WO2011111772A1

WO2011111772A1 - Information delivering system, information transmitting/receiving apparatus, information transmitting/receiving method, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2011111772A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/055616
Authority: WO
Inventors: 卓也對馬
Original assignee: Ｊｖｃ・ケンウッド・ホールディングス株式会社
Priority date: 2010-03-12
Filing date: 2011-03-10
Publication date: 2011-09-15
Also published as: JP2011193167A; JP5471641B2

Abstract

Contents, the provision of which is limited to particular areas, can be appropriately received. This invention provides an information delivering system (1) wherein: a receiver apparatus (5) (first information transmitting/receiving apparatus) transmits, to a PC (6) (second information transmitting/receiving apparatus), a reception status for each of a plurality of broadcast stations (2) and positional information of the receiver apparatus; the PC (6) (second information transmitting/receiving apparatus) transmits, based on that information, a content delivery request to a broadcast station portal server (3) (information delivering apparatus); and the broadcast station portal server (3) (information delivering apparatus) delivers a content to the PC (6) (second information transmitting/receiving apparatus) in response to the content delivery request from the PC (6) (second information transmitting/receiving apparatus).

Description

Information distribution system, information transmission / reception device, information transmission / reception method, and program

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

In so-called IP broadcasting in which broadcasting is performed via an IP (Internet Protocol) communication network such as the Internet, a technique for providing content only to an area within a broadcasting target range of a broadcasting station is known (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, latitude / longitude information detected by a GPS (Global Positioning System) function provided in a set-top box installed in a viewer's house is used as regional information of the set-top box. Transmit to the server side, refer to the operation area table prepared in advance based on the area information, determine whether or not it is a broadcast target area, and determined that it is within the broadcast target range of the broadcast station In some cases, contract contents are provided to the set top box.

JP 2008-288814 A (summary etc.)

However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the information stored on the server side is latitude information / longitude information, the broadcast target area is uniformly determined, so the information stored on the server side However, a receiving apparatus installed in an area where the reception condition of the actual broadcasting station is good, although it falls outside the broadcasting target area, cannot receive content by IP broadcasting. In addition, when the information stored on the server side is a broadcast frequency or the like, if the receiving device side does not necessarily have a function of detecting the reception status of a broadcasting station such as a tuner, it is not possible to determine whether or not viewing is possible on the server side. Such a receiving apparatus cannot receive content by IP broadcast.

Therefore, in view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an information distribution system, an information transmission / reception apparatus, an information transmission / reception method, and a program that can appropriately receive content provided in a limited area.

One aspect of the present invention relates to an information distribution system. That is, this information distribution system communicates with a first information transmitting / receiving device that receives a broadcast wave from a broadcast station, an information distribution device that distributes content via a communication medium different from the broadcast wave, and an information distribution device. In the information distribution system including the second information transmission / reception device that requests content distribution, the first information transmission / reception device includes a broadcast wave receiving unit that receives a broadcast wave from the broadcast station, and a broadcast station depending on the reception status of the broadcast wave. A broadcast wave reception determination unit that determines whether or not the broadcast content is within a broadcast range, and distribution permission / inhibition information that indicates whether or not predetermined content can be received based on the determination result of the broadcast wave reception determination unit An information generation unit; and a transmission / reception information transmission unit that transmits distribution availability information to a predetermined network range or a specific terminal. The second information transmission / reception device is a first information transmission / reception device. Based on the distribution availability information receiving unit that receives the transmitted distribution availability information and the distribution availability information, a content distribution request is made to the information distribution apparatus via another communication medium different from the broadcast wave from the broadcasting station. A content distribution request unit, and the information distribution device superimposes on the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station to the second information transmission / reception device in response to the distribution request from the second information transmission / reception device. Or the content delivery part which performs provision of the content relevant to the said content via another communication medium is provided, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the distribution availability information generation unit of the first information transmitting / receiving device of the information distribution system is configured to perform predetermined processing when the determination by the broadcast wave reception determination unit is within the broadcast range of the broadcast station. It is preferable that reception permission information indicating that the content can be received is generated, and the permission information transmission unit transmits the reception permission information to a predetermined network range or a specific terminal.

Further, in addition to any of the above-described configurations, the delivery permission information or the reception permission information includes location information where the first information transmission / reception device is installed, time information determined by the broadcast wave reception determination unit, and broadcast information It is preferable that some or all of broadcast station information for specifying a station, a reception level, and a terminal ID of the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus are included.

Further, in addition to any of the above-described configurations, the information distribution device determines whether or not the content can be distributed based on the distribution permission information or the reception permission information transmitted from the content distribution request unit of the second information transmitting / receiving device. It is preferable to further include a content distribution availability determination unit.

Further, one aspect of the present invention relates to a first information transmitting / receiving apparatus that constitutes a part of the information distribution system described above. That is, the information transmitting and receiving device includes a broadcast wave receiving unit that receives a broadcast wave from a broadcast station, a broadcast wave reception determining unit that determines whether the broadcast wave is within the broadcast range according to the reception state of the broadcast wave, Based on the determination result of the broadcast wave reception determination unit, a distribution availability information generation unit that generates distribution availability information indicating whether or not predetermined content can be received, and transmits the distribution availability information to a predetermined network range or a specific terminal A transmission / reception information transmission unit.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the distribution availability information includes location information where the information transmission / reception device is installed, time information when the reception state is determined by the broadcast wave reception determination unit, broadcast station information specifying the broadcast station, and reception It is preferable that some or all of the level and the terminal ID of the own device are included.

Also, one aspect of the present invention relates to an information transmission / reception method executed by a first information transmission / reception device that forms part of the information distribution system described above. That is, an information transmission / reception method executed by an information transmission / reception apparatus including a broadcast wave reception unit, a broadcast wave reception determination unit, a distribution availability information generation unit, and a availability information transmission unit, wherein the broadcast reception unit receives a broadcast wave from a broadcast station. The step of receiving, the step of determining whether the broadcast wave reception determining unit is within the broadcast range of the broadcast station according to the reception status of the broadcast wave, and the determination result of the broadcast wave reception determining unit being the distribution availability information generating unit And a step of generating distribution availability information indicating whether or not the predetermined content can be received, and a step of transmitting the availability information transmitting unit to a predetermined network range or a specific terminal. It is characterized by that.

Also, one aspect of the present invention relates to a program for causing a computer to function as a first information transmission / reception device that forms part of the information distribution system described above. Namely, a broadcast wave receiving means for receiving a broadcast wave from a broadcast station, a broadcast wave reception determining means for determining whether or not the broadcast wave is within the broadcast range of the broadcast station according to a broadcast wave reception status, a broadcast wave reception determining means Based on the determination result, distribution permission information generating means for generating distribution permission information indicating whether or not the predetermined content can be received, permission information transmitting means for transmitting the distribution permission information to a predetermined network range or a specific terminal, It is a program to make it function as.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information distribution system, an information transmission / reception apparatus, an information transmission / reception method, and a program that can appropriately receive content provided in a limited region.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an information distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the example of whole structure of the broadcasting station shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the example of whole structure of the broadcasting station portal server shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the data stored at least in broadcasting station information DB shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the data stored in tuner IC information DB shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the example of whole structure of the broadcast station management server shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the information stored in the positional information conversion DB shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the example of whole structure of the receiver shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the example of whole structure of the mobile communication terminal shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the area | region identification process performed between the receiver shown in FIG. 1, and a broadcast station management server. 3 is a flowchart of output permission / inhibition determination processing executed between the receiving apparatus and the broadcast station management server shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart of the content delivery process performed between the receiver shown in FIG. 1, and a broadcast station portal server. 1 is a flowchart showing a process in which the receiving device shown in FIG. 1 notifies the PC of delivery permission information, a content delivery request process executed by the PC shown in FIG. 1, and a content delivery process executed by the broadcasting station portal server shown in FIG. It is.

Embodiments of an information distribution system, an information transmission / reception apparatus, an information transmission / reception method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the information transmission / reception method according to the present invention is performed together with the processing description of each device.

(Overview of information distribution system)
An information distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an information distribution system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information distribution system 1 includes a broadcasting station 2, a broadcasting station portal server 3, a broadcasting station management server 4, a receiving device 5, and a PC 6.

Broadcast station 2 broadcasts a plurality of contents superimposed on a broadcast wave. The broadcast station portal server 3 can distribute the content broadcast by the broadcast station 2 or content related to the content to the receiving device 5 or the PC 6 via the IP communication network 10. The broadcast station management server 4 performs device authentication processing, area identification processing, output permission determination processing, and the like with the receiving device 5. The receiving device 5 performs an area specifying process with the broadcast station management server 4 and transmits a content distribution request to the broadcast station portal server 3 based on the reception status of each broadcast station 2 and the location where the broadcast station management server 4 is installed. To do. Further, the information about the reception status of each broadcasting station 2 generated by the receiving device 5 and the place where the broadcasting station 2 is installed is transmitted to the PC 6. For example, the PC 6 is a device installed on the same network as the receiving device 5 and located in a LAN that is logically separated from the IP communication network 10 by the router R. The PC 6 transmits a content distribution request to the broadcast station portal server 3 based on the information received from the receiving device 5.

As described above, in the information distribution system 1, content is provided to the receiving device 5 based on the reception status and position information of the broadcasting station 2 detected by the receiving device 5, and the receiving device 5 notifies the PC 6 of such information. The content is provided to the PC 6 based on the notified information. That is, in the information distribution system 1, the reception device 5 that can acquire the reception status of the broadcast station 2 with a simple configuration can appropriately receive the IP broadcast, and the reception status of the broadcast station 2 can be changed as in the reception device 5. Although it cannot be acquired, the IP broadcast can be appropriately received similarly in the PC 6 connected in a predetermined network.

In the example of the information distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1, one broadcasting station 2, one broadcasting station portal server 3 corresponding to the broadcasting station 2, one broadcasting station management server 4, one receiving device 5, and one Although the PC 6 is exemplified, there are a plurality of broadcasting stations 2, a plurality of broadcasting station portal servers 3, a plurality of broadcasting station management servers 4, and a plurality of receiving devices in units of prefectures or municipalities. 5 and a plurality of PCs 6 may be configured. In the example of the information distribution system 1 shown in FIG. 1, one broadcast station portal server 3 exists for one broadcast station 2, but a plurality of broadcast station portal servers 3 exist for one broadcast station 2. There may be a broadcasting station 2 that does not have the broadcasting station portal server 3. The IP communication network 10 is a communication network for performing communication between the broadcast station portal server 3, the receiving device 5, and the PC 6. The IP communication network 10 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. Note that the IP communication network 10 may include a network using a communication protocol other than IP communication. Details of each device will be described below.

(Broadcasting station structure)
The broadcast station 2 shown in FIG. 1 sends content for a broadcast program as stream data according to a broadcast schedule. The broadcast station 2 can transmit data broadcast and EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information superimposed on the broadcast wave. The broadcasting station 2 corresponds to an example of the broadcasting station in the claims.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the broadcasting station 2 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the broadcast station 2 includes a content stream creation unit 21, an EPG information creation unit 22, a data broadcast creation unit 23, a MUX (MultipleXer) unit 24, a broadcast content DB 25, a broadcast schedule DB 26, and a data broadcast. The content DB 27 is a main component. Here, in the information processing realized by the functions of the content stream creation unit 21, the EPG information creation unit 22, the data broadcast creation unit 23, and the MUX unit 24, the control unit 28 that controls the entire broadcast station 2 is not shown. It is realized by executing in cooperation with hardware resources. Specifically, the control unit 28 includes a CPU, which is a hardware resource (not shown), and a central processing unit such as the CPU is stored in a storage unit such as a ROM, a hard disk, or a flash memory (not shown). The various programs are read out to the RAM via a bus (not shown) and executed in cooperation. The broadcast content DB 25, the broadcast schedule DB 26, and the data broadcast content DB 27 described above are stored in the storage unit 29. The storage unit 29 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory (not shown). Consists of storage devices.

The content stream creation unit 21 creates broadcast content with reference to the broadcast content DB 25. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that the broadcast content is encoded and multiplexed in accordance with the MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group 2) standard. In the MPEG2 standard, video and audio of the content to be transmitted 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. . Further, a TS (Transport Stream) packet obtained by dividing the PES is transmitted from the broadcast station 2.

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. . Further, 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 2. 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 25 stores information on which the above-described broadcast content is based.

The EPG information creation unit 22 creates EPG information with reference to the broadcast schedule DB 26. In the broadcast schedule DB 26, the broadcast schedule of the broadcast station 2 is stored, but the broadcast schedule information of other broadcast stations 2 may be stored.

The data broadcast creation unit 23 creates information related to data broadcast such as weather forecasts and information related to programs from the data broadcast content DB 27. Information related to data broadcasting is also encoded and multiplexed in conformity with the MPEG2 standard in the same manner as the broadcast content described above. In the data broadcasting content DB 27, in addition to information related to data broadcasting such as information related to weather forecasts and programs, URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information provided by the broadcast station portal server 3 described later related to the program is provided. Alternatively, search query information that can be used in the P2P (Peer to Peer) method may be stored. The data broadcast creation unit 23 supplies these information together to the MUX unit 24.

The MUX unit 24 includes broadcast content data created by the content stream creation unit 21 with reference to the broadcast content DB 25, EPG information created by the EPG information creation unit 22 with reference to the broadcast schedule DB 26, and a data broadcast creation unit. 23 generates broadcast data in which data broadcast program data created with reference to the data broadcast content DB 27 is multiplexed. Then, the broadcast data is transmitted as a broadcast wave from the antenna of the broadcast station 2.

(Broadcasting station portal server configuration)
The broadcast station portal server 3 shown in FIG. 1 is related to broadcast contents of the broadcast station 2 (contents corresponding to so-called simulcast of the broadcast station 2) via the IP communication network 10, and related contents such as still images, sounds, and moving pictures related to the contents. In addition, the receiving device 5 receives content corresponding to the broadcasting station 2 such as original content produced independently of the broadcasting content (for example, a home page, text information, still image information, and moving image information provided by the broadcasting station portal server 3). And provided to PC6. The broadcast station portal server 3 may have content corresponding to a plurality of broadcast stations 2. The broadcast station portal server 3 corresponds to an example of an information distribution apparatus according to the claims.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the broadcasting station portal server 3 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the broadcast station portal server 3 includes a transmission permission / inhibition determination unit 31, a content generation unit 32, a communication control unit 33, a broadcast station information DB 34, a content DB 35, and a tuner IC information DB 36 as main components. . Here, the information processing realized by the functions of the transmission permission determination unit 31, the content generation unit 32, and the communication control unit 33 described above is performed by the control unit 37 that controls the entire broadcast station portal server 3 and hardware resources (not shown). It is realized by executing in cooperation. Specifically, the control unit 37 includes a CPU, which is a hardware resource (not shown), and a central processing unit such as the CPU is stored in a storage unit such as a ROM, a hard disk, or a flash memory (not shown). This is realized by reading out various programs to a RAM (not shown) and executing them in cooperation. The broadcast station information DB 34, the content DB 35, and the tuner IC information DB 36 described above are stored in a storage unit 38. The storage unit 38 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or a flash memory (not shown). Is done.

The transmission permission / inhibition determination unit 31 refers to the broadcast station information DB 34 and the like to determine whether or not to permit content distribution via the IP communication network 10 for the receiving device 5 or the PC 6 that has requested content distribution. The transmission permission / inhibition determination unit 31 refers to an output permission determination result of a radio wave status acquisition table (to be described later) transmitted by the receiving device 5 that has requested content distribution, and determines that content distribution via the IP communication network 10 is not possible. In this case, the receiving device 5 is notified that the content cannot be transmitted, and if it is determined that the content can be distributed, a signal for permitting the content distribution request to the receiving device 5 (distribution availability information) To the content generation unit 32. Further, when it is determined that content distribution via the IP communication network 10 is impossible with reference to later-described distribution availability information transmitted by the PC 6 that has requested the content distribution, the PC 6 is informed that the content cannot be transmitted. When it is determined that the content can be distributed, a signal permitting the content distribution request is supplied to the content generation unit 32.

When the content generation unit 32 receives a signal permitting the content distribution request from the transmission permission determination unit 31, the content generation unit 32 refers to the content DB 35 and generates content to be transmitted to the reception device 5 or the PC 6. Here, the content to be transmitted to the receiving device 5 or the PC 6 may be content requested by the receiving device 5 or the PC 6 or may be generated in conjunction with the broadcast program. If the receiving device 5 or the PC 6 requests specific content, the selected content may be generated. Otherwise, program-linked content may be automatically generated and transmitted. The communication control unit 33 is a communication interface that receives a content distribution request from the receiving device 5 or the PC 6 via the IP communication network 10 and transmits the content to the receiving device 5 or the PC 6.

The broadcast station information DB 34 is a database in which information about the broadcast station 2 is stored. The radio frequency and area classification of the broadcast station 2, the reception level condition in the area classification, and the broadcast station portal server 3 are connected to the IP communication network. 10 stores position information that becomes a viewing area that can be provided.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored at least in the broadcast station information DB 34. In this example, the broadcast station information DB 34 stores two tables. The upper table for managing the information of the broadcasting station 2 stores at least information such as “broadcasting station ID”, “broadcasting station name”, “call sign”, “broadcasting station portal server URL”, and the like. The “broadcasting station ID” includes a code that can uniquely identify the broadcasting station 2 corresponding to the broadcasting station portal server 3 in the information distribution system 1. “Broadcasting station name” includes the name of the broadcasting station 2 corresponding to the broadcasting station portal server 3. The “call sign” includes an identification number issued based on the international telecommunications agreement of the broadcasting station 2 corresponding to the broadcasting station portal server 3. “Broadcasting station portal server URL” includes the URL of the homepage of the broadcasting station portal server 3. Therefore, by referring to the “broadcast station ID” in the broadcast station information DB 34, the “broadcast station name”, “call sign”, “broadcast station portal server URL” and the like associated with the broadcast station ID are uniquely determined. can do.

The table shown below, which manages viewing area information, stores information such as “prefecture code”, “city code”, “zip code”, “frequency”, “area classification”, and “reception level condition”. ing. The “prefecture code” includes a number that can uniquely identify a Japanese prefecture within the information distribution system 1. The “city code” includes a number that can uniquely identify a city in Japan in combination with the “prefecture code” in the information distribution system 1. The “zip code” includes the zip code of the area uniquely specified by the “prefecture code” and the “city code”. The “frequency” includes the frequency of the broadcast wave from the broadcast station 2 that can be received in the area specified by the “prefecture code” and “city code”. The “area classification” includes a flag (1, 0) indicating an area classification for determining the reception status of the “frequency” of a certain broadcasting station 2 in the area specified by the “prefecture code” and the “city code”. It is. When the flag value is “0”, it indicates a receivable area (broadcast license area that may be a good reception state), and when it is “1”, a fringe area (a bad reception state area). (Broadcast license areas). The “reception level condition” stores a numerical value of the reception level condition necessary for receiving from the broadcasting station 2 specified by “frequency” in the area specified by “prefecture code” and “city code”. . The unit of the numerical value stored in the “reception level condition” is mV / m.

Therefore, if the “prefecture code” and “city code” are specified, the “postal code” of the area specified by the code can be specified by referring to the broadcast station information DB 34, and the broadcast station in the area can be specified. 2 is specified by “frequency”, and in the area, the “area classification” that indicates whether the broadcasting station 2 specified by “frequency” is a receivable area or a fringe area, and from the broadcasting station 2 in the area. The “reception level condition” that enables reception can be uniquely specified. Also, by referring to the broadcast station information DB 34, the “postal code” is used as a key, the broadcast station 2 that can be received in the area specified by the “postal code” is specified by “frequency”, and The “area classification” that identifies whether the broadcast station 2 identified by the “frequency” is a receivable area or a fringe area is identified, and “reception level condition that enables reception from the broadcast station 2 in the area” Can be specified. The broadcast station portal server 3 can provide data stored in the broadcast station information DB 34 via the IP communication network 10 in response to a request from the broadcast station management server 4.

The content DB 35 is a database in which various contents are stored. Content stored in the content DB 35 stores content that is linked to a program broadcast by the broadcast station 2, content that can be connected even after the broadcast ends, content that does not limit the receiving area, and the like. Specific types of content include still images, moving images, and audio. Such 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 10 by using such a markup language. Can be made good.

The tuner IC information DB 36 is a database that stores at least device information of the receiving device 5 used in the information distribution system 1. The performance of the receiving device 5 varies depending on the manufacturer of the receiving device 5 and the type of tuner IC incorporated in the receiving device 5, and is the same due to the influence of noise when the tuner IC is embedded in the receiving device 5. The reception sensitivity from the broadcasting station 2 is different for each product. Therefore, RSSI (Rceive Signal Strength Indication) and S / S related to the tuner IC for calculating the reception sensitivity that can be uniformly compared with the reference value of the broadcast reception sensitivity in the content output permission determination for each type of the receiving device 5. A conversion coefficient calculated from various parameters such as an N ratio (SNR: Signal to Noise ratio) is stored.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the tuner IC information DB 36 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, at least “device ID”, “manufacturer name”, “model number”, “firm version”, and “reception level calculation coefficient” are stored. The “device ID” includes identification information that can be uniquely identified by the receiving device 5 in the information distribution system 1. The “manufacturer name” includes the manufacturer name of the receiving device 5. The “model number” includes model number information determined by the manufacturer of the receiving device 5. “Firmware version” includes firmware version information of the receiving device 5. The “reception level calculation coefficient” includes conversion coefficients calculated in accordance with characteristics of various parameters related to each tuner IC. Therefore, if the “device ID” is specified, the “manufacturer name”, “model number”, “firm version”, “reception level calculation” associated with the “device ID” are referred to by referring to the tuner IC information DB 36. "Use factor" can be uniquely identified.

(Broadcasting station management server configuration)
The broadcasting station management server 4 shown in FIG. 1 has a function for authenticating the receiving device 5 or the PC 6, a function for specifying the region where the receiving device 5 is installed or the region where the PC 6 is located, and the broadcasting range of the broadcasting station 2. It is a server that has at least a function that enables output of content provided from the broadcast station portal server 3 corresponding to the broadcast station 2 only in the corresponding region, and performs overall management in the information distribution system 1. Note that the broadcast station management server 4 includes a broadcast station 2 (for example, a broadcast station portal server 3 corresponding to the broadcast station 2) that is not included in the information distribution system 1. The broadcast station portal server 3 may have information on the case where the broadcast station portal server 3 corresponding to the broadcast station 2 is not registered or the broadcast station portal server 3 does not exist in the first place.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the broadcast station management server 4 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the broadcast station management server 4 includes a device authentication unit 41, an area identification processing unit 42, an output availability determination unit 43, a communication control unit 44, a position information conversion DB 45, all broadcast station information DB 46, tuner IC information DB 47 is a main component. Here, the information processing realized by the functions of the device authentication unit 41, the area identification processing unit 42, the output availability determination unit 43, and the communication control unit 44 described above is not performed by the control unit 48 that controls the entire broadcast station management server 4. This is realized by executing in cooperation with the illustrated hardware resource. Specifically, the control unit 48 includes a CPU, which is a hardware resource (not shown), and the CPU stores various programs stored in a storage unit such as a ROM, a hard disk, and a flash memory (not shown). This is realized by reading the data into the RAM via the bus and executing it in cooperation. Further, the above-described position information conversion DB 45, all broadcast station information DB 46, and tuner IC information DB 47 are stored in the storage unit 49, and the storage unit 49 includes a storage device such as an HDD or a flash memory (not shown). .

The device authentication unit 41 authenticates whether the receiving device 5 is a valid device in the information distribution system 1. In the information distribution system 1, a common mechanism that can be issued in advance as a one-time device ID, for example, by a time stamp method similar to a one-time password, a challenge-response method, or the like, the receiving device 5, the PC 6, and the device authentication unit It is possible to perform device authentication of the receiving device 5 by constructing each of the devices 41 and executing verification of the “device ID” between them. The device authentication unit 41 can store the one-time device ID (device ID) in the tuner IC information DB 47. The device ID of the PC 6 may be stored in the storage unit 49 so that the device authentication unit 41 can perform device authentication of the PC 6.

The area identification processing unit 42 identifies an area where the receiving device 5 is installed. Details of the area specifying process performed by the area specifying processor 42 will be described later. The output permission determination unit 43 determines whether the content provided by the broadcasting station portal server 3 in the reception device 5 can be output. Details of the output propriety determination process performed by the output propriety determination unit 43 will be described later. The communication control unit 44 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices such as the receiving device 5 and the broadcast station portal server 3 via the IP communication network 10.

The position information conversion DB 45 is a database that stores at least information that can specify the installation position of the receiving device 5 or the position of the PC 6 from the IP address, latitude information / longitude information, address, and the like. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the position information conversion DB 45 illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the location information conversion DB 45 includes “IP address”, “prefecture code”, “prefecture name”, “city code”, “city name”, “zip code”, “town” At least “area name”, “latitude”, “longitude”, and the like are stored. In “IP address”, a global IP address is stored. The unit in which the IP address is stored may be a method of storing in units of a predetermined range (for example, a unit of network address) in addition to the method of storing in units of individual IP addresses as shown in FIG.

The all broadcast station information DB 46 is a database in which data related to each broadcast station 2 included in the information distribution system 1 is stored. Like the broadcast station information DB 34 of the broadcast station portal server 3, the all broadcast station information DB 46 The database stores at least an area classification, a reception level condition in the area classification, and position information serving as a viewing area of broadcast content provided via the IP communication network 10. The all broadcast station information DB 46 is an aggregate of the broadcast station information DB 34 of each broadcast station portal server 3 and is not shown.

The tuner IC information DB 47 is a database that stores at least device information of the receiving device 5 used in the information distribution system 1, similarly to the tuner IC information DB 37 of the broadcasting station portal server 3. The tuner IC information DB 47 is the same as the information stored in the tuner IC information DB 37 of the broadcasting station portal server 3 and is not shown.

(Receiver configuration)
The receiving device 5 shown in FIG. 1 receives broadcast waves from the broadcast station 2 and outputs video, audio and EPG information of the received broadcast program. In addition, the reception device 5 transmits the broadcast station 2 transmitted from the broadcast station portal server 3 via the IP communication network 10 when the reception state of the broadcast wave transmitted from the antenna of the broadcast station 2 is equal to or higher than a predetermined level. Can output the same content as the content transmitted by broadcast waves and / or content related to the content, and other different content. In addition, the receiving device 5 can upload its own location information and information regarding the reception status of each broadcasting station 2 to the broadcasting station management server 4. The receiving device 5 corresponds to an example of a first information transmitting / receiving device.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the receiving device 5 shown in FIG. The receiving device 5 is a stationary device configured to receive, for example, a TV broadcast or a radio broadcast from the broadcast station 2 and to be connected to the IP communication network 10. The receiving device 5 outputs information received from the broadcasting station 2, the broadcasting station management server 4, and the broadcasting station portal server 3 to the display device 7 and the audio reproduction device 8. The receiving device 5 according to the present embodiment is a device separate from the display device 7 and the audio reproducing device 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the receiving device 5, the display device 7, and the audio reproducing device 8 may be provided in the same casing, for example, a television set. Further, the receiving device 5 and the display device 7 may be provided in the same housing, and only the audio reproducing device 8 may be provided in another housing. That is, there are no particular limitations on the devices in which the three receiving devices 5, the display device 7, and the audio reproducing device 8 are provided. The receiving device 5 may have a recording function and a recording function.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the reception device 5 includes an operation input unit 51, a tuner 52, a DEMUX (DEMMultipleXer) unit 53, a decoding unit 54, a video / audio output unit 55, a network connection unit 56, a reception status detection unit 57, registration The information storage unit 58, the distribution availability information generation unit 59, and the control unit 60 are main components. Here, the control unit 60 is a central processing unit that controls the entire receiving device 5 including a CPU and the like, and the CPU is stored in various storage parts such as a ROM, a hard disk, and a flash memory (not shown). By reading the program into the RAM via a bus (not shown) and executing these programs, the operation input unit 51, tuner 52, DEMUX unit 53, decoding unit 54, video / audio output unit 55, network connection unit 56, Each function of the receiving device 5 is realized in cooperation with each unit of the reception status detection unit 57, the registration information storage unit 58, and the distribution availability information generation unit 59.

The operation input unit 51 receives an operation input (such as a channel selection instruction) from the user and transmits the user instruction to the control unit 60. The operation input unit 51 is configured by, for example, a remote control or a touch panel, but may be configured to allow voice input or the like. The user can perform an operation input to the receiving device 5 by operating the operation input unit 51. The operation input to the receiving device 5 may be input to the operation input unit 51 provided in the receiving device 5 via a radio signal (operation signal) such as infrared rays. When the user inputs a channel selection instruction using the operation input unit 51, a signal indicating the content of the channel selection instruction is input to the control unit 60 via the operation input unit 51 and a bus (not shown). Transmits a tuning instruction to the channel selected by the user to the tuner 52 via a bus (not shown).

The tuner 52 receives a broadcast wave of the broadcasting station 2 by an antenna according to a tuning instruction from the control unit 60, demodulates the received RF (Radio Frequency) signal, performs error correction processing, and the like, and is a TS signal composed of TS packets. Is output to the DEMUX unit 53. In FIG. 8, only one tuner 52 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. 52 and two or more tuners 52 may be provided.

The DEMUX unit 53 receives a TS signal composed of TS packets from the tuner 52 (that is, broadcast data D obtained by multiplexing a plurality of streams such as video and audio in the MUX unit 24 of the broadcasting station 2 on the transmission side), video, audio, etc. Is separated into stream data and section format data such as SI / PSI. Each data separated by the DEMUX unit 53 is supplied to the decoding unit 54.

The decoding unit 54 decodes the broadcast content, EPG information, data broadcast, and the like supplied from the DEMUX unit 53, and generates audio data, video data, and program data, respectively. The audio data generated by decoding is supplied to the audio reproduction device 8 described above. The audio reproduction device 8 performs D / A conversion processing on the supplied audio data and outputs it as an audio signal. The decoding unit 54 supplies the decoded video data and program data to the video / audio output unit 55. The data supplied to the video / audio output unit 55 is output to the display device 7 and / or the audio reproduction device 8. The decoding unit 54 decodes data received from the network connection unit 56 and supplies the decoded data to the video / audio output unit 55. The decoding unit 54 supplies these decoded data to a storage unit (not shown). The data supplied to the storage unit by the decoding unit 54 may be supplied as it is as a data signal without being decoded as a video signal or an audio signal.

The video / audio output unit 55 stores the supplied program data in a RAM (not shown). The video / audio output unit 55 generates EPG information by drawing program data. Then, the video / audio output unit 55 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 54, and sends it to the display device 7. The display device 7 displays this composite screen. Data decoded by the decoding unit 54 in response to a storage instruction from the control unit 60 is stored in a storage unit (not shown). Note that the output method to the video / audio output unit 55 is not limited to the above, and the program data may be directly output to the display device 7 without being stored in the RAM. Further, the video / audio output unit 55 does not form a composite screen obtained by combining the screen based on the EPG information on the screen based on the video data, but displays the screen only of the video data or the screen of only the EPG information. May be output respectively.

The network connection unit 56 is a communication interface that communicates with the broadcast station management server 4 via the IP communication network 10. The network connection unit 56 receives data from the broadcasting station portal server 3 or the broadcasting station management server 4 and sends the data to the decoding unit 54. Moreover, the network connection part 56 transmits the delivery permission information which the delivery permission information generation part 59 mentioned later produced | generated as the permission information transmission part to PC6.

The reception status detection unit 57 has a function of detecting a reception status of a broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 2 in response to a reception status detection instruction from the control unit 60 as a broadcast wave reception determination unit. For example, the reception status detection unit 57 includes an electric field reception intensity signal generation circuit (not shown) that can generate an electric field reception intensity signal, and outputs a value obtained from the generation circuit to the control unit 60. As the generation circuit, for example, a known RSSI (Receive Signal Strength Indication) circuit can be provided 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. By using the electric field reception intensity signal obtained from the electric field reception intensity signal generation circuit described above, it is possible to detect the broadcast wave reception status.

The registration information storage unit 58 stores registration information about a user who uses the information distribution system 1 using the receiving device 5, device information about the receiving device 5, position information of the receiving device 5, and broadcasting station information. Has been. The registration information about the user here means an IP address associated with a user who can use the information distribution system 1, a user ID of the user, a password associated with the user ID, an address of the user, a mail Some or all of numbers, phone numbers, etc. The device information about the receiving device 5 includes device type information, device ID information, serial number, and the like of the receiving device 5. Further, the position information of the receiving device 5 is a part of or all of the postal code, telephone number, address, and IP address assigned to the own device where the own device is installed. The broadcasting station information of the receiving device 5 includes the value detected by the reception status detection unit 57, information indicating the detection date, name information of the broadcasting station 2 corresponding to the detected value, and frequency information of the broadcasting station 2. Part or all of

The distribution availability information generating unit 59 generates information including at least the position information of the receiving device 5 and the broadcast station information stored in the registration information storage unit 58 as distribution availability information. The distribution availability information may include date / time information when the broadcast station information is generated and device information of the receiving device 5. Note that the notification destination, notification range, notification timing, and the like of the distribution availability information will be described later.

Note that the receiving device 5 includes a descrambler unit (not shown) for releasing the scramble when the broadcast data D superimposed on the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station 2 is subjected to the scramble process. Also good. In that case, the descrambler unit superimposes the TS signal, which is superimposed on the RF signal received by the tuner 52 and scrambled, in accordance with the descrambling instruction from the control unit 60, into a normal signal. Perform the release process. Further, the descrambler unit supplies a TS signal including the TS packet from which the scramble process has been released to the DEMUX unit 53.

The PC 6 shown in FIG. 1 is a personal computer such as a desktop or a notebook. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the PC 6 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the PC 6 includes a distribution availability information detection unit 61, a distribution availability information acquisition request unit 62, a distribution availability information registration unit 63, a content distribution request unit 64, a communication control unit 65, a control unit 66, a storage unit 67, And a video / audio output unit 68. The PC 6 corresponds to an example of a second information transmitting / receiving device. In the present embodiment, the second information transmission / reception device is a personal computer such as a desktop or a notebook, but a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a mobile communication device that can communicate with the reception device 5 by wire or wirelessly. Further, a stationary information transmitting / receiving apparatus that does not have the tuner 52 may be used.

Here, the information processing realized by the functions of the distribution availability information detection unit 61, the distribution availability information acquisition request unit 62, the distribution availability information registration unit 63, the content distribution request unit 64, and the communication control unit 65 described above is performed on the entire PC 6. This is realized by the control unit 66 that performs control in cooperation with hardware resources (not shown). Specifically, the control unit 66 includes a CPU, which is a hardware resource (not shown), and a central processing unit such as the CPU is stored in a storage part such as a ROM, a hard disk, or a flash memory (not shown). The various programs are read out to the RAM via a bus (not shown) and executed in cooperation. In addition, distribution availability information registered by a distribution availability information registration unit 63 described later is stored in the storage unit 67. The storage unit 67 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (not shown) or a flash memory. The video / audio output unit 68 includes a display and a speaker.

The distribution availability information detection unit 61 receives and acquires the distribution availability information transmitted from the receiving device 5. When the distribution availability information is detected by the distribution availability information detection unit 61, the control unit 66 registers the distribution availability information in the storage unit 67. The control unit 66 may cause the distribution availability information detection unit 61 to detect the delivery availability information by an input from an input unit (not shown).

The distribution availability information acquisition request unit 62 makes a distribution availability information acquisition request to the receiving device 5 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 66. This distribution permission information acquisition request is executed when the distribution permission information is not detected by the distribution permission information detection unit 61 or when the expiration date of the distribution permission information registered in the storage unit 67 has passed. The The control unit 66 may cause the distribution availability information acquisition request unit 62 to make a distribution availability information acquisition request by an input from an input unit (not illustrated) (for example, an operation button that can execute a delivery availability information request). The distribution availability information registration unit 63 registers the distribution availability information transmitted from the receiving device 5 in the storage unit 67.

The content distribution request unit 64 transmits a content distribution request to the broadcast station portal server 3 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 66. Distribution enable / disable information registered in the storage unit 67 is added to the content distribution request. The control unit 66 may cause the content distribution request unit 62 to make a content distribution request by an input from an input unit (not shown). The communication control unit 65 is a connection interface with the IP communication network 10 and a wireless network (not shown). The content distributed from the broadcasting station portal server 3 is appropriately decoded depending on the type and output to the video / audio output unit 68.

(Region specific processing)
Then, the area specific process performed between the broadcast station management server 4 and the receiver 5 is demonstrated. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the area specifying process executed between the receiving device 5 and the broadcast station management server 4 shown in FIG.

START: When the operation input signal from the operation input unit 51 is input, the control unit 60 of the receiving device 5 starts the following processing. The operation input signal is generated, for example, when the user operates the operation input unit 51 to cause the receiving device 5 to execute the area specifying process.

Step S1: The control unit 60 transmits the device information about the receiving device 5 and the registration information about the user stored in the registration information storage unit 58 to the broadcast station management server 4. Specifically, the control unit 60 includes the device type information of the receiving device 5 (device information about the receiving device 5), the IP address information allocated to the receiving device 5, and the user zip code information (user Registration information) is transmitted to the broadcast station management server 4.

Step S2: When the control unit 48 of the broadcast station management server 4 receives the information of step S1 from the receiving device 5 via the communication control unit 44, the control unit 48 determines what device the receiving device 5 is. Specifically, the control unit 48 refers to the tuner IC information DB 47 and identifies the receiving device 5 of the receiving device 5 from the transmitted device information. If the device type can be identified from the device information of the receiving device 5, the control unit 48 proceeds to the process of step S3.

Step S3: The control unit 48 performs processing for confirming the validity of the position information transmitted from the receiving device 5. Specifically, the control unit 48 refers to the position information conversion DB 45 (FIG. 7), specifies the position of the receiving device 5 from the transmitted IP address information, and also transmits the all broadcast station information DB 46 (FIG. 4). The location of the receiving device 5 is identified from the zip code information, compared, and whether or not the “prefecture name”, “city name”, and “city name” match ( In the case of the example in FIG. 4, the correctness of the position information transmitted from the receiving device 5 is confirmed from the postal code (only the city code). As a method of comparing the specified positions and determining that they are the same, as described above, if the “prefecture name”, “city name”, and “town area name” match completely, the two are identical. In addition to the method of determining that the name is correct, if the “prefecture name” and “city name” match, both are determined to match. Although a method for determining that it is correct is conceivable, it is preferable to select appropriately considering the accuracy of the area specified from the IP address and the accuracy of the area specified from the postal code.

Step S4: As a result of the comparison in step S3, if the validity of the position information transmitted from the receiving device 5 is confirmed, the control unit 48 notifies the receiving device 5 that the validity has been confirmed. If the validity cannot be confirmed, the fact that the validity cannot be confirmed is transmitted to the receiving device 5.

Step S5: The control unit 60 of the receiving device 5 receives the confirmation result of the validity received from the broadcast station management server 4 via the IP communication network 10, and displays a screen showing the confirmation result on the display device 7, The process is terminated (END).

As described above, the broadcast station management server 4 compares the position information obtained from the IP address information transmitted from the receiving device 5 with the position information obtained from the zip code information by the determination process in step S3 described above. Thus, it is possible to confirm the legitimacy of the area information on which the receiving device is installed.

(Output availability judgment processing)
Subsequently, an output permission determination process executed between the broadcast station management server 4 and the receiving device 5 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the output propriety determination process executed between the receiving device 5 and the broadcast station management server 4 shown in FIG. Note that the following processing may be executed continuously in combination with the area specifying process shown in FIG. 10, or may be executed independently after the area specifying process shown in FIG. 10 is completed. Good.

START: When it is desired to know whether or not the broadcast content received from the broadcast station 2 can be received via the IP communication network 10, or the reception method of the currently viewed broadcast content is desired to be switched to the IP communication network 10. In some cases, when the user operates the operation input unit 51, the control unit 60 of the reception device 5 starts the following processing.

Step S11: The control unit 60 transmits the device information about the receiving device 5 and the registration information about the user stored in the registration information storage unit 58 to the broadcast station management server 4. Specifically, the control unit 60 includes the device type information of the receiving device 5 (device information about the receiving device 5), the IP address information allocated to the receiving device 5, and the user zip code information (user Registration information) is transmitted to the broadcast station management server 4. If the region specifying process shown in FIG. 10 has already been completed, a broadcast wave status acquisition table acquisition request is transmitted from the receiving device 5 to the broadcast station management server 4 in step S11, and broadcast station management is performed. The server 4 executes step S13.

Step S12: When the control unit 48 of the broadcast station management server 4 receives the information of step S11 from the receiving device 5 via the communication control unit 44, the region specifying process (validity of position information) of step S3 shown in FIG. Determination process).

Step S13: The control unit 48 creates a broadcast wave situation acquisition table that can be received in the area specified in step S12, and transmits the broadcast wave situation acquisition table to the receiving device 5. Specifically, the control unit 48 refers to the all broadcast station information DB 46 and creates a broadcast wave status acquisition table by listing all the “frequency” associated with the area specified by the “zip code”. The broadcast wave status acquisition table is transmitted to the receiving device 5.

Step S <b> 14: The control unit 60 of the receiving device 5 detects the broadcast wave reception status (reception sensitivity) from each broadcast station by the tuner 52 based on the broadcast wave status acquisition table transmitted from the broadcast station management server 4. Then, information about the broadcast wave status acquisition table including the detection result is transmitted to the broadcast station management server 4.

Step S15: The control unit 48 of the broadcast station management server 4 sends each broadcast station in which the reception status of each broadcast station 2 included in the broadcast wave status acquisition table transmitted in step S14 is stored in the all broadcast station information DB 46. Whether or not reception is possible is determined based on whether or not the “reception level” is reached, and whether or not content can be output in the reception device 5 is determined based on the reception availability. Specifically, the control unit 48 refers to the all broadcast station information DB 46 and the tuner IC information DB 47, and is a value obtained by multiplying the value indicating the reception sensitivity at the broadcast station 2 by the reception level calculation coefficient of the reception device 5. Is determined as to whether or not reception is possible depending on whether or not the value set as the reception level condition of the broadcasting station 2 has been reached, and provided from the broadcasting station portal server 3 corresponding to the broadcasting station 2 based on this determination. Judge whether the content can be distributed. That is, when the control unit 48 determines that the reception status of the broadcast station 2 has reached the value set as the reception level condition of the broadcast station 2 and is receivable, the control station 48 corresponds to the broadcast station 2. It is determined that the distribution of the content provided from the portal server 3 is permitted. If the distribution is not reached, it is determined that the distribution of the content provided from the broadcasting station portal server 3 corresponding to the broadcasting station 2 is not permitted. The control unit 48 executes this determination process for all broadcast stations 2 included in the broadcast wave status acquisition table.

Step S16: Furthermore, the control unit 48 determines that, in all the broadcasting stations 2 determined in Step S15, the broadcasting stations 2 determined to permit the output of the content are equal to or higher than a predetermined ratio (for example, in the broadcast wave status acquisition table). When it is determined that 50% or more of the included broadcast stations 2 permit output), it is determined that content output is permitted for all broadcast stations 2 included in the broadcast wave status acquisition table, and Broadcast wave condition acquisition table information including the determination result is notified to the receiving device 5, and the process is terminated (END). On the other hand, in all the broadcasting stations 2 determined in step S15, the control unit 60 determines that the broadcasting stations 2 determined not to permit content output are not equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (for example, included in the broadcast wave status acquisition table). When it is determined that 50% or more of the broadcasting stations 2 permit output, for example, when 30% is determined to permit output), the contents of all broadcasting stations 2 included in the broadcast wave status acquisition table are Is not permitted, and broadcast wave status acquisition table information including the determination result is notified to the receiving device 5, and the process is terminated (END). In addition, about the predetermined ratio mentioned above, you may set it as the same ratio uniformly with respect to all the broadcasting stations 2, and you may make it change and set a ratio for every predetermined area.

Step S17: The control unit 60 of the receiving device 5 receives the determination result information and ends the processing (END). Thereafter, the receiving device 5 can execute a content distribution request to the broadcast station portal server 3 corresponding to the broadcast station 2 based on the determination result information notified from the broadcast station management server 4.

Such a broadcast station management server 4 performs the determination process of step S16, so that the broadcast station 2 is originally within the broadcast range depending on the position of the broadcast station 2 and the reception environment in the building where the receiving device 5 is installed. Even if it is determined that reception from the broadcasting station 2 is not possible, if the determination result of the broadcasting station 2 included in the broadcast wave status acquisition table is receivable at a predetermined rate or more, the reception is performed. The apparatus 5 can permit the output of the content provided from the broadcast station portal server 3 corresponding to the broadcast station 2 that is estimated to be present in the broadcast range and determined to be unreceivable. On the other hand, since the frequencies of the broadcasting stations 2 in different regions happen to coincide with each other, the broadcasting station management server 4 is not allowed to output contents via the IP communication network 10 originally. When the reception status of the broadcast station 2 is determined, reception is determined to be possible, and even if a situation in which content output is permitted occurs, reception of other broadcast stations 2 included in the broadcast wave status acquisition table other than the broadcast station 2 Since the situation is significantly worse, it is assumed that the receiving device 5 does not exist within the broadcasting range of the broadcasting station 2, and determination is not made to permit the output of the content provided from the broadcasting station portal server 3 corresponding to the broadcasting station 2 It becomes possible to do. That is, the broadcast station management server 4 and the information distribution management method executed by the broadcast station management server 4 are cases where content distributed via a certain communication medium is provided via another different communication medium. Also, the content can be distributed appropriately.

(Content distribution processing)
Next, content distribution processing executed between the receiving device 5 and the broadcasting station portal server 3 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a content distribution process executed between the receiving device 5 and the broadcast station portal server 3 shown in FIG. Note that this process may be executed integrally with the output availability determination process shown in FIG. 11, or may be executed independently after the output availability determination process.

Step S21: The control unit 60 transmits the determination result information of the broadcast wave status acquisition table (steps S15 and S16 in FIG. 11) received from the broadcast station management server 4 by the content output permission determination process shown in FIG.

Step S22: The control unit 37 of the broadcasting station portal server 3 receives the determination result information of the broadcast wave status acquisition table in the receiving device 5 from the receiving device 5, and displays the content output availability result from the own broadcasting station portal server 3. Collation is performed to determine whether the content can be distributed. Prior to this step S22, the determination result information of the broadcast wave status acquisition table in the receiving device 5 is acquired in advance from the broadcast station management server 4, and the determination result information received from the receiving device 5 and the broadcast station management It is good also as a process collated with whether the determination result information received from the server 4 is in agreement.

Step S23: The control unit 37 distributes the content to the receiving device 5 when it is determined in step S22 that the content can be distributed.

Step S24: The control unit 60 of the receiving device 5 receives the content distributed from the broadcasting station portal server 3, outputs it to the display device 7 and the audio reproduction device 8, and ends the processing (END).

Such a receiving apparatus 5 executes the device authentication process shown in FIG. 9 and the output permission determination process shown in FIG. 10 with the broadcast station management server 4, and then, based on the determination result, the broadcast station portal. Since the content distribution process shown in FIG. 11 is executed with the server 3, even if the content distributed via a certain communication medium is provided via another different communication medium, The content can be distributed.

Further, by using the information distribution system 1 described above, the receiving device 5 side executes a process of specifying a region by declaring regional information called a zip code, and the receiving device 5 broadcasts on the broadcasting station management server 4 side. A broadcasting station portal that determines whether or not it exists in a receivable area and considers not only the reception sensitivity status of individual broadcasting stations 2 but also the reception sensitivity statuses of a plurality of broadcasting stations 2 that can be received in the area. Whether or not the content provided from the server 3 can be output is finally determined. In the information distribution system 1, the broadcast station management server 4, the information distribution method executed by the broadcast station management server 4, and the receiving device 5, there is no need to ask the Internet service provider to disclose personal information in the first place. Deliver the content appropriately even if the content distributed via a certain communication medium is provided via another different communication medium without using personal information excessively only by reporting regional information be able to.

(Notification processing, content distribution request processing, content distribution processing)
Next, a process in which the receiving device 5 notifies the PC 6 of distribution availability information, a content distribution request process executed by the PC 6, and a content distribution process executed by the broadcasting station portal server 3 will be described. 13 shows a process in which the receiving device 5 shown in FIG. 1 notifies the PC 6 of distribution availability information, a content distribution request process executed by the PC 6 shown in FIG. 1, and a content executed by the broadcasting station portal server 3 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a delivery process. Note that the process in which the receiving device 5 notifies the PC 6 of distribution availability information corresponds to the process from START to step S33, and the content distribution request process executed by the PC 6 corresponds to the process in step S34. The content distribution process executed by 3 corresponds to the process of step S35.

START: The receiving device 5 starts processing when the power of the receiving device 5 is turned on or this notification processing is instructed by the user operating the operation input unit 51.

Step S31: The control unit 60 of the receiving device 5 acquires position information related to the device itself. Here, a part or all of the postal code, the telephone number, the address, and the IP address of the installation location of the receiving device 5 is used as the position information. Note that these pieces of information may be previously set in the receiving device 5 by the user. The control unit 60 acquires the postal code, telephone number, address, and IP address of the installation location stored in the storage unit 67.

Step S32: The control unit 60 of the receiving device 5 acquires broadcast station information that can be received by the own device. Here, as the broadcast station information, the name for each broadcast station 2, the frequency for each broadcast station 2, the reception level of the frequency, and part or all of the received date / time information are used. The receiving device 5 acquires the broadcast station information stored in the registration information storage unit 58 at the timing of this step S32. However, if the above-described broadcast station information is not stored, a new reception status detection unit is obtained. The broadcast station information may be detected and acquired by 57. As for the reception level, if the reception device 5 having different performance is used for each model, the reception sensitivity is naturally different and cannot be compared uniformly. Therefore, in order to be able to compare the reception level of each broadcasting station 2 in common for each model of the receiving device 5, data measured in advance for each broadcasting station 2 and a conversion coefficient capable of comparing the data in common are stored. The conversion table (corresponding to the tuner IC information DB 47 included in the broadcasting station management server 4) may be provided.

Step S33: The control unit 60 of the receiving device 5 notifies the PC 6 of the data acquired in Step S31 and Step S32. Date and time information may be added to the information to be notified. Note that the processing order of step S31 and step S32 may be reversed, or the processing may be performed in parallel. Note that other timings for notifying the data in step S33 include when the receiving device 5 makes a content distribution request to the broadcasting station portal server 3 and when the receiving device 5 is receiving content from the broadcasting station 2. When the user switches the viewing channel by operating the operation input unit 51, when there is a request for acquisition of distribution availability information from the PC 6, the constant when the receiving device 5 receives content from the broadcast station 2 It may be every interval (for example, every 2 hours, every 3 hours, etc.). In addition, the receiving device 5 can notify the information acquired in steps S31 and S32 in the same LAN other than a specific terminal set in advance such as a PC 6 installed in the same LAN as the receiving device 5. Broadcast may be performed so as to notify all devices connected to the. Note that the same LAN configuration as the receiving device 5 may be configured by short-range wireless such as BlueTooth, regardless of whether it is wired or wireless.

Step S34: Upon receiving the notification from the receiving device 5 in step S33, the control unit 66 of the PC 6 registers the position information and broadcasting station information of the receiving device 5 in the storage unit 67 as distribution availability information.

Step S35: The control unit 66 of the PC 6 transmits a content distribution request to the broadcast station portal server 3 based on the registered distribution availability information. The control unit 66 of the PC 6 provides an expiration date (for example, 6 hours from the issue date) when the issue date / time information is included in the delivery permission / inhibition information, and determines whether or not the expiration date has passed, If it has elapsed, a delivery permission / inhibition information acquisition request may be transmitted to the receiving device 5, and the delivery permission / inhibition information may be acquired again.

Step S36: The control unit 37 of the broadcasting station portal server 3 starts content distribution processing to the PC 6 based on the content distribution request from the PC 6. The control unit 37 refers to the distribution availability information included in the content distribution request, and determines whether or not the content can be distributed based on the reception availability of the broadcasting station 2 corresponding to the own device. For example, the control unit 37 refers to a flag indicating whether or not content distribution is possible (permitted or not permitted) in the distribution permission information, and determines whether or not distribution is possible. Alternatively, when the reception level of the broadcasting station 2 is added to the distribution availability information, the control unit 37 refers to the reception level condition in the tuner IC information DB 36 and determines the distribution availability. In addition, in step S36, when the broadcast station portal server 3 includes the issue date / time of the distribution availability information included in the distribution availability information transmitted by the PC 6, the issue date / time is included in the expiration date in addition to the determination described above. It is further determined whether or not (for example, 6 hours from the issue date and time) has passed, and if it has passed, the PC 6 is notified so as to acquire the distribution availability information from the receiving device 5 again. Also good.

Step S37: The control unit 66 of the PC 6 receives the content distributed from the broadcasting station portal server 3, outputs it to the video / audio output unit 68, and ends the processing (END).

As described above, the information distribution system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the receiving device 5 that is permitted to distribute the content provided by the broadcast station portal server 3 according to the reception status of the broadcast station 2, and the receiving device. 5, the reception status of the broadcast station 2 and its own position information cannot be detected based on the broadcast station information detected in 5, but the content of the content provided by the broadcast station portal server 3 based on the distribution availability information notified from the receiving device 5. PC6 with which distribution is permitted.

In the content distribution method disclosed in Patent Document 1, distribution outside the broadcast target area of the broadcast station 2 is restricted. For example, a radio program cannot be listened to by IP radio broadcast outside the broadcast target area. However, the receiving device 5 according to the present embodiment can appropriately receive the content provided by the broadcast station portal server 3 according to the actual reception status of the broadcast station 2.

Further, as described above, the function of detecting the reception status for each broadcasting station 2 and the function of detecting the position information like the receiving device 5 by generating the distribution availability information from the receiving device 5 and notifying the PC 6 of the information. Even with the PC 6 that is not provided, the content provided by the broadcast station portal server 3 can be easily and appropriately received only by notifying the broadcast station portal server 3 of only the distribution availability information.

The information distribution system 1 has been described above as an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the receiving device 5 is configured to generate distribution availability information regarding a plurality of broadcasting stations 2 based on the position information of the receiving device 5, but obtains distribution availability information by designating a specific broadcasting station 2 from the PC 6. When the request is transmitted, the distribution availability information only for the broadcasting station 2 designated by the acquisition request may be generated, and the distribution availability information may be transmitted to the PC 6.

In addition, the distribution availability information according to the embodiment of the present invention is generated to indicate whether distribution is possible in each broadcasting station 2, but in addition, it is determined that the broadcasting stations 2 of a predetermined ratio or more in a predetermined area can be received. When this is done, information for permitting distribution of content provided from the broadcast station portal server 3 corresponding to all broadcast stations 2 in the predetermined area may be generated. Specifically, for example, when the ratio of AM station receivable stations within a predetermined area is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio, or when the ratio of FM station receivable stations within a predetermined area is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio, Distribution of content provided from the broadcast station portal server 3 corresponding to all the broadcast stations 2 may be permitted.

Furthermore, when it is determined that a specific broadcast station 2 is receivable among the broadcast stations 2 that are targets for generating the distribution availability information, the reception status of other broadcast stations 2 may be taken into consideration. Instead, it may be generated as distribution permission / prohibition information for permitting distribution of content provided from the broadcast station portal server 3 corresponding to all broadcast stations 2 in a predetermined area. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that a broadcast station 2 (for example, a community broadcast station) whose broadcast range is limited to an extremely narrow area compared to other broadcast stations 2 can be received. May generate distribution permission information for permitting distribution of content provided from the broadcast station portal server 3 corresponding to all broadcast stations 2 in a predetermined area.

In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the reception sensitivity is detected by the electric field reception intensity as a method of detecting the reception sensitivity of the broadcast station 2 in the reception device 5, but other reception error rates can be detected. A reception error rate detection circuit (not shown) is provided in the receiving device 5 so that a detection signal is generated when a predetermined reference value is exceeded from the reception error rate detection circuit. You may make it transmit to the management server 4. FIG. In the case of the method of detecting the reception sensitivity of the broadcast station 2 based on the reception error rate, the standard reception error rate within the broadcast range of the broadcast station 2 is used in the entire broadcast station information DB 46 of the broadcast station management server 4. Is stored in advance, and in the tuner IC information DB 47, a reception error rate multiplication coefficient for each receiving device 5 is stored in advance, and output enable / disable determination is performed based on these information.

Further, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the distribution availability information transmitted from the receiving device 5 to the PC 6 is transmitted in plain text. In addition, the distribution availability information is used to prevent eavesdropping and unauthorized tampering. May be encrypted. Furthermore, in order to prevent identity verification, counterfeiting, etc., the receiving device 5 may execute a digital signature by public key cryptography on the distribution availability information and transmit it to the PC 6.

Further, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the distribution availability information generated by the distribution availability information generation unit 59 includes the position information and broadcasting station information of the receiving device 5 stored in the registration information storage unit 58, and the broadcast. It is assumed that the date and time information at which the station information is generated is included, but only the date and time information and the name of the broadcast station 2 permitted to receive may be used. In the case of such distribution enable / disable information, the broadcast station portal server 3 side can appropriately distribute to the PC 6 only by determining whether or not the own broadcast station 2 is permitted. .

In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the client server type network method for downloading content from the broadcasting station portal server 3 is adopted. However, a P2P (Peer To Peer) type network method may be adopted. . In this case, the content request for the broadcast station portal server 3 is broadcasted to the broadcast station portal server 3 or the broadcast station management server 4 included in the information distribution system 1 as a search query, and information indicating the reception status is transmitted. Only when the information indicating the reception status satisfies the reference value, the information of the peer (computer) holding the content may be transmitted and the content may be downloaded from the peer.

Moreover, all or a part of the functions provided in each device described in the above-described embodiments and modifications is configured by a program, and the functions provided in each device described above by installing this program in an information processing device (computer). It may be realized. In particular, all or part of the functions of the receiving device 5 described in the above-described embodiments and modifications are configured by programs, and the above-described receiving device 5 is installed by installing these programs in an information processing device (computer). It may be realized. Note that these programs can be directly installed on a computer from a medium recorded in an executable state, but may be installed on a remote computer via a network. Even if such a program is a terminal that cannot detect the reception sensitivity of a broadcasting station, such as the receiving device 5, it can appropriately receive content provided in a limited area.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information delivery system, 2 ... Broadcast station, 3 ... Broadcast station portal server (an example of an information delivery apparatus), 4 ... Broadcast station management server, 5 ... Receiving device (1st Example of information transmission / reception device), 6 ... PC (example of second information transmission / reception device), 7 ... Display device, 8 ... Audio reproduction device, 10 ... IP communication network (What are broadcast waves?) An example of different communication media), 21 ... content stream creation unit, 22 ... EPG information creation unit, 23 ... data broadcast creation unit, 24 ... MUX unit, 25 ... broadcast content DB, 26 ... broadcast schedule DB, 27 ... data broadcast content DB, 28 ... control unit, 29 ... storage unit, 31 ... transmission availability determination unit, 32 ... content generation unit ( Example of content distribution unit of information distribution apparatus), 33... Communication control unit, 34 ... broadcast station information DB, 35 ... content DB, 36 ... tuner IC information DB, 37 ... control unit, 38 ... storage unit, 41 ... device authentication unit , 42 ... Area identification processing unit, 43 ... Output availability determination unit, 44 ... Communication control unit, 45 ... Location information conversion DB, 46 ... All broadcast station information DB, 47 ... Tuner IC information DB, 48... Control unit, 49... Storage unit, 51 .. operation input unit, 52... Tuner (an example of a broadcast wave receiving unit of the first information transmitting / receiving device), 53. ..DEMUX section, 54... Decoding section, 55... Video / audio output section, 56... Network connection section (an example of the transmission section of the first information transmitting / receiving device), 57. , 58... Registered information storage unit (an example of a storage unit of the first information transmitting / receiving device) , 59... Distribution availability information generation unit (an example of a delivery availability information generation unit of the first information transmitting / receiving device), 60... Control unit, 61. Information request unit, 63 ... Distribution availability information registration unit, 64 ... Content distribution request unit (an example of a content distribution request unit of the second information transmitting / receiving device), 65 ... Communication control unit (second information) Example of distribution availability information receiving unit of transmission / reception device), 66... Control unit, 67... Storage unit (an example of position information storage unit of second information transmission / reception device), 68.

Claims

A first information transmission / reception device that receives a broadcast wave from a broadcast station, an information distribution device that distributes content via a communication medium different from the broadcast wave, and requests content distribution by communicating with the information distribution device In an information distribution system comprising a second information transmitting / receiving device,
The first information transmitting / receiving device includes:
A broadcast wave receiver for receiving broadcast waves from the broadcast station;
A broadcast wave reception determination unit for determining whether the broadcast wave is within the broadcast range of the broadcast station according to the broadcast wave reception status;
Based on the determination result of the broadcast wave reception determination section, a distribution permission / inhibition information generation section that generates distribution permission / inhibition information indicating whether or not predetermined content can be received;
A permission information transmission unit that transmits the distribution permission information to a predetermined network range or a specific terminal;
With
The second information transmitting / receiving device includes:
A delivery permission / reception information receiving unit that receives the delivery permission / rejection information transmitted by the first information transmitting / receiving device;
A content distribution request unit configured to request distribution of the content via another communication medium different from the broadcast wave from the broadcast station, based on the distribution availability information;
With
The information distribution device
In response to the distribution request from the second information transmission / reception device, the second information transmission / reception device is provided with content superimposed on a broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station or content related to the content. An information distribution system comprising: a content distribution unit that performs the communication via the other communication medium.
The information distribution system according to claim 1,
The distribution permission / inhibition information generation unit of the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus receives reception permission information indicating that predetermined content can be received when the determination by the broadcast wave reception determination unit is within the broadcast range of the broadcast station. Generate and
The availability information transmitting unit transmits the reception permission information to a predetermined network range or a specific terminal.
The information distribution system according to claim 1 or 2,
The distribution permission information or the reception permission information includes location information where the first information transmission / reception device is installed, time information when the reception condition is determined by the broadcast wave reception determination unit, and broadcast station information that identifies the broadcast station , A reception level, and a part or all of the terminal ID of the first information transmitting / receiving apparatus.
The information distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The information distribution device further includes a content distribution permission determination unit that determines whether the content can be distributed based on the distribution permission information or the reception permission information transmitted from the content distribution request unit of the second information transmitting / receiving device. An information distribution system comprising:
A broadcast wave receiver for receiving broadcast waves from a broadcast station;
A broadcast wave reception determination unit for determining whether the broadcast wave is within the broadcast range of the broadcast station according to the broadcast wave reception status;
Based on the determination result of the broadcast wave reception determination section, a distribution permission / inhibition information generation section that generates distribution permission / inhibition information indicating whether or not predetermined content can be received;
A permission information transmission unit that transmits the distribution permission information to a predetermined network range or a specific terminal;
An information transmitting / receiving apparatus comprising:
The information transmitting / receiving apparatus according to claim 5,
The distribution availability information includes location information where the device is installed, time information when the reception condition is determined by the broadcast wave reception determination unit, broadcast station information identifying the broadcast station, reception level, terminal ID of the device, An information transmitting / receiving apparatus characterized in that a part or all of the information is included.
An information transmission / reception method executed by an information transmission / reception apparatus having a broadcast wave reception unit, a broadcast wave reception determination unit, a distribution availability information generation unit, and an availability information transmission unit,
The broadcast receiving unit receiving a broadcast wave from a broadcast station;
Determining whether the broadcast wave reception determination unit is within the broadcast range of the broadcast station according to the reception status of the broadcast wave;
The step of generating the distribution availability information indicating whether or not the predetermined content can be received based on the determination result of the broadcast wave reception determination unit;
A step of transmitting the availability information transmitting unit to a predetermined network range or a specific terminal;
An information transmission / reception method comprising:
Computer
Broadcast wave receiving means for receiving broadcast waves from a broadcasting station,
Broadcast wave reception determination means for determining whether the broadcast wave is within the broadcast range of the broadcast station according to the broadcast wave reception status;
Based on the determination result of the broadcast wave reception determination means, distribution permission information generation means for generating distribution permission information indicating whether or not the predetermined content can be received;
Availability information transmission means for transmitting the delivery availability information to a predetermined network range or a specific terminal;
Program to function as.