JPH11146393A - Digital transmission method, its transmitter and receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten TS(transport stream) cut-off time by providing an transport stream TS exclusively for a network for transmission of network information like change of a program form, etc., in a transponder in the whole digital broadcasting network consisting of plural transponders. SOLUTION: When a digital broadcasting network is shifted to a regular state upon completion of change of network information of a transport stream TS exclusively for the network information, a TMCC is decoded by a transmission control TMCC decoding means 203. And when the TMCC is changed, it is stored in a TMCC storage means 204. When a TS transmission system is changed, a changing processing is performed for it by referring to the TMCC stored in the TMCC storage means 204. Then, when the TS is cut off, a MUTE signal is generated and an EPG is displayed on a screen by referring to the TS exclusively for the network information of a storage means 210 of the TS exclusively for the network information. Thus, cut-off of the TS is discriminated, a TS-ID or a program number is inputted by referring to the EPG and after that, a newly selected program is broadcasted by the inputted TS-ID or the program number.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital transmission method used in digital broadcasting, and a transmission device and a reception device thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, digital satellite broadcasting by a communication satellite (CS) is performed as digital broadcasting.
Digital BS broadcasting by a broadcasting satellite (BS) and digital broadcasting by terrestrial waves are also being studied. In particular, with regard to digital BS broadcasting, the standard of the transmission system is almost to be determined, and it can be said that practical application has entered the countdown stage. This transmission system is being studied based on the digital CS broadcasting system in order to solve the problems in the digital CS broadcasting.

[0003] Among them, in digital CS broadcasting, transport streams (TSs) are transmitted by the number of satellite transponders (transponders), and programs of about 4 to 8 channels are multiplexed in one TS. Has become. On the other hand, in digital BS broadcasting, it has been proposed to transmit 2 to 8 TSs with one transponder. That is, an HDTV (High Definition Television) program is transmitted by two TSs, and all are SDTV (Standard Definition Television, a digital format having a resolution of the current broadcast quality) program. For example, up to eight TSs are transmitted.
According to this, in a digital CS broadcast, a program provided by a plurality of broadcasters (broadcasting stations) is multiplexed into one TS, but each broadcaster can manage the TS independently. It becomes possible. Therefore, eight types of TSs are transmitted per transponder, and eight broadcasters can manage one TS each. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 36, one transponder transmits four TSs of TS-ID = 0, 1, 2, and 3 before the program form change 302, but after the program form change 303
HD-TV programs and SDs can be flexibly changed depending on the time of day, assuming that two TSs of TS-ID = 2 and 3 are transmitted.
It is also possible to transmit in a different form to a TV program.

[0004]

[0006] However, FIG.
A, ie, T before the program form change 302
If a TS with S-ID = 0 or 1 is selected,
These TSs do not exist after the change of the program form 303, and the TS is cut off at the time of the change of the program form 301. In the case of B, since the TS with the TS-ID = 2 is selected before the change of the program form 302, the TS with the TS-ID = 2 exists even after the change of the program form 303, and the TS block does not occur. However, there is a video quality change from SDTV to HDTV. Unlike the cases of A and B, in the case of C, before the program form change 302 and after the program form change 303
In the above, the TS of HDTV TS-ID = 3 is continuously obtained, and there is no change as described above.

[0005] In digital BS broadcasting,
Like digital CS broadcasting, PSI based on the MPEG standard
(Program Specific Information, program specification information), the receiving device automatically demultiplexes and decodes the multiplexed various program streams,
There are also proposals to realize simple channel selection operation and program selection. In this regard, in the case of the above A, TS interruption occurs at the time of changing the program form 301, the receiving apparatus does not select any TS, and the PSI multiplexed in the TS
, And the channel cannot be changed by the PSI NIT (Network Information Table).

[0006] In the case B, if the video quality is changed, the receiving apparatus must re-process according to the MPEG standard according to the changed content. Even if it is received, it takes time to grasp the above change contents and perform processing according to the change contents, and it is not possible to smoothly transition to the changed image from before the quality change, and the image is interrupted It will also be.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem. In a digital transmission method for transmitting a plurality of TSs with one transponder, it is possible to reduce the TS cutoff time and the channel even when the program form is changed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital transmission method considering the convenience of switching, and a transmission device and a reception device thereof.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 1) is characterized in that a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder and the number of the transport streams is Alternatively, in a digital broadcast in which the form of a program provided by the transport stream changes over time, network information for transmitting network information about the change in the entire digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders. The transport stream is provided in at least one transponder.

In the digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 2), the transport stream dedicated to network information is multiplexed with a transport stream for providing a program. NIT (Network Information Table) is transmitted as network information.

The digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 3) is the digital transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the network information is transmitted only in the transport stream dedicated to network information, and the other transport streams are transmitted. The port stream transmits NIT or network information replacing NIT without multiplexing.

Further, in the digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 4), in the digital transmission method according to claim 1, the transport stream dedicated to network information is formed by multiplexing network information to which image information in a network is added. It is something that has been made.

Further, in the digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 5), in the digital transmission method according to claim 1, the transport stream dedicated to network information is included in all transponders constituting the network. It is provided.

In the digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 6), in the digital transmission method according to claim 1, the transport stream dedicated to network information is a PID (packet) used for another transport stream. Dedicated PI different from (identification information)
D is used.

In the digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 7), in the digital transmission method according to claim 1, the transport stream dedicated to network information includes at least frequency information or a transponder number, a TS-ID. Network information composed of (transport stream identification information) is multiplexed.

In the digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 8), in the digital transmission method according to claim 7, the network information dedicated transport stream is obtained by multiplexing the network information to which a program number is added. It has been done.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the digital transmission method of the first aspect, the network information after the change is transmitted before the change.

Further, in the digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 10), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams is provided. However, in digital broadcasting that changes over time, network information about the above change in the entire digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders is added to a TMCC (transmission control) signal and transmitted.

According to a digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 11), in the digital transmission method of claim 10, before and after the change, the network information after the change is transmitted.

According to a digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 12), in the digital transmission method according to claim 10, the TMCC signal includes at least frequency information or a transponder number, a TS-ID (transport stream). Network information comprising identification information).

Further, in the digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 13), in the digital transmission method according to claim 10, the TMCC signal adds the network information to which a program number is added.

Further, according to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 14), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams is provided. However, in digital broadcasting that changes over time, network information about the above change in the entire digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders is superimposed on a synchronization auxiliary signal and transmitted.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the digital transmission method according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the network information after the change is transmitted before the change.

In the digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 16), in the digital transmission method according to claim 14, the synchronization auxiliary signal includes at least frequency information or a transponder number, a TS-ID (transport Stream information).

In the digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 17), in the digital transmission method according to claim 14, the synchronization auxiliary signal superimposes the network information to which a program number is added. .

Further, the transmitting apparatus according to the present invention (claim 18) transmits a plurality of transport streams by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of the program provided by the transport streams is different. A transmission device for use in digital broadcasting which changes over time, wherein at least one transponder includes a transport stream dedicated to network information comprising network information on the change in the entire digital broadcasting network comprising a plurality of transponders. A multiplexing means is provided.

In the transmission apparatus according to the present invention (claim 19), in the transmission apparatus according to claim 18, the multiplexing means includes an NIT (network information) multiplexed into a transport stream for providing a program. Table 2) is provided with a network information-dedicated transport stream in which NIT having the same format as that of the table is used as network information.

[0027] Also, in the transmission apparatus according to the present invention (claim 20), in the transmission apparatus according to claim 18, the multiplexing means includes an NI transport stream in another transport stream.
A transport stream dedicated to network information composed of the network information is added to the transport stream without multiplexing network information replacing T or NIT.

[0028] In the transmission apparatus according to the present invention (claim 21), in the transmission apparatus according to claim 18, the transport stream dedicated to network information is obtained by multiplexing network information to which image information in a network is added. It is.

[0029] In the transmission apparatus according to the present invention (claim 22), in the transmission apparatus according to claim 18, the transport stream dedicated to network information is provided in all transponders constituting the network. It is.

[0030] In the transmission apparatus according to the present invention (claim 23), in the transmission apparatus according to claim 18, the transport stream dedicated to network information is a PID (packet identification information) used for another transport stream. ), A dedicated PID is used.

In the transmission apparatus according to the present invention (claim 24), in the transmission apparatus according to claim 18, the transport stream dedicated to network information includes at least frequency information or transponder number, TS
-For multiplexing network information consisting of IDs (transport stream identification information).

[0032] In the transmission device according to the present invention (claim 25), in the transmission device according to claim 24, the transport stream dedicated to network information is obtained by multiplexing the network information to which a program number is added. It becomes.

The transmitting apparatus according to the present invention (claim 26) is the transmitting apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the multiplexing means comprises network information before and after the change, comprising network information after the change. A dedicated transport stream is transmitted.

Further, the transmitting apparatus according to the present invention (claim 27) transmits a plurality of transport streams by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of the program provided by the transport streams is different. A transmitting device used in digital broadcasting which changes over time, comprising multiplexing means for adding network information about the above change to a TMCC (transmission control) signal in an entire digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders. It is a thing.

A transmitting apparatus according to the present invention (claim 28) is the transmitting apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the network information after the change is transmitted before the change.

The transmitting apparatus according to the present invention (claim 29) is the transmitting apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the T
The MCC signal adds at least frequency information or network information including a transponder number and TS-ID (transport stream identification information).

The transmitting apparatus according to the present invention (claim 30) is the transmitting apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the T
The MCC signal is for adding the network information to which the program number is added.

Further, the transmitting apparatus according to the present invention (claim 31) transmits a plurality of transport streams by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of the program provided by the transport streams is different. A transmitting device used in digital broadcasting which changes over time, comprising multiplexing means for superimposing network information on the above change on a synchronization auxiliary signal in a digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders. is there.

A transmitting apparatus according to the present invention (claim 32) is the transmitting apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the network information after the change is transmitted before the change.

[0040] In the transmission apparatus according to the present invention (claim 33), in the transmission apparatus according to claim 31, the synchronization auxiliary signal includes at least frequency information or transponder number, TS-ID (transport stream identification). Information) is superimposed on the network information.

[0041] Further, in the transmission apparatus according to the present invention (claim 34), in the transmission apparatus according to claim 33, the synchronization auxiliary signal superimposes the network information to which a program number is added.

Also, in the receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 35), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams is changed. A receiving apparatus for receiving a digital broadcast that is changed over time, when there is a TS interruption that the received transport stream is lost due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted,
There is provided storage means for selecting an arbitrary transport stream from transport streams that can be received after the change, and acquiring and storing network information of the transport stream.

The receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 36) is the receiving apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the EP is based on the network information stored in the storage means.
The apparatus further includes EPG display means for displaying a G screen.

[0044] Also, in the receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 37), in the receiving apparatus according to claim 36, the storage means multiplexes an arbitrary selected transport stream into the transport stream. Done N
After acquiring IT, the EPG display means displays an EPG screen based on the NIT.

The receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 38), in the receiving apparatus according to claim 35, requests program reselection based on transport stream cutoff information by a transmission control (TMCC) signal. Control means for displaying a message on the screen.

Also, in the receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 39), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams is changed. A receiving apparatus for receiving a transport stream dedicated to network information including network information on the change in an entire digital broadcast network including a plurality of transponders transmitted in digital broadcast changed over time, A network information dedicated TS storage unit for separating the network information dedicated transport stream from other transport streams and storing network information of the network information dedicated transport stream; That.

Further, in the receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 40), in the receiving apparatus according to claim 39, the received transport stream disappears due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted. T
When there is an S interruption, the EP is determined based on the network information stored in the network information dedicated TS storage unit.
The apparatus further includes EPG display means for displaying a G screen.

Also, in the receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 41), in the receiving apparatus according to claim 39, the received transport stream disappears due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted. T
A control means is further provided for displaying a screen requesting reselection of a program based on the transport stream cutoff information based on the transmission control (TMCC) signal when the S cutoff occurs.

The receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 42) transmits a plurality of transport streams with one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of the program provided by the transport streams is different. A receiving device for receiving a TMCC (transmission control) signal to which network information on the change is added in an entire digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders to be transmitted in a digital transmission method changed over time. And the above TMC
It is provided with TMCC storage means for decoding the C signal and storing the network information added to the TMCC signal.

The receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 43) is the receiving apparatus according to claim 42, in which the received transport stream disappears due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted. T
It is provided with EPG display means for displaying an EPG screen based on the network information stored in the TMCC storage means when the S is interrupted.

The receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 44) is the receiving apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the E
The PG display means, when there is the above-mentioned TS interruption, selects from transport streams that can be received after the change, and displays an EPG screen based on the acquired network information of an arbitrary transport stream.

Also, in the receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 45), in the receiving apparatus according to claim 42, the received transport stream disappears due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted. T
A control means is further provided for displaying a screen requesting reselection of a program based on the transport stream cutoff information based on the transmission control (TMCC) signal when the S cutoff occurs.

The receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 46) transmits a plurality of transport streams by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of the program provided by the transport streams is different. A receiving apparatus for receiving a synchronization auxiliary signal superimposed with network information on the change in an entire digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders to be transmitted in a digital transmission method changed over time, A synchronization auxiliary signal storing means for decoding the synchronization auxiliary signal and storing network information superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal;

Further, in the receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 47), the received transport stream disappears due to a change in the number of transport streams transmitted in the receiving apparatus according to claim 46. T
An EPG display means for displaying an EPG screen based on the network information stored in the synchronization auxiliary signal storage means when S is interrupted.

The receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 48) is the receiving apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the E
The PG display means, when there is the above-mentioned TS interruption, selects from transport streams that can be received after the change, and displays an EPG screen based on the acquired network information of an arbitrary transport stream.

In the receiving apparatus according to the present invention (claim 49), in the receiving apparatus according to claim 46, the received transport stream disappears due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted. T
A control means is further provided for displaying a screen requesting reselection of a program based on the transport stream cutoff information based on the transmission control (TMCC) signal when the S cutoff occurs.

[0057]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment 1 In the digital transmission method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in a digital BS broadcast, a transport stream (TS) dedicated to network information is provided in each transponder, and a program which cannot be obtained from a normal TS due to TS interruption is selected. The NIT (Network Information Table) of PSI (Program Specific Information, program specification information) necessary for this is transmitted by the network information dedicated TS.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a process for providing a dedicated TS for network information to be transmitted in a transponder according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a process performed by the entrusted broadcaster A, which converts T from a plurality of high-layer TS packets and a plurality of low-layer TS packets each constituting the same program content.
S (TS-ID = a) is created. Reference numeral 12 denotes a process performed by the entrusted broadcaster B. As in the case of the TS having the TS-ID = a, a TS (TS)
-Create ID = b). 13 is multiplexing, TMCC (Tr
transmission multiplexing configuration control (transmission control) signal and network information-dedicated TS addition process.
The TS having ID = b is multiplexed, a TMCC signal is added, and the network information dedicated TS is added. 1
Reference numeral 4 denotes a frame structure, which indicates one frame formed in the process of multiplexing and adding a network information dedicated TS. 1
5 is TMCC / frame synchronization. Note that TMCC
Is the control information required to demodulate the transmitted signal,
That is, a signal for transmitting a transmission method (modulation method, error correction method, etc.) of a main signal (video, audio, data service, etc.) or a TS-ID (information on which slot is transmitted by which entrusted broadcaster). is there. Reference numeral 16 denotes a slot, a higher-layer TS packet with TS-ID = a, TS-ID
= B high-layer TS packet, TS-ID = a low-layer T
S slots, low-layer TS packets with TS-ID = b and network information-dedicated TS packets with TS-ID = x are classified into slots, and m slots constitute one frame. Reference numeral 17 denotes a hierarchical modulation process, in which a commissioned broadcaster modulates TMCC / frame synchronization, high-layer TS packets, low-layer TS packets, and TS packets dedicated to network information into modulation signals for each layer. Reference numeral 18 denotes a modulation signal, which is BPSK, QPSK,
8PSK and the like. The TS dedicated to TMCC / frame synchronization and network information is the BPS with the highest transmission reliability.
K, the higher-layer TS packet is modulated to 8PSK, and the lower-layer TS packet is modulated to QPSK or BPSK. One frame composed of these hierarchically modulated signals is time-division multiplexed and transmitted within one transponder.

FIG. 2 shows the packet structure of the network information dedicated TS transmitted in the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example in which the network information is an NIT having the same format as the normal TS.

In the figure, reference numeral 31 denotes a TS packet dedicated to network information, which is 188 bytes and includes a packet header, an adaptation field, and / or a payload. 32 is a packet header,
4 bytes for synchronization byte and packet identifier (PID)
including. 33 is an adaptation field and / or
Or it is the payload and the data part. 34 is a synchronization byte. 35 is a PID, 13 bits of PID
PID = 0 is fixedly assigned to an AT (Program Association Table), and PID = N for NIT packets. Reference numeral 36 denotes a PAT of a network information dedicated TS, which is a PID of a packet constituting a network information program (program number 0).
(For example, PID = N). Therefore, the PID of the NIT is PID = N.

In this way, if the network information-dedicated TS composed of the network information-dedicated TS packet shown in FIG. 2 is transmitted, the receiving apparatus need only perform the same processing as the normal TS NIT.

Also, a network information dedicated TS in which the network information is NIT having the same format as the normal TS
, The network information in the normal TS may be removed. Thus, when the network information is transmitted only by the network information dedicated TS, the normal TS
FIG. 3 shows an example of the packet structure of FIG.

In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 denote the same or corresponding parts. Further, regarding PID35, PID = 0 is assigned to PAT with 13 bits,
Same as TS dedicated to network information, except that CAT (conditional access table) has a fixed P
ID = 1 is assigned, PID = BB for PMT (program map table), and PID = BV for video
And so on. Reference numeral 42 denotes a PAT of a normal TS, which indicates, for each program number, a PID of a PMT that transmits information of a packet constituting the program. Since the network information is removed, there is no PID of the network information program (program number 0). 4
Reference numeral 3 denotes a PMT, which indicates, for each program number, the PID of a packet in which a stream such as video, audio, and additional data constituting the program is transmitted, and the PID of the PMT itself is specified by the PAT 42. You.
Therefore, since PID = BB is specified for the program of program number 2 in PAT42, PID = BB
In the PMT for BB, the PIDs of video, audio, data, and clock packets constituting the program of program number 2 are represented by BV, BA, BD, and B, respectively.
C.

As described above, when transmitting the network information dedicated TS composed of the network information dedicated TS packet shown in FIG. 2 and the normal TS composed of the normal TS packet shown in FIG. 3, the NIT is not redundantly transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to improve transmission efficiency.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration on the transmitting side in which a dedicated TS for network information is provided for each physical channel in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 51 denotes a consigned broadcasting company A, which corresponds to 11 in FIG.
Create Reference numeral 52 denotes a consigned broadcaster B, which similarly converts TS (here, two) from a plurality of packets constituting a program.
Create Reference numeral 53 denotes a consigned broadcaster C, which similarly performs TS (here, three) from a plurality of packets constituting a program.
Create Reference numerals 54 to 57 denote multiplexing units, which correspond to 13 in FIG.
The TS from B or C is multiplexed, and a dedicated TS for network information is added. Numerals 58 to 61 denote hierarchical modulation units, which correspond to numeral 17 in FIG. 1 and are used by a commissioned broadcasting company to modulate the TMCC / frame synchronization, the high-layer TS packet, the low-layer TS packet and the network information-dedicated TS packet for each layer. Modulate into a signal. 62-65
Is a frequency converter, each of which has a transponder BS-
a, BS-b, BS-c and BS-d are converted to frequencies and transmitted to the receiving side via satellites. (B) shows an arrangement of physical channels, and transponders BS-a and BS-a.
-B, BS-c and BS-d.

Next, the operation will be described.

First, the entrusted broadcaster A51, the entrusted broadcaster B52 and the entrusted broadcaster C53 respectively have three TSs for three programs and two TSs for two programs.
A book TS and three TSs for three programs are created and sent to the contract broadcaster. In the commissioned broadcasting company, for example, two contracted broadcasting companies A and B
The TS is multiplexed by the multiplexing unit 54, and the TMCC and the network information dedicated TS including the network information dedicated TS packet shown in FIG. 2 are added. Further, in the contract broadcasting company, the multiplexing unit 54 modulates the signal to which the network information dedicated TS has been added into a modulation signal for each layer in the layered modulation unit 58, and the frequency conversion unit 62 converts the modulated signal into a transponder BS-BS. Convert to the frequency of a. Multiplexing unit 55
57 and the hierarchical modulation sections 59 to 61 are similarly converted to the frequencies of the transponders BS-b, BS-c and BS-d by the frequency conversion sections 63 to 65, respectively, and are shown in FIG. The data is transmitted to the receiving side via satellites in the arrangement of the physical channels BS-a, BS-b, BS-c and BS-d.

FIG. 4 shows an example in which the entrusted broadcaster multiplexes two TSs from the three entrusted broadcasters A to C and transmits the TSs using four transponders. In digital BS broadcasting, 4 to 8
Transponders of up to 8 for each transponder
Proposals have been made for transmitting book TSs. Therefore,
It is also possible for up to 64 commissioned broadcasters to manage TSs one by one.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the receiving apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 201
Is a tuner that selects one physical channel from a plurality of physical channels input from an antenna. 20
Reference numeral 2 denotes PSK demodulation means for demodulating a modulated signal. 20
Reference numeral 3 denotes TMCC decoding means for decoding TMCC. 2
Reference numeral 04 denotes TMCC (physical channel information) storage means for storing the contents of the TMCC (physical channel information). An error correction unit 205 corrects an error in the transmission path. Reference numeral 206 denotes a frame construction / TS selection unit which constructs a transmission frame and outputs a TS corresponding to the requested TS-ID. Reference numeral 207 denotes a normal TS separation unit, which converts an input TS into an SI standardized by ARIB.
(Service Information, program sequence information) extraction and service (or program) selection. 208 is usually T
S storage means for storing the SI in the normal TS. 20
Reference numeral 9 denotes a network information dedicated TS separation unit, which extracts network information sent by the network information dedicated TS. A network information dedicated TS storage unit 210 stores network information in the network information dedicated TS. Reference numeral 211 denotes an AV decoder, usually a TS
The stream constituting the program selected by the separating means is decoded.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the initial operation in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. The initial operation of the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to this flowchart.

First, when the power of the receiving apparatus is turned on (S
1) The initial frequency is tuned by the tuner 201 (S2), the TMCC of the received signal is decoded by the TMCC decoding means 203, and the physical channel information described in the TMCC is stored in the TMCC (physical channel information) storage means 204. The data is loaded into the memory (S3). Thereby, a table (consisting of the transmission method and the TS-ID) of the information in the received physical channel is configured. Next, PS
An error in the transmission path of the modulated signal demodulated by the K demodulation means 202 is corrected by the error correction means 205 (S4), and a frame is constructed by the frame construction / TS selection means 206 (S4).
5) From the constructed frame, T
S and the initially selected normal TS are configured (S
6). The network information-dedicated TS is output to the network information-dedicated TS separation means 209 and loaded into the memory of the network information-dedicated TS storage means 210 (S
7). Thereby, a network information table (including a physical channel frequency or a transponder number, a TS-ID, a service ID, and the like) is configured. On the other hand, normal TS
Is output to the normal TS separation means 207 and loaded into the memory of the normal TS storage means 208 (S8). Thereby, an SI table (including PAT, PMT, CAT, etc.) is configured. Then, the AV decoder 211 decodes the stream constituting the program selected by the normal TS separating means 207 (S9), and starts regular reception (S10).

FIG. 7 shows T in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG.
It is a flowchart figure explaining S or a program selection operation. The TS or program selection operation of the receiving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to this flowchart.

If the TS-ID or the program number is input when the initial operation is completed and the normal reception state is entered (S1), the TMCC of the TMCC (physical channel information) storage means 204 is referred to (S2). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a corresponding TS-ID in the transponder currently being received (S3). Here, whether to input the TS-ID or the program number in step 1 depends on the contents of the network information to be transmitted. If there is no corresponding TS-ID in the transponder being received, the network information dedicated T
The dedicated TS for network information in the S storage means 210 is referred to (S4), and it is checked whether or not the corresponding TS-ID exists in the network information table (S5). Here, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the network information dedicated T
Although S is referred to, in a normal case where a network information dedicated TS is not provided, it takes more time since the NIT of the normal TS is viewed. Applicable TS-ID
If there is no, there is a possibility of an input error or the like, and input again (S1). (S6) The tuner 201 tunes to the frequency (S7). The TMCC of the newly received signal is decoded by the TMCC decoding unit 203, and the physical channel information described in the TMCC is loaded into the memory of the TMCC (physical channel information) storage unit 204 (S8). Next, the PSK demodulation means 20
The error in the transmission path of the modulated signal demodulated in step 2 is corrected by the error correction means 205 (S9), the frame is constructed by the frame construction / TS selection means 206 (S10), and the frame of the normal TS is constructed from the constructed frame. Is selected and the normal TS
Is configured (S11). On the other hand, even when the transponder received in step 3 has the corresponding TS-ID, the frame constructing / TS selecting means 206
The normal TS having the ID is configured (S11), separated by the normal TS separation unit 207, and loaded into the memory of the normal TS storage unit 208 (S12). And AV
The decoder 211 decodes the stream constituting the program selected by the normal TS separating means 207 (S13),
Regular reception is performed (S14).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 5 when changing the network information of the network information dedicated TS.

Here, when the network information of the network information-dedicated TS is changed, the above-mentioned TS interruption is included.

The operation of the receiving apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention at the time of changing the network information of the dedicated TS for network information will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the above-mentioned initial operation is completed (or the TS or program selection operation is completed) and the station is in the steady reception state (S1), the network information dedicated TS is used together with the network information dedicated TS together with the normal TS.
It is acquired by the S separating unit 209 (S2), and it is checked whether or not the network information of the network information dedicated TS has been changed (S3). If there is no change, the regular reception is continued (S1), and if the network information is changed, the changed contents are stored in the network information dedicated TS storage unit 21.
0 to load the network information dedicated TS memory (S
4) Continue regular reception (S5).

FIG. 9 shows T in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG.
It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement at the time of MCC change. The TS or program selection operation of the receiving apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention after changing the network information will be described with reference to the flowchart.

When the operation at the time of changing the network information of the above-described network information dedicated TS is completed and the operation shifts to the steady reception state (S1), first, the TMCC decoding means 203
C is decrypted (S2), and it is determined whether or not the received TMCC has changed due to the change in the network information (S3). If the TMCC has been changed, the TMC
C (physical channel information) is loaded into the memory of the storage means 204, and the newly stored TMCC is referred to (S4).
It is determined whether there is a change in the transmission method of the currently received TS (S5). If there is a change in the transmission method, change the transmission mode or the like, and then change the T
It is determined whether or not the S-ID is interrupted (S6). If the S-ID is not interrupted, steady reception is continued. Even in this case, if there is a change in the video quality or the like, re-processing according to the MPEG standard according to the change is performed, and then regular reception is continued. If the TS is interrupted, a MUTE signal is output (S
7), referring to the network information dedicated TS in the network information dedicated TS storage means 210 (S8), and displaying the EPG on the screen.
Is displayed (S9). This allows the viewer to know that the TS has been interrupted, and refers to the EPG to determine the TS-ID.
Alternatively, a program number can be entered. Thereafter, the same operations as those in Steps 2 to 14 in FIG. 7 are performed, and after the TS is shut off, the newly selected program is broadcast.

As described above, in the digital transmission method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a network information dedicated TS for transmitting network information is provided in each transponder. However, since the network information can be acquired and the EPG can be displayed, and the program can be reselected from the EPG, any one of the TSs forcibly selected is displayed on the screen, and the viewer is confused. I will not give it. Also, even if there is no TS interruption, M is transmitted periodically when a channel is selected.
It is possible to quickly select a program by referring to the stored network information dedicated TS without going to the NIT of PEG2.

In the network information-dedicated TS, the NIT having the same format as that of the normal TS is transmitted, so that the receiving side only needs to perform the same processing as the NIT of the normal TS.

Further, N is used only for the network information dedicated TS.
Since IT is transmitted, NIT is not transmitted redundantly, so that transmission efficiency can be improved.

In the first embodiment, an EIT (event information table) can be used as the network information as in the case of the NIT.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the TS is cut off in the change of the program form, the network information dedicated TS
Although the description has been given of the case where the network information for selecting the program is obtained from the above, it is also possible to obtain the information regarding the video quality change from the network information dedicated TS in the same manner when the video quality is changed in the program form change. is there.

Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the network is a digital BS broadcast has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a terrestrial digital broadcast, a digital CATV broadcast, and the like, and similar effects can be obtained.

Embodiment 2 The digital transmission method according to the second embodiment of the present invention provides a network information dedicated transport stream (TS) in one transponder.
NIT or NI required to select a program that cannot be obtained from a normal TS due to TS interruption
The network information in place of T is transmitted by the network information dedicated TS.

The process of providing a dedicated TS for network information to be transmitted in one transponder in the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a normal TS packet and a network information-dedicated TS packet transmitted in the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figures, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 denote the same or corresponding parts. 71 is the P of the normal TS.
The AT is the PID of the PMT that transmits the information of the packets constituting the program for each program number, similarly to 42 in FIG. Here, NIT as usual
Of the program (program number 0) and the N in the network information dedicated TS packet 31
The PID of the IT program (program number W) is also specified. Therefore, the PID of the TS packet dedicated to network information includes the PID specified in the PAT of the normal TS.
= WW. Also, the PID of the normal TS packet =
The NIT at N and the NIT at PID = WW of the network information dedicated TS packet have the same format, but by specifying a different PID by the PAT of the normal TS, the network information dedicated TS has a PAT. This eliminates the need and can be handled as a unit with the normal TS.

In this way, if the network information dedicated TS composed of the network information dedicated TS packet shown in FIG. 105 is transmitted, unified processing of the MPEG-TS separation circuit becomes possible, and the network information dedicated TS and the normal TS Can be viewed as one TS.

Further, the network information dedicated TS is as follows:
Since a PID different from the NIT of the normal TS is used and the NIT having the same format as the normal TS is used, the NIT can be transmitted only by the network information dedicated TS without transmitting the normal IT. FIG. 11 shows a normal TS packet and a network information-dedicated TS packet in that case.

In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 10 denote the same or corresponding parts. 81 is the PAT of the normal TS
In the same manner as 71 in FIG. 10, the PID of the PMT transmitting the information of the packet constituting the program is shown for each program number, and the NIT program (program number W) in the network information dedicated TS packet 31 is shown. PID = WW different from PID = N specified in NIT program (program number 0) as PID
Is specified. Here, since the NIT is transmitted only by the network information dedicated TS, there is no PID of the NIT program (program number 0) of the normal TS.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, NITs of the same format are transmitted using separate PIDs in the normal TS and the network information dedicated TS, so that the network information dedicated TS uses different network information from the NIT. Sending the table is also conceivable. In this case, the T for exclusive use of the normal TS packet and the network information
The S packet is exactly the same as that shown in FIG.
However, it is a TS packet dedicated to network information of PID = WW and has a
Instead, a dedicated network information table is transmitted.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of dedicated network information transmitted by the network information dedicated TS according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 91 denotes an input frequency, which specifies a physical channel. A transponder number 92 specifies a transponder (physical channel). Therefore, only one of the input frequency 91 and the transponder number 92 is sufficient. 93 is TS
ID, which specifies the transport stream.
A program number 94 specifies a program (program). Here, since there is a proposal to transmit about three programs in one transport stream, the program number 94 is transmitted as network information. However, if all the TSs transmit only one program (program), the program number 94 is uniquely determined by indicating the TS-ID, and need not be transmitted as network information.

FIG. 13 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmission side in which a TS dedicated to network information is provided in one physical channel. 4, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 4 denote the same or corresponding parts. Also, 10
Numerals 1 to 103 denote multiplexing units which, unlike the multiplexing unit 57, multiplex TSs from the entrusted broadcasters A, B or C and add TMCC to the entrusted broadcasters, but only for network information. No TS is added. Therefore, only the transponder BS-d is provided with a dedicated TS for network information. (B) shows an arrangement of physical channels, and transponders BS-a, BS-b, and BS-c in which no network information dedicated TS is provided.
And a transponder BS-d provided with a network information dedicated TS are arranged at respective frequencies.

Next, the operation is almost the same as the operation in FIG. 4 described above, except for the following points. In the entrusted broadcasting company, the two TSs from the entrusted broadcasting company B and the entrusted broadcasting company C are multiplexed by the multiplexing unit 57, and the TM
A CC and a network information dedicated TS composed of a network information dedicated TS packet shown in FIG. 10 or 11 and a network information dedicated TS packet containing the dedicated network information shown in FIG. 12 are added. Multiplexer 1
In 01 to 103, only the TS from the entrusted broadcasters A, B or C is multiplexed and TMCC is added.

The initial operation and the TS or program selection operation of the receiving apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention are almost the same as those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively. Only the differences will be described.

First, in the initial operation, referring to FIG. 6, if the transponder whose initial frequency is tuned in step 1 is not provided with a dedicated TS for network information, in step 6, no dedicated TS for network information is configured. Only a normal TS is configured, and a network information dedicated TS cannot be stored. On the other hand, if the transponder to be initially frequency-tuned is provided with the network information dedicated TS, the same operation as that shown in FIG. 6 is performed.

Next, with respect to the TS or program selection operation, referring to FIG. 7, in the initial operation, in a state where the network information dedicated TS is not stored, the TS-ID
When there is no corresponding TS-ID in the transponder being received in step 3 and the dedicated TS to be referred to is not stored in step 4, the NIT is transmitted from the transmitting side as a normal TS. If it is done (Figure 1
0), and the NIT may be referred to here. However, T
When only the S and the NIT or the dedicated network information replacing the NIT is transmitted (see FIG. 11),
The transponder is switched once, the transponder in which the network information dedicated TS is set is tuned, the network information dedicated TS is separated, and the network information dedicated TS is stored in the network information dedicated TS storage means 210. Thereafter, the operations of steps 5 to 14 are performed with reference to the network information dedicated TS.

The TS or program selection operation after changing the network information is almost the same as in FIG. 9, but when the network information dedicated TS is not set in the receiving transponder, steps 8 and 13 are executed. When referring to the dedicated TS, as described above, the transponder is switched once, and the transponder to which the network information dedicated TS is set is tuned.
The network information dedicated TS is separated and stored in the network information dedicated TS storage unit 210. After that, the network information dedicated TS is referred to. In step 8, even when the transmitting side transmits the NIT in the normal TS, the network information dedicated T
I have to refer to S.

Here, in step 8 described above, FIG.
The EPG indicating the currently broadcasted TS-ID is displayed by referring to the network information including the frequency information and the TS-ID shown in FIG. 2, but the network information also includes EIT or information corresponding to the EIT. In this case, an EPG including the contents of the program can be displayed. If the network information does not include the EIT or the like, any one of the TSs transmitted after the TS is shut down is selected, and if the EIT included in the TS is referred to, the EPG including the program contents is included. Can be displayed.
Further, in step 9, the EPG may not be displayed, and instead, only a message urging the user to reselect a program may be displayed on the screen. In this case, information for reselection is not presented to the viewer, but it is possible to select an arbitrary program and resume viewing.

Thus, in the digital transmission method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, 1
Since the transponder dedicated to network information is provided in one transponder, the transmission efficiency can be improved as compared with the case where the TS is provided in each transponder. Also, the receiving side can acquire network information and display the EPG even when the TS is shut off, and can reselect a program from the EPG. Is displayed on the screen, and the viewer is not confused. Furthermore, even if there is no TS interruption, a program can be quickly selected by referring to the stored network information-dedicated TS without going to the NIT of MPEG2 that is periodically transmitted when selecting a channel.

Further, since the PIDs of the packets describing the network information transmitted by the normal TS and the network information dedicated TS are separately independent, the MPEG-TS
The unified processing of the separation circuit becomes possible, and the network information dedicated TS and the normal TS can be regarded as one TS.

In the network information-dedicated TS, the NIT having the same format as that of the normal TS is transmitted, so that the receiving side need only perform the same processing as the NIT of the normal TS.

[0107] Also, N
Since IT is transmitted, NIT is not transmitted redundantly, so that transmission efficiency can be improved.

In the network information-dedicated TS, N
Since the minimum network information necessary for selecting a program instead of IT is transmitted, transmission efficiency can be improved.

In the second embodiment, the network information dedicated TS is provided only in one transponder. However, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained even when two or more transponders are set. Can be obtained, but one is desirable in terms of transmission efficiency.

Also, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to use EIT as network information.

Also, in the first embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the network information dedicated TS is different from NIT in the form of network information (including the network information shown in FIG. 12), TS
In the case where the network information is transmitted using the dedicated PID in, it is needless to say that the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

Embodiment 3 In the digital transmission method according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a transport stream dedicated to network information (TS) is provided in a transponder, and not only network information is transmitted, but also image information is added.

The process of providing a dedicated TS for transmitting network information in the transponder in the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a network information dedicated TS packet transmitted in the third embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 denote the same or corresponding parts. Reference numeral 111 denotes a PAT. Here, instead of PID = N of the NIT program (program number 0), PID = WW of the dedicated network information program (program number W) is specified, and the PMT program ( PID = YY of the program number Y) is designated. Reference numeral 112 denotes a PMT, which indicates the PID of a packet for transmitting a stream such as video or additional data constituting the program number Y. The PID of the PMT itself is specified by the PAT 111.
Therefore, since PID = YY is specified for the program with the program number Y in the PAT 111, the PI
In the PMT for D = YY, the PIDs of the video, data, and clock packets constituting the program with the program number B are BV, BD, and BC, respectively. Note that a multi-screen video or the like is included in the video packet.

By transmitting the network information-dedicated TS composed of the network information-dedicated TS packets shown in FIG. 14 in this manner, not only can network information be obtained, but also multi-screen video can be viewed. It is also possible to select a program by directly selecting it.

Here, the network information dedicated TS to which image information is added as shown in FIG. 14 may be set in each transponder as in the first embodiment, or may be set in one transponder as in the second embodiment. You may make it set. Therefore, the configuration on the transmitting side according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 13, and the operation is also the same.

The configuration of the receiving apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is exactly the same as that shown in FIG. 5, and the operation of the receiving apparatus is set to a TS dedicated to network information with image information added to each transponder. Do or 1
The operation described in the first and second embodiments is performed depending on whether the transponder is set to one transponder.
In the third embodiment of the present invention, the viewer can select a program on the multi-screen displayed on the screen in step 10 of FIG.

As described above, in the digital transmission method according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a TS dedicated to network information including image information is provided in the transponder. In addition to acquiring network information and displaying an EPG, multi-screen images can be displayed and programs can be easily reselected on the screen, preventing the screen from being displayed blank You can also. Furthermore, even if there is no TS interruption, the MPE that is sent periodically when a channel is selected
A program can be selected more quickly and easily on a multi-screen by referring to the stored network information dedicated TS without going to the G2 NIT.

Embodiment 4 In the digital transmission method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the NI required for selecting a program which cannot be obtained from a normal TS due to the TS interruption is used.
Network information in place of T is added to TMCC and transmitted.

Here, as described above, TMCC means control information necessary for demodulating a transmitted signal, that is, a transmission method (modulation method, error correction method, etc.) of a main signal (video, audio, data service, etc.). This is a signal for transmitting a TS-ID (information on which slot is transmitted by which entrusted broadcaster). Therefore, the TMCC transmitted multiplexed to the broadcast wave is first demodulated and decoded by the receiving device to obtain information on the demodulation of the main signal, thereby flexibly responding to a change in the transmission method of the main signal. can do. However, TMCC states that the T
There is only information in the transponder over which the MCC is transmitted.

Therefore, if control information relating to all transponders in the network is entered in the TMCC and the control information is used as network information, the network information can be obtained by viewing the TMCC even when the TS is shut off, and a program can be selected. become.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a process of adding a TMCC used in Embodiment 4 of the present invention to a transponder and transmitting it. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or corresponding parts. Reference numeral 121 denotes a multiplexing and TMCC adding process.
The TS of D = a and TS-ID = b is multiplexed, and a TMCC containing network information is added.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a TMCC used in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 122 is frame synchronization, 123 is TMCC, 124
Is one frame of TMCC / frame synchronization. 125
Is a transmission system definition TMCC, which comprises a TMCC in which the definition of the transmission system of the physical channel is described and frame synchronization. Reference numeral 126 denotes a TS-ID definition TMCC, which includes a TMCC in which the definition of the TS-ID in the physical channel is described and frame synchronization. 127 is the network information T
TMCC which is MCC and describes network information
And frame synchronization. (A) is N frames from frame 1 to frame N and one superframe (S
F). N can be any number and will be determined by the amount of information to be put in the TMCC. (B) is the TMC of the N frame shown in (a).
C / frame synchronization 15 is collected and shown as TMCC in one SF period. The frame synchronization of the TMCC 124 of the first frame in the TMCC during the 1SF period is S
The F synchronization indicates the start of TMCC / frame synchronization for one SF period. Note that SF synchronization can be realized by inverting the frame synchronization signal.

As described above, 1 SF is set for N frames.
In the TMCC in the SF period, the transmission method of the physical channel in the SF period and the transmission method in the physical channel (S
F) (constituting F)
It presents network information (such as the definition of the TS-ID of the entire network). Therefore, TMC for 1SF period
At C, a group of information including network information is presented.

Here, network information TMCC 127
FIG. 17 shows an example of the network information described in FIG. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 12 denote the same or corresponding parts. In the case where a plurality of programs are transmitted in one transport stream, network information to which a program number is added is used as in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the TMCC used in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 16 denote the same or corresponding parts. Reference numeral 131 denotes a transmission method definition T provided with an identifier.
The MCC is a transmission scheme definition TMCC 125 composed of a TMCC in which the definition of the transmission scheme of the physical channel is described and frame synchronization, and 1 in which the physical channel information is described.
An identifier indicating a TMCC in the SF period is provided. The identifier is provided after SF synchronization, and the SF
Since the information described in the TMCC for the period is to identify whether the information is physical channel information or network information, the information is set before the TMCC that defines the transmission method. Therefore, if the identifier of the physical channel information is attached to the TMCC of the first frame of the SF period, the TMCC in the SF period defines the transmission method of the physical channel and the TS-ID included therein. 132 is network information TMCC provided with an identifier;
The network information TMCC 127 including the TMCC in which the network information is described and the frame synchronization is provided with an identifier indicating that the network information is a TMCC in a 1SF period in which the network information is described.

As described above, as 1SF in N frames,
In the TMCC in the SF period, the transmission method of the physical channel in the SF period and the transmission method in the physical channel (S
The SF that defines the TS-ID of the TS (which constitutes the F) and the SF that presents network information (such as the definition of the TS-ID of the entire network) may be transmitted separately. The SF in which the physical channel information is described and the SF in which the network information is described may be transmitted alternately one by one, or may be alternately transmitted several times, and can be set and transmitted as appropriate.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In FIG.
The same reference numerals are the same or corresponding parts. 221
Is TMCC (physical channel information / network information)
Storage means for storing TMCC contents (physical channel information / network information). Reference numeral 222 denotes TS separation means for extracting SI and selecting a service (or program) from the input TS. A storage unit 223 stores the SI in the TS.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an initial operation in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. The initial operation of the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to this flowchart.

First, when the power of the receiving apparatus is turned on (S
1) The initial frequency is tuned by the tuner 201 (S2), the TMCC of the received signal is decoded by the TMCC decoding means 203, and the physical channel information and the network information described in the TMCC are converted into the TMCC (physical channel information / network). (Information) The data is loaded into the memory of the storage means 221 (S3). A table of the information in the received physical channel (transmission method and TS
And a table of network information (physical channel frequency or transponder number, TS
-ID etc.). Next, an error in the transmission path of the modulated signal demodulated by the PSK demodulation means 202 is corrected by the error correction means 205 (S4), and the frame construction / TS
A frame is constructed by the selection means 206 (S5), and a TS is constructed from the constructed frame (S6). The configured TS is output to the TS separation unit 222 and loaded into the memory of the TS storage unit 223 (S7). This gives S
An I table (including PAT, PMT, CAT, etc.) is configured. Then, in the AV decoder 211, the TS separation unit 2
The service selected in 22 is decoded (S8), and regular reception is started (S9).

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the TS or program selection operation in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. The TS or program selection operation of the receiving apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to this flowchart.

When the TS-ID or the program number is input in the normal reception state after the above-described initial operation is completed (S1), the TMCC of the TMCC (physical channel information / network information) storage means 221; With reference to the physical channel information (S2), it is determined whether or not there is a corresponding TS-ID in the transponder currently being received (S3). Here, whether to input the TS-ID or the program number in step 1 depends on the contents of the network information to be transmitted. If there is no corresponding TS-ID in the transponder being received, the TMC stored in the TMCC (physical channel information / network information) storage means 221
C: Here, the network information is referred to (S4), and it is determined whether or not the corresponding TS-ID is present in the network information table (S5). If there is no corresponding TS-ID, an input error or the like may be considered and input is performed again (S1). If there is a corresponding TS-ID, the frequency (or transponder number) information of the TS of the TS-ID from the network information table is obtained. Is extracted (S6), and the frequency is tuned by the tuner 201 (S7). The TMCC of the newly received signal is T
The physical channel information decoded by the MCC decoding unit 203 and described in the TMCC is loaded into the memory of the TMCC (physical channel information / network information) storage unit 221 (S8). Since the network information is the same as that obtained in the initial operation,
Here, only the physical channel information that is changed with the change of the transponder is acquired. Next, PSK demodulation means 2
The error in the transmission path of the modulated signal demodulated in 02 is corrected by the error correction means 205 (S9), and a frame is constructed by the frame construction / TS selection means 206 (S10), and a TS is constructed from the constructed frame. (S11). On the other hand, the corresponding TS-
Even if there is an ID, the frame construction / TS selection means 20
6, the TS of the TS-ID is configured (S11), and T
The TS of the TS separated by the S separation unit 222 is loaded into the TS storage unit 223 (S12). Then, the AV decoder 211 decodes the service selected by the TS separation means 222 (S13), and performs regular reception (S14).

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the TMCC is changed in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG.

When the initial operation described above has been completed (or the TS or program selection operation has been completed) and the station is in the steady reception state (S1), first, the TMCC decoding means 2
03, the TMCC is decrypted (S2), and it is determined whether or not the TMCC has been changed (S3). If the TMCC has been changed, it is loaded into the memory of the TMCC (physical channel information / network information) storage means 221, and the newly stored TMCC (physical channel information) is referred to (SCC).
4) It is checked whether or not the received TS-ID in the transponder has changed (S5). If there is no change in the TS-ID, steady reception is continued. However, even if there is no change in the TS-ID, if there is a change in the transmission method, a change process such as a transmission mode is performed and then steady reception is continued. Meanwhile, TS
-If there is a change in the ID, the currently received TS-ID
It is determined whether or not is interrupted (S6). If not interrupted, steady reception is continued. Even in this case, if there is a change in the video quality or the like, re-processing according to the MPEG standard according to the change is performed, and then regular reception is continued. In addition,
When there is a change in the program form (including TS-ID cutoff or TS-ID change), it takes time to grasp the change contents and perform processing according to the change contents, so that network information is transmitted by TMCC at the time of change. Rather, it is more preferable to transmit the information prior to the change. If there is TS interruption, M
The UTE signal is output (S7), and the TMCC (the TMCC of the physical channel / network
(Network Information) (S8), and EPG is displayed on the screen.
Is displayed (S9). This allows the viewer to know that the TS has been interrupted, and refers to the EPG to determine the TS-ID.
Alternatively, a program number can be entered. Thereafter, exactly the same operations as those in Steps 2 to 14 in FIG. 21 are performed, and after the TS is cut off, the newly selected program is broadcast.

Here, in the above step 8, FIG.
The EPG indicating the currently broadcasted TS-ID is displayed by referring to the network information including the frequency information and the TS-ID shown in FIG. 7, but the network information also includes EIT or information corresponding to the EIT. In this case, an EPG including the contents of the program can be displayed. If the network information to be added to the TMCC does not include EIT or the like, the network information of the TMCC is referenced in step 8 and the
Select one of the TSs transmitted after the interruption,
By referring to the EIT included in the TS, an EPG including the contents of the program can be displayed. In Steps 8 and 9, the EP is referred to without referring to the TMCC.
Instead of displaying G, a message urging program reselection may be displayed on the screen instead. In this case, information for reselection is not presented to the viewer, but it is possible to select an arbitrary program and resume viewing.

As described above, in the digital transmission method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the network information is added to the TMCC signal for transmission. Can be displayed and an EPG can be displayed, and a program can be reselected from the EPG, so that any TS that has been forcibly selected is displayed on the screen without giving the viewer any embarrassment. . In addition, even if there is no TS interruption, a program can be quickly selected by referring to the network information added to the TMCC without looking at the NIT of MPEG2 which is periodically transmitted at the time of channel selection.

When the program form is changed and there is a TS interruption, etc., the changed network information is added to the TMCC before the program form change and transmitted. Therefore, the EPG is displayed simultaneously with the TS interruption. Program reselection can be performed quickly.

Further, since the minimum information necessary for program selection is transmitted as network information added to the TMCC signal, it is possible to improve transmission efficiency.

Embodiment 5 FIG. In the digital transmission method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the NI required for selecting a program, which cannot be obtained from a normal TS due to the interruption of the TS, is used.
The network information replacing T is added to the synchronization auxiliary signal and transmitted.

Here, the synchronization auxiliary signal is a signal inserted in a packet at a packet period, which is the minimum unit at which the modulation scheme is switched, in order to stabilize the reproduction of a carrier wave only in the BPSK portion and maintain a stable synchronization state. And multiple BPSK
The modulated synchronization auxiliary signal is inserted. This synchronization auxiliary signal has been proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-254544.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a process of adding a synchronization auxiliary signal used in Embodiment 5 of the present invention to a transponder and transmitting the signal.

In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or corresponding parts. Reference numeral 141 denotes a multiplexing, TMCC and synchronization auxiliary signal adding process.
Multiplex the TSs of ID = a and TS-ID = b,
An MCC is added, and a synchronization auxiliary signal is added.
142 is a synchronization auxiliary signal to which network information is added. Here, in a frame in which a plurality of phase-modulated signals are time-division multiplexed, they are distributed at equal intervals by a phase-modulated signal (BPSK) having the smallest number of phases. In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, instead of using the synchronization auxiliary signal itself, network information added to the synchronization auxiliary signal is used.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing details of the synchronization auxiliary signal in one frame which is time-division multiplexed as shown in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 143 denotes a high-layer TS packet, for example, a video or audio packet, which is modulated not only on a high-layer signal but also on a low-layer signal, and the synchronization auxiliary signal is a low-layer signal (BPSK) at equal intervals. Has been inserted. Reference numeral 144 denotes a synchronization auxiliary signal period, which is provided at equal intervals in the packet and transmits network information. In addition,
Although the example in the high-layer TS packet is shown,
Similarly, a synchronization auxiliary signal period is provided in a packet, and network information is transmitted using the entire synchronization auxiliary signal period. Here, when network information cannot be transmitted only in the synchronization auxiliary signal period of one frame, the network information is transmitted in the synchronization auxiliary signal period of 1SF period.

FIG. 25 shows an example of the configuration of a synchronization auxiliary signal used in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 145 is a synchronization auxiliary signal, and 146 is a synchronization auxiliary signal of one frame. (A) shows frames 1 to N
It is shown that one superframe (SF) is composed of the N frames up to. N can be any number and is determined by the amount of information to be included in the synchronization auxiliary signal. (B) shows the synchronization auxiliary signals of N frames shown in (a) collected and shown as the synchronization auxiliary signals in the 1SF period.

Here, as the network information transmitted by the synchronization auxiliary signal, exactly the same information as that shown in FIG. 17 in the fourth embodiment can be transmitted.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In FIG.
19 and the same reference numerals as those in FIG.
Reference numeral 231 denotes a synchronization auxiliary signal decoding unit that decodes data superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal. Reference numeral 232 denotes a synchronization auxiliary signal (network information) storage unit that stores the synchronization auxiliary signal (network information).

FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the initial operation in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. The initial operation of the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart.

First, when the power of the receiving apparatus is turned on (S
1) The initial frequency is tuned by the tuner 201 (S2), the TMCC of the received signal is decoded by the TMCC decoding means 203, and the physical channel information described in the TMCC is stored in the TMCC (physical channel information) storage means 204. The data is loaded into the memory (S3). Thereby, a table (consisting of the transmission method and the TS-ID) of the information in the received physical channel is configured. Next, PS
A synchronization auxiliary signal is extracted from the modulated signal demodulated by the K demodulation unit 202, the data (network information) superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal is decoded, and loaded into the memory of the synchronization auxiliary signal (network information) storage unit 232. (S
5). Thereby, the network information table (physical channel frequency or transponder number, TS-ID,
Service ID). The error in the transmission path of the main signal after demodulation and extraction of the synchronization auxiliary signal is corrected by the error correction means 205 (S6), and a frame is constructed by the frame construction / TS selection means 206 (S6).
7), a TS is constructed from the constructed frames (S
8). The configured TS is output to the TS separation unit 222, and the SI in the TS is loaded into the memory of the storage unit 223 (S9). This allows SI tables (PAT, PMT, CA
T, etc.). And AV decoder 2
At 11, the service selected by the TS separation means 222 is decoded (S10), and regular reception is started (S1).
1).

FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the TS or program selection operation in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. The TS or program selection operation of the receiving apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to this flowchart.

If the TS-ID or the program number is input when the initial operation is completed and the normal reception state is entered (S1), the TMCC of the TMCC (physical channel information) storage means 204 is referred to (S2). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a corresponding TS-ID in the transponder currently being received (S3). Here, whether to input the TS-ID or the program number in step 1 depends on the contents of the network information to be transmitted. If there is no corresponding TS-ID in the transponder being received, the synchronous auxiliary signal (network information) in the synchronous auxiliary signal (network information) storage means 232 is referred to (S4), and the corresponding TS-ID is present in the network information table. It is checked whether or not (S5). Applicable TS
-If there is no ID, it is considered that an input error or the like is made, and input again (S1). If there is a corresponding TS-ID, the frequency (or transponder number) information of the TS of the TS-ID is extracted from the network information table. Then (S6), the tuner 201 tunes to the frequency (S7).
The TMCC of the newly received signal is transmitted to the TMCC decoding means 20.
3 and the physical channel information described in the TMCC is stored in the TMCC (physical channel information storage unit 204).
(S8). Next, the signal is demodulated by the PSK demodulation means 202, the error of the demodulated signal in the transmission path is corrected by the error correction means 205 (S9), and the frame construction / T
A frame is constructed by the S selecting means 206 (S10), and a TS is constructed from the constructed frame (S11). On the other hand, even when there is a corresponding TS-ID in the transponder received in step 3, the TS of the TS-ID is configured by the frame construction / TS selection means 206 (S1).
1), the TS is separated by the TS separation means 222 and
The data is loaded into the memory of the storage means 223 (S12). Then, the AV decoder 211 decodes the service selected by the TS separation means 222 (S13), and performs regular reception (S14).

FIG. 29 is a flow chart for explaining the operation at the time of changing the network information in the synchronization auxiliary signal in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG.

Referring to the flow chart shown in FIG. 29, the operation of the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention when changing network information in a synchronization auxiliary signal will be described.

When the above-described initial operation is completed (or the TS or program selection operation is completed) and the apparatus is in the steady reception state (S1), the transmitted synchronization auxiliary signal is decoded by the synchronization auxiliary signal decoding means 231. Then, it is determined whether the network information superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal has changed (S3). If there is no change, the regular reception is continued (S1). If the network information is changed, the contents of the change are loaded into the synchronization auxiliary signal memory by the synchronization auxiliary signal (network information) storage means 232 (S1).
4) Continue regular reception.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the TMCC is changed in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. With reference to this flowchart, a description will be given of the TS or program selection operation of the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention after the network information is changed.

When the initial operation described above is completed (or the TS or program selection operation is completed) and the receiver is in the steady reception state (S1), first, the TMCC decoding means 2
In step 03, the TMCC is decrypted (S2), and it is determined whether the received TMCC has changed due to a change in network information (S3). If TMCC has been changed, TM
It is loaded into the memory of the CC (physical channel information) storage means 204, and the newly stored TMCC (physical channel information) is referred to (S4) to determine whether there is a change in the received TS-ID in the transponder. (S5). T
If there is no change in the S-ID, regular reception is continued.
-Even if there is no change in the ID, if there is a change in the transmission method, change processing such as the transmission mode is performed, and then the regular reception is continued. On the other hand, if there is a change in the TS-ID, it is determined whether the currently received TS-ID is blocked (S
6) If it is not interrupted, continuous reception is continued. Even in this case, if there is a change in the video quality or the like, re-processing according to the MPEG standard according to the change is performed, and then regular reception is continued. When there is a program form change (including a TS-ID change or a TS-ID change), especially when there is a change in video quality, it takes time to grasp the contents of the change and perform processing in accordance with the change. Prior to the change, the network information is superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal and transmitted. TS
If there is the interruption, the MUTE signal is output (S7), the synchronization auxiliary signal (network information) of the synchronization auxiliary signal (network information) storage means 232 is referred to (S8), and the EPG is displayed on the screen (S9). This allows the viewer to
It is possible to grasp that the interruption has occurred, and refer to the EPG for TS.
-ID or program number can be entered. Thereafter, in steps 11 to 23,
The same operations as in steps 2 to 14 in FIG. 28 are performed, and after the TS is cut off, the newly selected program is broadcast.

Here, in the above step 8, FIG.
The EPG indicating the currently broadcasted TS-ID is displayed by referring to the network information including the frequency information and the TS-ID shown in FIG. 7, but the network information also includes EIT or information corresponding to the EIT. In this case, an EPG including the contents of the program can be displayed. If the network information to be superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal does not include EIT or the like, in step 8, the network information of the synchronization auxiliary signal is referred to, and any TS transmitted after the TS is shut down is selected. By referring to the EIT included in the TS, an EPG including the program contents can be displayed. Further, in steps 8 and 9, the EPG may not be displayed without referring to the synchronization auxiliary signal, and instead, a message urging the reselection of the program may be displayed on the screen.
In this case, information for reselection is not presented to the viewer, but it is possible to select an arbitrary program and resume viewing.

As described above, in the digital transmission method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the network information is superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal and transmitted. Information can be acquired and an EPG can be displayed, and a program can be re-selected from the EPG, so that any TS that has been forcibly selected can be displayed on the screen to give the viewer embarrassment. Absent. In addition, even if there is no TS interruption, a program can be quickly selected by referring to the network information superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal without looking at the NIT of MPEG2 which is periodically transmitted at the time of channel selection.

When the program form is changed and there is a TS interruption, the changed network information is superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal before the program form change and transmitted.
The EPG can be displayed at the same time as the S interruption, and the program reselection can be performed quickly.

Further, since the minimum information necessary for program selection is transmitted as network information to be superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal, transmission efficiency can be improved.

Embodiment 6 FIG. The receiving apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention obtains the NIT of the TS transmitted after the change of the program form when the TS in the digital BS broadcast is shut off, and resumes the reception.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In FIG.
19 and the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the initial operation in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. The initial operation of the receiving apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to this flowchart.

First, when the power of the receiving apparatus is turned on (S
1) The initial frequency is tuned by the tuner 201 (S2), the TMCC of the received signal is decoded by the TMCC decoding means 203, and the physical channel information described in the TMCC is stored in the TMCC (physical channel information) storage means 204. The data is loaded into the memory (S3). Thereby, a table (consisting of the transmission method and the TS-ID) of the information in the received physical channel is configured. Next, PS
An error in the transmission path of the modulated signal demodulated by the K demodulation means 202 is corrected by the error correction means 205 (S4), and a frame is constructed by the frame construction / TS selection means 206 (S4).
5), a TS is constructed from the constructed frames (S
6). The configured TS is output to the TS separation means 222 and loaded into the memory of the TS storage means 223 (S
7). Thereby, an SI table (including PAT, PMT, CAT, etc.) is configured. Then, the AV decoder 211 decodes the program (or service) selected by the TS separation means 222 (S8), and starts regular reception (S9).

FIG. 33 is a flowchart for explaining the TS or program selection operation in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. The TS or program selection operation of the receiving apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to this flowchart.

When the TS-ID or the program number is input while the initial operation described above is completed and in the normal reception state (S1), the TMCC of the TMCC (physical channel information) storage means 204 is referred to (S2). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a corresponding TS-ID in the transponder currently being received (S3). Here, whether to input the TS-ID or the program number in step 1 depends on the contents of the network information to be transmitted. If there is no corresponding TS-ID in the transponder being received, the network information in the NIT of the TS is referred to (S4), and it is determined whether the corresponding TS-ID exists in the network information (S5). Applicable TS
If there is no ID, an input error or the like is considered, and input is performed again (S1). If there is a corresponding TS-ID, frequency (or transponder number) information of the TS of the TS-ID is extracted from the network information. (S6), the frequency is tuned by the tuner 201 (S7). The TMCC of the newly received signal is transmitted to the TMCC decoding unit 203.
And decodes the physical channel information described in the TMCC into a TMCC (physical channel information) storage unit 204.
(S8). Next, an error in the transmission path of the modulated signal demodulated by the PSK demodulation means 202 is corrected by the error correction means 205 (S9), and a frame is constructed by the frame construction / TS selection means 206 (S10). A TS is configured from the frame (S11). on the other hand,
The corresponding TS in the transponder received in step 3
-Frame construction / TS selection means 2 even when ID is present
06, the TS of the TS-ID is configured (S11),
The TS is separated by the TS separation means 222 and loaded into the memory of the TS storage means 223 (S12). And A
The V decoder 211 decodes the program selected by the TS separation means 222 (S13), and performs regular reception (S14).

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of SI change in the receiving apparatus shown in FIG.

The operation at the time of SI change of the receiving apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the initial operation described above has been completed (or the TS or program selection operation has been completed) and the apparatus is in a steady reception state (S1), the TS (TS, PAT, PMT) , CAT, NIT
Etc.) (S2), and if there is a change in SI,
It is checked whether or not it is (S3). If there is no change, the regular reception is continued (S1). If the SI has been changed, the changed contents are loaded into the TS memory by the TS storage means 223 (S1).
4) Continue regular reception (S5).

FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 31 when the TMCC is changed. With reference to this flowchart, a description will be given of the TS or program selection operation of the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention after network information has been changed.

When the above-described initial operation is completed (or the TS or program selection operation is completed) and the station is in the steady reception state (S1), first, the TMCC decoding means 2
In step 03, the TMCC is decrypted (S2), and it is determined whether the received TMCC has changed due to a change in network information (S3). If TMCC has been changed, TM
It is loaded into the memory of the CC (physical channel information) storage means 204, and the newly stored TMCC (physical channel information) is referred to (S4) to determine whether there is a change in the received TS-ID in the transponder. (S5). T
If there is no change in the S-ID, regular reception is continued.
-Even if there is no change in the ID, if there is a change in the transmission method, change processing such as the transmission mode is performed, and then the regular reception is continued.

On the other hand, if there is a change in the TS-ID, it is determined whether the currently received TS-ID is blocked (S
6) If it is not interrupted, continuous reception is continued. Even in this case, if there is a change in the video quality or the like, re-processing according to the MPEG standard according to the change is performed, and then regular reception is continued. If there is a TS interruption, a MUTE signal is output (S7) and the frame construction / TS selection means 206
Then, any TS, for example, a TS having the smallest TS-ID in the received physical channel is selected from the TSs transmitted after the TS is cut off (S8) and output to the TS separation means 222. . The TS separation unit 222 extracts the SI from the TS (S9), and loads the changed contents of the SI into the TS memory. Then, the TS storage means 22
The EPG including the program contents is displayed on the screen with reference to the NIT or the like (S10) (S11). Thus, the viewer can grasp that the TS has been interrupted, and can input the TS-ID or the program number with reference to the EPG. Thereafter, in steps 13 to 25, exactly the same operations as in steps 2 to 14 in FIG. 33 are performed, and after the TS is cut off, the newly selected program is broadcast.

Here, in the above step 10, N
Although the EPG including the program contents is displayed by referring to the IT and the like, that is, the EIT, the NIT may be simply referred to in step S10. According to this, an EPG indicating the currently broadcasted TS-ID and program number can be displayed. In step 11, a message urging program reselection may be displayed on the screen without displaying the EPG. In this case, the NIT reference in step 10 is omitted.

As described above, in the receiving apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the NIT of the TS transmitted after the change of the program form is acquired when the TS in the digital BS broadcast is shut off. Since the EPG can be displayed and the program can be reselected from the EPG, the network information included in the SI in any of the TSs that has been compulsorily selected is displayed on the screen to give the viewer embarrassment. Not even.

Although the sixth embodiment has been described with reference to a case where the network is a digital BS broadcast, the present invention can be similarly applied to a terrestrial digital broadcast, a digital CATV broadcast, and the like, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0176]

As described above, according to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 1), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the number of the transport streams In a digital broadcast in which the form of the program provided in the above is changed over time, a transport stream dedicated to network information for transmitting network information on the change in the entire digital broadcast network including a plurality of transponders is provided. Since it is provided in at least one transponder, the receiving side can acquire the network information and display the EPG even when the TS is shut off, and can reselect a program from the EPG. There is.
In addition, even when there is no TS interruption, when a channel is selected, a program can be selected quickly by referring to the stored network information dedicated TS without going to the MPEG2 NIT sent periodically. is there.

According to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 2), in the digital transmission method of claim 1, the transport stream dedicated to network information is multiplexed with a transport stream for providing a program. Since the NIT having the same format as the NIT (network information table) to be converted is transmitted as network information, the receiving side normally uses TIT.
There is an effect that the same processing as the S NIT can be performed.

According to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 3), in the digital transmission method of claim 1, the network information is transmitted only in the transport stream dedicated to network information. Since the transport stream is transmitted without multiplexing NIT or network information replacing NIT, there is an effect that the transmission efficiency can be improved.

According to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 4), in the digital transmission method of claim 1, the network information-dedicated transport stream includes network information to which image information in a network is added. Are multiplexed, so that the receiving side can display multi-screen video,
There is an effect that a program can be selected by directly selecting the multi-screen.

Further, according to the digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 5), in the digital transmission method according to claim 1, the transport stream dedicated to network information includes all transponders constituting the network. Since it is provided within the network, there is an effect that a program can be selected by referring to the network information-dedicated TS earlier than when the NIT of MPEG2 sent periodically is checked.

According to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 6), in the digital transmission method of claim 1, the transport stream dedicated to network information is a PID used for another transport stream. (Picture identification information) is different from the dedicated PID.
-The unified processing of the TS separation circuit becomes possible, and there is an effect that the network information dedicated TS and the normal TS can be regarded as one TS.

Further, according to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 7), in the digital transmission method of claim 1, the transport stream dedicated to network information contains at least frequency information or transponder number, TS Since the network information including the ID (transport stream identification information) is multiplexed, the transmission efficiency can be improved by the minimum network information required for program selection.

According to the digital transmission method according to the present invention (claim 8), in the digital transmission method according to claim 7, the network information-dedicated transport stream includes a program number added to the network information. Since it is multiplexed, the transmission efficiency can be improved with the minimum network information required for program selection.

Further, according to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 9), in the digital transmission method of claim 1, the network information after the change is transmitted before the change. Therefore, the EPG can be displayed at the same time as the TS is cut off, and the program can be reselected quickly.

Further, according to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 10), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the program provided by the transport streams is provided. In the digital broadcasting which is changed over time, the network information on the above change in the entire digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders is added to a TMCC (transmission control) signal and transmitted. On the receiving side, even when the TS is cut off, the network information can be acquired and the EPG can be displayed, and the program can be reselected from the EPG. MPE that is sent periodically when a channel is selected without TS interruption
There is an effect that a program can be quickly selected by referring to the stored network information dedicated TS without going to the G2 NIT.

According to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 11), in the digital transmission method of claim 10, the network information after the change is transmitted before the change. Therefore, the EPG can be displayed at the same time as the TS is cut off, and the program can be reselected quickly.

Further, according to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 12), in the digital transmission method of claim 10, the TMCC signal includes at least frequency information or transponder number, TS-I
Since the network information composed of D (transport stream identification information) is added, the transmission efficiency can be improved by the minimum network information required for program selection.

According to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 13), in the digital transmission method of claim 10, the TMCC signal includes the network information added with a program number. Therefore, the transmission efficiency can be improved by the minimum network information required for program selection.

Further, according to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 14), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the program provided by the transport streams is provided. In the digital broadcasting whose form is changed over time, network information about the above change in the entire digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders is superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal and transmitted. Thus, even when the TS is interrupted, the network information can be acquired and the EPG can be displayed, and the program can be reselected from the EPG. Also, even if there is no TS interruption, when the channel is selected, the NIT of the MPEG2 which is periodically transmitted is not found and the network information dedicated T
There is an effect that a program can be quickly selected with reference to S.

According to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 15), in the digital transmission method of claim 14, the network information after the change is transmitted before the change. Therefore, the EPG can be displayed at the same time as the TS is cut off, and the program can be reselected quickly.

Further, according to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 16), in the digital transmission method of claim 14, the synchronization auxiliary signal includes at least frequency information or transponder number, TS-I
15. The digital transmission method according to claim 14, wherein network information comprising D (transport stream identification information) is superimposed.
Frequency information or transponder number, TS-ID
Since the network information consisting of (transport stream identification information) is superimposed, the transmission efficiency can be improved by the minimum network information required for selecting a program.

According to the digital transmission method of the present invention (claim 17), in the digital transmission method of claim 14, the synchronization auxiliary signal is obtained by superimposing the network information added with a program number. Therefore, there is an effect that the transmission efficiency can be improved by the minimum network information necessary for the program selection.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 18), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the program of the program provided by the transport streams is transmitted. A transmission apparatus used in digital broadcasting whose form changes over time, wherein at least one transponder has a network information dedicated transport comprising network information on said change in the entire digital broadcasting network comprising a plurality of transponders. Since the configuration is provided with the multiplexing means for providing the stream, the receiving side can acquire the network information and display the EPG even when the TS is shut off, and can reselect a program from the EPG. There is an effect that can be done. Also, even if there is no TS interruption, when selecting a channel,
There is an effect that a program can be quickly selected by referring to the stored network information-dedicated TS without looking at the NIT of MPEG2 transmitted periodically.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 19), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 18,
The multiplexing means provides a network information-dedicated transport stream in which NIT (network information table) multiplexed into a transport stream for providing a program is used as network information. There is an effect that the same processing as the NIT of the normal TS can be performed on the side.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 20), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 18,
The multiplexing means does not multiplex NIT or network information in place of NIT into other transport streams,
Since the transport stream dedicated to the network information including the network information is added, there is an effect that the transmission efficiency can be improved.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 21), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 18,
Since the transport stream dedicated to network information is obtained by multiplexing network information to which image information in the network is added, a multi-screen video can be displayed on the receiving side, and the multi-screen can be directly selected. Thus, it is possible to select a program.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 22), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 18,
The transport stream dedicated to network information is provided in all transponders constituting the network.
There is an effect that a program can be selected by referring to the network information dedicated TS earlier than when the user sees the EG2 NIT.

Further, according to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 23), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 18,
The transport stream dedicated to network information is a PID used for another transport stream.
Since a dedicated PID different from (packet identification information) is used, unified processing of the MPEG-TS separation circuit becomes possible,
There is an effect that S and the normal TS can be viewed as one TS.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 24), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 18,
The transport stream dedicated to network information is at least frequency information or a transponder number, TS-ID (transport stream identification information).
Is multiplexed, the transmission efficiency can be improved with the minimum network information required for program selection.

[0200] According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 25), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 24,
Since the network information-dedicated transport stream is obtained by multiplexing the network information to which the program number is added, the transmission efficiency can be improved by the minimum network information necessary for program selection. is there.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 26), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 18,
Since the multiplexing means transmits a transport stream dedicated to network information including the network information after the change before the change, the EPG can be displayed at the same time as the TS is cut off, and the program reselection can be performed. There is an effect that can be performed quickly.

Further, according to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 27), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the program of the program provided by the transport streams is transmitted. A transmitting device used in digital broadcasting whose form changes over time, wherein network information about the above-mentioned change in an entire digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders is transmitted to a TMCC.
(Transmission control) Since the multiplexing means for adding to the signal is provided, the receiving side can acquire the network information and display the EPG even when the TS is shut off, and can display the program from the EPG. There is an effect that can be re-selected.
In addition, even when there is no TS interruption, when a channel is selected, a program can be selected quickly by referring to the stored network information dedicated TS without going to the MPEG2 NIT sent periodically. is there.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 28), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 27,
Since the network information after the change is transmitted before the change, the EPG can be displayed at the same time as the TS is cut off, and the program can be reselected quickly.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 29), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 27,
Since the TMCC signal is added with at least network information including frequency information or a transponder number and a TS-ID (transport stream identification information), the transmission efficiency can be reduced by the minimum network information required for program selection. There is an effect that can be improved.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 30), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 29,
Since the TMCC signal is obtained by adding the network information to which the program number is added, the transmission efficiency can be improved by the minimum network information necessary for selecting a program.

Further, according to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 31), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the program of the program provided by the transport streams is transmitted. A transmitting apparatus used in digital broadcasting whose form changes over time, comprising multiplexing means for superimposing network information on the above change on a synchronization auxiliary signal in an entire digital broadcasting network comprising a plurality of transponders. With the configuration, the receiving side can acquire network information and display the EPG even when the TS is shut off, and can reselect a program from the EPG.

Further, even if there is no TS interruption, when a channel is selected, it is possible to quickly select a program by referring to the stored network information dedicated TS without going to the MPEG2 NIT sent periodically. There is an effect that can be done.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 32), in the transmitting apparatus according to claim 31,
Since the network information after the change is transmitted before the change, the EPG can be displayed at the same time as the TS is cut off, and the program can be reselected quickly.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 33), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 31,
Since the synchronization auxiliary signal superimposes at least network information including frequency information or a transponder number and TS-ID (transport stream identification information), the transmission efficiency is minimized by the minimum network information necessary for program selection. There is an effect that can be improved.

According to the transmitting apparatus of the present invention (claim 34), in the transmitting apparatus of claim 33,
Since the synchronization auxiliary signal is obtained by superimposing the network information to which the program number is added, the transmission efficiency can be improved by the minimum network information required for program selection.

[0211] According to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 35), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the program of the program provided by the transport streams is transmitted. This is a receiving device for receiving a digital broadcast whose form is changed over time, and when there is a TS interruption that the received transport stream is lost due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted, etc. A configuration is provided in which a storage unit is provided for selecting an arbitrary transport stream from the transport streams that can be received later and acquiring and storing the network information of the transport stream. There is an effect that can be.

[0212] According to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 36), in the receiving apparatus of claim 35,
Based on the network information stored in the storage means, an EPG display means for displaying an EPG screen is further provided, so that the EPG can be displayed even when the TS is cut off, and a program is reselected from the EPG. Therefore, there is an effect that any one of the TSs forcibly selected is displayed on the screen and the viewer is not confused.

According to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 37), in the receiving apparatus according to claim 36,
The storage means obtains the NIT multiplexed with the selected transport stream from the selected transport stream, and the EPG display means obtains the NIT
The EPG screen is displayed on the basis of the above, so that there is an effect that the same processing as the normal NIT can be performed.

According to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 38), in the receiving apparatus of claim 35,
A control means for displaying a screen requesting reselection of a program based on the transport stream cutoff information by a transmission control (TMCC) signal is further provided.
There is an effect that the viewer can recognize that the TS has been interrupted and can reselect the program.

[0215] Further, according to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 39), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the program of the program provided by the transport streams is transmitted. A receiving apparatus for receiving a network information-dedicated transport stream including network information on the change in an entire digital broadcast network including a plurality of transponders transmitted in a digital broadcast whose form changes over time. Then, the network information-dedicated transport stream is separated from other transport streams, and a network information-dedicated T that stores network information of the network information-dedicated transport stream.
The configuration including the S storage means has an effect that network information can be obtained even when the TS is shut off.

According to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 40), in the receiving apparatus of claim 39,
When there is a TS interruption that the received transport stream is lost due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted, the EPG screen is displayed based on the network information stored in the network information dedicated TS storage unit. The configuration further includes an EPG display means for displaying, so that the EPG can be displayed even when the TS is cut off, and a program can be selected again from the EPG. There is an effect that the display is performed and the viewer is not confused.

According to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 41), in the receiving apparatus of claim 39,
When the number of transport streams to be transmitted is changed and the TS is interrupted such that the received transport stream disappears, the program reselection is performed based on the transport stream interruption information by the transmission control (TMCC) signal. Since the control means for displaying the request is displayed on the screen, the viewer can recognize that the TS has been interrupted and select the program again.

According to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 42), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the program of the program provided by the transport streams is transmitted. In a digital transmission method in which the form is changed over time, the TMC to which the network information about the change is added in the entire digital broadcast network including a plurality of transponders to be transmitted.
A receiving device for receiving a C (transmission control) signal, which is provided with a TMCC storage means for decoding the TMCC signal and storing network information added to the TMCC signal. There is an effect that network information can be obtained.

According to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 43), in the receiving apparatus of claim 42,
When there is a TS interruption that the received transport stream is lost due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted or the like, an EPG for displaying an EPG screen based on the network information stored in the TMCC storage means. Since the configuration was provided with display means,
The EPG can be displayed even at the time of interruption, and a program can be re-selected from the EPG, so that any TS that has been forcibly selected is displayed on the screen, and the viewer is not confused. There is.

According to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 44), in the receiving apparatus of claim 43,
The EPG display means, when there is the TS interruption, selects from the transport streams that can be received after the change and displays the EPG screen based on the acquired network information of the arbitrary transport stream. , The EPG can be displayed even when the TS is shut off, and the program can be reselected from the EPG.
There is an effect that any one of the TSs forcibly selected is displayed on the screen and the viewer is not confused.

According to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 45), in the receiving apparatus according to claim 42,
When the number of transport streams to be transmitted is changed and the TS is interrupted such that the received transport stream disappears, the program reselection is performed based on the transport stream interruption information by the transmission control (TMCC) signal. Since the control means for displaying the request is displayed on the screen, the viewer can recognize that the TS has been interrupted and select the program again.

Further, according to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 46), a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the program of the program provided by the transport streams is transmitted. In a digital transmission method whose form is changed over time, a receiving apparatus for receiving a synchronization auxiliary signal on which network information on the change is superimposed in an entire digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders to be transmitted. Thus, since the synchronization auxiliary signal is decoded and the synchronization auxiliary signal storage means for storing the network information superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal is provided, the network information can be obtained even when the TS is cut off. There is.

Further, according to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 47), in the receiving apparatus according to claim 46,
When there is a TS interruption that the received transport stream is lost due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted, an EPG screen is displayed based on the network information stored in the synchronization auxiliary signal storage unit. Since the configuration is provided with EPG display means,
The EPG can be displayed even when the TS is shut off.
Since the user can reselect a program, any of the TSs forcibly selected is displayed on the screen, and the viewer is not confused.

[0224] According to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 48), in the receiving apparatus of claim 47,
The EPG display means, when there is the TS interruption, selects from the transport streams that can be received after the change and displays the EPG screen based on the acquired network information of the arbitrary transport stream. , The EPG can be displayed even when the TS is shut off, and the program can be reselected from the EPG.
There is an effect that any one of the TSs forcibly selected is displayed on the screen and the viewer is not confused.

According to the receiving apparatus of the present invention (claim 49), in the receiving apparatus of claim 46,
When the number of transport streams to be transmitted is changed and the TS is interrupted such that the received transport stream disappears, the program reselection is performed based on the transport stream interruption information by the transmission control (TMCC) signal. Since the control means for displaying the request is displayed on the screen, the viewer can recognize that the TS has been interrupted and select the program again.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a process of providing a dedicated TS for transmitting network information in a transponder according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a packet structure of a network information dedicated TS to be transmitted in the first embodiment of the present invention, in which network information is an NIT having the same format as a normal TS.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a packet structure of a network information dedicated TS transmitted in the first embodiment of the present invention, showing an example in which network information is transmitted only by a network information dedicated TS.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a transmitting side in which a dedicated TS for network information is provided for each physical channel in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a receiving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an initial operation in the receiving device illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a TS or program selection operation in the receiving device illustrated in FIG. 5;

8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 5 when a network information dedicated TS changes network information.

9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the receiving device illustrated in FIG. 5 when a TMCC is changed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure of a normal TS packet and a network information-dedicated TS packet transmitted in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a structure of a normal TS packet and a network information-dedicated TS packet transmitted in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of dedicated network information transmitted by a dedicated network information TS according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a transmission side in which a dedicated TS for network information is provided in one physical channel in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure of a network information-dedicated TS packet transmitted in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows TMC used in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the process of adding and transmitting C in a transponder.

FIG. 16 shows TMC used in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
It is a figure showing an example of composition of C.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of network information described in the TMCC shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 shows TMC used in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
It is a figure showing other examples of composition of C.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a receiving device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a flowchart illustrating an initial operation in the receiving device illustrated in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a TS or program selection operation in the receiving device shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the receiving apparatus illustrated in FIG. 19 when a TMCC is changed.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a process of adding a synchronization auxiliary signal used in Embodiment 5 of the present invention to a transponder and transmitting the signal.

24 is a diagram illustrating details of a synchronization auxiliary signal in one frame that is time-division multiplexed and illustrated in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a synchronization auxiliary signal used in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a receiving device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an initial operation in the receiving device shown in FIG. 26;

28 is a flowchart illustrating a TS or program selection operation in the receiving device shown in FIG. 26.

29 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 26 when network information in a synchronization auxiliary signal is changed.

30 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the receiving apparatus illustrated in FIG. 26 when TMCC is changed.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a receiving device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

32 is a flowchart illustrating an initial operation in the receiving device illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a TS or program selection operation in the receiving device shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the receiving device illustrated in FIG. 31 when changing network information.

35 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the receiving device illustrated in FIG. 31 when a TMCC is changed.

[Fig. 36] Fig. 36 is a diagram illustrating TS cutoff and the like in program form change.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 Process at Commissioned Broadcaster A 12 Process at Commissioned Broadcaster B 13 Multiplexing, TMCC Signal and Network Information Dedicated TS Addition Process 14 Frame Structure 15 TMCC / Frame Synchronization 16 Slot 17 Hierarchical Modulation Process 18 Modulated Signal 31 Network Information-dedicated TS packet 32 Packet header 33 Adaptation field and / or payload 34 Synchronization byte 35 PID 36 PAT of network information-dedicated TS 41 Regular TS packet 42 PAT of regular TS 43 PMT 51 Commissioned broadcaster A 52 Commissioned broadcaster B 53 Consigned broadcaster C 54-57 Multiplexer 58-61 Hierarchical modulator 62-65 Frequency converter 71 PAT for normal TS 81 PAT for normal TS 91 Input frequency 92 Transponder number 93 TS-ID 94 Program number 101 to 103 Multiplexer 111 PAT of dedicated TS for network information 112 PMT of dedicated TS for network information 201 Tuner 202 PSK demodulation means 203 TMCC decoding means 204 TMCC (physical channel information) storage means 205 Error correction means 206 Frame construction / TS selection means 207 Normal TS separation means 208 Normal TS storage means 209 Network information dedicated TS separation means 210 Network information dedicated TS storage means 211 AV decoder 212 CPU 213 EPG display means 221 TMCC (physical channel information / network information) Storage means 222 TS separation means 223 TS storage means 231 Synchronization auxiliary signal decoding means 232 Synchronization auxiliary signal (network information) storage means 301 Program form At the time of change 302 Before program form change 303 After program form change

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Noriaki Omoto 1006 Oaza Kadoma Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (49)

[Claims] In a digital broadcast in which a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams is changed over time, a plurality of transport streams are transmitted. A digital transmission method, wherein a transport stream dedicated to network information for transmitting network information on the above change in an entire digital broadcasting network including transponders is provided in at least one transponder. 2. The digital transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the network information-dedicated transport stream has an NIT having the same format as an NIT (network information table) multiplexed into a transport stream for providing a program. A digital transmission method for transmitting as network information. 3. The digital transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the network information is transmitted only in the transport stream dedicated to network information, and the other transport streams multiplex NIT or network information replacing NIT. A digital transmission method characterized in that transmission is performed without transmission. 4. The digital transmission method according to claim 1, wherein said transport stream dedicated to network information is obtained by multiplexing network information to which image information in a network is added. Method. 5. The digital transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the transport stream dedicated to network information is provided in all transponders constituting the network. 6. The digital transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the transport stream dedicated to network information is a PID used for another transport stream.
A digital transmission method using a dedicated PID different from (packet identification information). 7. The digital transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the transport stream dedicated to network information is at least frequency information or a transponder number, TS-ID (transport stream identification information).
A digital transmission method characterized by multiplexing network information consisting of: 8. The digital transmission method according to claim 7, wherein said network information-dedicated transport stream is obtained by multiplexing said network information with a program number added thereto. . 9. The digital transmission method according to claim 1, wherein the network information after the change is transmitted before the change. 10. A digital broadcast in which a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams is changed over time. A digital transmission method, characterized in that network information about the above change in an entire digital broadcast network comprising transponders is added to a TMCC (transmission control) signal and transmitted. 11. The digital transmission method according to claim 10, wherein the network information after the change is transmitted before the change. 12. The digital transmission method according to claim 10, wherein the TMCC signal adds at least network information including frequency information or a transponder number and TS-ID (transport stream identification information). A digital transmission method characterized by the above-mentioned. 13. The digital transmission method according to claim 12, wherein the TMCC signal adds the network information to which a program number has been added. 14. In digital broadcasting in which a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams is changed over time, a plurality of transport streams are transmitted. A digital transmission method characterized in that network information about the above change in an entire digital broadcast network comprising transponders is superimposed on a synchronization auxiliary signal and transmitted. 15. The digital transmission method according to claim 14, wherein the network information after the change is transmitted before the change. 16. The digital transmission method according to claim 14, wherein the synchronization auxiliary signal superimposes at least frequency information or network information including a transponder number and a TS-ID (transport stream identification information). A digital transmission method characterized by the above-mentioned. 17. The digital transmission method according to claim 16, wherein the synchronization auxiliary signal is obtained by superimposing the network information added with a program number. 18. A transmitting apparatus used in digital broadcasting in which a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams changes over time. Transmitting means for providing, in at least one transponder, a transport stream dedicated to network information comprising network information on the change in the entire digital broadcasting network comprising a plurality of transponders; apparatus. 19. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said multiplexing means sets NIT having the same format as an NIT (network information table) multiplexed into a transport stream for providing a program, as network information. , A transmission device for providing a transport stream dedicated to network information. 20. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the multiplexing unit does not multiplex NIT or network information in place of NIT into another transport stream,
A transmission device for adding a transport stream dedicated to network information comprising the network information. 21. The transmission device according to claim 18, wherein the network information-dedicated transport stream is obtained by multiplexing network information to which image information in a network is added. 22. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the transport stream dedicated to network information is provided in all transponders constituting the network. 23. The transmission device according to claim 18, wherein the transport stream dedicated to network information is a PID used for another transport stream.
A transmission device using a dedicated PID different from (packet identification information). 24. The transmission apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the transport stream dedicated to network information is at least frequency information or a transponder number, TS-ID (transport stream identification information).
A transmission device for multiplexing network information comprising: 25. The transmitting device according to claim 24, wherein the transport stream dedicated to network information is obtained by multiplexing the network information to which a program number is added. 26. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the multiplexing means transmits a network information exclusive transport stream including the network information after the change before the change. Transmission device. 27. A transmitting apparatus used in digital broadcasting in which a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams changes with time. A transmitting apparatus, comprising: multiplexing means for adding network information on the change in a digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders to a TMCC (transmission control) signal. 28. The transmission device according to claim 27, wherein the network information after the change is transmitted before the change. 29. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the TMCC signal is a signal to which at least network information including frequency information or a transponder number and a TS-ID (transport stream identification information) is added. Characteristic transmitting device. 30. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the TMCC signal is a signal to which the network information added with a program number is added. 31. A transmitting apparatus used in digital broadcasting in which a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams changes over time. A transmitting apparatus, comprising: multiplexing means for superimposing network information on the change in a digital broadcasting network including a plurality of transponders on a synchronization auxiliary signal. 32. The transmission device according to claim 31, wherein the network information after the change is transmitted before the change. 33. The transmission device according to claim 31, wherein the synchronization auxiliary signal is obtained by superimposing at least frequency information or network information including a transponder number and a TS-ID (transport stream identification information). A transmission device characterized by the above-mentioned. 34. The transmitting device according to claim 33, wherein the synchronization auxiliary signal is a signal in which the network information to which a program number is added is superimposed. 35. Reception for receiving a digital broadcast in which a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided in the transport streams is changed with time. The device, when there is a TS interruption that the transport stream that has been received is lost due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted, for example, an arbitrary transport stream can be transmitted from the transport stream that can be received after the change. A receiving device comprising a storage unit for selectively acquiring and storing network information of the transport stream. 36. The receiving device according to claim 35, further comprising EPG display means for displaying an EPG screen based on the network information stored in said storage means. 37. The receiving device according to claim 36, wherein the storage unit acquires an NIT multiplexed on the selected transport stream from an arbitrary selected transport stream; A receiving device for displaying an EPG screen based on the NIT. 38. The receiving apparatus according to claim 35, further comprising control means for displaying a screen requesting reselection of a program based on transport stream cutoff information by a transmission control (TMCC) signal. Characteristic receiving device. 39. A digital broadcast in which a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams is changed over time. A receiving apparatus for receiving a transport stream dedicated to network information comprising network information on the change in an entire digital broadcast network comprising a plurality of transponders, wherein the transport stream dedicated to network information is transmitted to another transport stream. And a network information-dedicated TS storage means for storing network information of the network information-dedicated transport stream. 40. The receiving apparatus according to claim 39, wherein, when a TS interruption that the received transport stream is lost occurs due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted, the network information dedicated TS. A receiving apparatus further comprising EPG display means for displaying an EPG screen based on the network information stored in the storage means. 41. The receiving apparatus according to claim 39, wherein when there is a TS interruption such that the received transport stream disappears due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted, transmission control (TMCC). A receiving apparatus, further comprising control means for displaying a screen requesting reselection of a program on the basis of transport stream cutoff information by a signal. 42. A digital transmission method in which a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder, and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams is changed over time. In a digital broadcasting network consisting of multiple transponders
TM with network information about the above change
A receiving device for receiving a CC (transmission control) signal, comprising: a TMCC storage unit that decodes the TMCC signal and stores network information added to the TMCC signal. 43. The receiving apparatus according to claim 42, wherein when there is a TS interruption that the received transport stream is lost due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted, the TMCC storage means. A receiving device comprising: an EPG display unit that displays an EPG screen based on stored network information. 44. The receiving apparatus according to claim 43, wherein, when the TS is interrupted, the EPG display unit selects one of the transport streams receivable after the change and obtains an arbitrary transport stream obtained. A receiving device for displaying an EPG screen based on network information. 45. The receiving apparatus according to claim 42, wherein when there is a TS interruption such that the received transport stream disappears due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted, transmission control (TMCC). A receiving apparatus, further comprising control means for displaying a screen requesting reselection of a program on the basis of transport stream cutoff information by a signal. 46. A digital transmission method in which a plurality of transport streams are transmitted by one transponder and the number of the transport streams or the form of a program provided by the transport streams is changed over time. In a digital broadcasting network consisting of multiple transponders
What is claimed is: 1. A receiving apparatus for receiving a synchronization auxiliary signal on which network information about the change is superimposed, comprising: a synchronization auxiliary signal storage unit for decoding the synchronization auxiliary signal and storing the network information superimposed on the synchronization auxiliary signal. A receiving device, comprising: 47. The synchronization auxiliary signal storage device according to claim 46, wherein when the TS is interrupted such that the received transport stream is lost due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted, etc. A receiving apparatus comprising: an EPG display unit that displays an EPG screen based on network information stored in the unit. 48. The receiving apparatus according to claim 47, wherein, when the TS is interrupted, the EPG display unit selects one of the transport streams receivable after the change and obtains an arbitrary transport stream obtained. A receiving device for displaying an EPG screen based on network information. 49. The receiving apparatus according to claim 46, wherein when there is a TS interruption such that the received transport stream is lost due to a change in the number of transport streams to be transmitted, transmission control (TMCC). A receiving apparatus, further comprising control means for displaying a screen requesting reselection of a program on the basis of transport stream cutoff information by a signal.