JP7313940B2 - digital content transmitter - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments relate to a digital content transmission device and a transmission method .

Advanced wideband digital broadcasting includes 4K broadcasting and 8K broadcasting (hereinafter referred to as 4K/8K broadcasting) based on the MMT/TLV system. It is possible to output 4K/8K broadcast content received by a compatible 4K/8K receiver to peripheral electronic devices via an IP interface by following a predetermined procedure.

If the electronic device that receives the above-mentioned content output is a 2K receiver compatible with BS/broadband CS satellite digital broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting (hereinafter referred to as 2K broadcasting), the 4K/8K receiver, which is the distribution source, usually converts 4K/8K broadcast service data (pre-encoded video data, audio data, character data, etc.) into service data compatible with 2K receivers, and converts them into partial content formats based on the MPEG-2 TS format, which is a broadcasting format compatible with 2K broadcasting. Output as a transport stream (hereinafter, partial TS) is assumed.

When outputting the partial TS through the IP interface, the ARIB. OR. It conforms to the JP_PN profile (encoding method, transmission packet format and stream format; hereinafter referred to as AOJ profile). Therefore, when a 4K/8K receiver transmits content data to a 2K receiver, the 4K/8K receiver generates a partial TS according to the AOJ profile.

ARIB STD-B63 Version 1.7 "Advanced Broadband Satellite Digital Broadcast Receiver Standard" ARIB TR-B39 Version 2.0 "Advanced Broadband Satellite Digital Broadcasting Operational Regulations" (Volume 1) Volume 2 ARIB STD-B21 Version 5.10 "Digital broadcasting receiver standard" ARIB TR-B15 Version 7.7 "BS/Broadband CS Digital Broadcasting Operational Regulations" (Volume 1) Volume 2

However, the AOJ profile basically does not support 4K/8K broadcasting, and it is difficult for a 4K/8K receiving device to convert and output a partial TS (hereinafter referred to as an AOJ partial TS) that fully conforms to the existing AOJ profile due to a large processing load, and it is virtually impossible to output an AOJ partial TS equivalent to that when receiving a 2K broadcast. Therefore, the 2K receiver cannot receive the service data converted by the 4K/8K receiver and use it with high quality.

Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a digital content transmitting/receiving device and a transmitting method that employ a partial TS content format that allows a 2K receiving device to use 4K/8K broadcast content.

According to the embodiment, a receiving unit that receives a 4K or 8K transmission signal transmitted based on the MMT/TLV format, a TLV stream acquisition unit that acquires a TLV stream from the transmission signal, a component data acquisition unit that acquires component data related to specific content from the TLV stream, a transcoder unit that converts the component data into 2K element stream data based on the MPEG-2TS format, and a transcoder unit that extracts SI data related to the specific content and extracts the extracted SI data. , PAT based on the MPEG-2TS system, transmission control information table of PMT, SIT, which are the components of the partial transport streamincludingThere is provided a digital content transmission device comprising: a partial PSI generation unit that generates a program-related information table as a partial PSI; a partial transport stream generation unit that generates a partial transport stream based on the MPEG-2TS system including the 2K element stream data and the partial PSI; and a transmission unit that transmits the partial transport stream.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a 4K/8K receiver compatible with digital broadcasting based on the MMT/TLV system and a 2K compatible electronic device compatible with digital broadcasting based on the TS system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the 4K/8K receiver according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the partial TS generator of the 4K/8K receiver according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the 2K compatible electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the 4K/8K receiver according to the embodiment as the electronic device on the source side. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an SIT transmitted by a partial TS according to the embodiment. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the meaning of identifiers transmitted in the SIT according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the 2K compatible electronic device on the sink side according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the second control information data processing in the 2K compatible electronic device on the sink side according to the embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a descriptor transmitted in a partial TS according to the modification. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of the meaning of descriptor data transmitted in a partial TS according to the modification.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a 4K/8K receiver compatible with digital broadcasting based on the MMT/TLV system and a 2K compatible electronic device compatible with digital broadcasting based on the TS system according to the present embodiment.

A television receiver 1, which is a 4K/8K receiver, receives broadcast signals of digital broadcasting based on the MMT/TLV system, and obtains content (broadcast video, etc.) transmitted by the broadcast signals. The television receiver 1 converts the obtained content into a format that can be used by the electronic device 2 and transmits the format via the interface 3 .

The electronic devices 2A, 2B, and 2C (referred to as electronic devices 2 when no particular distinction is necessary) acquire the content transmitted from the television receiver 1 via the interface 3, and display and output the content. Also, although the number of electronic devices 2 is three in this embodiment, the number may be any number of one or more depending on the interface of the television receiver 1 .

The electronic device 2 in this embodiment has the ability (resolution, frame rate, etc.) to use all or part of the content transmitted by the television receiver 1 . The electronic device 2 may be, for example, a tablet terminal, a monitor, a television receiver, or the like. Alternatively, the electronic device 2 may be a smartphone as long as it has an interface capable of communicating with the television receiver 1 .

Interfaces 3A, 3B, and 3C (referred to as interface 3 unless otherwise distinguished) are interfaces for data communication between television receiver 1 and electronic device 2, and may be wired or wireless. Further, as the interface 3, a network conforming to DLNA (registered trademark) (Digital Living Network Alliance) or its extended system may be used so that the television receiver 1 and the electronic device 2 can communicate with each other.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the 4K/8K receiver according to the embodiment.

The television receiver 1 receives a broadcast signal of a digital broadcast based on the MMT/TLV system with an antenna 11, demodulates the broadcast signal with a tuner unit 12, performs error correction decoding, etc., and acquires digital data (TLV stream) in TLV (Type Length Value) format. The scrambled data of the acquired TLV stream is descrambled by the descrambler 13 and output to the demultiplexer 14 .

The demultiplexer unit 14 converts the input TLV stream into an IP/UDP stream and further into an MMT (MPEG Media Transport) stream, and separates it into component data (e.g., encoded video data, audio data, character data, etc.) and SI (Signaling Information) data, which is control information data. Also, the demultiplexer 14 separates the NTP format time information data stored in the IP/UDP format in the TLV stream and outputs it as part of the SI data.

The component data is decoded and reproduced by the decoder 15 into service data such as video signals, audio signals and character data. In addition to the component data, the decode 15 receives SI data and a content designation command from the control unit 110 . SI data is control information related to a broadcasting system such as information related to broadcast programs and control information related to IP packet multiplexing. The decoder 15 selects component data of a program or service data designated by the control unit 110 using SI data, decodes the selected component data, and obtains service data. In this embodiment, the decoder unit 15 in FIG. 2 has two outputs, and one of the service data obtained by the decoder unit 15 is input to the output processing unit 16, and the output timing, display method, etc. are adjusted, and output from the output unit 17 such as a display device or a speaker. A clock synchronization signal is reproduced by the time information data output from the demultiplexer 14 and used for timing control in the output processor 16 . The other service data is output to the partial TS generator 18 .

Partial TS generators 18A, 18B, and 18C (referred to as partial TS generator 18 when no particular distinction is necessary) generate partial TS from SI data input from demultiplexer 14 and service data input from decoder 15 (hereinafter referred to as partial service data), and output to interface 19.

A partial TS is a content format based on the MPEG-2 TS format, and is generally obtained by selectively extracting a specific program or a component within a program from a transport stream (hereinafter referred to as a full TS when specifically distinguished from a partial TS) superimposed on a 2K broadcast signal in which at least one HD (High Definition) or SD (Standard Definition) program is multiplexed in the TS format. . In this embodiment, the television receiver 1, which is a 4K/8K receiver, outputs a partial TS, and the 2K compatible electronic device 2 receives the partial TS. A partial TS is sent from the interface 19 .

The television receiver 1 can have one or more interfaces, and FIG. 2 shows an example having interfaces 19A, 19B, and 19C (referred to as interface 19 when not distinguished). Each of 19A, 19B, and 19C generates and decomposes frame data according to a predetermined communication protocol, and performs transmission/reception via a medium such as wired or wireless. The interface 19 may have encryption and encryption/decryption functions such as scrambling.

Also, when the interface 19 is an IP interface, ARIB. OR. ARIB STD-B21 defines that JP_PN profile (hereinafter referred to as AOJ profile) is transmitted as metadata. The AOJ profile represents content specifications for partial TS output from the television receiver 1, and the encoding method, transmission packet format, and stream format are defined in ARIB STD-B21. By transmitting the AOJ profile as metadata, it is a mechanism that secures the reception/playback display on the delivery destination electronic device 2 (for example, a reception/playback display device, etc.).

However, advanced wideband digital broadcasting, which is 4K / 8K broadcasting, has introduced many new methods and formats that are different from BS / wideband CS satellite digital broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting, which are conventional 2K broadcasting. Many of them are not assumed or defined in existing AOJ profiles. In this case, a method of transmitting with a unique profile that does not conform to the AOJ profile is conceivable, but there is a problem that receivers that can handle this are limited. Therefore, even if the television receiver 1 converts the 4K/8K broadcast content into a format that can be used by the electronic device 2, the AOJ profile cannot express all methods and formats. Therefore, even if the electronic device 2 has a function that can partially use the 4K/8K broadcast content converted by the television receiver 1, there is a problem that the television receiver 1 cannot transmit based on that function.

Moreover, when the television receiver 1 generates a partial TS in conformity with the AOJ profile, various conversions other than the resolution are required, and the processing load is large, which is practically difficult. In particular, since the code systems of character codes do not match perfectly, there are cases where character loss or garbled characters cannot be avoided by conversion. In addition, it is difficult to perform processing that fully considers reproduction image quality in video format conversion. For this reason, there is a problem that compatible receivers (electronic devices 2) that support the pixel number conversion output function for advanced wideband digital broadcasting, for example, HD (High Definition), etc., will not spread easily even if it is permitted by the standard. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a partial TS is transmitted with content attribute information included in the SIT. The SIT defined by the partial TS has a low transmission frequency and a low communication load. Transmission of partial TS using SIT will be described in detail in the description of system operation.

The control unit 110 includes, for example, a CPU, and controls each function of the television receiver 1 . For example, the control unit 110 establishes a connection for external communication via various interfaces including the interface 19, and controls the operations of the partial TS generation unit 18 and the decoding unit 15, and the like. Also, the control unit 110 controls each function of the television receiver 1 according to a control signal from a user interface 111 such as a remote controller of the television receiver 1 .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the partial TS generator of the 4K/8K receiver according to the embodiment.

A partial PSI (Program Specific Information)/SI (Service Information) generation unit 181 acquires SI (Signaling Information) data based on the MMT/TLV method from the demultiplexer unit 14 and acquires information of specified content from the control unit 110 . SI data related to the content specified by the specified content is extracted from the acquired SI data. From the extracted SI data, PAT and PMT transmission control information tables based on the MPEG-2 TS system (hereinafter referred to as first control information data), which are constituent elements of the partial TS, and program-related information tables such as SIT (hereinafter referred to as second control information data) are generated. Here, the transmission control information table is PSI (Program Specific Information), and the program-related information table is SI (Service Information). Partial PSI/SI generating section 181 outputs the first control information data and the second control information data to multiplexing section 184 .

The conversion section 182 converts the partial service data input from the decoder section 15 . Specifically, the number of pixels of super-high-resolution video broadcast by 4K/8K broadcasting is converted to the number of pixels of 1920×1080 or less, which is the number of pixels of HD (High Definition). The conversion may also involve, for example, changing the scanning method of the video from a progressive method to an interlaced method. The electronic device 2 according to the present embodiment also includes an electronic device 2 capable of displaying an image having a number of pixels equal to or smaller than HD converted by the conversion unit 182 . Also, the method used by the conversion unit 182 may be specified from the control unit 110 to the conversion unit 182 , or may be converted by the conversion unit 182 using a method predetermined as the specifications of the television receiver 1 . The converted partial service data is referred to as converted service data, and the conversion section 182 outputs the converted service data to the encoder section 183 .

Encoder section 183 encodes the input conversion service data and outputs it to multiplexing section 184 . The encoding method may be specified from the control unit 110 to the encoder unit 183 , or may be encoded by the encoder unit 183 according to the encoding method predetermined as the specification of the television receiver 1 . The encoded conversion service data is called partial element stream data, and the encoder section 183 outputs the partial element stream data to the multiplexing section 184 . Since the decoder section 15, the conversion section 182, and the encoder section 183 have the function of converting the TLV system component data into the TS system element stream data format, the three functions are collectively called a transcoder here.

The multiplexer 184 generates a partial TS from the partial PSI/SI data and the partial element stream data and outputs it to the interface 19 .

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the 2K compatible electronic device according to the embodiment. The electronic device 2 , which is a 2K compatible electronic device, receives the partial TS transmitted by the television receiver 1 through the interface 21 . The interface 21 is an interface corresponding to the interface 19, and performs transmission/reception via a medium such as wired or wireless, generation and disassembly of frame data according to a communication protocol, and the like. It also has encryption and encryption/decryption functions corresponding to the interface 19 .

The partial TS processing unit 22 processes the received partial TS to obtain partial element stream data and partial PSI/SI data. Specifically, the partial TS processing unit 22 extracts partial element stream data from the first control information of PAT and PMT in the partial PSI/SI data. The partial element stream data is input to the decoder section 23 , converted to partial service data, and output to the output processing section 24 . The partial service data is adjusted in output timing, display method, etc. by the output processing unit 24, and is output as video, audio, characters, etc. from the output unit 25 such as a signal display device or a speaker.

The SIT of the partial PSI/SI data output from the partial TS processing unit 22 is input to the SIT analysis unit 26 . The SIT analysis unit 26 outputs data such as program-related information included in the SIT to the output processing unit 24 . In this embodiment, the SIT analysis unit 26 extracts related data (such as an identifier) related to content attributes, and detects content attribute information related to the content such as the encoding method and format from the related data. The SIT analysis unit 26 generates processing control information indicating whether the attribute of the detected content can be handled by the electronic device 2 , and outputs the processing control information to the decoder unit 23 and the output processing unit 24 . The decoder section 23 decodes the partial element stream data according to the processing control information and outputs the obtained partial service data to the output processing section 24 . The output processing unit 24 outputs the partial service data to the output unit 25 according to the processing control information, and the output unit 25 outputs the content based on the partial service data.

Note that the output processing unit 24 may output the processing control information to the output unit 25 and display it as character information, for example. Further, the electronic device 2 may acquire the related data regarding the content attribute by using an interface (for example, the interface 19C and the interface 21C) that is not used for transmission/reception of the partial TS among the interfaces 19 and 21, or by using an interface standard other than the protocol used for transmission/reception of the partial TS. In that case, it is not necessary for the television receiver 1 to include relevant data regarding content attributes in the SIT transmitted by the partial TS.

It is also possible to store the related data related to the content attributes extracted by the SIT analysis unit 26 in a memory (not shown). In this case, when the communication connection is established with the television receiver 1, the electronic device 2 can use the related data related to the content attributes of the television receiver 1 without obtaining the SIT.

The control unit 27 includes, for example, a CPU, and controls each function of the electronic device 2 . For example, the control unit 27 establishes external communication connections via various interfaces including the interface 21 and controls the operation of the SIT analysis unit 26 . Further, the control unit 27 controls each function of the electronic device 2 by a control signal from a user interface 28 such as a remote controller of the electronic device 2 . For example, the user can specify whether or not to use the SIT analysis unit 26 from the remote controller.

An operation example of the system according to this embodiment will be described.

The television receiver 1 and the electronic device 2 can also be regarded as having a source-sink (or server-client) relationship. For example, the television receiver 1 that is the source (or server) outputs a partial TS, and the electronic device 2 that is the sink (or client) receives the partial TS output by the source. In this embodiment, a user designates content (program) from the electronic device 2, which is a sink, and the electronic device 2 acquires content attribute information from the partial TS transmitted from the television receiver 1, which is the source, and controls output display of the content.

Hereinafter, the processing of one electronic device 2 (for example, the electronic device 2A) and the television receiver 1 will be described, but similar processing can be performed for other electronic devices 2 (for example, the electronic devices 2B and 2C).

When the user designates content (program) from the electronic device 2 , the interface 19 of the television receiver 1 and the interface 21 of the electronic device 2 establish communication connection due to a trigger from the electronic device 2 .

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the 4K/8K receiver according to the embodiment as the electronic device on the source side.

The control unit 110 of the television receiver 1 recognizes the specified content (specific program, component in the program, etc.) of the electronic device 2 transmitted from the electronic device 2 (step S11). When the control unit 110 confirms that the TLV stream is received by the tuner unit 12 or the descrambler unit 13 (YES in step S12), it outputs the specified content to the partial TS generation unit 18. FIG. The TLV stream is separated into component data and SI data by the demultiplexer 14 , and the SI data is input to the partial TS generator 18 . After receiving the SI data from the demultiplexer 14, the partial TS generation unit 18 extracts related SI data related to the specified content received from the control unit 110 (step S13). Related SI data is specifically transmission control information such as PLT and MPT, and program related information such as MH-SDT and MH-EIT.

The partial TS generator 18 uses the extracted related SI data to generate first control information data and second control information data to be included in the partial TS (step 14). Specifically, the first control information data is generated by converting the content of PLT, MPT, etc. included in the related SI data into the content format of partial TS, such as PAT, PMT. The second control information data is generated by converting the content of MH-SDT, MH-EIT, etc. included in the related SI data into the content format of the partial TS of SIT. In order to indicate that the SI information is discontinuous, a DIT (Discontinuity Information Table) is inserted as necessary.

The generation of the second control information data in this embodiment will be shown in more detail.

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the SIT transmitted by the partial TS according to the same embodiment, and content attribute data 6A in the figure is originally a reserved area (reserved_future_use) in the SIT. In this embodiment, three identifiers relating to the attributes of the content transmitted in the partial TS are defined in reserved areas in the SIT. The three identifiers are content attributes not specified in the AOJ profile.
・character_encoding_flag (character encoding identification)
The character code identification (1-bit flag) indicates the identification of the character code used in program sequence information and subtitles in the partial TS.
・original_video_scan_flag (video scan flag)
The video scan flag (1-bit flag) is set to "1" when the original video signal is an interlace signal, and to "0" when it is a progressive signal.
・original_transfer_characteristics (video signal transfer characteristics)
The video signal transfer characteristic (a 2-bit field) identifies the transfer characteristic of the original video signal and is encoded by the values shown in FIG. 6B. This value can also be substituted with original_video_transfer_characteristics.

Transfer_characteristics of the VUI in FIG. 6B indicates the transfer characteristics of the video signal, and indicates the transfer characteristics of the video signal defined according to each value.

In addition, in FIG. 6A of the present embodiment, three identifiers for designating the method/format are set, but it is also possible to set only some identifiers. In addition, since the fields of other reserved areas (reserved_future_use) in the SIT are all set to 1 by default, 0 is set when an unspecified method/format is specified as in the present embodiment.

Below are the meanings of the other identifiers shown in FIG. 6A.
・section_syntax_indicator (section syntax indicator)
The section syntax indication is a 1-bit field that is always 1.
・section_length (section length)
Let this be a 12-bit field. section_length specifies the number of bytes in the section from immediately after this field to the end of the section containing the CRC. The section length must not exceed 4093 bytes so that the maximum total section length does not exceed 4096 bytes.
・version_number (version number)
This 5-bit field is the version number of the table. The version number is incremented by 1 when the information in the table changes. If the value becomes 31, it returns to 0. If the current next indication is 1, the version number will be the version number of the current table. If the current next indication is 0, the version number will be the version number of the next table.
・current_next_indicator (current next indicator)
If this 1-bit indication is 1, it indicates that the table is the current table; if it is 0, it indicates that the table sent has not yet been adapted and will be used as the next table.
・section_number (section number)
This 8-bit field indicates the section number. The section number is 0x00.
・last_section_number (last section number)
This 8-bit field indicates the final section number. The last section number is 0x00.
・transmission_info_loop_length (transmission information loop length)
This 12-bit field represents the total number of bytes of the descriptor describing the transmission parameters of the partial transport stream.
・service_id (service identification)
This is a 16-bit field and serves as a label to distinguish this service from other services within the transport stream. The service identification is equal to the broadcast program identification (program_number) in the program map section.
・running_status
This 3-bit field represents the progress of events in the original stream. This is the progress of the current event in the original stream. A state is considered non-executing if there is no current event in the original stream. The meaning of the driving state values is defined in ARIB-STD-B10.
・service_loop_length (service loop length)
This 12-bit field specifies the total byte length of the descriptor loop containing the SI related information of the services and events contained in the partial transport stream that follows.
・CRC_32 (CRC)
This is a 32-bit field containing the CRC value such that the register output is zero after processing the entire section in the decoder defined in Appendix B of ARIB-STD-B10.

The partial PSI/SI generation unit 181 includes an unspecified attribute in the AOJ profile as an identifier as shown in FIG. 6A, and further includes program-related information obtained from MH-EIT, MH-SDT, etc. to generate a SIT (step S14). The partial PSI/SI generator 181 outputs the generated first control information (PAT, PMT) and second control information (SIT) to the multiplexer 184 as partial PSI/SI data (step S15).

Returning to step S<b>12 , when the control unit 110 confirms that the TLV stream is being received by the tuner unit 12 and the descrambler unit 13 (YES in step S<b>12 ), it outputs the designated content to the decoder unit 15 . The decoding unit 15 extracts the component data of the program or service data specified by the specified content using the SI data, decodes the extracted component data, and obtains the partial service data. In the present embodiment, for example, the video signal encoding method is HEVC, the audio signal encoding method is MPEG-4 AAC, and the character data encoding method is UTF-8. The conversion unit 182 outputs converted service data obtained by converting the number of pixels of the super-high-resolution video signal of the input 4K/8K broadcast service data to, for example, 1920×1080, which is the number of HD pixels (step S16). In this embodiment, for example, the video signal received in the original progressive scanning system is changed to the interlaced scanning system to generate conversion service data. The scanning method here is reflected in the SIT identifier original_video_scan_flag shown in FIG.

Converted service data for all partial service data is generated and output to the encoder section 183 . The encoder unit 183 encodes the input conversion service data so that it can be transmitted in a partial TS. For example, for video signals, MPEG-2 Video and H.264 are used. H.264 encoding, MPEG-2 ACC encoding for audio signals, and UTF-8 encoding for character data. The encoding scheme used here is reflected in the partial PSI/SI generator 181 in the identifiers character_encoding_flag and original_transfer_characteristics shown in the SIT of FIG. 6A. Specifically, the partial PSI/SI generator 181 sets the character_encoding_flag to “0” to indicate that the encoding method for character data is UTF-8. Also, the partial PSI/SI generation unit 181 stores the original broadcast video signal used, for example, BT. If it is the 2100 HLG system, "10" is set. The encoder unit 183 outputs the encoded conversion service data (partial element stream data) to the multiplexing unit 184 (step S17).

The multiplexer 184 generates a partial TS from the partial element stream data output by the encoder 183 and the partial PSI/SI data including the first control information and the second control information generated by the partial PSI/SI generator 181 (step S18), and transmits the partial TS to the outside such as the electronic device 2 through the interface 19 (step S19).

As described above, by providing a means for designating a new method or format not specified in an existing profile such as an AOJ profile in the partial TS, the new method or format can be included in the partial TS without converting the AOJ profile in the television receiving device 1 that is the distribution source. It is possible to reduce the load of converting and outputting the AOJ profile on the television receiver 1 .

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the 2K compatible electronic device on the sink side according to the embodiment.

Upon receiving the partial TS from the interface 21, the partial TS processing unit 22 of the electronic device 2 performs processing such as a demultiplexer on the partial TS, and outputs partial element stream data and partial PSI/SI data (YES in step S21, step S22). In step 22, the partial TS processing unit 22 performs descrambling processing (when the partial TS has been scrambled and needs to be encrypted/decrypted) and demultiplexer processing, as in the case where a 2K broadcast compatible electronic device receives a conventional partial TS.

The partial TS processing unit 22 identifies partial element stream data from the first control information data of PAT and PMT in the partial PSI/SI data, and inputs the partial element stream data to the decoder unit 23 . The partial TS processing unit 22 also inputs the SIT, which is the second control information data, to the SIT analysis unit 26 . The decoder unit 23 and the SIT analysis unit 26 process the input data. The SIT analysis unit 26 generates processing control information from the SIT (step S23).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the second control information data processing in the 2K compatible electronic device on the sink side according to the embodiment, and is a flowchart showing in detail step S23 of FIG.

The SIT analysis unit 26 acquires program-related information from the SIT in the same way as the conventional process for the SIT of the partial TS (step S2601). On the other hand, the SIT analysis unit 26 extracts three identifiers relating to attributes of content from the SIT (step S2602). Specifically, three identifiers character_encoding_flag, original_video_scan_flag and original_transfer_characteristics.

The SIT analysis unit 26 generates processing control information to be output to the decoder unit 23 and the output processing unit 24 according to the extracted three identifier values. In the example of this embodiment, the character_encoding_flag is set to "0", the video_scan_flag is set to "0", and the original_transfer_characteristics is set to "10".

The SIT analysis unit 26 determines whether or not the electronic device 2 can handle the attributes of the content indicated by these identifiers (step S2603).

For example, if the electronic device 2 can use a character encoding method corresponding to character_encoding_flag of "0", the SIT analysis unit 26 outputs processing control information for decoding characters to the decoder unit 23 (step S2604). Similarly, if the electronic device 2 is compatible with the encoding scheme corresponding to the value of original_transfer_characteristics, the SIT analysis unit 26 outputs processing control information indicating execution of processing to the decoder unit 23 . Also, if the electronic device 2 supports a scanning method corresponding to original_video_scan_flag, the SIT analysis unit 26 outputs processing control information indicating execution of processing to the output processing unit 24 . Note that if the electronic device 2 is compatible with a plurality of encoding methods, an index or the like indicating the encoding method may be output as the processing control information. In that case, for example, the decoder unit 23 decodes by a method corresponding to the encoding method indicated by the index. In the present embodiment, the SIT analysis unit 26 generates the processing control information and outputs the processing control information to the decoder unit 23 and the output processing unit 24. However, for example, the value of the identifier recognized by the SIT analysis unit 26 may be transmitted to the control unit 27, and the control unit 27 may control the decoder unit 23 and the output processing unit 24.

Returning to FIG. 7, the decoder section 23 decodes the input partial element stream data based on the input processing control information to obtain partial service data, and outputs the partial service data to the output processing section 24 . (Step S24). The output processing unit 24 uses the program-related information input from the SIT analysis unit 26 together with the partial service data input from the decoder unit 23 to adjust the output timing, the display method, etc., and then outputs the partial service data to the output unit 25 based on the processing control information received from the SIT analysis unit 26 (step S25). The partial service data is output as video, audio, text, etc. from the output unit 25 such as a display device and a speaker (step S26).

In step S23, if the electronic device 2 cannot support the specified function, for example, if the character encoding does not support UTF-8, the user is notified by displaying "display not possible" on the output unit 24 or by displaying the name of the function that cannot be supported.

Also, if the electronic device 2 cannot interpret this setting, the content attribute information of the SIT in this embodiment cannot be used. However, this setting does not affect the existing functions of the electronic device 2 (conventional partial TS processing conforming to the AOJ profile).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the television receiver 1 includes the attribute information of the content in the partial TS as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, thereby making it possible to use the content that can be processed by the electronic device 2 on the sink side. Depending on the model of the electronic device 2, even if the electronic device 2 is a conventional reception/playback display device compatible with 2K broadcasting, depending on the model, some new methods and formats that are the functions of the television receiver 1 may be implemented, and the video signal format output by the television receiver 1 may be used as a clue. Considering that there are some that can be processed to increase the image quality, this embodiment realizes a flexible partial TS that does not significantly impair compatibility with the conventional one.

In addition, in this embodiment, even if the television receiving device 1 (for example, an advanced broadband satellite digital broadcasting receiving device), which is the distribution source of the content, cannot perform conversion output that fully conforms to an existing profile such as the AOJ profile, distribution to the electronic device 2 is possible. In this case, if the processing according to the present embodiment is possible in the distribution destination electronic device 2 (for example, a receiving, reproducing and displaying device), compared to the case of processing a partial TS that fully conforms to the existing profile, high-quality program reproduction and accurate program information display are possible.

By performing the above-described processing in parallel for each of the electronic devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, it is possible to exchange the partial TS between the electronic devices 2A, 2B, and 2C and the television receiver 1 at the same time. For example, the electronic devices 2A, 2B, and 2C can obtain the same content at the same time.

It should be noted that the mechanism shown in this embodiment need not be limited to the advanced broadband satellite digital broadcasting receiver as the distribution source (corresponding to the television receiver 1), and can also be applied to future next-generation terrestrial broadcasting compatible receivers.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a digital content transmission device and a transmission method that employ a partial TS content format that allows a 2K reception device to use 4K/8K broadcast content.

(Modification)
In this modified example, an example is shown in which a descriptor is defined for the SIT and content attribute information is included in the descriptor.

FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a descriptor transmitted in a partial TS according to the modification, defined as a partial transport stream usage control descriptor, for example. This descriptor can be inserted, for example, in the descriptor 6B of the first loop of the SIT shown in FIG. 6A.

In this modification, the following three identifiers are set in the identifier 9A shown in FIG. 9A.
・character_encoding_flag (character encoding identification)
The character code identification (1-bit flag) indicates the identification of the character code used in program sequence information and subtitles in the partial TS, and is "1" for 8-bit code and "0" for UTF-8.
・original_video_scan_flag (video scan flag)
The video scan flag (1-bit flag) is set to "1" when the original video signal is an interlace signal, and to "0" when it is a progressive signal.
・original_transfer_characteristics (video signal transfer characteristics)
The video signal transfer characteristic (a 2-bit field) identifies the transfer characteristic of the original video signal and is encoded by the values shown in FIG. 9B.

Transfer_characteristics of the VUI in FIG. 9B indicates transfer characteristics of the original video signal, and indicates transfer characteristics of the video signal defined according to each value.

The television receiver 1 of this modification generates and transmits a partial TS according to the flowchart of FIG. Especially in this modification, in step S14, a partial transport stream usage control descriptor is generated including three identifiers character_encoding_flag and original_transfer_characteristics, and the SIT is generated by including the generated partial transport stream usage control descriptor in the first loop of 6B in FIG. 6A. On the other hand, the electronic device 2 of this modified example uses the content from the television receiver 1 according to the flowcharts of FIGS. Especially in this modification, in step S2602 of FIG. 8, three identifiers character_encoding_flag and original_transfer_characteristics are extracted from the partial transport stream usage control descriptor included in the SIT.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the television receiver 1 includes the attribute information of the content in the partial TS as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, so that the electronic device 2 on the sink side can use the content that can be processed.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a digital content transmission device and a transmission method that employ a partial TS content format that enables a 2K reception device to use 4K/8K broadcast content.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof. Furthermore, in each constituent element of the claims, even if the constituent element is divided and expressed, a plurality of constituent elements are expressed together, or a combination of these is expressed, it is within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, a plurality of embodiments may be combined, and examples configured by such combinations are also within the scope of the invention.

Also, in order to make the description clearer, the drawings may schematically show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual mode. Also, when the claims are expressed as control logic, when expressed as a program including instructions for executing a computer, and when expressed as a computer-readable recording medium in which the instructions are written, the apparatus of the present invention is applied. Also, the names and terms used are not limited, and other expressions are included in the present invention as long as they have substantially the same content and the same meaning.

Reference Signs List 1 television receiver 2 electronic device 14 demultiplexer 15 decoder 18 partial TS generator 19 interface 21 interface 22 partial TS processor 23 decoder 24 output processor 25 output unit 26 SIT analyzer 27 controller 28 user interface 110 controller

Claims (1)

a receiving unit that receives a 4K or 8K transmission signal transmitted based on the MMT/TLV system;
a TLV stream acquisition unit that acquires a TLV stream from the transmission signal;
A component data acquisition unit that acquires component data related to specific content from the TLV stream;
a transcoder unit that converts the component data into 2K element stream data based on the MPEG-2TS system;
a partial PSI generation unit that extracts SI data related to the specific content and generates, from the extracted SI data, a program-related information table including a PAT based on the MPEG-2TS system, a PMT transmission control information table, and a SIT, which are constituent elements of a partial transport stream, as a partial PSI;
a partial transport stream generation unit that generates a partial transport stream based on the MPEG-2TS system including the 2K element stream data and the partial PSI;
and a transmitting unit that transmits the partial transport stream.

Images