WO2011039897A1

WO2011039897A1 - Information delivering system, information delivering apparatus, information delivering method, information delivering program, information receiving apparatus, information receiving method and information receiving program

Info

Publication number: WO2011039897A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/001127
Authority: WO
Inventors: 上野正裕
Original assignee: Ｊｖｃ・ケンウッド・ホールディングス株式会社
Priority date: 2009-09-29
Filing date: 2010-02-22
Publication date: 2011-04-07

Abstract

Contents can be appropriately transmitted/received via an alternative communication medium within an area, where a broadcast is to be implemented, without imposing any special operations on users. An information delivering system (1-1) wherein: an information receiving apparatus (receiver 30) comprises a reception status detecting unit for detecting the reception status of radio waves and a power supply information detecting unit for detecting whether the information receiving apparatus is connected to a power supply; an information delivering apparatus (broadcast station 10) comprises an information delivering unit for delivering, to the information receiving apparatus, information a radio station (broadcast station 10) uses radio waves to transmit and/or information other than the information the radio station uses radio waves to transmit, via an alternative communication medium (IP communication network 100) different from the radio waves; and the transmission/reception of the information to be delivered is controlled in accordance with both the reception status detected by the reception status detecting unit and the power supply information detected by the power supply information detecting unit.

Description

Information distribution system, information distribution apparatus, information distribution method, information distribution program, information reception apparatus, information reception method, and information reception program

The present invention relates to an information distribution system, an information distribution device, an information distribution method, an information distribution program, an information reception device, an information reception method, and an information reception program.

When transmitting terrestrial digital broadcast or radio broadcast contents IP retransmitted, it is necessary to obtain a broadcast license for the broadcast business for each broadcast target area. However, if the content is retransmitted via the IP communication network, there is a possibility that the content will be distributed by the IP multicast technology and distributed outside the broadcast target area for which the broadcast license has been acquired. Therefore, when the content transmitted by broadcast stations is redistributed via the IP communication network, it is distributed to mobile terminals, TVs, and STBs (Set Top Boxes) that exist only in the broadcast target area. It is necessary to control access by region.

For example, as one method of performing access control depending on the area where the receiver is installed, the TTL (Time To Live) value included in the header of the IP data, that is, the number of hops of the router through which it is set in advance for each broadcast target area Have been proposed (see Patent Document 1). When content is distributed with such settings, even if redistribution is performed by broadcast or IP multicast specifying only a specific IP address range, the content is transferred when the TTL value set in this IP data becomes zero Since the router discards the IP data in the middle, the content can be transmitted only to the broadcast target area even through the IP communication network.

As another aspect, when the user lives in an area where broadcast waves are received and has a portable receiver, the access control method is used when the place where the user wants to receive content is outside the area. One proposed method is to use a receiver equipped with a storage medium storing information indicating reception permission in a specific registered area (see Patent Document 2). If the content is redistributed by adopting such a configuration, it is possible for a legitimate user to receive the content via the IP communication network even when the user is outside the registered area.

JP 2007-336022 A (summary etc.) JP 2008-141429 A (summary etc.)

However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, regardless of whether content is distributed for the first time or redistributed, it can be distributed only within the broadcast target area unless the TTL value is strictly set for each broadcast target area. Since this does not happen, the setting becomes complicated. Also, depending on the routing protocol adopted by each router that passes through, the route to the arrival of content may be different even within the same broadcast target area, and the TTL value does not necessarily reach only within the broadcast target area. It is not guaranteed that the value is possible. Therefore, since there is a possibility that the content is not distributed even within the broadcast target area, or the content may be distributed even outside the broadcast target area, the access control method using the TTL value of the IP data is There is a problem from the viewpoint of reliability.

In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, a storage medium storing information indicating reception permission must be attached to the receiver regardless of whether the content is distributed for the first time or redistributed. Therefore, even if the user has a receiver in the broadcast target area, the content is not distributed unless the storage medium is always mounted on the receiver. Further, in order to adopt this method throughout Japan, it is necessary to manage information indicating reception permission for each user, which is unified by all broadcasting stations.

Therefore, in view of the above-described problems, the present invention provides information distribution capable of appropriately transmitting and receiving content via other communication media within a broadcast target area of a wireless station without imposing a special operation on the user. An object is to provide a system, an information distribution apparatus, an information distribution method, an information distribution program, an information reception apparatus, an information reception method, and an information reception program.

An information distribution system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an information reception device capable of receiving information transmitted from a radio station using radio waves, and an information distribution device capable of distributing information to the information reception device. The information receiving device includes a reception status detecting unit that detects the reception status of radio waves and a power information detecting unit that detects whether the device is connected to a power source. Information distribution in which information transmitted by radio stations using radio waves and / or information other than information transmitted by radio stations using radio waves is distributed to information receiving devices via other communication media different from radio waves. And controls transmission / reception of distributed information according to the reception status detected by the reception status detection unit and the power supply information detected by the power supply information detection unit.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the information distribution system as one aspect of the present invention is configured so that the information reception device includes information indicating reception sensitivity detected by the reception status detection unit and power-off time detected by the power information detection unit. Power information to be transmitted to the information distribution device to request information provided by the information distribution device via another communication medium, and the information distribution device is transmitted from the information reception device via another communication medium other than radio waves. The reception unit that receives information indicating the reception status of the received radio waves and the power supply information, and the information and power supply information indicating the reception status received by the reception unit are stored in the storage unit in association with the information reception device and received. It is preferable to have an information distribution control unit that determines whether or not to distribute the information provided by the information distribution device to the information reception device based on the information indicating the situation and the power supply information. There.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the information distribution system as one aspect of the present invention is an information distribution apparatus in which an information reception apparatus distributes information transmitted by a wireless station via radio waves via a communication medium other than radio waves. Detected by an information distribution request unit that makes an information distribution request via another communication medium, a disconnection time determination unit that determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the device was disconnected from the power supply, and a reception status detection unit Information indicating the received status, the power information related to the power source to which the device is connected, and the determination result of the disconnection time determination unit are stored in the storage unit in association with each other, the information indicating the reception status, and the power information And an output availability determination unit that determines whether or not the delivery information requested for information delivery is output based on the determination result information and information indicating the past reception status stored in the storage unit, Love Delivery unit in response to the information distribution request from the information distribution request unit of the information receiving apparatus, it is preferable to distribute the distribution information via another communication medium to the information receiving apparatus.

An information distribution apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention provides information indicating power reception status and power supply information in an information receiving apparatus that receives information transmitted from a radio station via a radio wave using a communication medium other than the radio wave. The information receiving device receives information from the information receiving device, information indicating the reception status received by the receiving unit and the power supply information, and the information receiving device are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit, and an information distribution request is made from the information receiving device. An information distribution control unit for determining whether or not to perform information distribution to the information receiving device based on the information indicating the reception status stored in association with the information receiving device and the power supply information. Have.

An information distribution method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reception unit, a storage unit, and an information distribution control unit, and transmits information transmitted from a radio station to an information reception device via radio waves, other than radio waves. An information distribution method executed by an information distribution apparatus that distributes to an information reception apparatus via a medium, wherein the reception unit transmits information indicating the reception status of radio waves in the information reception apparatus and power supply information via another communication medium. The step of receiving from the receiving device, and the information distribution control unit stores the information and power supply information indicating the reception status received in the above-described step and the information receiving device in association with each other, and stores the information in the storage unit. When a request is made, whether or not to distribute information to the information receiving device is determined based on the information indicating the reception status stored in association with the information receiving device and the power supply information. Performing a, and has a.

In addition, an information distribution program as one aspect of the present invention provides information indicating the reception status of radio waves and power supply information in an information receiving apparatus that receives information transmitted from a wireless station via radio waves, in addition to radio waves. The receiving means for receiving from the information receiving device via the communication medium, the information indicating the reception status received by the receiving means and the power supply information, and the information receiving device are associated with each other and stored in the storing means, and the information receiving device receives information from the information receiving device. Information distribution for determining whether or not to distribute information to the information receiving device based on the information indicating the reception status stored in association with the information receiving device and the power supply information when the request is made It functions as a control means.

In addition, an information receiving apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reception sensitivity acquisition unit that acquires reception sensitivity of radio waves from a radio station that transmits information via radio waves, and power detection that detects a power-off time of the own apparatus. And information indicating the reception sensitivity acquired by the reception sensitivity acquisition unit and the information indicating the power-off time detected by the power detection unit are transmitted by the wireless station via a communication medium other than radio waves. An information distribution requesting unit that transmits the information to the information distribution apparatus and requests information via another communication medium.

An information receiving apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention sends an information distribution request to an information distribution apparatus that distributes information transmitted from a radio station via radio waves via another communication medium. The information distribution requesting unit to be performed, the reception status detecting unit for detecting the reception status of radio waves in the own device, the power information detecting unit for detecting whether the own device is connected to the power source, and the own device are disconnected from the power source. A disconnection time determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed, information indicating the reception status, power supply information detected whether or not connected to a power source, and a determination result of the disconnection time determination unit Output of distribution information requested for information distribution from the information indicating the reception status, the power supply information, the determination result information, and the information indicating the past reception status stored in the storage unit while being stored in the storage unit To make a decision It has a determination unit.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the information reception device as one aspect of the present invention stores an information history indicating an output determination result in a storage unit, and distributes the information from the information indicating the reception status. Even when it is determined that the output of information cannot be permitted, it is preferable to permit the output of distribution information when there is an information history in which the output of the distribution information is permitted in the storage unit.

In addition to the configuration described above, the information reception device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an output availability determination unit, an output availability determination unit, an information history indicating a determination result of output availability, information indicating a reception status, In the case where it is determined that the output of distribution information cannot be permitted from the information indicating the reception status stored in the storage unit in association with the determination result of the disconnection time determination unit and the power supply information detected as to whether or not the power supply is connected Even if there is an information history allowing the output of the distribution information in the storage unit and the power supply information associated with the information history is compared with the current time and within a predetermined time, the distribution information It is preferable to allow output.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the information reception device as one aspect of the present invention is a case where the output permission determination unit determines that output of distribution information can be permitted from information indicating a reception state, and a storage unit When the power supply information is stored in the storage unit, it is preferable to delete the power supply information from the storage unit.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the information reception device according to one aspect of the present invention detects whether the power supply information detection unit has been disconnected from the power supply to which the device is connected, and receives the detection. The disconnection time determination unit determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the device was disconnected from the power source. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the output availability determination unit stores the It is preferable to delete information indicating the reception status of radio waves stored in the unit.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the information reception device as one aspect of the present invention detects the information indicating the reception status, the power supply information, and the IP address assigned to the own device in addition to the configuration described above. The information stored in the storage unit and whether there is information that can be distributed in the information history indicating the reception status of the wireless station in the past, and the IP address and the currently assigned IP address at the time of the past output determination are It is preferable to determine whether or not the delivery information can be output based on whether or not they match.

An information reception method as one aspect of the present invention includes an information distribution request unit, a reception status detection unit, a power supply information detection unit, a disconnection time determination unit, a storage unit, and an output availability determination unit. In an information receiving method executed by an information receiving apparatus that receives information distributed from an information distribution apparatus that distributes information transmitted by a station via radio waves via a communication medium other than radio waves, the information distribution request unit includes: A step of making an information distribution request to the distribution device, a step of detecting the reception status of the radio device in the own device, and a power information detection unit detecting whether or not the own device is connected to a power source A step, a step in which the disconnection time determination unit determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the device was disconnected from the power supply, and an output availability determination unit is connected to the information indicating the reception status, the power supply Per unit The output power information and the result information determined by the disconnection time determination unit are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit, and the information indicating the reception status, the power source information, the result information, and the storage unit are stored. And determining whether or not the delivery information can be output from the information indicating the past reception status.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information reception program that transmits a computer via an other communication medium to an information distribution apparatus that distributes information transmitted by a wireless station via radio waves via another communication medium. Information distribution request means for making an information distribution request, reception status detection means for detecting the reception status of radio waves in the own apparatus, power supply information detection means for detecting whether or not the own apparatus is connected to a power supply, and the own apparatus from the power supply Disconnection time determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined time has passed since disconnection, information indicating reception status, power supply information detected as to whether or not connected to a power supply, result information determined by disconnection time determination means Are stored in the device information storage means, and information indicating these reception statuses, power supply information, result information, and past reception statuses stored in the device information storage means are displayed. Output permission determination unit that the output permission determination of the distribution information from the information that they appear as a.

An information distribution apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention uses a communication medium other than radio waves to transmit information transmitted from a radio station via radio waves in response to an information distribution request from any of the information reception apparatuses described above. An information distribution control unit that distributes through the network.

According to the present invention, an information distribution system, an information distribution apparatus, and an information distribution method capable of appropriately transmitting and receiving content via other communication media within a broadcast target area without imposing a special operation on the user. An information distribution program, an information receiving apparatus, an information receiving method, and an information receiving program can be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the information delivery system which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the broadcasting station shown in FIG. 3 shows an example of information stored in a broadcast station distribution availability determination information DB shown in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the block configuration of the receiver shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the receiver shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a reception error rate detection circuit for performing the detection process of step S4 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the broadcasting station shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the distributable information registration process in step S12 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the registration apparatus determination process in step S16 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the information stored in the delivery permission information DB of the broadcasting station which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the broadcasting station of the information delivery system which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the distributable information registration process in step S12 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the registration apparatus determination process in step S17 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the information stored in the delivery permission information DB of the broadcast station which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the broadcasting station of the information delivery system which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the broadcasting station of the information delivery system which concerns on Example 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the information delivery system which concerns on Example 5 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the broadcasting station shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the block configuration of the receiver shown in FIG. 19 is an example of information stored in the storage unit illustrated in FIG. 19, (A) illustrates an example of management for each broadcast station, (B) illustrates an example of management for each broadcast type, ( C) shows an example of management by region. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the receiver shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the reception error rate detection circuit for performing the detection process of step S104 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the broadcasting station shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the broadcasting station of the information delivery system which concerns on Example 6 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the receiver of the information delivery system which concerns on Example 7 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the receiver of the information delivery system which concerns on Example 7 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the receiver of the information delivery system which concerns on Example 8 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the broadcasting station of the information delivery system which concerns on Example 9 of this invention.

Hereinafter, examples 1 to 9 will be described as examples of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the following Examples 1 to 9.

(Configuration of information distribution system)
First, the information distribution system 1-1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the information distribution system 1-1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information distribution system 1-1 has a broadcast station 10 and a receiver 30. In this information distribution system 1-1, broadcast content can be received when the receiver 30 receives the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 10 with an antenna. Further, in this information distribution system 1-1, when the receiver 30 makes a content distribution request to the broadcast station 10 via the IP communication network 100, the reception status of the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 10 is detected, The broadcast station 10 determines whether the content can be distributed (output) according to the detection status.

Further, in this information distribution system 1-1, in the receiver 30 that detects that the broadcast wave of the broadcasting station 10 can be received, even if the household power source B of the receiver 30 is temporarily disconnected, it may be within a predetermined time. For example, it is possible to receive broadcast content and / or content other than broadcast content via the IP communication network 100 without determining whether the broadcast station 10 can deliver again. In FIG. 1, one broadcasting station 10 and two receivers 30 are illustrated. However, the information distribution system 1-1 may include a plurality of broadcasting stations 10 and three or more receivers 30. Good.

The IP communication network 100 is a communication medium other than the radio wave between the broadcast station 10 and the receiver 30. The IP communication network 100 may be configured by a network using any one of the Internet, a CATV, a dedicated line, a VPN (virtual LAN), a WAN, or the like using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP, or a combination thereof. Good. Other communication protocols other than the IP communication network 100 may be used as other communication media.

(Broadcasting station structure)
The broadcast station 10 transmits broadcast program content as stream data in accordance with a broadcast schedule. Further, the broadcasting station 10 can superimpose and transmit data broadcast and EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information on the broadcast wave. In addition, the broadcast station 10 transmits related content such as still images, audio, and moving images related to the broadcast program via the IP communication network 100, or unique content that is independently produced regardless of the broadcast program (for example, a homepage provided by the broadcast station 10). , Text information, still image information, moving image information) and the like.

In other words, the broadcasting station 10 is linked to the video and audio of the broadcast program, and provides data broadcasts that provide independent information such as information related to the broadcast program, weather forecasts, news, and EPG information referred to as an electronic program guide, It is a radio station that can transmit and transmit broadcast waves from an antenna, and is an information distribution device that can transmit the above-described information to the receiver 30 via the IP communication network 100, and corresponds to the radio station and the information distribution device of the claims. .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the broadcasting station 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the broadcast station 10 includes a content stream creation unit 11, an EPG information creation unit 12, a data broadcast creation unit 13, a MUX (MultipleXer) unit 14, a reception unit 15, a content distribution availability determination unit 16, and content generation. The main component is the unit 17, the transmission unit 18, the broadcast content DB 11a, the broadcast schedule DB 12a, the data broadcast content DB 13a, the distribution availability determination information DB 16a, the content DB 17a, the control unit 19, and the storage unit 20. In this embodiment, the broadcasting station 10 corresponds to the wireless station and the information distribution device in the claims, but functions as a wireless station (content stream creation unit 11, EPG information creation unit 12, data broadcast creation unit 13, MUX unit 14, broadcast content DB 11a, broadcast schedule DB 12a, function equivalent to data broadcast content DB 13a) and functions as an information distribution device (reception unit 15, content distribution availability determination unit 16, content generation unit 17, transmission unit) 18, functions as the distribution availability determination information DB 16 a and the content DB 17 a) may be realized by separate devices.

Here, the information processing realized by the functions of the above-described content stream creation unit 11, EPG information creation unit 12, data broadcast creation unit 13, content distribution availability determination unit 16, and content generation unit 17 controls the entire broadcast station 10. The control unit 19 is implemented in cooperation with hardware resources (not shown). Specifically, the control unit 19 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a flash memory, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, which are hardware resources (not shown). This is realized by reading various programs stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing them in cooperation.

The broadcast content DB 11a, the broadcast schedule DB 12a, the data broadcast content DB 13a, the distribution availability determination information DB 16a, and the content DB 17a are stored in the storage unit 20. The storage unit 20 is, for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard). Disk drive).

The content stream creation unit 11 creates broadcast content by referring to the broadcast content DB 11a. In this embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the broadcast content is encoded and multiplexed according to the MPEG2-TS (Motion Photographic Coding Experts Group-2 Transport Stream) standard. In the MPEG2-TS standard, video and audio of transmitted content is generated as an encoded ES (Elementary Stream), and a PES (Packetized Elementary Stream) in which ES is packetized for each meaningful unit is generated. Is done. Further, a TS (Transport Stream) packet obtained by dividing the PES is transmitted from the broadcast station 10.

In addition, by assigning a 13-bit packet identifier called PID to the header of each TS packet, it is possible to classify whether each TS packet is video data, audio data, control data, or the like of broadcast content. .

The control data here refers to data called SI / PSI (Service Information / Program Specific Information). SI of SI / PSI includes information necessary for creating EPG information, and PSI is control data including information for performing basic control. The TS packet may be subjected to an encryption process (hereinafter referred to as “scramble process”) for preventing viewing contrary to the intention of the broadcast station 10. Here, for example, Multi2 can be used as the scrambling method. This Multi2 is one of the methods for encrypting digital data, and is widely used in BS digital broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting. The broadcast content DB 11a stores information on which the above-described broadcast content is based.

The EPG information creation unit 12 creates EPG information with reference to the broadcast schedule DB 12a. In addition, although the broadcast schedule of the broadcast station 10 is memorize | stored in broadcast schedule DB12a, the broadcast schedule information of the other broadcast station 10 may be memorize | stored.

The data broadcast creation unit 13 creates a data broadcast such as weather forecasts and information related to programs from the data broadcast content DB 13a. In the following description, it is assumed that the data broadcast is encoded and multiplexed according to the MPEG2-TS standard in the same manner as the broadcast content described above. In addition to data broadcasting such as weather forecasts and information related to the program, the data broadcasting content DB 13a includes URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information provided by the broadcasting station 10 related to the program and P2P (Peer to Peer). ) Search query information that can be used in the method may be stored. The data broadcast creation unit 13 supplies these information together to the MUX unit 14.

The MUX unit 14 includes content data created by the content stream creation unit 11 with reference to the broadcast content DB 11a, EPG information created by the EPG information creation unit 12 with reference to the broadcast schedule DB 12a, and a data broadcast creation unit 13 Broadcast data D1 is generated by multiplexing data broadcast program data created with reference to the data broadcast content DB 13a. The broadcast data D1 is transmitted as a broadcast wave from the antenna of the broadcast station 10.

The receiving unit 15 is a communication interface that can receive a content request from the receiver 30 via the IP communication network 100.

The content distribution availability determination unit 16 determines whether or not the receiver 30 that has transmitted the content distribution request is a registered valid device with reference to the distribution availability determination information DB 16a. If the receiver 30 that has transmitted the content distribution request is not a registered valid device, the content distribution availability determination unit 16 notifies the receiver 30 that the content cannot be distributed. If the receiver 30 that has transmitted the content distribution request is a registered valid device, the content distribution availability determination unit 16 supplies a signal permitting the content distribution request to the content generation unit 17. . The legitimate device registered here is a content distribution request from the receiver 30 registered in advance in the distribution feasibility determination information DB 16a, the receiver 30 in the broadcast target area, the legitimate device It is determined that it is within a predetermined time after being authenticated. Here, the predetermined time is preferably, for example, 10 minutes to 15 minutes, but may be set to a longer time (for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.).

FIG. 3 shows an example of information stored in the distribution availability determination information DB 16a of the broadcasting station 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the device ID associated with the receiver 30 that uses the information distribution system 1-1, and the power supply progress information associated with the device ID of the receiver 30 (corresponding to the power information in the claims) ), And information on whether or not the content can be distributed to the receiver 30 is stored.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, in the power supply progress information, a flag of 1 or 0 is stored. In the case of 1, it indicates that the power-off time has elapsed for a predetermined time. In this case, there is no power supply progress information (or a predetermined time has not passed). Further, a flag of 1 or 0 is also stored in the distribution availability information. When the flag is 0, “distribution is permitted” indicating that content distribution is permitted. In the case of 1, “content distribution” is not permitted. Indicates “impossible”. Regarding the power supply progress information of the present embodiment, the result determined based on the power supply progress information received from the receiver 30 is stored in the distribution availability determination information DB 16a, but the power supply elapsed time itself is stored in the DB. The content distribution availability determination unit 16 may determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed based on the information.

When the content generation unit 17 receives a signal permitting a content distribution request from the content distribution availability determination unit 16, the content generation unit 17 refers to the content DB 17a and generates content to be transmitted to the receiver 30. Here, the content to be transmitted to the receiver 30 may be content requested by the receiver 30 or may be generated in conjunction with the broadcast program. The selected content may be generated when the receiver 30 requests specific content, and program-linked content may be automatically generated and transmitted otherwise. The broadcast station 10 determines whether or not a specific content can be distributed to the receiver 30 by determining whether the content can be distributed. You may restrict access to the site.

Various contents are stored in the content DB 17a. The content stored in the content DB 17a stores program-linked content, content that can be accessed even after the end of broadcasting, content that is not limited to an area, and the like. Specific examples of content include still images, moving images, and audio. The information is described in a markup language such as XML (extensible Markup Language) or BML (Broadcast Markup Language), and the compatibility with the IP communication network 100 by using such a markup language. Can be made good.

The transmission unit 18 is a communication interface that receives a content distribution request from the receiver 30 via the IP communication network 100 and transmits the content to the receiver 30.

(Receiver configuration)
Next, the receiver 30 will be described. The receiver 30 is a terminal that receives, for example, TV broadcasting or radio broadcasting, and is a receiving terminal installed in a car, a receiving terminal fixed for home use, or a mobile terminal that can be carried. It doesn't matter. The receiver 30 may have a recording function or a recording function. Note that a terminal used at home is, for example, an STB, and is used by being connected to a home power supply B. The receiver 30 receives the broadcast wave from the broadcast station 10 described above, and outputs video, audio and EPG information of the received broadcast program. Further, when the reception status of the broadcast wave transmitted from the antenna of the broadcast station 10 is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the receiver 30 transmits the broadcast station 10 via the IP communication network 100. It is possible to receive and output the same content as the content transmitted by the broadcast wave and / or content related to the content and other different content. Note that the receiver 30 corresponds to the information receiving device in the claims.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the receiver 30 shown in FIG. The receiver 30 outputs information received from the broadcast station 10 to the display device 50 and the audio reproduction device 60. Note that the receiver 30 according to the present embodiment is a separate device from the display device 50 and the audio playback device 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the receiver 30, the display device 50, and the audio reproduction device 60 may be provided in the same casing, for example, a television set. Further, the receiver 30 and the display device 50 may be provided in the same casing, and only the audio reproduction device 60 may be provided in another casing. That is, there are no particular limitations on the devices in which the three receivers 30, the display device 50, and the audio reproduction device 60 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, the receiver 30 includes a control unit 31, an operation input unit 32, a tuner 33, a DEMUX (DEMMultipleXer) unit 34, a decoding unit 35, a video / audio output unit 36, a storage unit 37, a communication unit 38, a reception The situation detection unit 40, the power supply detection unit 42, and the timer 43 are main components. Here, the control unit 31 includes, for example, a CPU, a DSP, a flash memory, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, which are hardware resources (not shown), and the CPU and the DSP are a flash memory that is a part of the storage unit 37, By reading various programs stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing various arithmetic processes in cooperation, information processing performed by the functions of each unit of the receiver 30 can be realized.

The control unit 31 includes a CPU, a DSP, and the like (not shown), analyzes the operation signal input to the operation input unit 32, and controls the operation of each unit or part of the receiver 30. It is. For example, when the user inputs a channel selection instruction using the operation input unit 32, a signal indicating the content of the channel selection instruction is input to the control unit 31 via the operation input unit 32 and a bus (not shown). Then, the control unit 31 controls the tuning process to the channel selected by the user by the tuner 33 via a bus (not shown). For example, when a user inputs a content distribution request instruction via the IP communication network 100 using the operation input unit 32, a signal indicating the content distribution request instruction is transmitted via the operation input unit 32 and a bus (not shown). Input to the control unit 31. Then, the control unit 31 collects necessary information along with the content distribution request and makes a content distribution request via the IP communication network 100.

The operation input unit 32 is configured by, for example, a remote control or a touch panel, but may be configured to allow voice input or the like. Further, the operation input unit 32 receives an operation input from the user and transmits a user instruction to the control unit 31. The user can perform operation input to the receiver 30 by operating the operation input unit 32. The operation input to the receiver 30 may be input to an operation input unit 32 provided in the receiver 30 via a wireless signal (operation signal) such as infrared rays. The operation signal input to the operation input unit 32 is input to the control unit 31 via a bus (not shown).

The tuner 33 receives the broadcast wave of the broadcast station 10 with an antenna, demodulates the received RF (Radio Frequency) signal, performs error correction, etc., and outputs a TS signal composed of TS packets to the DEMUX unit 34. In FIG. 3, only one tuner 33 is shown for receiving digital terrestrial broadcasting. However, when receiving analog broadcasting, radio broadcasting (analog, digital), and BS broadcasting (analog, digital), those tuners are also shown. A tuner 33 may be provided and two or more tuners 33 may be provided.

The DEMUX unit 34 converts a TS signal composed of TS packets (that is, broadcast data D1 obtained by multiplexing a plurality of streams such as video and audio in the MUX unit 14 of the transmission-side broadcast station 10) into stream data such as video and audio. And processing for separation into section format data such as SI / PSI. Each data separated by the DEMUX unit 34 is supplied to the decoding unit 35 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 31.

The decoding unit 35 decodes broadcast content, EPG information, data broadcast, and the like according to instructions from the control unit 31. The decoding unit 35 supplies the decoded data to the storage unit 37. The data supplied from the decoding unit 35 to the storage unit 37 may be supplied as it is as a data signal without being decoded as a video signal and an audio signal.

Also, the decoding unit 35 decodes the above-described broadcast content, EPG information, data broadcast, etc., and generates audio data, video data, and program data, respectively. The decoded audio data is supplied to the audio playback device 60 described above. The audio reproduction device 60 performs D / A conversion processing on the supplied audio data and outputs it as an audio signal. The decoding unit 35 supplies the decoded video data and program data to the video / audio output unit 36. Further, the decoding unit 35 decodes the content data received from the communication unit 38 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 31 and supplies the decoded content data to the video / audio output unit 36. Similarly, the data supplied to the video / audio output unit 36 is output to the display device 50 and / or the audio reproduction device 60.

The video / audio output unit 36 stores the supplied program data in a RAM (not shown). The video / audio output unit 36 generates EPG information by drawing program data. Then, the video / audio output unit 36 generates a synthesized screen obtained by synthesizing the screen based on the EPG information on the screen based on the video data from the decoding unit 35, and sends the synthesized screen to the display device 50. The display device 50 displays this composite screen.

The storage unit 37 stores data decoded by the decoding unit 35 in accordance with a recording instruction from the control unit 31. In addition, the storage unit 37 stores registration information regarding the receiver 30 that uses the information distribution system 1-1 using the receiver 30. Here, the registration information about the receiver 30 is a device ID associated with the receiver 30 using the information distribution system 1-1, power supply progress information associated with the device ID, and the like.

The communication unit 38 is a communication interface that communicates with the broadcast station 10 via the IP communication network 100. The communication unit 38 receives content data from the transmission unit 18 of the broadcast station 10 and outputs the content data to the decoding unit 35.

The reception status detection unit 40 has a function of detecting the reception status of a broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 10 in accordance with a reception status detection instruction that the control unit 31 is instructed with a content distribution request. The value detected by the reception status detection unit 40 is stored in the storage unit 37 by the control unit 31. The details of the reception status detection unit 40 will be described together with the operation of the receiver 30 described later.

The power source detection unit 42 detects that the receiver 30 has been disconnected from the household power source B. Specifically, the power supply detection unit 42 measures the elapsed time of power supply after the power is turned off by the timer 43 having an internal battery different from the household power supply B. Then, the power source detection unit 42 outputs the measurement value to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 stores the measurement value in the storage unit 37 as power supply progress information.

The receiver 30 includes a descrambler unit (not shown) for releasing the scramble when the broadcast data D1 superimposed on the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 10 is scrambled. Also good. In that case, the descrambler unit cancels the TS signal composed of the TS packet superimposed on the RF signal received by the tuner and scrambled and transmitted to the normal signal according to the instruction of the control unit 31. Process. Further, the descrambler unit supplies the TS signal composed of the TS packet from which the scramble process has been released to the DEMUX unit 34.

(Receiver operation)
Next, the operation of the receiver 30 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the receiver 30 shown in FIG. In the following processing, it is assumed that there are a plurality of broadcasting stations 10 and broadcast waves are transmitted from each broadcasting station 10.

START: When the control unit 31 receives a content distribution request signal (access request) via the IP communication network 100 to the broadcast station 10 generated by the user operating the operation input unit 32, the control unit 31 starts processing.

Step S1: The control unit 31 determines whether or not there is an access request to the broadcast station 10. If there is an access request, the process proceeds to step S2. If there is no access request, the determination process in step S1 is repeated until there is an access request. It may be monitored until an access request is made.

Step S2: The control unit 31 determines whether or not the content from the broadcast station 10 requested to access in step S1 is being received by broadcast waves. If the control unit 31 is receiving content from the broadcast station 10 that has requested access (YES in step S2), the control unit 31 proceeds to the processing in step S4. On the other hand, when the content from the broadcast station 10 for which the access request has been made is not being received (NO in step S2), the control unit 31 proceeds to the process of step S3.

Step S3: The control unit 31 controls the tuner 33 to receive a broadcast wave from the broadcast station 10 that has requested access. When the control unit 31 receives a broadcast wave from the broadcast station 10 that has requested access, the control unit 31 proceeds to the process of step S4.

Step S4: The control unit 31 and the reception status detection unit 40 control the tuner 33 to detect the reception status of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station 10 received in step S3. Specifically, the control unit 31 detects the electric field reception intensity and / or reception error rate of the broadcast wave.

Here, as a method for the control unit 31 and the reception status detection unit 40 to detect the electric field reception intensity of the broadcast wave, the receiver 30 includes an electric field reception intensity signal generation circuit (not shown) that can generate an electric field reception intensity signal. The value obtained from the generation circuit is output to the control unit 31. For example, a known RSSI (Receive Signal Strength Indication) circuit is provided as the generation circuit so that an electric field reception intensity signal can be obtained from the RSSI circuit. Any circuit may be used as long as the electric field reception intensity can be detected.

As a method for the control unit 31 and the reception status detection unit 40 to detect the reception error rate of the broadcast wave, the receiver 30 is provided with a reception error rate detection circuit, and the detection signal obtained from the detection circuit is transmitted to the control unit. It is made to output to 31.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the reception error rate detection circuit 70 for performing the detection process of step S4 shown in FIG. For example, as the detection circuit, a reception error detection unit 71 that can detect a reception error, a main counter 72 that increments by one each time the reception error detection unit 71 checks the bit of the reception data R1, and a reception error detection unit 71, an error bit counter 73 that increments by one each time an error bit of received data R1 is detected, and a reception error rate that always calculates an error rate from the count values of the main counter 72 and the error bit counter 73 described above. The error rate calculated by comparing the error rate calculated by the calculation unit 74, the memory 76 holding a preset reference value, and the error rate calculated by the reception error rate calculation unit 74 with the reference value of the memory 76 exceeds the reference value. A determination unit 75 that outputs a detection signal is provided. For example, 4 × 2 × 10 ⁻² , 2 × 10 ⁻³ , 2 × 10 ⁻⁴ , and 2 × 10 ⁻⁵ are stored in the reference value preset in the memory 76, and the calculated error rate is stored. The reception error rate can be detected by allowing the determination unit 75 to output the respective detection signals T1 to the control unit 31 at a time when exceeds any of these reference values. The reception error rate detection circuit 70 described above is merely an example, and any circuit may be used as long as the reception error rate can be detected.

Using the electric field reception intensity signal obtained from the electric field reception intensity signal generation circuit and / or the detection signal T1 obtained from the reception error rate detection circuit 70, it is possible to detect the reception status of the broadcast wave. When the control unit 31 detects the reception status of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station 10 received in step S3, the control unit 31 stores information indicating the reception status in the storage unit 37, and proceeds to the process of step S5.

Step S5: The control unit 31 stores the device ID, information indicating the reception status, and power supply progress information stored in the storage unit 37 via the IP communication network 100 for the broadcasting station 10 requested to access in step S1. Sent with a delivery request. When the content distribution request process in step S5 is completed, the control unit 31 proceeds to the process in step S6.

Step S6: The control unit 31 receives content corresponding to the reception status from the broadcast station 10 via the IP communication network 100.

Step S7: The control unit 31 outputs the content received in step S6 as video or audio output data to the display device 50 or the audio reproduction device 60, and when there is an instruction to delete the power supply information, the storage unit 37 The power supply information stored in the memory is deleted and the process is terminated (END). It does not matter whether the received content here is in a streaming format or a download format. If the received content is in the streaming format, the newly received content is reproduced at the time of output permission determination at step S6, or after the access request at step S1 is generated, the content is buffered. The content received after the access request in step S1 is generated after it is determined in S6 that output is possible may be reproduced.

(Broadcaster operation)
Next, an operation performed on the broadcast station 10 side in response to the above operation on the receiver 30 side will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the broadcast station 10 shown in FIG.

START: When there is a content distribution request from the receiver 30 via the IP communication network 100, the control unit 19 of the broadcasting station 10 starts the following processing.

Step S10: The control unit 19 extracts information indicating the device ID and reception status included in the content distribution request data from the receiver 30. When the process of step S10 is completed, the control unit 19 proceeds to the process of step S11.

Step S11: The control unit 19 determines whether or not content distribution is possible from information indicating the reception status of the receiver 30. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the reception status is at a level at which the broadcast wave of the broadcast station 10 can be received. For example, the received electric field strength exceeds a predetermined level, and the value of BER (bit error rate) is within a predetermined threshold. If the content distribution is permitted, the control unit 19 proceeds to step S12. If not permitted, the control unit 19 proceeds to step S17.

Step S12: The control unit 19 registers the device ID of the receiver 30 and the distributable information by a distributable information registration process (see FIG. 8) described later. When the distributable information registration process is completed, the control unit 19 proceeds to the process of step S13.

Step S13: The control unit 19 transmits an instruction to delete the power supply progress information to the receiver 30 that has requested the content distribution.

Step S14: The control unit 19 determines whether or not there is content that can be currently distributed. Here, the distributable content is content that distributes content related to a program transmitted by the broadcast station 10 using broadcast waves in conjunction with time. In addition to content that can be distributed, content that is the same as a program that is being transmitted by broadcast waves (that is, content that is subject to IP retransmission) may be distributed. When there is content that can be distributed at present (YES in step S14), the control unit 19 proceeds to the processing of step S15. When there is no content that can be distributed at present (NO in step S14), the control unit 19 proceeds to step S16. Transition to processing.

Step S15: The control unit 19 transmits distributable content to the receiver 30 that has transmitted the content distribution request via the IP communication network 100, and ends the processing (END).

Step S16: The control unit 19 transmits information indicating that there is no content that can be distributed to the receiver 30 that has transmitted the content distribution request via the IP communication network 100, and ends the processing (END).

Step S17: The control unit 19 performs a registered device determination process (see FIG. 9) described later. That is, it is determined again whether or not the content distribution is possible even if the content distribution is not possible from the reception status.

Step S18: When it is determined that the content distribution is possible (YES in Step S18), the control unit 19 proceeds to the process of Step S13. On the other hand, when it is determined that content distribution is not possible (NO in step S18), the control unit 19 proceeds to the process of step S19.

Step S19: The control unit 19 transmits information indicating that the content cannot be distributed to the receiver 30 that has requested the content distribution, and ends the processing (END).

Subsequently, details of the distributable information registration process in step S12 of FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the distributable information registration process in step S12 of FIG.

Step S20: The control unit 19 extracts the device ID of the receiver 30 included in the content distribution request data.

Step S21: The control unit 19 determines whether or not the device ID extracted in Step S20 is registered in the distribution availability determination information DB 16a. If registered (YES in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22. If not registered (NO in step S21), the process proceeds to step S23.

Step S22: The control unit 19 determines whether or not content distribution is possible. That is, the control unit 19 refers to the distribution permission determination information DB 16a to determine whether or not the distribution permission determination information associated with the device ID is “distributable”. If “Distributable” is indicated (YES in Step S22), the control unit 19 proceeds to the process of Step S13 in FIG. 7 and if “Distributable is not possible” (NO in Step S22). Shifts to the process of step S24.

Step S23: The control unit 19 newly registers the device ID of the receiver 30 in the distribution availability determination information DB 16a, and registers the distribution availability determination information associated with the device ID as “distributable”. The process proceeds to S13.

Step S24: The control unit 19 registers the distribution availability determination information associated with the device ID in the distribution availability determination information DB 16a as “distributable”, and proceeds to the process of step S13 in FIG.

Next, details of the registered device determination process in step S17 of FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the registered device determination process in step S17 of FIG.

Step S30: The control unit 19 extracts the device ID of the receiver 30 included in the content distribution request data from the receiver 30.

Step S31: The control unit 19 determines whether or not the device ID is registered with reference to the distribution availability determination information DB 16a. When the device ID is registered in the distribution availability determination information DB 16a (YES in step S31), the broadcasting station 10 proceeds to the process of step S32, and in the case where it is not registered (NO in step S31). Shifts to the process of step SS35.

Step S32: The control unit 19 refers to the distribution permission / inhibition determination information DB 16a to determine whether the distribution permission determination information associated with the device ID is “distributable” or “non-distributable”. To do. If the distribution availability determination information associated with the device ID is “distributable” (YES in step S32), the control unit 19 proceeds to the process of step S33 and becomes “distributable impossible”. If yes (NO in step S32), the process proceeds to step S36.

Step S33: The control unit 19 determines whether or not the content can be distributed from the receiver 30 to the receiver 30 from the power supply progress information included in the content distribution request data. Specifically, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the power of the receiver 30 is turned on again within a predetermined time after the power is turned off (eg, removed from the household power supply B). The receiver 30 generates information indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed as power supply information when a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned off by the timer information. Note that the predetermined time here is preferably set to about 10 to 15 minutes because it is assumed that the device is moved in the home. If the predetermined time is too long, for example, the receiver 30 whose power is cut off due to moving, traveling, business trip or the like may be able to be received in another area beyond the original broadcasting area. Because. On the other hand, if the predetermined time is too short, content may not be received even when moving to a place where the reception environment in the home is bad. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the power supply information (YES in step S33), the control unit 19 proceeds to the process of step S34. If the predetermined time has elapsed (NO in step S33), the control unit 19 proceeds to step S36. Move on to processing.

Step S34: The control unit 19 determines that the content distribution to the receiver 30 is possible, and sets the distribution availability determination information of the receiver 30 in the distribution availability determination information DB 16a as “distributable” (flag is 1). sign up.

Step S35: The control unit 19 registers the device ID of the receiver 30 in the distribution availability determination information DB 16a and registers the distribution availability determination information as “distribution impossible” (flag is 0). And the control part 19 transfers to the process of step S36.

Step S36: The control unit 19 registers the distribution availability determination information of the device ID of the receiver 30 as “distribution impossible” in the distribution availability determination information DB 16a. And the control part 36 transfers to the process of step S36.

Step S37: The control unit 19 determines that content distribution to the receiver 30 is not possible.

As described above, in this information distribution system 1-1, content is appropriately output from the receiver 30 via the IP communication network 100 within the broadcast target area without imposing a special operation on the user. Can do. That is, in the information distribution system 1-1, it is possible to distribute content only to the receiver 30 that receives broadcast waves. Further, in this information distribution system 1-1, by determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the receiver 30 was disconnected from the power supply, it is possible to obtain a device that has been successfully received in the past even if the reception situation is bad. Can permit content distribution within a predetermined time after the power is turned off. Therefore, for example, even if the receiver 30 moves due to a change in the layout of the house and the reception situation of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station 10 deteriorates, the reception condition is good in the place before the movement, and the power is cut off. The content can be distributed if it is within a predetermined time from the beginning, but if the movement is beyond the broadcast wave reception area of the broadcast station 10, the predetermined time has passed since the power was turned off. Therefore, unauthorized reception can be prohibited.

(Configuration of broadcast distribution system)
Next, an information distribution system 1-1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The information distribution system 1-1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention determines whether or not the content can be distributed by the broadcasting station 10. In addition to the determination conditions of the information distribution system 1-1 according to the first embodiment, the information distribution system 1-1A It further requests that the IP addresses match. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the distribution address determination information DB 16a of the broadcast station 10 stores an IP address in addition to the power supply progress information and the distribution permission information. The information distribution system 1-1A according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the information distribution system 1-1 shown in FIG. 1 except for the operations of the broadcast station 10 and the receiver 30, and therefore refer to FIG. The description of the function of each component is omitted. The broadcasting station 10 in the second embodiment corresponds to the claimed radio station and the information distribution device, and the receiver 30 corresponds to the information reception device in the claims, and as a whole corresponds to the information distribution system in the claims. To do.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the broadcasting station 10 of the information distribution system 1-1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The process of FIG. 11 is the same as the process shown in FIG. 7 except that the process of step S10A is added between the process of step S10 and the process of S11 of FIG. The description of is omitted.

Step S10A: The control unit 19 detects the transmission source IP address included in the content distribution request data from the receiver 30. And the control part 19 will transfer to the process of step S11, if the process of step S10A is completed.

Next, details of the distributable information registration process will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the distributable information registration process in step S12 of FIG. Note that the processing in FIG. 12 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 8 except for the processing in steps S23A and S24A, and therefore, the same step numbers are given and description thereof is omitted.

Step S23A: The control unit 19 newly registers the device ID and IP address of the receiver 30, registers the distribution availability determination information as “distributable”, and proceeds to the processing of step S13 in FIG.

Step S24A: The control unit 19 registers the distribution permission determination information as “distributable”, registers the IP address of the receiver 30, and proceeds to the process of step S13 in FIG.

Next, details of the registered device determination process will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the registered device determination process in step S17 of FIG. The process in FIG. 13 is the same as the process shown in FIG. 9 except that there is a process in step S33A between the process in step S33 and the process in step S34. The description is omitted.

Step S33A: The control unit 19 refers to the distribution availability information DB 16a and determines whether or not the IP address associated with the receiver 30 matches the transmission source IP address included in the content distribution request data. . When it is determined that the IP addresses match (YES in step S33A), the control unit 19 proceeds to the process of step S34, and when it is determined that they do not match (NO in step S33A), The process proceeds to step S36. Note that the IP address may be dynamically assigned from the provider every time the Internet is connected. Therefore, in determining whether content distribution is possible, the subnet mask is referred to as a network address unit, or a predetermined upper bit unit ( For example, it may be determined that they are the same by matching the upper 24 bits. Alternatively, when it is known that the IP address is not dynamically changed, it may be determined that they are the same by matching a predetermined bit unit (for example, lower 8 bit unit).

As described above, the broadcast station 10 refers to the transmission source IP address included in the IP data at the time of the content distribution request from the receiver 30, registers it in association with the device ID of the receiver 30, and matches the IP address. In order to determine whether or not the content can be distributed, it is possible to confirm whether or not the IP address has been used when the receiver 30 is in the broadcast target area in the past. It can be determined with higher accuracy about the presence in the broadcast target area.

Subsequently, an information distribution system 1-1B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. The information distribution system 1-1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention is a content distribution availability determination. In addition to the determination process of the information distribution system 1-1A according to the second embodiment, the receiver 30 is installed at home. It further requests whether or not it is of the type. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the distribution type determination information DB 16a of the broadcast station 10 stores device type information in addition to the power supply progress information, the distribution availability information, and the IP address. In the device type information shown in FIG. 14, 1 is set as a flag indicating a home stationary type, 2 indicates an in-vehicle type, and 3 indicates a mobile type. The information distribution system 1-1B according to the third embodiment is the same in configuration as the information distribution system 1-1 shown in FIG. 1 except for the operations of the broadcast station 10 and the receiver 30, so refer to FIG. The description of the function of each component is omitted. In the third embodiment, the broadcasting station 10 corresponds to the claimed radio station and the information distribution device, and the receiver 30 corresponds to the information reception device of the claim, and as a whole corresponds to the information distribution system of the claim. To do.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the broadcast station 10 of the information distribution system 1-1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that the processing in FIG. 15 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 11 except for the processing in step S10B, step S10B1, and step S10B2, and therefore, the same step number is given and description thereof is omitted.

Step S10B1: The control unit 19 extracts the device ID, the information indicating the reception status, and the device type information included in the content distribution request data from the receiver 30. When the process of step S10 is completed, the broadcast station 10 proceeds to the process of step S10B2.

Step S10B2: The control unit 19 determines whether or not the device type information of the receiver 30 is a stationary type after the processing of Step S10B1, and if it is a stationary type (YES in Step S10B), the processing of Step S11 If it is other than the stationary type (NO in step S10B), the process proceeds to step S10B2.

Step S <b> 10 </ b> B <b> 3: The control unit 19 determines whether or not content distribution is possible from information indicating the reception status of the receiver 30. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the reception status is at a level at which the broadcast wave of the broadcast station 10 can be received. For example, the received electric field strength exceeds a predetermined level, and the value of BER (bit error rate) is within a predetermined threshold. If the broadcast station 10 permits content distribution (YES in step S10B2), the process proceeds to step S13. If not permitted (NO in step S10B2), the broadcast station 10 proceeds to the process in step S19.

With such a process, the receiver 30 that is not a stationary type may move out of the broadcasting target area, and therefore determination based on power supply progress information for permitting content distribution even when reception sensitivity deteriorates The processing is not performed. Note that whether or not it is a stationary type may be configured such that information is held in advance on the broadcasting station 10 side and determined from the device ID. In the content distribution availability determination of the third embodiment, the determination is based on the device type information in addition to the device ID, the reception status, and the IP address that are the determination conditions of the second embodiment, but the device ID that is the determination condition of the first embodiment. In addition to the reception status, the determination may be made based on the model type information.

Subsequently, an information distribution system 1-1C according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. The broadcasting station 10 of the information distribution system 1-1C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is different from the broadcasting station 10 according to the first to third embodiments described above, and transmits an analog broadcast. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the broadcast station 10 of the information distribution system 1-1C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The information distribution system 1-1C according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the information distribution system 1-1 shown in FIG. 1 except for the configuration of the broadcast station 10, and therefore FIG. 1 is referred to. The description of the function is omitted. Note that the broadcasting station 10 in the fourth embodiment corresponds to a wireless station and an information distribution device in claims, and the receiver 30 corresponds to an information reception device in claims, and as a whole corresponds to an information distribution system in claims. To do.

As shown in FIG. 16, the broadcast station 10 includes a broadcast audio output unit 11A, a timing control unit 12A, a multiplexing information generation unit 13A, a multiplexing unit 14A, a reception unit 15, a content distribution availability determination unit 16, and a content generation unit 17. The transmission unit 18, the content DB 17a, the control unit 19, and the storage unit 20 are main components. In the present embodiment, the broadcast station 10 corresponds to the radio station and the information distribution device in the claims, but functions as a radio station (broadcast audio output unit, timing control unit, multiplexed information generation unit, multiplexing unit) And a function as an information distribution device (reception unit 15, content distribution availability determination unit 16, content generation unit 17, transmission unit 18, distribution availability determination information DB 16a, content DB 17a) You may make it implement | achieve with an apparatus.

Here, information processing realized by the functions of the broadcast audio output unit 11A, the timing control unit 12A, the multiplexing information generation unit 13A, and the multiplexing unit 14A described above is not illustrated by the control unit 19 that controls the entire broadcasting station 10. It is realized by executing in cooperation with other hardware resources. Specifically, the control unit 19 includes a hardware resource (not shown) such as a CPU, DSP, flash memory, ROM, RAM, and the like, and the CPU and DSP store various programs stored in the flash memory and ROM. This is realized by reading the data into the RAM and executing it in cooperation. Note that the function, program, and cooperative relationship with the hardware configuration of the entire apparatus in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first to third embodiments described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Broadcast audio output unit 11A outputs audio signals of already recorded programs and live broadcast programs.

The timing control unit 12A controls so that multiplexing information described later can be sent to the broadcast audio signal at a predetermined timing. For example, when a song is broadcast during a broadcast program, song information such as the artist name and song name of the song is transmitted as multiplexed information.

The multiplexing information generation unit 13A generates information to be multiplexed into the audio signal from the broadcast audio output unit 11A. Note that the multiplexed information may include URL information related to the broadcast program and search query information based on P2P.

The multiplexing unit 14A synthesizes the audio signal from the broadcast audio output unit 11A and the multiplexed information (broadcast data D21) generated by the multiplexed information generation unit 13A, and broadcasts it by superimposing it on the broadcast wave.

As described above, even if the information transmitted from the broadcasting station 10 is an analog broadcast, content is appropriately output via another communication medium within a broadcasting target area without imposing a special operation on the user. Can do. Note that, in the first to third embodiments, the broadcast station 10 may be configured to send analog broadcasts.

As described above, the information distribution systems 1-1, 1-1A, 1-1B, and 1-1C have been described as exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and departs from the gist of the invention. Various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope.

For example, the broadcast station 10 may notify the presence / absence of program-linked content by an audio signal. Alternatively, the presence / absence of linked content may be notified during a broadcast wave program broadcast. Specifically, the presenter may introduce the program in a program or stream it as a telop. When notification is made during program broadcast, the presence or absence of linked content may be detected by voice recognition or image recognition.

Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast station 10 side determines whether the content can be output from the reception status transmitted from the receiver 30, but it is limited to the region on the broadcasting station 10 HP. Content and content not limited to a region may be prepared, and the processing may be performed when the receiver 30 requests the reproduction of the content limited to a region.

In addition, the content distribution availability determination unit 16 of the broadcasting station 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention receives information indicating the reception status of the broadcast wave from the receiver 30, and determines whether the content can be distributed based on the reception status. However, if the content requested from the receiver 30 is not limited to the area, the content can be distributed to the receiver 30 regardless of the result of the reception determination on the broadcast station 10. Good.

In addition, in the information distribution systems 1-1, 1-1A, 1-1B, and 1-1C according to each of the above-described embodiments, a client server type network system that downloads content from the broadcasting station 10 is employed. You may make it carry out by the P2P type network system. In this case, a request for content to the broadcast station 10 is transmitted as a search query, information indicating the reception status is also transmitted, and only when the information indicating the reception status satisfies a reference value, information on the peer that owns the content And the content may be downloaded from the peer.

Further, all or part of the functions of the units described in the information distribution systems 1-1, 1-1A, 1-1B, and 1-1C according to the above-described embodiments are configured by a program, and the program is configured as an information processing apparatus ( You may implement | achieve as a means to function each part by installing in a computer. The program can be directly installed on a computer from a medium recorded in a state where the program is executed. However, the program may be installed on a remote computer via a network.

(Configuration of information distribution system)
Next, an information distribution system 1-2 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the information distribution system 1-2 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 17, the information distribution system 1-2 includes a broadcast station 110 and a receiver 130. In this information distribution system 1-2, the broadcast content can be received when the receiver 130 receives the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 110 with the antenna. Further, in the information distribution system 1-2, when the receiver 130 receives content from the broadcast station 110 via the IP communication network 1100, the reception status of the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 110 is detected, The receiver 130 determines whether the content can be output from the broadcast station 110 according to the detection status.

Further, in this information distribution system 1-2, the receiver 130 that detects that the broadcast wave of the broadcasting station 110 can be received is within a predetermined time even if it is once disconnected from the household power supply 1B of the receiver 130. The broadcast content and / or the content other than the broadcast content can be output via the IP communication network 1100 without determining whether the output can be performed again on the receiver 130 side. Although FIG. 17 illustrates one broadcasting station 110 and two receivers 130, the information distribution system 1-2 may include a plurality of broadcasting stations 110 and three or more receivers 130. Good.

Note that the IP communication network 1100 is a communication medium other than radio waves between the broadcasting station 110 and the receiver 130. The IP communication network 1100 may be constituted by a network using any one of the Internet, CATV, dedicated line, VPN (virtual LAN), WAN, etc. using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP, or a combination thereof. Good. Note that other communication protocols other than the IP communication network 1100 may be used as other communication media.

(Broadcasting station structure)
The broadcast station 110 transmits the content for the broadcast program as stream data according to the broadcast schedule. Further, the broadcast station 110 can superimpose data broadcast and EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information on the broadcast wave and transmit it. In addition, the broadcast station 110 has the same content as the content transmitted by broadcast waves via the IP communication network 1100, related content such as still images, audio, and moving images related to the broadcast program, and unique content independently produced regardless of the broadcast program. It also functions as an information distribution device that provides the receiver 130 with (for example, a home page, text information, still image information, and moving image information provided by the broadcast station 110).

That is, the broadcasting station 110, in conjunction with video and audio of the broadcast program, provides data broadcast information, independent information such as weather forecasts and news, EPG information referred to as an electronic program guide, It is a radio station capable of transmitting broadcast waves from an antenna, and is an information distribution apparatus capable of transmitting the above-described information to the receiver 130 via the IP communication network 1100, and corresponds to the radio station and the information distribution apparatus of the claims. .

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the broadcasting station 110 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the broadcast station 110 includes a content stream creation unit 111, an EPG information creation unit 112, a data broadcast creation unit 113, a MUX (MultipleXer) unit 114, a reception unit 115, a content generation unit 117, a transmission unit 118, The broadcast content DB 111a, the broadcast schedule DB 112a, the data broadcast content DB 113a, the content DB 117a, the control unit 119, and the storage unit 120 are main components. In this embodiment, the broadcast station 110 corresponds to the claimed radio station and information distribution apparatus, but functions as a radio station (content stream creation unit 111, EPG information creation unit 112, data broadcast creation unit 113, The MUX unit 114, the broadcast content DB 111a, the broadcast schedule DB 112a, and the function corresponding to the data broadcast content DB 113a) and the function as the information distribution device (the function as the content generation unit 117 and the content DB 117a) are realized by separate devices. You may make it do.

Here, the information processing realized by the functions of the content stream creation unit 111, the EPG information creation unit 112, the data broadcast creation unit 113, the MUX unit 114, and the content creation unit 117 described above is a control unit that controls the entire broadcast station 110. 119 is realized by executing in cooperation with hardware resources (not shown). Specifically, the control unit 119 includes a CPU, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a flash memory, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, which are hardware resources (not shown), and the CPU and the DSP are stored in the flash memory and the ROM. The various programs are read out to the RAM and executed in cooperation.

The broadcast content DB 111a, the broadcast schedule DB 112a, the data broadcast content DB 113a, and the content DB 117a are stored in the storage unit 120. The storage unit 120 includes, for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Is done.

The content stream creation unit 111 creates broadcast content with reference to the broadcast content DB 111a. In the present embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the broadcast content is encoded and multiplexed in conformity with the MPEG2-TS (Motion Photographic Coding Experts Group-2 Transport Stream) standard. In the MPEG2-TS standard, video and audio of transmitted content is generated as an encoded ES (Elementary Stream), and a PES (Packetized Elementary Stream) in which ES is packetized for each meaningful unit is generated. Is done. Further, a TS (Transport Stream) packet obtained by dividing the PES is transmitted from the broadcast station 110.

The control data here refers to data called SI / PSI (Service Information / Program Specific Information). SI of SI / PSI includes information necessary for creating EPG information, and PSI is control data including information for performing basic control. The TS packet may be subjected to encryption processing (hereinafter referred to as “scramble processing”) for preventing viewing contrary to the intention of the broadcast station 110. Here, for example, Multi2 can be used as the scrambling method. This Multi2 is one of the methods for encrypting digital data, and is widely used in BS digital broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting. The broadcast content DB 111a stores information on which the above-described broadcast content is based.

The EPG information creation unit 112 creates EPG information with reference to the broadcast schedule DB 112a. In the broadcast schedule DB 112a, the broadcast schedule of the broadcast station 110 is stored, but broadcast schedule information of other broadcast stations 110 may be stored.

The data broadcast creation unit 113 creates a data broadcast such as information related to weather forecasts and programs from the data broadcast content DB 113a. In the following description, it is assumed that the data broadcast is encoded and multiplexed according to the MPEG2-TS standard in the same manner as the broadcast content described above. The data broadcasting content DB 113a includes URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information and P2P (Peer to Peer) information provided by the broadcasting station 110 related to the program in addition to data broadcasting such as weather forecasts and information related to the program. ) Search query information that can be used in the method may be stored. The data broadcast creation unit 113 supplies these information together to the MUX unit 114.

The MUX unit 114 includes content data created by the content stream creation unit 111 with reference to the broadcast content DB 111a, EPG information created by the EPG information creation unit 112 with reference to the broadcast schedule DB 112a, and a data broadcast creation unit 113. Broadcast data D2 is generated by multiplexing data broadcast program data created with reference to the data broadcast content DB 113a. Then, the broadcast data D2 is transmitted as a broadcast wave from the antenna of the broadcast station 110.

The receiving unit 115 is a communication interface that can receive a content distribution request from the receiver 130 via the IP communication network 1100.

Upon receiving a content distribution request from the receiver 130, the content generation unit 117 refers to the content DB 117a to determine whether there is content that can be transmitted to the receiver 130, and when there is content that can be transmitted. Generates content. Here, the content that can be transmitted to the receiver 130 may be content requested by the receiver 130 or content linked to the broadcast program. The selected content may be generated when the receiver 130 requests specific content, and the program-linked content may be automatically generated and transmitted for other distribution requests. Note that whether or not a specific content can be distributed is determined by determining whether or not the content can be distributed on the receiver 130 side. However, depending on the result of determining whether or not the receiver 130 can distribute the content, a specific site operated by the broadcasting station 110 is determined. You may make it restrict | limit access to.

Various contents are stored in the contents DB 117a. The content stored in the content DB 117a stores content that is broadcast on broadcast waves, content that is linked to a program, content that can be accessed even after the end of broadcasting, content that is not limited to an area, and the like. Specific examples of content include still images, moving images, and audio. The information is described in a markup language such as XML (extensible Markup Language) or BML (Broadcast Markup Language). By using such a markup language, compatibility with the IP communication network 1100 is obtained. Can be made good.

The transmission unit 118 is a communication interface that receives a content distribution request from the receiver 130 via the IP communication network 1100 and transmits the content to the receiver 130.

(Receiver configuration)
Subsequently, the receiver 130 will be described. The receiver 130 is a terminal that receives TV broadcast or radio broadcast, for example, and is a receiving terminal mounted in a car, a receiving terminal fixed for home use, or a mobile terminal that can be carried. It doesn't matter. The receiver 130 may have a recording function or a recording function. Note that the terminal used at home is, for example, an STB, and is used by being connected to the home power supply 1B. The receiver 130 receives the broadcast wave from the broadcast station 110 described above, and outputs video, audio and EPG information of the received broadcast program. In addition, when the reception state of the broadcast wave transmitted from the antenna of the broadcast station 110 is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the receiver 130 transmits the broadcast station 110 transmitted via the IP communication network 1100. It is possible to receive and output the same content as the content transmitted by the broadcast wave and / or content related to the content and other different content. Note that the receiver 130 corresponds to the information receiving device in the claims.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the receiver 130 shown in FIG. The receiver 130 outputs the information received from the broadcast station 110 to the display device 150 and the audio reproduction device 160. Note that the receiver 130 according to the present embodiment is a separate device from the display device 150 and the audio playback device 160. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the receiver 130, the display device 150, and the audio reproduction device 160 may be provided in the same housing, for example, a television set. Further, the receiver 130 and the display device 150 may be provided in the same housing, and only the audio reproduction device 160 may be provided in another housing. That is, there are no particular limitations on the devices in which the three receivers 130, the display device 150, and the audio reproduction device 160 are provided.

19, the receiver 130 includes a control unit 131, an operation input unit 132, a tuner 133, a DEMUX (DEMMultipleXer) unit 134, a decoding unit 135, a video / audio output unit 136, a storage unit 137, a communication unit 138, The reception status detection unit 140, the output availability determination unit 141, the power supply detection unit 142, and the timer 143 are main components. Here, the control unit 131 includes, for example, a CPU, a DSP, a flash memory, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, which are hardware resources (not shown), and the CPU and the DSP are a flash memory that is a part of the storage unit 137. By reading various programs stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing various arithmetic processes in cooperation, information processing performed by the functions of each unit of the receiver 130 can be realized.

The control unit 131 is a part that analyzes the operation signal input to the operation input unit 132 and controls the operation of each unit constituting the receiver 130 or a part thereof. For example, when a user inputs a channel selection instruction using the operation input unit 132, a signal indicating the content of the channel selection instruction is input to the control unit 131 via the operation input unit 132 and a bus (not shown). Then, the control unit 131 tunes to a channel selected by the user by the tuner 133 via a bus (not shown). Further, for example, when the user inputs a content distribution request instruction via the IP communication network 1100 using the operation input unit 132, a signal instructing the content distribution request is transmitted via the operation input unit 132 and a bus (not shown). Input to the control unit 131. Then, the control unit 131 transmits a content distribution request to the broadcast station 110 via the IP communication network 1100, and determines whether to output the content received from the broadcast station 110.

The operation input unit 132 is configured with, for example, a remote control or a touch panel, but may be configured to allow voice input or the like. In addition, the operation input unit 132 receives an operation input from the user and transmits a user instruction to the control unit 131. The user can perform an operation input to the receiver 130 by operating the operation input unit 132. Note that the operation input to the receiver 130 may be input to the operation input unit 132 provided in the receiver 130 via a wireless signal (operation signal) such as infrared rays. The operation signal input to the operation input unit 132 is input to the control unit 131 via a bus (not shown).

The tuner 133 receives the broadcast wave of the broadcast station 110 with an antenna, demodulates the received RF (Radio Frequency) signal, performs error correction, etc., and outputs a TS signal composed of TS packets to the DEMUX unit 134. In FIG. 18, only one tuner 133 is shown for receiving terrestrial digital broadcasting. However, when receiving analog broadcasting, radio broadcasting (analog, digital), and BS broadcasting (analog, digital), those tuners are also shown. A tuner 133 may be provided and two or more tuners 133 may be provided.

The DEMUX unit 134 converts a TS signal composed of TS packets (that is, broadcast data obtained by multiplexing a plurality of streams such as video and audio in the MUX unit 14 of the transmission-side broadcast station 110) into stream data such as video and audio. The data is separated into section format data such as SI / PSI. Each data separated by the DEMUX unit 134 is supplied to the decoding unit 135 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 131.

The decoding unit 135 decodes broadcasting content, EPG information, data broadcasting, and the like according to instructions from the control unit 131. The decoding unit 135 supplies the decoded data to the storage unit 137. The data supplied from the decoding unit 135 to the storage unit 137 may be supplied as it is as a data signal without being decoded as a video signal or an audio signal.

Also, the decoding unit 135 decodes the above-described broadcast content, EPG information, data broadcast, and the like to generate audio data, video data, and program data, respectively. The decoded audio data is supplied to the audio reproduction device 160 described above. The audio reproduction device 160 performs D / A conversion processing on the supplied audio data and outputs it as an audio signal. The decoding unit 135 supplies the decoded video data and program data to the video / audio output unit 136. Further, the decoding unit 135 decodes the content data received from the communication unit 138 via the IP communication network 1100 according to the instruction of the control unit 131 and supplies the decoded content data to the video / audio output unit 136. Similarly, the data supplied to the video / audio output unit 136 is output to the display device 150 and / or the audio reproduction device 160.

The video / audio output unit 136 stores the supplied program data in a RAM (not shown). The video / audio output unit 136 generates EPG information by drawing program data. Then, the video / audio output unit 136 generates a synthesized screen obtained by synthesizing the screen based on the EPG information on the screen based on the video data from the decoding unit 135, and sends it to the display device 150. The display device 150 displays this composite screen.

In the storage unit 137, data decoded by the decoding unit 135 in accordance with a recording instruction from the control unit 131 is stored. The storage unit 137 stores registration information about the receiver 130 that uses the information distribution system 1-2 using the receiver 130. Here, the registration information about the receiver 130 includes a device ID associated with the receiver 130 that uses the information distribution system 1-2, power supply progress information associated with the device ID, and the like. Note that the initial value of the power supply progress information is set to “0”, and is “1” when a predetermined time has passed since the home power supply 1B is disconnected from the own device, as determined by the control unit 131. A value of “0” is set when the home power source 1B is not disconnected from the own device and when a predetermined time has not elapsed even when the home power source 1B is disconnected from the own device.

Also, the storage unit 137 stores the reception status and reception time when the radio wave of the broadcasting station 110 was received in the past. Note that the storage unit 137 may store the reception status for each individual broadcast station 110, or prepare a table of the broadcast stations 110 that can be received in an area, and provide a table of information indicating the reception status for the area. You may make it hold | maintain. FIG. 20 shows an example of information stored in the storage unit 137 shown in FIG. 19, where (A) shows an example of management for each broadcast station 110, and (B) shows an example of management for each broadcast type. (C) shows an example of management for each region.

As shown in FIG. 20A, information histories of “broadcast type”, “broadcast station”, “frequency”, “output availability information”, “output discrimination time”, and “IP address” are stored for each broadcast station 110. It is stored and managed in the storage unit 137. “Broadcast type” stores the type of broadcast. “Broadcast station” stores the name of the broadcast station. “Frequency” stores the frequency of the broadcast. “Output availability information” is set with a flag of “0” or “1”, and when it is determined that the received content can be output depending on the reception status of the broadcast wave, “1” is output. Is determined, “0” is set. The “output discrimination time” stores the time when the output determination is made. The “IP address” stores the IP address set in the own device at the time when the output permission determination is made. FIG. 20A shows one information history of each broadcasting station 110, but since it is stored when determining whether output is possible or not, it is sequentially stored in the storage unit 137 as information history for each broadcasting station 110. It will be remembered.

In addition, for example, as shown in FIG. 20B, information histories of “region code”, “output availability information”, “output discrimination time”, and “IP address” are stored in the storage unit 137 for each broadcast type. It may be stored and managed. The “region code” stores a code that can uniquely identify the region associated with the broadcast type. Note that items having the same item names as those in FIG. 20A have the same functions and roles, and thus description thereof is omitted. FIG. 20B shows one information history for each broadcast type, but since it is stored when determining whether or not output is possible, it is sequentially stored in the storage unit 137 as an information history for each broadcast type. To go.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 20C, information histories of “region code”, “output availability information”, “output discrimination time”, and “IP address” are stored in the storage unit 137 for each region and managed. May be. Note that the items stored in the storage unit 137 are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20C shows one information history for each region (for each region code), but since it is stored when determining whether output is possible or not, it is sequentially stored in the storage unit 137 as an information history for each region. It will be remembered.

The communication unit 138 is a communication interface that communicates with the broadcast station 110 via the IP communication network 1100. The communication unit 138 receives content data from the transmission unit 118 of the broadcast station 110 and outputs the content data to the decoding unit 135.

The reception status detection unit 140 has a function of detecting the reception status of a broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 110 in accordance with a reception status detection instruction that the control unit 131 is instructed with a content distribution request. The details of the reception status detection unit 140 will be described together with the operation of the receiver 130 described later. The value (detection signal) detected by the reception status detection unit 140 is supplied to the output availability determination unit 141.

In response to an output permission determination instruction from the control unit 131, the output permission determination unit 141 is a value supplied from the reception status detection unit 140, a value output from a power supply detection unit 142 described later, and a value output from a timer 143 described later. Is stored in the storage unit 137, and based on these pieces of information, it is determined whether to output the content received via the communication unit 138. The details of the output propriety determination unit 141 will be described together with the operation of the receiver 130 described later. When determining that output of the received content is permitted, the output propriety determination unit 141 supplies a signal permitting output to the video / audio output unit 136 and determines that output of the received content is not permitted. In such a case, a display indicating that the data cannot be output to the display device 150 or a message indicating that the data cannot be output to the audio playback device 160 is output (reproduced).

The power source detection unit 142 detects whether or not the receiver 130 is connected to the household power source 1B. Further, the power source detection unit 142 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the timer 143 provided with an internal battery (not shown) different from the home power source 1B is disconnected from the home power source 1B. To do. Then, the power source detection unit 142 outputs information indicating whether the receiver 130 is connected to the household power source 1B and determination information by the timer 143 to the control unit 131. Note that the information indicating whether or not the receiver 130 is connected to the household power supply 1B output from the power supply detection unit 142 includes connection time information or disconnection time information in addition to the presence or absence of connection.

Note that the receiver 130 may include a descrambler unit (not shown) for releasing the scramble when the broadcast data superimposed on the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 110 is scrambled. Good. In this case, the descrambler unit cancels the TS signal composed of the TS packet that is superimposed on the RF signal received by the tuner and scrambled and transmitted to the normal signal according to the instruction of the control unit 131. Process. Further, the descrambler unit supplies a TS signal composed of the TS packet from which the scramble process has been released to the DEMUX unit 134.

(Receiver operation)
Next, the operation of the receiver 130 will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the receiver 130 shown in FIG. In the following processing, it is assumed that there are a plurality of broadcast stations 110 and broadcast waves are transmitted from each broadcast station 110.

START: When the control unit 131 receives a content distribution request signal via the IP communication network 1100 to the broadcast station 110 generated by the user operating the operation input unit 132, the control unit 131 starts processing.

Step S101: The control unit 131 determines whether or not there is an access request to the broadcast station 110. If there is an access request (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102. If there is no access request (NO in step S101), the determination process in step S101 is repeated until there is an access request. Note that the control unit 131 may monitor until there is an access request.

Step S102: The control unit 131 determines whether or not the content from the broadcasting station 110 requested to access in step S101 is being received by a broadcast wave. If the content is being received from the broadcast station 110 that has requested access (YES in step S102), the control unit 131 proceeds to the process in step S104. On the other hand, when the content from the broadcast station 110 that has requested access is not being received (NO in step S102), the control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S103.

Step S103: The control unit 131 tunes the tuner 133 and receives a broadcast wave from the broadcast station 110 that has requested access. When the control unit 131 receives a broadcast wave from the broadcast station 110 that has requested access, the control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S104.

Step S104: The control unit 131 controls the tuner 133 to detect the reception status of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station 110 received in step S103. Specifically, the control unit 131 detects the electric field reception intensity and / or reception error rate of the broadcast wave.

Here, as a method for the control unit 131 and the reception status detection unit 140 to detect the electric field reception intensity of the broadcast wave, the receiver 130 includes an electric field reception intensity signal generation circuit (not shown) that can generate an electric field reception intensity signal. The value obtained from the generation circuit is output to the control unit 131. For example, a known RSSI (Receive Signal Strength Indication) circuit is provided as the generation circuit so that an electric field reception intensity signal can be obtained from the RSSI circuit. Any circuit may be used as long as the electric field reception intensity can be detected.

As a method for the control unit 131 and the reception status detection unit 140 to detect a broadcast wave reception error rate, the receiver 130 is provided with a reception error rate detection circuit, and a detection signal obtained from the detection circuit is transmitted to the control unit. It is made to output to 131.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the reception error rate detection circuit 170 for performing the detection process of step S104 shown in FIG. For example, as the detection circuit, a reception error detection unit 171 that can detect a reception error, a main counter 172 that increments by one each time the reception error detection unit 171 checks a bit of the reception data R11, and a reception error detection unit 171, an error bit counter 173 that increments each time an error bit of the received data R11 is detected, and a reception error rate calculation unit that always calculates an error rate from the count values of the main counter 172 and the error bit counter 173 described above. 174, a memory 176 holding a preset reference value, and an error rate calculated by comparing the error rate calculated by the reception error rate calculation unit 174 with the reference value of the memory 176 exceeds the reference value. And a determination unit 175 that outputs the detection signal T11. For example, 4 × 2 × 10 ⁻² , 2 × 10 ⁻³ , 2 × 10 ⁻⁴ , and 2 × 10 ⁻⁵ are stored in the reference values set in advance in the memory 176, and the calculated error rate is calculated. The reception error rate can be detected by causing the determination unit 175 to output the respective detection signals to the control unit 131 at a point in time when the value exceeds any of these reference values. The reception error rate detection circuit 170 described above is merely an example, and any circuit may be used as long as the reception error rate can be detected.

By using the electric field reception intensity signal obtained from the electric field reception intensity signal generation circuit and / or the detection signal T11 obtained from the reception error rate detection circuit 170, the reception state of the broadcast wave can be detected. When the control unit 131 detects the reception status of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station 110 received in step S103, the storage unit 137 stores the output permission information and the output determination time as shown in FIG. 20 based on the information indicating the reception status. And the process proceeds to step S105. Note that it is preferable that the control unit 131 sets the output availability information (0 or 1 flag) from the situation indicating the reception situation in consideration of the actual broadcast wave reception situation. .

Step S105: The control unit 131 determines whether or not content can be output from the reception status detected in step S104. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the content can be output with reference to information indicating the reception status stored in the storage unit 137. When the content output is permitted (YES in step S105), the control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S106, and when not permitted (NO in step S105), the control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S107.

Step S106: The control unit 131 can output the content received from the broadcasting station 110 via the IP communication network 1100 to the display device 150 and the audio reproduction device 160 as video and audio output data, and can output to the storage unit 137. The information to that effect and the time at which the output propriety determination is performed are stored, and the process is terminated (END). It should be noted that the content received here may be in a streaming format or a download format. If the received content is in the streaming format, the newly received content is reproduced after the output permission determination in step S106, or the content is buffered after the access request is generated in step S101. You may make it reproduce | regenerate the received content after the access request of step S101 generate | occur | produces after determining with S106 being able to output.

Step S107: The control unit 131 refers to the storage unit 137 to determine whether there is reception information that can be output in the past. Specifically, the control unit 131 refers to the management table as shown in FIG. 20 and searches for the presence / absence of information whose output permission information is “1”. When it is determined that there is reception information that can be output in the past (YES in step S107), the control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S108, and when it is determined that there is no reception information that can be output in the past (step S107). If NO in S107, the process proceeds to step S109.

Step S108: The control unit 131 refers to the storage unit 137 and determines whether or not the content can be output from the power supply progress information. Specifically, the control unit 131 sets the time when power is connected again after power-off as the power-supply progress information stored in the storage unit 137 and information indicating that output is possible (the flag of the output permission information is 1). If the time information reconnected to the power source is not found in the first place, or the time reconnected to the power source can be output. If the current time is within a predetermined time from the time when the output is enabled (YES in step S108), the output of the content is permitted. On the other hand, the time associated with the information that can be output is earlier than the time information connected to the power source again, and the current time is the latest. In the case of power-off time is not within the predetermined time (NO in step S108), because it does not allow the output of the content, the process proceeds to step S109. The predetermined time here is preferably set to 15 minutes or 30 minutes, for example, as the movement time in the house, but may be other than the above.

Step S109: The control unit 131 outputs that the content cannot be output to the display device 150 and the audio reproduction device 160, and ends the processing (END).

(Broadcaster operation)
Next, operations performed on the broadcast station 110 side in response to the operations on the receiver 130 side will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the operation of the broadcast station 110 shown in FIG.

START: When there is a content distribution request from the receiver 130 via the IP communication network 1100, the control unit 119 of the broadcast station 110 starts the following processing.

Step S1010: The control unit 119 determines whether or not there is a content that can be currently distributed. Here, the distributable content is content in which content related to a program transmitted by the broadcast station 110 using broadcast waves is distributed in conjunction with time. In addition to content that can be distributed, content that is the same as a program that is being transmitted by broadcast waves (that is, content that is subject to IP retransmission) may be distributed. If there is content that can be distributed at present (YES in step S1010), the control unit 119 proceeds to the processing of step S1011. If there is no content that can be currently distributed (NO in step S1010), the control unit 119 proceeds to step S1012. Transition to processing.

Step S1011: The control unit 119 transmits distributable content to the receiver 130 that has transmitted the content distribution request via the IP communication network 1100, and ends the processing (END).

Step S1012: The control unit 119 transmits to the receiver 130 that has transmitted a content distribution request via the IP communication network 1100 that there is no content that can be distributed, and ends the processing (END).

As described above, in the information distribution system 1-2, content received via the IP communication network 1100 is appropriately output from the receiver 130 within the broadcast target area without imposing a special operation on the user. Can be made. That is, in this information distribution system 1-2, it is possible to output content only to the receiver 130 that can receive broadcast waves. In addition, in this information distribution system 1-2, by determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the receiver 130 was disconnected from the power source, it was possible to receive well in the past even if the reception condition of the broadcast wave was bad. As for the devices that have been turned on, content output can be permitted within a predetermined time after the power is turned off. Therefore, for example, even if the receiver 130 moves due to a change in the layout of the house and the reception situation of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station 110 deteriorates, the reception condition is good in the place before the movement, and the power is cut off. Content output can be permitted if it is within a predetermined time from the beginning, but in the case of movement exceeding the broadcast wave reception area of the broadcast station 110, a predetermined time after the power is turned off Since it is highly probable that has passed, unauthorized content output can be prohibited.

(Configuration of broadcast distribution system)
Next, an information distribution system 1-2A according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described. In the information distribution system 1-2A according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, in the content output permission determination of the receiver 130, when the reception status is good and the content output is permitted, the information distribution system 1-2A is stored in the storage unit 137 of the receiver 130. The power supply progress information of the household power supply 1B is changed. Here, the power supply progress information of the sixth embodiment is different from the power supply progress information of the fifth embodiment, and whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the home power supply 1B was removed by the 0 and 1 flags (0 is elapsed). Not 1). The information distribution system 1-2A according to the sixth embodiment is the same as the information distribution system 1-2 shown in FIG. 17 except for the operation of the receiver 130. The description of the function is omitted. Note that the broadcasting station 110 according to the sixth embodiment corresponds to the claimed radio station and the information distribution device, and the receiver 130 corresponds to the information reception device of the claim, and as a whole corresponds to the information distribution system of the claim. To do.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the broadcast station 110 of the information distribution system 1-2A according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The process of FIG. 24 is the same as the process shown in FIG. 23 except that the process of step S105A is added after the process of step S105 of FIG. 21 and the processes of steps S106A and S108A are performed instead of the processes of steps S106 and S108. For this reason, the same step numbers are assigned and descriptions thereof are omitted.

Step S105A: The control unit 131 changes the power supply progress information stored in the storage unit 137. Specifically, the control unit 131 changes the power supply progress information stored in the storage unit 137 from 1 to 0. The control unit 131 keeps 0 if it is originally set to 0. When the process of step S105A is completed, the control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S106A.

Step S106A: The control unit 131 can output the content received from the broadcast station 110 via the IP communication network 1100 to the display device 150 or the audio reproduction device 160 as video or audio output data, and can output the content to the storage unit 137. The information to that effect is stored and the process is terminated (END).

Step S108A: The control unit 131 refers to the storage unit 137 and determines whether or not content can be output from the power supply progress information. Specifically, the control unit 131 refers to the determination result (0 or 1 flag value) of the power supply progress information stored in the storage unit 137 and determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (that is, 0 (Yes in step S108A), the process proceeds to step S106A to permit the output of the content, and the determination result that the predetermined time has passed (that is, the flag of 1) If there is (NO in step S108A), the output of the content is not permitted, and the process proceeds to step S109.

With this processing, the power supply progress information is deleted from the storage unit 137 when it is determined that it can be output from the reception status of radio waves from the broadcast station 110. Can easily determine that the self-apparatus has been disconnected from the home power supply 1B and that a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that reception was possible. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the output of the content from being permitted in a situation where the receiver 130 may have moved to another region by such processing.

Subsequently, an information distribution system 1-2B according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described. The information distribution system 1-2B according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention relates to internal processing in the case of disconnecting from the home power supply 1B on the premise of content distribution availability determination. The information distribution system 1-2B according to the seventh embodiment has the same configuration as the information distribution system 1-2 shown in FIG. 17 except for the operation of the receiver 130. The description of the function is omitted. Note that the broadcasting station 110 according to the seventh embodiment corresponds to the claimed radio station and the information distribution device, and the receiver 130 corresponds to the information reception device of the claim, and as a whole corresponds to the information distribution system of the claim. To do.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the operation of the receiver 130 of the information distribution system 1-2B according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Step S1020: The control unit 131 detects whether or not the device is disconnected from the household power supply 1B. If the control unit 131 detects that the device is disconnected from the household power source 1B (YES in step S1020), the control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S1021, and if not detected (NO in step S1020), performs the process. End (END).

Step S1021: The control unit 131 detects whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after being disconnected from the household power supply 1B. Here, the predetermined time is assumed to be moving within the house, so it is preferably about 10 to 15 minutes, but other times (for example, 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, etc.) are set. May be. If the control unit 131 detects that a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S1021), the control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S1022, and if it cannot be detected (NO in step S1021), the process ends (END). Note that if it cannot be detected, the process of step S1021 may be looped.

Step S1022: The control unit 131 deletes all the output propriety information stored in the storage unit 137 and ends the processing (END).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the receiver 130 of the information distribution system 1-2B according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Since the processes other than the processes of step S106B and step S107B are the same as the processes shown in FIG. 21, the description of the parts denoted by the same reference numerals is omitted.

Step S106B: The control unit 131 can output the content received from the broadcast station 110 via the IP communication network 1100 to the display device 150 or the audio reproduction device 160 as video or audio output data, and can output the content to the storage unit 137. The information to that effect and the time at which the output propriety determination is performed are stored, and the process is terminated (END). It should be noted that the content received here may be in a streaming format or a download format. If the received content is in the streaming format, the newly received content is reproduced after the determination of whether or not the output is permitted in step S106B, or after the access request in step S101 is generated, the content is buffered. You may make it reproduce | regenerate the received content after the access request of step S101 generate | occur | produces after determining with S106B being able to output.

Step S107B: The control unit 131 refers to the storage unit 137 to determine whether there is reception information that can be output in the past. Specifically, the control unit 131 refers to the management table as shown in FIG. 20A and searches for the presence / absence of information whose output enable / disable information is “1”. When it is determined that there is reception information that can be output in the past (YES in step S107B), the control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S108, and when it is determined that there is no reception information that can be output in the past (step S107). If NO in S107B, the process proceeds to step S109.

With such processing, even if the receiver 130 is disconnected from the home power supply 1B connected to the home due to movement in the house, there is outputable information stored in the storage unit 137. Appropriate content output is allowed.

Subsequently, an information distribution system 1-2C according to Example 8 of the present invention will be described. In the information distribution system 1-2C according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, there is information in which content output is permitted from information indicating the reception status associated with the broadcasting station 110 in the past, and content output is permitted. If the received IP address matches, the content output is permitted even if the reception status is bad. Note that the information distribution system 1-2C according to the eighth embodiment has the same configuration as the information distribution system 1-2 shown in FIG. 17 except for the operation of the receiver 130. Therefore, referring to FIG. The description of the function is omitted. Note that the broadcasting station 110 according to the seventh embodiment corresponds to the claimed radio station and the information distribution device, and the receiver 130 corresponds to the information reception device of the claim, and as a whole corresponds to the information distribution system of the claim. To do.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the receiver 130 of the information distribution system 1-2C according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Since the processes other than the processes of steps S105C, S106C, and S107C are the same as the processes shown in FIG. 21, the description of the parts denoted by the same reference numerals is omitted.

Step 5C: The control unit 131 detects the current IP address assigned to the own device. When the process of step S105C is completed, the control unit 131 proceeds to the process of step S107C.

Step S106C: The control unit 131 outputs the content received from the broadcast station 110 via the IP communication network 1100 to the display device 150 or the audio reproduction device 160 as video or audio output data, and can output it to the storage unit. And the time information and the IP address detected in step S105C are stored, and the process ends (END). It should be noted that the content received here may be in a streaming format or a download format. If the received content is in the streaming format, the newly received content is reproduced after the determination of whether output is possible in step S106C, or after the access request in step S101 is generated, the content is buffered. The content received after the access request in step S101 is generated after it is determined in S106C that output is possible may be reproduced.

Step S107C: The control unit 131 refers to the storage unit 137 to determine whether there is reception information that can be output in the past and whether the IP addresses match. If the control unit 131 determines that there is reception information that can be output in the past and the IP addresses match (YES in step S107C), the control unit 131 proceeds to the process in step S108, and other determinations are made. If YES (NO in step S107C), the process proceeds to step S109.

In such a process, since the IP address cannot be compared in the first determination as to whether or not output is possible, it is performed only from the reception status of the radio wave from the broadcast station 110. In the second determination as to whether or not output is possible. Since it is possible to compare whether or not it matches the IP address when it was a good reception situation in the past, even if the reception situation of radio waves deteriorated due to movement in the house Since the output of the content is permitted, the output propriety determination can be performed by a more accurate method.

Subsequently, an information distribution system 1-2D according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention will be described. The broadcast station 110 of the information distribution system 1-2D according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is different from the broadcast station 110 according to the fifth to ninth embodiments described above, and transmits an analog broadcast. FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the broadcasting station 110 of the information distribution system 1-2D according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The information distribution system 1-2D according to the ninth embodiment is the same as the information distribution system 1-2 shown in FIG. 17 except for the configuration of the broadcast station 110. Therefore, the configuration shown in FIG. The description of the function is omitted. Note that the broadcasting station 110 in the eighth embodiment corresponds to the claimed radio station and the information distribution apparatus, and the receiver 130 corresponds to the information reception apparatus in the claims, and as a whole corresponds to the information distribution system in the claims. To do.

As shown in FIG. 28, the broadcast station 110 includes a broadcast audio signal output unit 111A, a timing control unit 112A, a multiplexing information generation unit 113A, a multiplexing unit 114A, a reception unit 115, a content distribution availability determination unit 116, and a content generation unit. 117, a transmission unit 118, a content DB 117a, a control unit 119, and a storage unit 120 are main components. In this embodiment, the broadcasting station 110 corresponds to the wireless station and the information distribution device in the claims, but functions as a wireless station (broadcast audio output unit, timing control unit, multiplexed information generation unit, multiplexing unit) And a function as an information distribution device (a function as a reception unit 115, a content distribution availability determination unit 116, a content generation unit 117, a transmission unit 118, and a content DB 117a) are realized by separate devices. May be.

Here, the information processing realized by the functions of the broadcast audio signal output unit 111A, the timing control unit 112A, the multiplexing information generation unit 113A, and the multiplexing unit 114A described above is not performed by the control unit 119 that controls the entire broadcasting station 110. This is realized by executing in cooperation with the illustrated hardware resource. Specifically, the control unit 119 includes a CPU, a DSP, a flash memory, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, which are hardware resources (not shown), and the CPU and the DSP store various programs stored in the flash memory and the ROM. This is realized by reading the data into the RAM and executing it in cooperation. Note that the function, program, and cooperative relationship with the hardware configuration of the entire apparatus in the present embodiment are the same as those in the fifth to ninth embodiments described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The broadcast audio signal output unit 111A outputs audio signals of already recorded programs and live broadcast programs.

The timing control unit 112A controls so that multiplexing information described later can be sent to the broadcast audio signal at a predetermined timing. For example, when a song is broadcast during a broadcast program, song information such as the artist name and song name of the song is transmitted as multiplexed information.

The multiplexing information generation unit 113A generates information to be multiplexed into the audio signal from the broadcast audio signal output unit 111A. Note that the multiplexed information may include URL information related to the broadcast program and search query information based on P2P.

The multiplexing unit 114A synthesizes the audio signal from the broadcast audio signal output unit 111A and the multiplexed information generated by the multiplexed information generation unit 113A, and broadcasts it by superimposing it on the broadcast wave.

Thus, even if the information transmitted from the broadcasting station 110 is analog broadcasting, content is appropriately output via other communication media within a broadcasting target area without imposing a special operation on the user. Can do. In the fifth to ninth embodiments, the broadcast station 110 may be configured to send an analog broadcast.

The information distribution systems 1-2, 1-2A, 1-2B, 1-2C, and 1-2D have been described as exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, the broadcast station 110 may notify the presence / absence of program-linked content by an audio signal. Alternatively, the presence / absence of linked content may be notified during broadcast broadcasting of a broadcast wave. Specifically, the presenter may introduce the program in a program or stream it as a telop. When notification is made during program broadcast, the presence or absence of linked content may be detected by voice recognition or image recognition.

Further, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the receiver 130 determines whether or not the content transmitted from the broadcast station 110 can be output. Unlimited content may be prepared, and the processing may be performed on the receiver 130 side only for the output of region-specific content.

In addition, the information distribution systems 1-2, 1-2A, 1-2B, 1-2C, and 1-2D according to each of the above-described embodiments adopt a client server type network system that downloads content from the broadcast station 110. However, it may be performed by a P2P type network system. In this case, a request for content to the broadcast station 110 is transmitted as a search query, information indicating the reception status is also transmitted, and information on a peer that owns the content is only when the information indicating the reception status satisfies a reference value. And the content may be downloaded from the peer.

In addition, all or part of the functions of each device described in the information distribution systems 1-2, 1-2A, 1-2B, 1-2C, 1-2D according to the above-described embodiments are configured by a program. You may implement | achieve as a means to function each part by installing a program in information processing apparatus (computer). The program can be directly installed on a computer from a medium recorded in a state where the program is executed. However, the program may be installed on a remote computer via a network.

1-1, 1-1A to 1C, 1-2, 1-2A to 2D information distribution system,
10, 110 broadcast station (wireless station, information distribution device),
30, 130 receiver (information receiving device),
100,1100 IP communication network (other communication media)
16, 116 Content distribution availability determination unit (information distribution control unit),
131 control unit (information distribution request unit, disconnection time determination unit, reception information detection unit, output availability determination unit),
132 Operation input part (part of information distribution request part),
142 power supply detection unit (power supply information detection unit, part of the disconnection time determination unit),
143 timer (part of cutting time determination unit),
170 reception error rate detection circuit (part of the reception information detection unit),

Claims

An information distribution system comprising: an information reception device capable of receiving information transmitted by radio stations using radio waves; and an information distribution device capable of distributing information to the information reception device,
The information receiving device includes a reception status detection unit that detects a reception status of the radio wave,
A power information detection unit that detects whether or not the device is connected to a power source,
The information distribution apparatus transmits information other than information transmitted from the radio station using the radio waves and / or information transmitted from the radio station using the radio waves to another communication medium different from the radio waves. An information distribution unit for distributing to the information receiving device via
An information distribution system for controlling transmission / reception of information to be distributed according to the reception status detected by the reception status detection unit and the power supply information detected by the power supply information detection unit.
The information distribution system according to claim 1,
The information receiving device is:
Information indicating the reception sensitivity detected by the reception status detector and power information indicating the power-off time detected by the power information detector are transmitted to the information distribution device, and the information is distributed via the other communication medium. Request information provided by the device,
The information distribution apparatus includes:
A receiving unit for receiving information indicating the reception status of the radio wave transmitted from the information receiving apparatus via a communication medium other than the radio wave and power supply information; and
The information indicating the reception status and the power information received by the receiving unit are stored in the storage unit in association with the information receiving device, and the information receiving device is based on the information indicating the reception status and the power information. An information distribution control unit for determining whether or not to distribute information provided by the information distribution apparatus.
The information distribution system according to claim 1,
The information receiving device includes:
An information delivery requesting unit for making an information delivery request via the other communication medium to the information delivery device that delivers the information transmitted by the wireless station via the radio wave via a communication medium other than the radio wave;
A disconnection time determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the device was disconnected from the power source;
The information indicating the reception status detected by the reception status detection unit, the power source information related to the power source to which the device is connected, and the determination result of the disconnection time determination unit are stored in the storage unit in association with each other, and the reception Based on the information indicating the status, the power supply information, the determination result information, and the information indicating the past reception status stored in the storage unit, whether or not to output the distribution information requested for the information distribution is determined. An output availability determination unit;
The information distribution unit of the information distribution apparatus includes:
An information distribution system for distributing the distribution information to the information receiving device via the other communication medium in response to an information distribution request from the information distribution request unit of the information receiving device.
A receiving unit for receiving information indicating the reception status of the radio wave and power supply information from the information receiving apparatus via a communication medium other than the radio wave in an information receiving apparatus that receives information transmitted by the radio station via the radio wave; ,
The information indicating the reception status received by the receiving unit and the power supply information are associated with the information receiving device and stored in the storage unit, and when an information distribution request is made from the information receiving device, the information receiving device An information distribution control unit that determines whether or not to perform information distribution to the information reception device based on information indicating the reception status stored in association with the power supply information;
An information distribution apparatus comprising:
An information distribution unit that includes a reception unit, a storage unit, and an information distribution control unit, and distributes information transmitted from the wireless station to the information reception device via radio waves to the information reception device via a communication medium other than the radio waves. An information distribution method executed by an apparatus,
Receiving the information indicating the reception status of the radio wave in the information receiving device and the power supply information from the information receiving device via the other communication medium;
The information distribution control unit associates the information indicating the reception status received in the above-described step and the power supply information with the information receiving device and stores the information in the storage unit, and an information distribution request is made from the information receiving device. In this case, the step of determining whether or not to distribute information to the information receiving device based on the information indicating the reception status stored in association with the information receiving device and the power supply information;
An information distribution method characterized by comprising:
Computer
Receiving means for receiving information indicating the reception status of the radio wave and power supply information from the information receiving apparatus via a communication medium other than the radio wave in an information receiving apparatus that receives information transmitted from the radio station via the radio wave ,
The information indicating the reception status received by the receiving unit, the power supply information, and the information receiving device are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit, and when an information distribution request is made from the information receiving device, the information Information distribution control means for determining whether or not to distribute information to the information receiving device based on the information indicating the reception status stored in association with the receiving device and the power supply information;
Program to function as.
A reception sensitivity acquisition unit that acquires the reception sensitivity of the radio waves from a wireless station that transmits information via radio waves;
A power detection unit for detecting the power-off time of the device itself;
Distributes information sent by the radio station via a communication medium other than the radio wave, including information indicating the reception sensitivity acquired by the reception sensitivity acquisition unit and information indicating the power-off time detected by the power detection unit An information distribution request unit that transmits the information to the information distribution apparatus that requests the information via the other communication medium;
An information receiving apparatus comprising:
An information distribution requesting unit that makes an information distribution request via the other communication medium to an information distribution device that distributes information transmitted by the wireless station via the radio wave via a communication medium other than the radio wave;
A reception status detection unit for detecting the reception status of the radio wave in the device;
A power information detector that detects whether or not the device is connected to a power source;
A disconnection time determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the device was disconnected from the power source;
Information indicating the reception status, power source information detected as to whether or not connected to the power source, and a determination result of the disconnection time determination unit are stored in the storage unit in association with each other, and information indicating the reception status An output propriety determination unit that determines whether or not the distribution information requested for the information distribution is output from the power supply information, the determination result information, and the information indicating the past reception status stored in the storage unit;
An information receiving apparatus comprising:
The information receiving device according to claim 8, wherein
The output enable / disable determining unit stores an information history indicating an output enable / disable determination result in the storage unit,
Even if it is determined that output of the distribution information cannot be permitted from the information indicating the reception status, if there is an information history in which the output of the distribution information is permitted in the storage unit, the output of the distribution information is performed. An information receiving device characterized by permitting.
The information receiving device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein
The output propriety determining unit is configured such that the output propriety determining unit includes an information history indicating an output propriety determination result, information indicating the reception status, power supply information detected as to whether the power supply is connected, and the Store in the storage unit in association with the determination result of the cutting time determination unit,
Even when it is determined from the information indicating the reception status that the output of the distribution information cannot be permitted, the storage unit has an information history permitting the output of the distribution information and is associated with the information history. An information receiving apparatus characterized in that output of the distribution information is permitted when the power source information and the current time are compared within a predetermined time.
The information receiving device according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
The output permission determination unit
When it is determined from the information indicating the reception status that output of the distribution information can be permitted, and the power supply information is stored in the storage unit, the power supply information is deleted from the storage unit. Information receiving device.
The information receiving device according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
The power information detection unit detects whether or not the device is disconnected from the power source connected thereto,
In response to the detection, the disconnection time determination unit determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the device was disconnected from the power source, and when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, The information reception apparatus, wherein the output availability determination unit deletes information indicating the reception status of the radio wave stored in the storage unit.
The information receiving device according to any one of claims 8 to 12,
The output permission determination unit
The information indicating the reception status, the power supply information, and the IP address allocated to the device itself can be detected and stored in the storage unit, and can be distributed to the information history indicating the reception status related to the radio station in the past. An information receiving apparatus for determining whether or not the distribution information can be output based on whether or not there is information and whether or not an IP address at the time of determination of whether or not past output is possible matches an IP address currently allocated .
An information distribution request unit, a reception status detection unit, a power supply information detection unit, a disconnection time determination unit, a storage unit, and an output availability determination unit are provided, and information transmitted by radio stations via radio waves other than the above radio waves is provided. In the information receiving method executed by the information receiving apparatus that receives the distribution information from the information distribution apparatus that distributes through another communication medium,
The information delivery requesting unit making an information delivery request to the information delivery device;
The reception status detecting unit detecting the reception status of the radio wave in the device;
A step of detecting whether the power supply information detection unit is connected to a power supply;
A step of determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the disconnection time determination unit has been disconnected from the power source;
The output enable / disable determining unit stores in the storage unit the information indicating the reception status, the power supply information detected as to whether or not the power supply is connected, and the result information determined by the disconnection time determining unit in association with each other. And determining whether the distribution information can be output from the information indicating the reception status, the power supply information, the result information, and the information indicating the past reception status stored in the storage unit. When,
An information receiving method characterized by comprising:
Computer
Information distribution request means for making an information distribution request via the other communication medium to an information distribution apparatus for distributing information transmitted by the radio station via the radio wave via a communication medium other than the radio wave;
A reception status detection means for detecting the reception status of the radio wave in its own device;
Power supply information detection means for detecting whether or not the own device is connected to a power supply;
Disconnection time determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the device was disconnected from the power source;
The information indicating the reception status, the power information detected as to whether or not it is connected to the power source, and the result information determined by the disconnection time determining means are associated with each other and stored in the device information storage means, and these An output propriety judging means for judging whether or not the delivery information can be output from information indicating the reception status, the power supply information, the result information, and the information indicating the past reception status stored in the device information storage means;
Program to function as.
14. In response to an information distribution request from the information receiving device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, information transmitted from a radio station via radio waves is distributed via a communication medium other than the radio waves. An information distribution apparatus comprising an information distribution control unit.