is displayed, for example, as a channel icon. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a channel icon in a screen displayed on the user interface unit 4400 of the information communication terminal device 40 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a plurality of channel icons 1101 laid out at the bottom of the screen are displayed superimposed on the program content of the channel number “5” being reproduced and displayed.

The user can select one of the channel icons displayed in this way, for example, by tapping. When the program viewing processing unit 4200 determines that the channel icon is selected according to the input from the user interface unit 4400 (Yes in S1004), the program viewing processing unit 4200 identifies the URL associated with the selected channel icon based on the channel allocation, and determines the URL associated with the selected channel icon. A distribution request for program data is transmitted via the communication interface unit 4500 according to the specified URL (S1005). In response to this, the distribution server of the distribution company system 30 specified by the URL starts streaming distribution of the program data to the information communication terminal device 40. The program viewing processing unit 4200 receives the program data to be streamed via the communication interface unit 4500, and the program content based on the received program data is displayed on the screen on the user interface unit 4400. Control is performed (S1006).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the information communication terminal device 40 displays on the user interface unit 4400 so that any one of a plurality of broadcasting areas can be selected and viewed according to the channel allocation information. You will be able to selectively set the desired broadcast area with a simple operation. Further, according to the present embodiment, the information communication terminal device 40 displays the channel icon according to the set broadcasting area on the screen on the user interface unit 4400, so that the user selects a channel with a simple operation. You will be able to do it.

[Second Embodiment]
This embodiment is a modification of the above embodiment, and when a plurality of viewing target broadcasting areas are set, the setting of the broadcasting area is switched while the user is viewing the program content of the channel of a certain broadcasting area. The feature is that channels can be selected across the board, including channels in other broadcasting areas.

The user operates the user interface unit 4400 of the information communication terminal device 40 to display the area setting screen 1200 as shown in FIG. 12 from the top screen 700 shown in FIG. 7. The regional setting screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12 is different from the regional setting screen 800 shown in FIG. 8 in that the check box 1201 relating to the channel batch display is included. Channel batch display means that all channel icons of multiple set broadcasting areas are displayed in one channel selection operation, and all channel icons are displayed at the same time in a limited screen space. The mode is not limited to the mode, and may include, for example, a scroll display or a hierarchical menu display. As described above, the user may select and set a plurality of broadcasting areas on the area setting screen 1200.

Further, on the regional setting screen 1200 of the present embodiment, the user can select "channel batch display" by checking the check box 1201. The information communication terminal device 40 (program viewing processing unit 4200) stores the state of whether or not the check box 1202 is checked in the storage unit 4100. When the user taps, for example, the arrow icon 803, the top screen 1300 in which a plurality of broadcasting areas are set as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. That is, the state in which "Tokyo SkyT" and "Sapporo" are selected as the broadcasting area to be viewed as of the top screen 1300 shown in the figure is shown.

For example, it is assumed that the program content of a channel in a certain broadcasting area is reproduced and displayed on the screen of the user interface of the information communication terminal device 40. In this state, as described above, when the user taps the user interface, the information communication terminal device 40 detects this and displays the channel icon (so-called channel number) on the user interface.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen at the time of channel selection displayed on the user interface of the information communication terminal device 40 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows how the channel icons 1101a and 1101b of the broadcasting areas “Tokyo SkyT” and “Sapporo” are superimposed and displayed on the program content of the channel “5” being reproduced and displayed. Generally, the screen of the user interface of the information / communication terminal device 40 is a limited space. Therefore, for example, the information / communication terminal device 40 displays the first channel icon group 1101a of the currently selected broadcasting area. At the same time, the layout is performed on the premise of scroll display so that the second channel icon group 1101b of another broadcasting area is displayed. The user can operate the screen so that the desired channel icon 1101 is displayed by swiping the screen in a predetermined direction, for example.

Although not shown in the figure, when it is difficult to determine the broadcasting area only by the channel icon 1101, the information communication terminal device 40 displays the area name of the broadcasting area at the same time in addition to the channel icon. It may be controlled so as to be.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to have the same advantages as those of the above-described embodiment. Further, according to the present embodiment, one channel can be cross-selected from a plurality of channels spanning a plurality of set broadcasting areas.

Each of the above embodiments is an example for explaining the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments only. The present invention can be carried out in various forms as long as it does not deviate from the gist thereof.

For example, in the methods disclosed herein, steps, actions or functions may be performed in parallel or in a different order, as long as the results are not inconsistent. The steps, actions and functions described are provided merely as examples, and some of the steps, actions and functions may be omitted and combined with each other to the extent that they do not deviate from the gist of the invention. It may be one, or other steps, actions or functions may be added.

Further, although various embodiments are disclosed in the present specification, specific features (technical matters) in one embodiment may be added to other embodiments or other embodiments while being appropriately improved. It can be replaced with specific features in embodiments, such embodiments are also included in the gist of the invention.

1 ... IPTV service system 1
10 ... Communication network 12 ... IP network 14 ... Mobile communication network 16 ... Gateway 18 ... Dedicated line 20 ... Broadcaster system 30 ... Distributor system 40 ... Information communication terminal device 41 ... Processor module 42 ... Chip set 43 ... Memory module 44 ... I / O controller 45 ... Peripheral interface 451 ... I / O interface 452 ... Communication interface 46 ... Input / output device 461 ... Touch panel 462 ... Speaker 47 ... GPS module 4100 ... Storage unit 4200 ... Program viewing processing unit 4210 ... Regional setting unit 4220 ... Channel allocation specification unit 4230 ... Channel selection unit 4240 ... Program data acquisition unit 4250 ... Decoder unit 4300 ... I / O control unit 4310 ... Input control unit 4320 ... Output control unit 4400 ... User interface unit 4500 ... Communication interface unit

Claims (9)

An information communication terminal device suitable for an IPTV service that distributes program data from any distribution server via a communication network.
A storage means that can store multiple area names for identifying each broadcast area divided by the reach of the broadcast wave,
A region setting means for setting at least one region name from the plurality of stored region names, and
A channel allocation specifying means for specifying at least one channel allocation of the broadcasting area corresponding to the set at least one area name, and
A channel selection means for selecting one channel according to the specified at least one channel allocation.
A program that requests distribution of program data from a specific distribution server according to the link information associated with the selected one channel, and acquires the program data distributed from the specific distribution server in response to the request. Data acquisition method and
A display control means for controlling the display of program content based on the acquired program data is provided on the screen of the user interface.
When a plurality of the region names are set, the channel allocation specifying means identifies a plurality of the channel allocations corresponding to the plurality of region names, respectively .
When the user selects the channel batch display, the display control means sets the first channel icons associated with the plurality of channels according to the first channel allocation and the plurality of channels according to the second channel allocation. Control is performed so that the second channel icon group associated with each of them is continuously and superimposed on the program content displayed on the screen so as to be selectably displayed.
When one channel icon is selected from the channel icon group displayed on the screen, the channel selection means selects the one channel corresponding to the one channel icon.
Information communication terminal equipment. The storage means stores the area name of the area specified according to the geolocation information acquired from the location information acquisition system.
The information communication terminal device according to claim 1. The area setting means controls so that the plurality of area names are selectively displayed on the screen.
The information communication terminal device according to claim 1 or 2. The area setting means controls so that the plurality of area names are scrolled and displayed on the screen.
The information communication terminal device according to claim 3. The area setting means controls so that the plurality of area names are displayed in a list.
The information communication terminal device according to claim 3. The display control means controls so that the first channel icon group and the second channel icon group are scrolled and displayed.
The information communication terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The display control means controls so that the area name of the broadcasting area associated with the channel icon group is simultaneously displayed together with the channel icon group.
The information communication terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. It is a display control method in an information communication terminal device suitable for an IPTV service that distributes program data from any distribution server via a communication network.
To store multiple area names for identifying each broadcast area divided by the reach of the broadcast wave in the storage means,
At least one region name is set from the plurality of stored region names and stored in a storage means.
Identifying at least one channel allocation of the broadcasting area corresponding to the set at least one area name based on the channel allocation information stored in the storage means.
To select one channel according to the specified at least one channel allocation,
Requesting distribution of program data to a specific distribution server via a communication interface according to the link information associated with the selected one channel.
Acquiring the program data distributed from the specific distribution server in response to the request,
It includes controlling so that the program content based on the acquired program data is displayed on the screen of the user interface.
Identifying the channel allocation includes identifying each of the plurality of channel allocations corresponding to the plurality of region names when a plurality of the region names are set.
Controlling the display of the program content includes a first channel icon group associated with each of a plurality of channels according to the first channel allocation and a first channel icon group, respectively, when the channel batch display is selected by the user. Control so that the second channel icon group associated with each of the plurality of channels according to the two channel allocations is displayed continuously and superimposed on the program content displayed on the screen so as to be selectably displayed. Including doing
To select the one channel means to select the one channel corresponding to the one channel icon when the one channel icon is selected from the channel icon group displayed on the screen. including,
Display control method in information communication terminal equipment. A computer program for realizing a method of displaying program contents based on program data distributed from any distribution server on a computing device via a communication network.
The method is
Under the control of the processor of the computing device
To store multiple area names for identifying each broadcast area divided by the reach of the broadcast wave in the storage means,
At least one region name is set from the plurality of stored region names and stored in a storage means.
Identifying at least one channel allocation of the broadcasting area corresponding to the set at least one area name based on the channel allocation information stored in the storage means.
To select one channel according to the specified at least one channel allocation,
Requesting distribution of program data to a specific distribution server via a communication interface according to the link information associated with the selected one channel.
Acquiring the program data distributed from the specific distribution server in response to the request,
It includes controlling so that the program content based on the acquired program data is displayed on the screen of the user interface.
Identifying the channel allocation includes identifying each of the plurality of channel allocations corresponding to the plurality of region names when a plurality of the region names are set.
Controlling the display of the program content includes a first channel icon group associated with each of a plurality of channels according to the first channel allocation and a first channel icon group, respectively, when the channel batch display is selected by the user. Control so that the second channel icon group associated with each of the plurality of channels according to the two channel allocations is displayed continuously and superimposed on the program content displayed on the screen so as to be selectably displayed. Including doing
To select the one channel means to select the one channel corresponding to the one channel icon when the one channel icon is selected from the channel icon group displayed on the screen. including,
Computer program.

Images