JP7478316B2 - Receiving device and receiving method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a receiving device and a receiving method.

In recent years, OTT (over the top) services have rapidly spread. OTT services are media services provided directly to users via the Internet. OTT services are provided via companies that previously functioned as content distributors for cable television, terrestrial broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and other traditional content. OTT services include Video on Demand (VoD) services and catch-up delivery services. VoD services are services that allow users to watch a variety of video content whenever they want. Catch-up delivery services are services that deliver broadcast content, such as television programs, on demand over the Internet.

OTT services can be viewed using applications, web browsers, etc. on terminal devices such as personal computers, smartphones, and receiving devices.
In this situation, it is being considered to guide users to OTT services such as catch-up distribution services using data broadcasting during or after the distribution of broadcast content by terrestrial broadcasting.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a receiving device that inserts URL information of a website that provides information related to television broadcast content, including at least advertisements or programs, and transmits the content at the same time, records the date and time when the broadcast was received by the viewer and information about the broadcasting station as broadcast reception data, queries this data at a reference center that captures television broadcast content and acquires and stores URL information as data, obtains URL information that matches the data, and accesses and views the website based on the URL information.

JP 2022-38640 A

However, although data broadcasting can launch an OTT service application or web browser and guide or switch from broadcast content to the OTT service, it is sometimes impossible to switch from the OTT service to broadcast content. In addition, users may not know how to switch from the OTT service to broadcast content, resulting in insufficient user convenience. Thus, there was an issue of insufficient user convenience when switching content.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a receiving device and a receiving method that can improve the user's convenience when switching content.

(1) The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one aspect of the present invention is a receiving device that includes an application processing unit that starts an application based on a data broadcast while broadcast content is being presented, and presents content of a media service by executing the application, and a switching processing unit that presents a means for switching to the presentation state of the broadcast content when it is not possible to switch to the presentation state of the broadcast content.

(2) Another aspect of the present invention is a receiving method in which a receiving device executes the steps of starting an application based on a data broadcast while broadcast content is being presented, and presenting content of a media service by executing the application, and, if it is not possible to switch to the broadcast content presentation state, presenting a means for switching to the broadcast content presentation state.

The present invention can improve user convenience when switching content.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of content switching according to the embodiment; 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a receiving device according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a command related to starting an application according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a command for starting the extra browser according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command related to version identification of an application according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a command related to confirmation of a function incorporated in a browser according to the embodiment. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a definition of an API command for starting an application according to this embodiment via data broadcasting. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an API command for starting an application according to the present embodiment via data broadcasting. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a content switching process according to the embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a content switching process according to a modified example of the embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a content switching process according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a content switching command according to a modified example of the present embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a content switching process according to a modified example of the embodiment.

The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a broadcasting system Sys according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The broadcasting system Sys includes a broadcasting station 1, a receiving device 2, a broadcasting station server 3, a provider server 4, and an OTT server. The broadcasting is, for example, terrestrial digital broadcasting.
However, the present invention is not limited to terrestrial digital broadcasting, and may be broadcasting using a broadcasting satellite, such as advanced BS (Broadcasting Satellites) digital broadcasting or advanced wideband CS (Communication Satellites) digital broadcasting. The broadcasting may also be wired broadcasting such as cable television.

In the broadcasting system Sys, a broadcasting station 1 transmits digital broadcasting signals, application control information, and the like by broadcasting waves.
The application control information is control information such as commands for informing a receiving device compatible with this system of an application that is linked to a program, such as an application for an OTT service, and for starting and stopping the application.
The broadcast station 1 operates a broadcast station server 3 in the broadcast system Sys. The broadcast station server 3 provides metadata such as a program title, a program ID, a program summary, performers, and broadcast date and time. The information provided by the broadcast station 1 to the service provider is provided using an API (Application Programming Interface) provided in the broadcast station server 3.

A service provider is a party that provides a service through the broadcasting system Sys, and operates a provider server 4 for producing and distributing contents and applications for providing the service, and for implementing each service. Here, the service also includes a broadcasting/communication cooperation service that cooperates with broadcasting and communication.
The provider server 4 transmits applications to the receiving device 2 in order to manage and distribute the applications. As a server for each service, the provider server 4 provides a server function for realizing each service (MPEG-H service, AC-4 service, VOD program recommendation service, multilingual subtitle service, etc.).

MPEG-H is a set of standards under development by the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) for a digital container standard, a video compression standard, an audio compression standard, and two conformance test standards. MPEG-H audio, for example, allows for object-based audio. An "object" in object-based audio is each of the sound materials that make up a program, such as music or human voices. In object-based audio, an audio signal is recorded for each sound material, allowing audio control for each material. It is also possible to play the program on the receiving device 2 according to the actual position of the speakers, based on the playback position information of the material.

AC-4 is an audio compression technology developed primarily for broadcasting and online distribution. AC-4 audio also allows for object-based audio.

The provider server 4 not only realizes the functional aspects of these services, but also transmits the content that constitutes the services (MPEG-H audio data, AC-4 audio data, VOD content, subtitle data, etc.). The provider server 4 is registered as a "repository" for distributing applications of the broadcasting system Sys, and provides and searches for a list of available applications in response to inquiries from the receiving device 2.

The OTT server 5 is operated by a service provider that provides OTT services, and has a function of managing content that is distributed on demand. The OTT server 5 has a function of distributing content that is accessed and requested using a dedicated application or web browser from a terminal or receiving device connected via a network.

The receiving device 2 includes a function for realizing a broadcasting and communication cooperation service in addition to a function for receiving existing digital broadcasting. The receiving device 2 has the following functions in addition to a broadband network connection function.
A function for receiving an application in response to an application control signal from broadcasting A function for executing an application in response to an application control signal from broadcasting A function for presenting by linking broadcasting and communication A terminal linking function

Here, the terminals include, for example, user terminals such as tablet terminals, personal computers, smartphones, and smart speakers. The terminal linking function of the receiving device 2 can access broadcast resources such as program information in response to a request from another terminal, and can call receiving device functions such as playback control.

More specifically, the receiving device 2 has the following functions.
The receiving device 2 has a broadcast receiving and reproducing function of receiving broadcast waves, and when a specific broadcast service is selected, the receiving device 2 has a function of synchronously reproducing video, audio, subtitles, and data broadcast that constitute the service.
The receiving device 2 has a communication content receiving and playing function of accessing video content stored in a server (e.g., an OTT server 5) on a communication network. The receiving device 2 has a function of receiving video content from the OTT server 5 as VOD streaming and synchronously playing back video, audio, and subtitles that constitute the content.

The receiving device 2 has an application control function that acts on an application engine mainly for managed applications based on application control information acquired from a server on a communication network or a broadcast signal. The receiving device 2 has a function for controlling and managing the life cycle and events of each application.
The receiving device 2 acquires an application as an application engine function. The receiving device 2 has a function to execute the application. This function is realized by, for example, an HTML5 browser.

The receiving device 2 has a presentation synchronization control function that controls the presentation synchronization of streams of video, audio, etc. received by broadcasting and video, audio, etc. received by streaming.
The receiving device 2 has, as an application launcher function, a navigation function that enables the user to select and launch mainly non-broadcast managed applications.

In the following description, when no particular distinction is made between the broadcast station 1, broadcast station server 3, operator server 4, and OTT server 5, they will be described as the OTT server 5. In other words, the OTT server 5 described below may have any one, some, or all of the functions of the broadcast station 1, broadcast station server 3, operator server 4, and OTT server 5 described above.

[Content switching function]
Next, the content switching function in this embodiment will be described.
The receiving device 2 according to the present embodiment has a function of starting an application by data broadcasting while displaying broadcast content such as terrestrial digital broadcasting. The receiving device 2 also has a function of executing a process of switching to the display of the broadcast content before the application was started when the started application is terminated. Here, the process of switching to the display of the broadcast content before the application was started includes a switching execution process of executing switching to the display of the broadcast content before the application was started, and a switching presentation process of presenting a means of switching to the display of the broadcast content before the application was started.
Next, a content switching function such as application startup, application termination, and broadcast content display will be described.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of content switching according to the present embodiment.
In the illustrated example, t represents time passing such as times t0, t1, and t2.
The broadcast content refers to broadcast content such as terrestrial digital broadcasting, and is content that is continuously transmitted from the broadcast station 1. The display content is content that is displayed on the receiving device 2. The receiving device 2 displays the broadcast content of channel X (Xch) at time t0. The receiving device 2 receives an instruction to start an application at time t1 while displaying the broadcast content. The receiving device 2 starts the application of the OTT service based on the start instruction. The receiving device 2 displays the content of the OTT service based on the start of the application.

The receiving device 2 terminates the OTT service application at time t2 based on the end of the OTT service content. The receiving device 2 displays the broadcast content of channel X that was displayed up to time t1 before the OTT service application was launched based on the end of the OTT service application. Here, the broadcast content displayed at time t2 is the content that is being broadcast at time t2 on the same channel as the channel before time t1. In other words, when the launched application is terminated, the receiving device 2 displays the broadcast content that is being broadcast on the same channel as the broadcast content before the application was launched.

[Configuration of receiving device]
Next, the configuration of the receiving device 2 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the receiving device 2 according to the present embodiment.
The receiving device 2 includes a main system section 20 , a receiving section 21 , an input section 22 , and an output section 25 .
The receiving unit 21 has a function of receiving broadcast waves, i.e., a function as a tuner. The receiving unit 21 receives broadcast waves via an antenna. The receiving unit 21 tunes (selects) a channel selected based on a user operation. The tuned signal is demodulated and output to the main system unit 20 as data.
The receiving unit 21 also has a function of receiving various information from other terminals via a network that is communicatively connected to the receiving device 2 through wired or wireless communication, that is, a function as a communication unit for communicating with other terminals.
In this embodiment, the receiving unit 21 may include both a tuner and a communication unit.

The input unit 22 has a function of acquiring an operation signal based on a user's operation and outputting the acquired operation signal to the main system unit 20. The operation signal includes instruction signals such as execution and stop of a specified function, selection of a broadcast channel, selection and setting of various information, volume adjustment, and color adjustment.

The input unit 22 may include a member for receiving an operation. Such a member may include, for example, a dedicated member such as a button, dial, or knob, or may include a general-purpose member such as a touch sensor or mouse. The touch sensor may be integrated with the display and function as a touch panel. The input unit 22 may include, for example, a sensor that wirelessly receives an operation signal from a remote controller. The sensor may be, for example, an infrared sensor, or any other member that can detect electromagnetic waves that carry an operation signal.

The output section 25 has a function of outputting (reproducing) sound based on an audio signal input from the main system section 20 .
The output unit 25 also has a function of displaying on a display surface an image based on a video signal input from the main system unit 20. The output unit 25 includes, for example, a display element and a drive circuit for driving the display element. The display element may be any type of display, such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic electroluminescence display.

The main system unit 20 has a function of controlling the operation of the receiving device 2. The main system unit 20 separates a data signal from the broadcast signal input from the receiving unit 21. The main system unit 20 separates a control signal and a content signal from the separated data signal. The control signal is a signal that carries various control information used in the reception processing of the broadcast signal. The content signal is a signal that carries the content. The main system unit 20 decodes an audio signal and a video signal that indicate the audio that constitutes the content. The main system unit 20 outputs the decoded audio signal to the output unit 25. The main system unit 20 also outputs the decoded video signal to the output unit 25.

The main system unit 20 also has the function of controlling the operation of the receiving device 2 based on an operation signal input from the input unit 22.

The main system unit 20 also decodes the audio signal and video signal that constitute the OTT content input from the receiving unit 21. The main system unit 20 outputs the decoded audio signal to the output unit 25. The main system unit 20 also outputs the decoded video signal to the output unit 25.

The main system unit 20 also has a function of executing an OTT application. The main system unit 20 also has a function of executing a process of switching between outputting OTT content and outputting broadcast content by executing an OTT application.

The main system section 20 will now be described in more detail.
The main system unit 20 includes a broadcast wave processing unit 23, an OTT processing unit 24, and a switching processing unit 26.
The broadcast wave processing unit 23 performs various processes on the broadcast signal input from the receiving unit 21. The broadcast wave processing unit 23 includes a demodulation unit 231, a separation unit 232, a video processing unit 233, an audio processing unit 234, and an output processing unit 235.
The demodulation unit 231 performs demodulation processing on the broadcast signal.

The separator 232 separates the input data into a video data string, an audio data string, a superimposed text data string, a subtitle data string, etc. The separated audio data string is output to an audio processor 234. The separated video data string is output to a video processor 233.
The superimposed text data string and subtitle data string separated by the separator 232 are decoded by a superimposed text decoder and subtitle decoder (not shown), respectively, and the decoded text strings are superimposed on the video.

The video processor 233 decodes the input video data string.
The audio processor 234 decodes the audio data string of the audio component.
The output processing unit 235 performs color space conversion processing on the decoded video data string, and causes the display of the output unit 25 to display the video and the speaker to output the audio.

The OTT processing unit 24 executes various processes on the communication signal input from the receiving unit 21. The OTT processing unit 24 includes a content processing unit 241 and a content output processing unit 242.
The content processing unit 241 executes processes such as demodulation and decoding on communication signals such as content data, etc. The content processing unit 241 outputs the signals that have been subjected to various processes to the content output processing unit 242.
The content output processing unit 242 executes various output processes on the signal input from the content processing unit 241. The content output processing unit 242 outputs the signal subjected to various output processes to the output unit 25. For example, the content output processing unit 242 performs color space conversion processing on the decoded video data string, displays the video on the display of the output unit 25, and outputs the sound to the speaker.

The switching processing unit 26 has a function of starting and ending the OTT application. After the OTT application is ended, the switching processing unit 26 executes a process of switching to the display of the content before the OTT application was started. After the OTT application is ended, the switching processing unit 26 causes the output unit 25 to output a switching means to the display of the broadcast content before the OTT application was started. After the OTT application is ended, the switching processing unit 26 determines whether or not it is possible to switch to the display of the broadcast content before the OTT application was started after the OTT application is ended. Based on the determination result, the switching processing unit 26 decides whether to present a switching means or to execute switching to the display of the broadcast content. The switching processing unit 26 detects whether or not it corresponds to a parameter that instructs switching to the broadcast content. Based on the fact that it does not correspond to the parameter that instructs switching to the broadcast content, the switching processing unit 26 causes a switching means to the broadcast content to be presented by data broadcasting.

The switching processing unit 26 includes a determination unit 261 , a decision unit 262 , and a detection unit 263 .
The determination unit 261 determines whether or not it is possible to switch to the display of the broadcast content before the OTT application is started after the OTT application is terminated. The decision unit 262 determines whether to present a switching means or to execute switching to the display of the broadcast content based on the determination result. The detection unit 263 presets a parameter indicating whether or not to instruct switching to the broadcast content, and executes a command by data broadcasting to detect the parameter indicating whether or not to instruct switching to the broadcast content.

Next, the presentation of means for starting and ending an OTT application and switching to broadcast content will be described.
The start and end of an OTT application and the presentation of a means for switching to broadcast content can be performed by executing a command written in XML-based Broadcast Markup Language (BML) via data broadcasting. The start and end of an OTT application and the presentation of a means for switching to broadcast content can also be performed by executing an API command.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a command related to starting an application according to the present embodiment.
Command CM1 is a BML command for starting an application of the receiving device. startResidentApp() is a command capable of specifying the URI of the application to be started and the URI of the component to be presented first when the started application is terminated and the BML browser is restarted.
In the illustrated command, the application to be launched can be specified by input String appName. Also, the URI of the component to be presented first when the launched application is terminated and the BML browser is restarted can be specified by input String returnURI. If the URI of the component to be presented first is not specified, the returnURI will be an empty string.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a command for starting the extra browser according to this embodiment.
Command CM2 is a BML command for starting an extra browser, which is a browser different from the data broadcasting browser, in the receiving device 2. startExtraBrowser() is a command that can specify the URI of the extra browser to be started and the URI of the component to be presented first when the started extra browser is closed and the BML browser is restarted.
In the illustrated example, the extra browser to be launched can be specified by input String browserName. Also, the URI of the component to be presented first when the launched application is terminated and the BML browser is restarted can be specified by input String returnURI. If the URI of the component to be presented first is not specified, the returnURI will be an empty string.

In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, the BML browser is a browser for displaying and executing BML commands that the receiving device 2 has in advance. Conventional receiving devices 2 had a small number of applications and could operate without problems without specifically specifying the component to be presented first by the return URI. However, recent receiving devices 2 have multiple applications, so if the URI of the component to be presented first is not specified by the return URI and the BML browser is restarted, it may not be possible to switch to the broadcast content before the application or extra browser was launched.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a command for identifying the version of the application and a command for checking the functions built into the browser, shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, are used.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a command related to identifying the version of an application according to this embodiment.

The command CM3 is a command for identifying the version of the application. The command Array getResidentAppVersion(input String appName) returns an array of application information such as Array[0], Array[1], Array[2], Array[3], and Array[4] if successful for the argument appName. The command Array getResidentAppVersion(input String appName) returns null if unsuccessful for the argument appName. Array[0] is a string representing the manufacturer identification or extended manufacturer identification, and Array[1] is a string representing the application name of the receiving device. Array[2] is a string representing the major version number, Array[3] is a string representing the minor version number, and Array[4] is detailed information defined for each application of the receiving device.

For example, in the illustrated example, if ExampleApplication is specified as the argument appName in command CM3, getResidentAppVersion(ExampleApplication) stores in the return value Array[4] a string indicating whether or not the application supports a function to switch to the broadcast content before it was launched. For example, if a value exists in Array[4], the application ExampleApplication is launched using command CM1 shown in FIG. 4 or command CM2 shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a command related to checking the functions installed in the browser according to the present embodiment.
Command CM4 is a command for checking the functions built into the browser. Command getBrowserSupport() obtains a return value of 1 or 0 for arguments sProvider, functionname, and additionalinfo. sProvider is a character string that specifies the business entity that defined the function. Functionname is a character string that specifies the function name. Additionalinfo is a character string that specifies additional information about the function. Return value 1 indicates that the specified function is present. Return value 0 indicates that the specified function is not present.

For example, in the illustrated example, the arguments function: ResidentApp, additionalinfo: ExampleApplication are specified in command CM4. If ExampleApplication has the functionality of ResidentApp, a return value of 1 is obtained. If the return value is 1, ExampleApplication supports the functionality of ResidentApp, and the application ExampleApplication is launched using command CM1 shown in FIG. 4 or command CM2 shown in FIG. 5.

Next, another example of a command for starting an application via data broadcasting will be described.
Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a definition of an API command for starting an application according to the present embodiment by data broadcasting. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an API command for starting an application according to the present embodiment by data broadcasting.
The command exitFromManagedState() is a command that obtains a void type return value using an argument url that indicates the entry URL of the general application to which the transition is to be made. In this embodiment, when the API command is executed by data broadcasting, the application indicated by the argument url is launched. Note that, although this API command makes it possible to launch an application by data broadcasting, when the launched application is terminated, it is not possible to specify the content before the application was launched as the return destination.

Next, the content switching process according to this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the content switching process according to the present embodiment.
In step S100, the receiving device 2 starts a data broadcast corresponding to the selected content in response to a channel selection operation and a power supply operation by a user, and starts a BML browser. The receiving device 2 also causes the output unit 25 to output the selected broadcast content.

In step S102, the broadcasting station 1 determines whether the receiving device 2 supports the OTT service by executing a BML command via data broadcasting, that is, whether the receiving device 2 supports a catch-up delivery application (catch-up delivery app). Specifically, the broadcasting station 1 determines whether the receiving device 2 supports the catch-up delivery app by executing the commands shown in Figures 6 and 7 via data broadcasting. If it is determined that the receiving device 2 supports the catch-up delivery app, the receiving device 2 executes the process of step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the receiving device 2 does not support the catch-up delivery app, the receiving device 2 ends the content switching process shown in Figure 10.

In step S104, the receiving device 2 determines whether or not it is possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated. Specifically, the receiving device 2 determines whether or not it is possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated, depending on whether the receiving device 2 supports a return URI that specifies the URI of the component that is first presented after the launched application is terminated. If it is determined that it is not possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated, the receiving device 2 executes the process of step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated, the receiving device 2 executes the process of step S116.

In step S106, when the catch-up delivery app is terminated, the receiving device 2 causes the output unit 25 to output a means for switching to the display of the broadcast content before the catch-up delivery app was launched, and presents it to the user. The presentation of the means for switching to the broadcast content before the catch-up delivery app was launched is presented to the user at a timing before the catch-up delivery app is launched. The presentation of the means for switching to the broadcast content before the catch-up delivery app was launched is, for example, notification information stored in advance in the storage unit of the receiving device 2. The notification information is a notification unique to the receiving device. The notification information includes an operation procedure of the receiving device 2 for returning to the broadcast content.

In step S108, the broadcast station 1 starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2 by executing a command via data broadcasting. Specifically, the broadcast station 1 executes the commands shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 9 via data broadcasting, and starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2. The receiving device 2 displays the OTT content by executing the catch-up delivery application.

In step S110, broadcast station 1 terminates the catch-up delivery app based on the completion of playback of the OTT content.

In step S112, the receiving device 2 accepts a user operation.

In step S114, when the receiving device 2 receives a user operation such as a means for switching to the broadcast content presented to the user in step S106, the receiving device 2 switches from the OTT content to the broadcast content and outputs the broadcast content to the output unit 25. The receiving device 2 also starts a data broadcast corresponding to the selected content and starts a BML browser. Then, the content switching process in FIG. 10 ends.

In step S116, the broadcast station 1 starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2 by executing the command by data broadcasting. Specifically, the broadcast station 1 executes the commands shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 9 by data broadcasting, and starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2. The receiving device 2 displays the OTT content by executing the catch-up delivery application.

In step S118, the broadcast station 1 terminates the catch-up delivery app based on the completion of playback of the OTT content. Furthermore, the receiving device 2 causes the output unit 25 to output the URI of the component to be presented first after the catch-up delivery app corresponding to the return URI is terminated based on the execution of a command by data broadcasting. For example, the receiving device 2 displays the broadcast content based on the specification of switching to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched as the URI of the component to be presented first after the catch-up delivery app is terminated. Then, the content switching process related to FIG. 10 is terminated.

The means for switching to broadcast content may be presented by launching the catch-up streaming app and then displaying a guide within the launched catch-up streaming app.

As described above, the receiving device 2 according to this embodiment includes a startup unit (OTT processing unit 24) that starts an application via data broadcasting while broadcast content is being displayed, and a switching processing unit 26 that, when the started application is terminated, executes a process of switching to the display of the broadcast content before the application was started.

As a result, when an application is terminated, the receiving device 2 can execute a process of switching to the broadcast content that was displayed before the application was executed, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, even if the receiving device does not support switching due to the end of content, it is possible to present the user with a means of switching to broadcast content, thereby improving user convenience.

Note that, after the catch-up delivery app is terminated, if it is determined that it is not possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched, i.e., if it is determined that the return URI is not supported, the receiving device 2 may switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched based on the network and service ID.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a content switching process according to a modification of the present embodiment.
In step S200, the receiving device 2 starts a data broadcast corresponding to the selected content in response to a channel selection operation and a power supply operation by a user, and starts a BML browser. The receiving device 2 also causes the output unit 25 to output the selected broadcast content.

In step S202, the broadcasting station 1 determines whether the receiving device 2 supports the OTT service by executing a BML command via data broadcasting, that is, whether the receiving device 2 supports a catch-up delivery application (catch-up delivery app). Specifically, the broadcasting station 1 determines whether the receiving device 2 supports the catch-up delivery app by executing the commands shown in Figures 6 and 7 via data broadcasting. If it is determined that the receiving device 2 supports the catch-up delivery app, the receiving device 2 executes the process of step S204. On the other hand, if it is determined that the receiving device 2 does not support the catch-up delivery app, the receiving device 2 ends the content switching process shown in Figure 11.

In step S204, the receiving device 2 determines whether or not it is possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated. Specifically, the receiving device 2 determines whether or not it is possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated, depending on whether the receiving device 2 supports a return URI that specifies the URI of the component that is first presented after the launched application is terminated. If it is determined that it is not possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated, the receiving device 2 executes the process of step S206. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated, the receiving device 2 executes the process of step S216.

In step S206, the receiving device 2 acquires the currently connected network ID and service ID.

In step S208, the broadcast station 1 starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2 by executing the command by data broadcasting. Specifically, the broadcast station 1 executes the commands shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 9 by data broadcasting, and starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2. The receiving device 2 displays the OTT content by executing the catch-up delivery application.

In step S210, broadcast station 1 terminates the catch-up delivery app based on the completion of playback of the OTT content.

In step S212, the receiving device 2 selects the broadcast content identified by the network ID and service ID acquired in step S206 by executing the application.

In step S214, the receiving device 2 switches from the OTT content to the broadcast content, and outputs the broadcast content to the output unit 25. The receiving device 2 also starts a data broadcast corresponding to the selected content, and starts a BML browser. Then, the content switching process in FIG. 11 ends.

In step S216, the broadcast station 1 starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2 by executing the command by data broadcasting. Specifically, the broadcast station 1 executes the command shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 9 by data broadcasting, and starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2. The receiving device 2 displays the OTT content by executing the catch-up delivery application.

In step S218, the broadcast station 1 terminates the catch-up delivery app based on the completion of playback of the OTT content. Furthermore, the receiving device 2 causes the output unit 25 to output the URI of the component to be presented first after the catch-up delivery app corresponding to the return URI is terminated based on the execution of a command by data broadcasting. For example, the receiving device 2 displays the broadcast content based on the specification of switching to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched as the URI of the component to be presented first after the catch-up delivery app is terminated. Then, the content switching process related to FIG. 11 is terminated.

According to this modified example, even if the receiving device cannot specify broadcast content using the return URI, when the application is terminated, it is possible to switch to the broadcast content before the application was executed based on the network ID and service ID, thereby improving user convenience.

Note that the determination of whether or not it is possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is closed may be performed by executing a BML command.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a content switching process according to a modification of the present embodiment.
In step S300, the receiving device 2 starts a data broadcast corresponding to the selected content in response to a channel selection operation and a power supply operation by a user, and starts a BML browser. The receiving device 2 also causes the output unit 25 to output the selected broadcast content.

In step S302, the broadcasting station 1 determines whether the receiving device 2 supports the OTT service by executing a BML command via data broadcasting, that is, whether the receiving device 2 supports a catch-up delivery application (catch-up delivery app). Specifically, the broadcasting station 1 determines whether the receiving device 2 supports the catch-up delivery app by executing the commands shown in Figures 6 and 7 via data broadcasting. If it is determined that the receiving device 2 supports the catch-up delivery app, the receiving device 2 executes the process of step S304. On the other hand, if it is determined that the receiving device 2 does not support the catch-up delivery app, the receiving device 2 ends the content switching process shown in Figure 12.

In step S304, the receiving device 2 determines whether or not it is possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated. Specifically, the broadcast station 1 determines whether or not the receiving device supports a return URI that specifies the URI of the component that is first presented after the launched application is terminated by executing a BML command. If it is determined that it is not possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated, the receiving device 2 executes the process of step S306. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated, the receiving device 2 executes the process of step S316.

Here, we will explain the BML command getResidentAppRUSupport() used to determine whether or not the returnURI is supported. The command used for the determination in step S304 is number getResidentAppRUSupport(input String appName). appName is the name indicating the application of the receiving device, and is an argument to the command. Executing the command number getResidentAppRUSupport(input String appName) returns a return value of 1 or 0. A return value of 1 indicates that the returnURI is supported. A return value of 0 indicates that the returnURI is not supported.

Returning to FIG. 12, in step S306, the broadcasting station 1 executes a BML command to cause the receiving device 2 to display a means for switching to broadcast content. The BML command is array getResidentAppRUSupport2(input String appName). appName is a name indicating the application of the receiving device, and is an argument of the command. Execution of the command array getResidentAppRUSupport2(input String appName) obtains return values array[0] and array[1]. The return value array[0] indicates 1 or 0. 1 indicates that returnURI is supported. 0 indicates that returnURI is not supported. The return value array[1] indicates a String, and represents notification information indicating how to switch to broadcast content for receiving devices that do not support the return URI.

In step S308, the broadcast station 1 starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2 by executing the command by data broadcasting. Specifically, the broadcast station 1 executes the commands shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 9 by data broadcasting, and starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2. The receiving device 2 displays the OTT content by executing the catch-up delivery application.

In step S310, broadcast station 1 terminates the catch-up delivery app based on the completion of playback of the OTT content.

In step S312, the receiving device 2 accepts a user operation.

In step S314, when the receiving device 2 receives a user operation such as a means for switching to the broadcast content presented to the user in step S306, the receiving device 2 switches from the OTT content to the broadcast content and outputs the broadcast content to the output unit 25. The receiving device 2 also starts a data broadcast corresponding to the selected content and starts a BML browser. Then, the content switching process in FIG. 12 ends.

In step S314, the receiving device 2 switches from the OTT content to the broadcast content, and outputs the broadcast content to the output unit 25. The receiving device 2 also starts a data broadcast corresponding to the selected content, and starts a BML browser. Then, the content switching process in FIG. 12 ends.

In step S316, the broadcast station 1 starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2 by executing the command by data broadcasting. Specifically, the broadcast station 1 executes the commands shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 9 by data broadcasting, and starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2. The receiving device 2 displays the OTT content by executing the catch-up delivery application.

In step S318, the broadcasting station 1 terminates the catch-up delivery app based on the completion of playback of the OTT content. Then, it executes the process of step S314.

In this way, according to this modified example, it is possible to determine whether switching from the catch-up delivery app to broadcast content is supported, and to present a switching procedure if switching to broadcast content is not supported, by using BML commands, thereby improving user convenience. In addition, it is possible to switch broadcast content or present a switching method regardless of the performance of the receiving device, thereby improving user convenience.

In addition, instead of executing a BML command, a process of switching to the broadcast content before switching the application may be executed after the application is terminated by hybrid casting.

Here, commands according to this modified example will be described.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a command related to content switching according to the modified example of this embodiment.
The command hasCapability(query, [param1,.,paramN]) is a command for checking whether it is possible to return to the broadcast content and whether it supports external launch of the application. The arguments are query, param1,...,paramN. The type of the return value is Bloolean. The argument types are String, String (taking a variable number of arguments). Note that if an unknown specification is made in query and param, false is returned. The parameter query is extraApp, param1 is the name of the application, and param2 indicates 1 or 0, where 1 indicates that it is possible to return to the broadcast content and 0 indicates that it is impossible or unknown to return to the broadcast content.
The return value is true or false, where true indicates that the application can be launched externally and false indicates that the application cannot be launched externally.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a content switching process according to a modification of the present embodiment.
In step S400, the receiving device 2 starts a data broadcast corresponding to the selected content in response to a channel selection operation and a power supply operation by a user, and starts a hybrid cast (HC). The receiving device 2 also causes the output unit 25 to output the selected broadcast content.

In step S402, the broadcasting station 1 executes a command by hybridcast to determine whether the receiving device 2 supports the OTT service, i.e., whether it supports the catch-up delivery application (catch-up delivery app). Specifically, the broadcasting station 1 executes the command shown in FIG. 13 by hybridcast to determine whether it supports the catch-up delivery app. If it is determined that the receiving device 2 supports the catch-up delivery app, the receiving device 2 executes the process of step S404. On the other hand, if it is determined that the receiving device 2 does not support the catch-up delivery app, the receiving device 2 ends the content switching process shown in FIG. 14.

In step S404, the receiving device 2 determines whether or not it is possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated. Specifically, the broadcast station 1 determines whether or not it is possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated by executing the command shown in FIG. 13. If it is determined that switching to the broadcast content is not possible, the receiving device 2 executes the process of step S406. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is possible to switch to the broadcast content that was displayed before the catch-up delivery app was launched after the catch-up delivery app is terminated, the receiving device 2 executes the process of step S416.

In step S406, the broadcasting station 1 executes the command shown in FIG. 13 to cause the receiving device 2 to display a means for switching to the broadcast content.

In step S408, the broadcast station 1 starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2 by executing a command by data broadcasting. Specifically, the broadcast station 1 executes the command shown in FIG. 13 and starts the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2. The receiving device 2 displays the OTT content by executing the catch-up delivery application.

In step S410, broadcast station 1 terminates the catch-up delivery app based on the completion of playback of the OTT content.

In step S412, the receiving device 2 accepts a user operation.

In step S414, when the receiving device 2 receives a user operation such as a means for switching to the broadcast content presented to the user in step S406, the receiving device 2 switches from the OTT content to the broadcast content and outputs the broadcast content to the output unit 25. The receiving device 2 also starts a data broadcast corresponding to the selected content and starts the HC. Then, the content switching process in FIG. 14 is terminated.

In step S414, the receiving device 2 switches from the OTT content to the broadcast content, and outputs the broadcast content to the output unit 25. The receiving device 2 also starts a data broadcast corresponding to the selected content, and starts the HC. Then, the content switching process in FIG. 14 ends.

In step S416, the broadcast station 1 executes the command to start the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2. Specifically, the broadcast station 1 executes the command shown in FIG. 13 by data broadcasting to start the catch-up delivery application of the receiving device 2. The receiving device 2 displays the OTT content by executing the catch-up delivery application.

In step S418, the broadcasting station 1 terminates the catch-up delivery app based on the completion of playback of the OTT content. Then, it executes the process of step S414.

In this way, according to this modified example, it is possible to determine whether switching from the catch-up delivery app to broadcast content is supported, and to present the switching procedure if switching to broadcast content is not supported, by using commands in hybrid cast, thereby improving user convenience.

Note that in the above-mentioned embodiment, a part of the broadcast station 1, the receiving device 2, the broadcast station server 3, the provider server 4, and the OTT server 5, for example, at least a part of the separation unit 232, the video processing unit 233, the audio processing unit 234, the output processing unit 235, the judgment unit 261, the decision unit 262, the detection unit 263, the content processing unit 241, and the content output processing unit 242 of the receiving device 2 may be realized by a computer. In this case, the control function may be realized by recording a program for realizing the control function on a computer-readable recording medium, reading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Note that the "computer system" here refers to a computer system built into the broadcast station 1, the receiving device 2, the broadcast station server 3, the provider server 4, and the OTT server 5, and includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include devices that dynamically store a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, or devices that store a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that serves as a server or client in such cases. Furthermore, the above program may be one that realizes part of the functions described above, or may be one that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

In addition, some or all of the broadcast station 1, receiving device 2, broadcast station server 3, operator server 4, and OTT server 5 in the above-mentioned embodiments may be realized as integrated circuits such as LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each functional block of the broadcast station 1, receiving device 2, broadcast station server 3, operator server 4, and OTT server 5 may be individually processed, or some or all of them may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

One embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Sys Broadcast system 1 Broadcast station 2 Receiving device 3 Broadcast station server 4 Operator server 5 OTT server 20 Main system section 21 Receiving section 22 Input section 23 Broadcast wave processing section 231 Demodulation section 232 Separation section 233 Video processing section 234 Audio processing section 235 Output processing section 24 OTT processing section 241 Content processing section 242 Content output processing section 25 Output section 26 Switching processing section 261 Judgment section 262 Decision section 263 Detection section

Claims (2)

During presentation of broadcast content, an application is started based on data broadcasting;
an application processing unit that presents content of a media service by executing the application;
If the broadcast content cannot be switched to a presentation state,
a switching processing unit that presents a switching means for switching to the presentation state of the broadcast content;
A receiving device comprising: The receiving device:
During presentation of broadcast content, an application is started based on data broadcasting;
presenting content of a media service by executing the application;
If the broadcast content cannot be switched to a presentation state,
presenting a means for switching to a presentation state of the broadcast content;
Receive method to perform.

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