Patent Grant
6986159
The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 10-293539 filed on Oct. 15, 1998 including specification, claims, drawings and summary are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital broadcast system and more particularly, to a system which allows for changing the content elements interactively in response to the viewer operation.
2. Description of the Related Art
0. Outline of the Satellite Broadcast System
First, the outline of the satellite broadcast system is to be described.
0.1. Radio Wave Transmission Status in the Satellite Broadcast
0.2. Configuration of Transmitter
As shown in
Video/audio data ES11, ES12, ES13, and ES14 of the services SV11, SV12, SV13, and SV14 are provided to the transmitter 1. The transmitter 1 converts these video/audio data ES11, ES12, ES13, and ES14 into packets for multiplexing. The transmitter 1 also generates control data for multiplexing packets. The control data for multiplexing packets are employed for discriminating correctly video/audio data of a plurality of services in packets processed by time division. Packetized and multiplexed video/audio data (Contents) are transmitted as transport streams together with control data.
0.3. Configuration of Transport Stream
As shown in
Furthermore, control data NIT, PAT, PMT1, PMT2, PMT3, and PMT4 for packet multiplexing are multiplexed. Video/audio data of each of the multiplexed services SV11, SV12, SV13, and SV14 can be separated by the control data. Packetization is carried out as shown with a vertical line 18a of
The packet ID of the video/audio data [500] of the service SV12 is described in the control data PMT2. Accordingly, the packet ID of the video/audio data [500] of the service SV12 can be known by obtaining the contents of the control data PMT2. This control data PMT2 is also packetized and provided with PID512. In the figure, though one packet is schematically shown, the control data PMT2 is also time-divided and transmitted in a number of packets.
The packet ID of the control data PMT2 is described in the control data PAT. Accordingly, the packet ID of the control data PMT2 of the service SV12 can be known by obtaining the contents of the control data PAT. This control data PAT is also packetized and provided with PID522. Incidentally, the control data PAT has the description of packet IDs of PMT1, PMT2, PMT3, and PMT4 of services SV11, SV12, SV13, and SV14, which are multiplexed in the transport stream TS1.
A transport stream has control data and video/audio data which are packetized and associated as in the foregoing. Thus, in order to identify the services multiplexed in a transport stream, the control data PAT must be obtained first. For this reason, the packet ID of the control data PAT is fixed to a predetermined value (000 in hexadecimal notation, designated hereinafter x0000.
Incidentally, transmission parameters (such as frequency) of each of the transport streams TS1, TS2, and TS3, and kinds of services multiplexed in each of the streams are described in the control data NIT (see
0.4. Configuration of Receiver
Incidentally, MPU 28 sets the packet ID of the video/audio data ES of the desired service to the transport decoder 26. This allows the transport decoder 26 to output the video/audio data ES of said service. In addition, in the case where the packet ID of control data is set to the transport decoder 26, the separated control data is given to the MPU 28.
Assuming that the service SV33 of the transport stream TS3 is being received, the operation to be performed in the case where the command of switching to the service SV12 of the transport stream TS1 is given to the MPU 28 is to be explained below. First, the MPU 28 controls the transport decoder (that is, by setting the packet ID of the control data NIT) to take NIT in. The description of the NIT teaches that the service SV12 desired for reception has been multiplexed in the transport stream TS1 (see
Then, the MPU 28 controls the tuner 22 to receive the transport stream TS1. Moreover, the MPU 28 controls the transport decoder 26 to obtain the PAT and PMT2, obtaining the packet IDs of the video data ES (V) 2 and the audio data ES (A) 2 of the desired service SV12 (see arrowsαandβof
Subsequently, the MPU 28 sets these packet IDs to the transport decoder 26 to allow the transport decoder 26 to output the video data ES (V) 2 and the audio data ES (A) 2 of the desired service SV12. As mentioned above, services are switched for reception.
However, in the aforementioned prior art broadcast system, viewers at the receiver side were not allowed to change the contents of a program interactively by their own operation. For example, in the program broadcasting weather forecast viewers were not allowed to cause a forecast of a particular region to appear on the screen or switch to a screen of a weekly forecast by the viewers own operation.
In view of the foregoing, the object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcast system which allows viewers to change the contents of programs interactively by their own operation as if two-way communications are interactively performed using video information and the like transmitted one way from a broadcast station. Another object is to provide quick processing at the receiver side in such a digital broadcast system, and to record such a program as is interactively broadcast.
(1) The broadcast system of the present invention is a digital broadcast system which allows a transmitter to broadcast a set of linked content elements, a receiver to select a content element from a set of transmitted content elements for output, and a viewer to switch to a content element selected in response to an operation input by the viewer, the digital broadcast system comprising the following transmitter and receiver.
The broadcast system transmits said sets of content elements repeatedly with a plurality of content elements as one set, and transmits repeatedly one or more navigation control data for controlling to determine which of a plurality of content elements to output.
The receiver comprises
Said sets of content elements with a plurality of content elements as one set and one or more navigation control data for controlling to determine which of a plurality of content elements to output are repeatedly transmitted, thereby allowing the receiving side to select content elements in accordance with the navigation control data and output the same. Additionally, a set of navigation control data and a set of content elements are recorded, whereby interactive service contents can be recorded and reproduced with less capacity needed for recording.
(2) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that the transmitter transmits sets of content elements as elementary streams to which a series of sequential information is attached, and transmits repeatedly fetched control data which fetches each of the content elements from said elementary streams in accordance with said series of information with the fetch control data associated with the content elements; and the restoring portion of the receiver fetches a target content element from the elementary streams in accordance with the series of information of said fetch control data in the receiving mode and recording mode.
Therefore, content elements can be transmitted using elementary streams. Additionally at the receiving side, content elements can be fetched from elementary streams in accordance with fetch control data.
(3) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that time information is utilized as the series of information, and the content elements are dynamic video image data or audio data which are sliced in said elementary streams in accordance with a start time and termination time of said time information.
Therefore, dynamic image data or audio data can be fetched using the time information multiplexed in elementary streams as the series of information for fetching content elements.
(4) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that time information is utilized as the series of information, and the content elements are still video image data which are sliced in said elementary streams in accordance with said time information.
Therefore, still video image data can be fetched using the time information multiplexed in elementary streams as the series of information for fetching content elements.
(5) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that the transmitter associates a content element list which shows a list of content elements included in the sets of content elements with the sets of content elements and transmits the content element list, and the restoring portion of the receiver determines whether or not all content elements included in the sets of content elements have been recorded, in accordance with said content element list in the recording mode.
Therefore, at the receiver side, it is easily determined whether or not all content elements are recorded.
(6) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that the transmitter associates a navigation list which shows a list of navigation control data included in the sets of navigation control data with the sets of navigation control data and transmits the navigation list, and the restoring portion of the receiver determines whether or not all navigation control data included in the sets of the navigation data have been recorded, in accordance with said navigation list in the recording mode.
Therefore, at the receiver side, it is easily determined whether or not all navigation data are recorded.
(7) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that the transmitter attaches an expiration date to a set of content elements or a set of fetch control data for transmission thereof, and the restoring portion of the receiver associates said expiration date with a set of content elements for recording thereof in the recording mode, and does not output said set of content elements if said expiration date has expired or outputs the same together with information that said expiration date has expired, in the reproducing mode.
Therefore, the reproduced contents of a whole set of content elements can be controlled in accordance with the expiration date intended by the broadcasting side, when the recorded content elements are restored.
(8) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that the transmitter attaches an expiration date to content elements or fetch control data for transmission thereof, and the restoring portion of the receiver associates said expiration date with content elements for recording thereof in the recording mode, and does not output said content elements if said expiration date has expired or outputs the same together with information that said expiration date has expired, in the reproducing mode.
Therefore, the reproduced contents of individual content elements can be controlled in accordance with the expiration date intended by the broadcasting side, when the recorded content elements are restored.
(9) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that the expiration date is included in a content element list or a navigation list for transmission thereof.
(16) The digital broadcast receiver of the present invention is characterized in that the restoring portion fetches all target fetch control data without specifying which fetch control data to fetch, and records content elements in sequence in the order of obtaining fetch control data, in the recording mode.
Therefore, all content elements can be fetched more quickly compared with the case where fetch control data are sequentially specified and fetched. That is, time for recording processing can be shortened.
(17) The digital broadcast receiver of the present invention is characterized in that the restoring portion fetches all target navigation control data without specifying which navigation control data to fetch, and records navigation control data in sequence in the order of obtaining navigation control data, in the recording mode.
Therefore, all navigation control data can be fetched more quickly compared with the case where navigation control data are sequentially specified and fetched. That is, time for recording processing can be shortened.
(18) The digital broadcast receiver of the present invention is characterized in that the restoring portion in the recording mode fetches all target fetch control data without specifying which fetch control data to fetch, and records content elements in sequence in the order of obtaining fetch control data while a number of unrecorded fetch control data remains, and when a small number of unrecorded fetch control data remains, specifies said unrecorded fetch control data in order to be fetched and recorded.
In the case where a small number of unrecorded fetch control data remains, said unrecorded fetch control data are specified and fetched, thereby allowing for avoiding fetching recorded fetch control data in vain. That is, the time for recording processing can be shortened.
(19) The digital broadcast receiver of the present invention is characterized in that the restoring portion in the recording mode fetches all target navigation control data without specifying which navigation control data to fetch, and records content elements in sequence in the order of obtaining navigation control data while a number of unrecorded navigation control data remains, and when a small number of unrecorded navigation control data remains, specifies said unrecorded navigation control data in order to be fetched and recorded.
In the case where a small number of unrecorded navigation control data remains, said unrecorded fetch control data are specified and fetched, thereby allowing for avoiding fetching recorded navigation control data in vain. That is, the time for recording processing can be shortened.
(22) The digital broadcast recorder of the present invention is a digital broadcast recorder for recording digital broadcast which allows a viewer to switch to content elements selected in response to an operation input by the viewer, the digital broadcast recorder comprising a receiving portion for receiving transmitted data, and a recording portion which fetches a target content element from elementary streams in accordance with fetch control data for identifying content elements with a series of sequential information attached thereto in accordance with said series of information, and which restores a set of content elements for recording thereof and as well records a set of navigation control data.
Recording is performed for a set of content elements and a set of navigation control data, whereby interactive service contents can be recorded and reproduced with less capacity needed for recording. Moreover, recorded contents can be readily re-used by computers or the like.
(27) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is a digital broadcast system which allows a transmitter to broadcast a set of content elements linked to one another by descriptions of the content elements themselves, a receiver to select a content element from a set of transmitted content elements for output, and a viewer to switch to a content element selected in response to an operation input by the viewer; the digital broadcast system comprising the following transmitter and receiver.
Said transmitter transmits said sets of content elements repeatedly with a plurality of content elements as one set; and
A set of content elements linked to one another by descriptions of the content elements themselves is transmitted, thereby allowing for selecting and outputting content elements at the receiving side in accordance with descriptions of the content elements themselves. In addition, a set of content elements are recorded, whereby interactive service contents can be recorded and reproduced with less capacity needed for recording.
(29) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is a digital broadcast system which allows a transmitter to broadcast a set of linked content elements, a receiver to select a content element from a set of transmitted content elements for output, and a viewer to switch to a content element selected in response to an operation input by the viewer; the digital broadcast system comprising the following transmitter and receiver.
Said sets of content elements with a plurality of content elements as one set and one or more navigation control data for controlling to determine which of a plurality of content elements to output are transmitted repeatedly, thereby allowing for selecting and outputting content elements at the receiving side in accordance with navigation control data. Moreover, other content elements are restored and recorded in advance in parallel to restoring and outputting content elements to be outputted, and the recorded content elements are used to output said other content elements. This allows content elements to be switched in a short time, and thus a quick response to the viewer operation can be provided. Moreover, this allows for using content elements transmitted repeatedly in the case of a receiver with small recording capacity available, while allowing for using recorded content elements in the case of large capacity available. That is, a compatible and interactive broadcast can be implemented regardless of the recording capacity of the receiver. Additionally, the processing speed can be improved in accordance with the recording capacity of the receiver.
(35) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that the transmitter attaches an associated expiration date or a version to a whole set of content elements or an individual content element for transmission thereof, and the restoring portion of the receiver associates said expiration date or version with a whole set of content elements or an individual content element for recording, and performs optimization processing in accordance with said expiration date or version.
Therefore, this prevents out-of-date information from being outputted to allow up-to-date information to be acquired in accordance with the expiration date and version of the content elements recorded.
(36) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that the optimization processing performed by the restoring portion of the receiver causes, in the case where desired content elements determined in accordance with the operator operation have already been written, the recorded content elements not to be outputted or to be outputted together with the information that the expiration date has expired, when the expiration date of said content elements has expired or if the version is not up to date.
Therefore, this can prevent out-of-date information from being reproduced. Moreover, it can be shown that the reproduced information is out of date.
(37) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that the optimization processing performed by the restoring portion of the receiver causes, in the case where desired content elements determined in accordance with the operator operation have already been written, the recorded content elements not to be outputted, and allows for selecting a desired content element from a transmitted set of content elements to restore and output the same, when the expiration date of said content elements has expired or if the version is not up to date.
Therefore, this can prevent out-of-date information from being outputted but allows up-to-date information to be outputted even at the time of reproducing recorded information.
(38) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that the optimization processing performed by the restoring portion of the receiver performs comparison between a version transmitted associated with content elements and a version already recorded or a comparison between current date and time and expiration date already recorded, and, if the expiration date has expired or the version is not up to date, then allows again for restoring transmitted content elements for recording thereof.
Therefore, this allows recorded content elements to be updated. Incidentally, a comparison of expiration date may be carried out periodically or at the time when said set of content elements is or said content elements are selected.
(39) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that the transmitter transmits information regarding whether or not a new set of content elements or content elements having a subsequent version or subsequent expiration date is to be transmitted, associated with a whole set of content elements or individual content elements.
Therefore, this allows for readily determining whether new content elements are to be transmitted, at the receiver side.
(59) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is a digital broadcast system which allows a transmitter to broadcast a set of content elements linked to one another by descriptions of the content elements themselves, a receiver to select a content element from a set of transmitted content elements for output, and a viewer to switch to a content element selected in response to an operation input by the viewer; the digital broadcast system comprising the following transmitter and receiver,
A set of content elements linked to one another by descriptions of the content elements themselves, thereby allowing for selecting and outputting content elements at the receiving side in accordance with descriptions of the content elements themselves. Moreover, other content elements are restored and recorded in advance in parallel to restoring and outputting content elements to be outputted, and the recorded content elements are used to output said other content elements. This allows content elements to be switched in a short time, and thus a quick response to the viewer operation can be provided. Moreover, this allows for using content elements transmitted repeatedly in the case of a receiver with small recording capacity available, while allowing for using recorded content elements in the case of large capacity available. That is, a compatible and interactive broadcast can be implemented regardless of the recording capacity of the receiver. Additionally, the processing speed can be improved in accordance with the recording capacity of the receiver.
(61) The digital broadcast system of the present invention is characterized in that the transmitter transmits recording process information that is basis for judging whether or not the recording process should be carried out at receiver side, associated with a whole set of content elements, individual content elements, a whole set of navigation control data or individual navigation control data. Therefore, this allows for readily determining whether the recording process should be carried out, at the receiver side. The term recording process information contains recording necessity information that show whether the recording process is necessary or not, expiration information that show expiration of the information and frequency information of revising version that show frequency of version revise.
The receiver according to the present invention has also the following configurations and features.
1. A digital broadcast receiver which receives a digital broadcast transmitting repeatedly a plurality of video image data, the digital broadcast receiver characterized in that said digital broadcast data is a multiplexed stream; said video image data is included in either one video image stream or a plurality of video image streams multiplexed in a multiplexed stream; said video image data is provided with video image stream identification information of an identifier in the multiplexed stream of a video image stream in which the video image data is included, and with reproduction time information for reproducing itself; moreover, in said multiplexed stream, video image correspondence tables are multiplexed which are associated with corresponding video image data one to one; said video image correspondence table has descriptions of a video image correspondence table identifier showing that the table itself is a video image correspondence table in the multiplexed stream, of a video image data identifier for uniquely identifying corresponding video image data, of video image stream identification information including corresponding video image data, and the reproduction start time and reproduction termination time of corresponding video image data; the video image correspondence tables being transmitted repeatedly as well as video image data; moreover, all video image data management tables are multiplexed in said multiplexed stream; said all video image data management tables have descriptions of information relating to an all video image data management table identifiers for identifying the table itself to be an all video image data management table in a multiplexed stream, and relating to a video image data identifier of all video image data included in a multiplexed stream, the all video image data management table being repeatedly transmitted; said digital broadcast receiver comprises a receiving portion, an extracting portion, a reception control portion, and a memory portion; said receiving portion receives said multiplexed streams; said memory portion comprises a video image data memory portion for storing video image data, an all video image data management table memory portion for storing all video image data management tables, and a video image correspondence table memory portion for storing video image correspondence tables; said extracting portion comprises a video image stream extracting portion for extracting a video image data stream, consistent with set extracting conditions, from a multiplexed stream received at said receiving portion, a video image correspondence table extracting portion for extracting video image correspondence tables consistent with set extracting conditions, and an all video image data management table extracting portion for extracting all video image data management tables consistent with set extracting conditions; said reception control portion controls said receiving portion so as to receive multiplexed streams, and with the all video image data management table identifiers as an extracting condition, said reception control portion controls said extracting portion so as to extract an all video image data management table and store the same in an all video image data management table memory portion; as storage process of video image data after an all video image data management table has been stored in the all video image data management table memory portion, said reception control portion controls said extracting portion so as to extract a video image correspondence table and store the same in the video image correspondence table memory portion with a video image correspondence table identifier as an extracting condition; each time any one of video image correspondence tables is extracted from a multiplexed stream and stored in the video image correspondence table memory portion, said reception control portion reads out said video image correspondence table, and acquires a video image data identifier, video image stream identifier, reproduction start time, and reproduction termination time in order to control the extracting portion so as to extract a video image stream identifier with said video stream identifier as an extracting condition; those video image data of which reproduction time information of the extracted video image stream falls within the range of said reproduction start time and said reproduction termination time are stored in the video image memory portion as video image data corresponding to the video image data identifier; and said reception control portion repeats storage process of said video image data until storage of all video image data corresponding to the video image data identifier described in the all video image data management table has been completed.
2. The receiver is characterized in that said reception control portion does not perform overlapped storage process of the same video image data after a video image correspondence table including a video image data identifier for identifying video image data stored in the video image data memory portion has already been extracted.
3. A digital broadcast receiver which receives digital broadcast transmitting repeatedly of a plurality of audio data, the digital broadcast receiver characterized in that said digital broadcast data is a multiplexed stream; said audio data is included in either one audio stream or a plurality of audio streams multiplexed in a multiplexed stream; said audio data is provided with audio stream identification information of an identifier in the multiplexed stream of an audio stream in which audio data is included, and with reproduction time information for reproducing itself; moreover, in said multiplexed stream, audio correspondence tables are multiplexed which are associated with corresponding audio data one to one; said audio correspondence table has descriptions of an audio correspondence table identifier showing that the table itself is an audio correspondence table in the multiplexed stream, of an audio data identifier for uniquely identifying corresponding audio data, of audio stream identification information including corresponding audio data, and the reproduction start time and reproduction termination time of corresponding audio data; the audio correspondence tables being transmitted repeatedly as well as audio data; moreover, all audio data management tables are multiplexed in said multiplexed stream; said all audio data management table has descriptions of information relating to an all video image data management table identifier for showing the table itself to be an all audio data management table in a multiplexed stream, and relating to an audio data identifier of all audio data included in a multiplexed stream, the all audio data management table being repeatedly transmitted; said digital broadcast receiver comprises a receiving portion, an extracting portion, a reception control portion, and a memory portion; said receiving portion receives said multiplexed streams; said memory portion comprises an audio data memory portion for storing audio data, an all audio data management table memory portion for storing all audio data management tables, and an audio correspondence table memory portion for storing audio correspondence tables; said extracting portion comprises an audio stream extracting portion for extracting an audio stream, consistent with set extracting conditions, from a multiplexed stream received at said receiving portion, an audio correspondence table extracting portion for extracting audio correspondence tables consistent with set extracting conditions, and an all audio data management table extracting portion for extracting all audio data management tables consistent with set extracting conditions; said reception control portion controls said receiving portion so as to receive multiplexed streams, and with the all audio data management table identifier as an extracting condition, said reception control portion controls said extracting portion so as to extract an all audio data management table and store the same in an all audio data management table memory portion; as storage process of audio data after an all audio data management table has been stored in the all audio data management table memory portion, said reception control portion controls said extracting portion so as to extract an audio correspondence table and store the same in the audio correspondence table memory portion with an audio correspondence table identifier as an extracting condition; each time any one of audio correspondence tables is extracted from a multiplexed stream and stored in the audio correspondence table memory portion, said reception control portion reads out said audio correspondence table, and acquires an audio data identifier, audio stream identifier, reproduction start time, and reproduction termination time in order to control the extracting portion so as to extract an audio stream identifier with said video stream identifier as an extracting condition; those audio data of which reproduction time information of the extracted audio stream falls within the range of said reproduction start time and said reproduction termination time are stored in the audio memory portion as audio data corresponding to the audio data identifier; and said reception control portion repeats storage process of said audio data until storage of all audio data corresponding to the audio data identifier described in the all audio data management table has been completed.
4. A digital broadcast receiver which receives digital broadcast transmitting repeatedly a plurality of control information tables for implementing interactive processing with users and video image data corresponding to the control information tables;
5. A digital broadcast receiver which receives digital broadcast transmitting repeatedly a plurality of control information tables for implementing interactive processing with users, and video image data and audio data corresponding to the control information tables;
6. A digital broadcast receiver which receives digital broadcast transmitting repeatedly a plurality of video image data, the digital broadcast receiver characterized in that said digital broadcast data is a multiplexed stream; said video image data is included in either one video image stream or a plurality of video image streams multiplexed in a multiplexed stream; said video image data is provided with video image stream identification information of an identifier in the multiplexed stream of a video image stream in which audio data is included, and with reproduction time information for reproducing itself; moreover, in said multiplexed stream, audio correspondence tables are multiplexed which are associated with corresponding video image data one to one; said video image correspondence table has descriptions of a video image correspondence table identifier showing that the table itself is a video image correspondence table in the multiplexed stream, of a video image data identifier for uniquely identifying corresponding video image data, of video image stream identification information including corresponding video image data, and the reproduction start time and reproduction termination time of corresponding video image data; the video image correspondence tables being transmitted repeatedly as well as video image data; moreover, all video image data management tables are multiplexed in said multiplexed stream; said all video image data management table has descriptions of information relating to an all video image data management table identifier for identifying the table itself to be an all video image data management table in a multiplexed stream, and relating to a video image data identifier of all video image data included in a multiplexed stream, the all video image data management table being repeatedly transmitted; said digital broadcast receiver comprises a receiving portion, a reproducing portion, an operation control portion, an extracting portion, a reception control portion, a display portion, and a memory portion; said receiving portion receives said multiplexed streams; said memory portion comprises a video image data memory portion for storing video image data, an all video image data management table memory portion for storing all video image data management tables, and a video image correspondence table memory portion for storing video image correspondence tables; said extracting portion comprises a video image stream extracting portion for extracting a video image stream, consistent with set extracting conditions, from a multiplexed stream received at said receiving portion, a video image correspondence table extracting portion for extracting video image correspondence tables consistent with set extracting conditions, and an all video image data management table extracting portion for extracting all video image data management tables consistent with set extracting conditions; said reception control portion controls said receiving portion so as to receive multiplexed streams, and with the all video image data management table identifier as an extracting condition, said reception control portion controls said extracting portion so as to extract an all video image data management table and store the same in an all video image data management table memory portion; as storage process of video image data after an all video image data management table has been stored in the all video image data management table memory portion, said reception control portion controls said extracting portion so as to extract a video image correspondence table and store the same in the video image correspondence table memory portion with a video image correspondence table identifier as an extracting condition; each time any one of video image correspondence tables is extracted from a multiplexed stream and stored in the video image correspondence table memory portion, said reception control portion reads out said video image correspondence table, and acquires a video image data identifier, video image stream identifier, reproduction start time, and reproduction termination time in order to control the extracting portion so as to extract a video image stream identifier with said video stream identifier as an extracting condition; those video image data of which reproduction time information of the extracted video image stream falls within the range of said reproduction start time and said reproduction termination time are stored in the video image memory portion as video image data corresponding to the video image data identifier; and said reception control portion repeats storage process of said video image data until storage of all video image data corresponding to the video image data identifier described in the all video image data management table has been completed; said operation control portion controls reproduction selecting operation of video image data, performed by viewer-designated specific video image data identifiers; when said operation control portion selects reproduction of video image data, said reproducing portion reads video image data corresponding to video image data associated therewith from said video image data memory portion and reproduces the same; and said display portion displays the video image data reproduced by said reproducing portion.
7. The receiver characterized in that
8. The receiver characterized in that
9. A digital broadcast receiver which receives digital broadcast transmitting repeatedly a plurality of audio data,
10. A digital broadcast receiver which receives digital broadcast transmitting repeatedly a plurality of control information tables for implementing interactive processing with users and video image data corresponding to the control information tables;
11. A digital broadcast receiver which receives digital broadcast transmitting repeatedly a plurality of control information tables for implementing interactive processing with users, and video image data and audio data corresponding to the control information tables;
12. A digital broadcast receiver which receives digital broadcast transmitting repeatedly a plurality of control information tables for implementing interactive processing with users and video image data corresponding to the control information tables;
13. A receiver
14. A receiver
15. A receiver
16. A receiver
17. A receiver
18. A digital broadcast system for transmitting repeatedly a plurality of video image data comprises the following digital broadcast transmitter and digital broadcast receiver, characterized in that
19. A digital broadcast system for transmitting repeatedly a plurality of control information tables for implementing interactive processing with users and a plurality of video image data corresponding to said control information tables comprises the following digital broadcast transmitter and digital broadcast receiver,
20. A digital broadcast receiver which receives digital broadcast transmitting repeatedly a plurality of control information tables for implementing interactive processing with users and video image data corresponding to the control information tables;
21. A receiver
22. A receiver
23. A receiver
24. A receiver
25. A receiver
In this specification, the digital broadcast means broadcasting by transmitting at least digitized data irrespective of the satellite broadcast, the ground wave broadcast, or the wired broadcast.
The content element refers to part of video image, voice, or the like which is finally provided to viewers. In the embodiments, this is applicable to the still video image VE1 as presentation information or like.
The linked content element refers to the association of content elements with one another. In the embodiments, the content elements are indirectly associated with one another by navigation control data. As a matter of course, this also refers to such conception as includes the case where the elements are directly linked using the HTML language, the SML language, or the like.
The content element list refers to each of the listed contents constituting a set of contents. In the embodiments, this is applicable to the VET—DII.
The recording medium on which programs are recorded refers to ROM, RAM, flexible disks, CD-ROM, memory cards, hard disks, and the like, in which programs are recorded. This also refers to such conception as includes not only a recording medium such as a hard disk which is connected to a CPU and recorded programs are directly executed, but also a recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which programs are recorded which are executed after installed once in the hard disk or the like. Furthermore, the programs herein referred to include not only directly executable programs, but also source programs, compressed programs, encrypted programs, and the like.
While the novel features of the invention are set forth in a general fashion, both as to organization and content, along with other objects and features thereof from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.
a is a view showing the appearance of a remote controller.
1.1 Outline of Technique for Implementing Interactive Broadcast
The inventors have already invented a system which allows interactivity with viewers in the digital broadcast (Japanese Patent Application No.Hei 9 (1997)—212937). This invention repeatedly multiplexes into transport streams presentation information (content elements) for use in background images or still images, image data for encouraging users to perform interactive operation, and navigation information which includes the contents such as actions to be executed in response to user operations of a remote controller. In the receiver, interactivity is implemented by selecting the presentation information and navigation information which users have selected by means of a transport stream decoder (TS decoder) for output.
In this system, a plurality of content elements is transmitted using elementary streams (see ES of
1.1.2 Technique for Broadcasting a Plurality of Content Elements Using Elementary Stream
Still-video-image information identification tables VET1 to VET16 of fetch control data are used for identifying still video images VE1 to VE6 included in elementary streams VE1, VE2, and VE3. The elementary streams VE1, VE2, and VE3 are originally designed to include a series of sequential video images or audio data and not designed to fetch a particular still image out of the series. Accordingly, in this configuration, the still-video-image information identification tables VET1 to VET1 are allowed for fetching each of still video images of content elements.
The video elementary stream VE1 includes still video images VE1 and VE4. The still video images VE1 and VE4 comprise a MPEG-I frame (data reproducible as a still video image by itself). Similarly, the video elementary stream VE2 includes still video images VE2 and VE5, while the video elementary stream VE3 includes still video images VE3 and VE6. This set of still video images VE1 to VE6 is repeatedly transmitted at a time interval of T in the same form. The still-video-image information identification tables VET1 to VET16 are transmitted as control data in a private section. The still-video-image information identification tables VET1 to VET16 correspond to still video images VE1 to VE6, respectively.
Video elementary streams are transmitted associated with time information (PCR (Program Clock Reference)). Accordingly, as mentioned in the foregoing, a still video image can be identified and fetched by describing the start time and the termination time in the still-video-image information identification tables VET1 to VET16.
1.1.2 Technique for Implementing Interactive Broadcast
Now referring to
A set of the still video images VE1 to VE20, a set of still-video-image information identification tables VET1 to VET20, and a set of navigation information tables NVT1 to NVT20 are repeatedly transmitted with the same contents at a time interval of T.
In the line of index of the Object definition table 521, 00 and 00 are described as the coordinates X and Y to show that a button is displayed at this position. Moreover, in the Normal Bitmap, the index of display data under normal status (status of no selection) is displayed. In accordance with this index, a bitmap in the Bitmap Table (the button of okyo with no diagonal lines drawn) is selected and displayed in the non-selection status. In the Focused Bitmap, an index of display data in the selection status is shown. In accordance with this index, a bitmap in the Bitmap Table (the button of okyo with diagonal lines drawn) is selected and displayed in the selection status. Moreover, in the Handler, the index of the Handler is described which is to be executed when the decision button is depressed under a condition that this button is under selection status. The contents of the Handler are described in the Handler Definition Table.
Like the foregoing, in the line of the index of the Object Definition Table 521, description relating to button 62 is provided.
Using such navigation information table NVT, the receiver performs the following operation.
A status is shown in
Under this status, depressing a down button 82 of a remote controller 78 causes the index of the selected button to increase by one. That is, the button of index=1 is now under selection status. This causes the display of the screen to appear as shown in
Now, under the status shown in
Under the status shown in
In the first line (index=0) of the Hyperlink Table, it is described that the still video-image information table is switched to VET7 and the navigation information table to NVT2. This allows the receiver to acquire the still video-image information table VET7 among the still video-image information tables transmitted repeatedly. Moreover, the receiver acquires and displays the still video image VE7 transmitted repeatedly accordingly. As such, the screen as shown in
Incidentally, depressing the decision button 80 under the status shown in
1.2. Digital Broadcast System
Now, a digital broadcast system according to an embodiment of the present invention is to be explained in detail. In this embodiment, the aforementioned interactive broadcast is to be immediately recorded and reproduced at the receiver side.
1.2.1. Digital Broadcast Transmitter
The program data memory portion 210 stores the very data of the broadcast program contents such as video elementary streams by the still video images constituting multimedia contents, navigation information, video elementary streams used for ordinary broadcast, and audio elementary streams.
The program information management portion 220 stores and manages broadcast schedules of programs, outlines of each of the programs, link information to program data in the corresponding program data memory portion 210, etc.
At the time of transmission of program data in accordance with the information of the program information management portion 220, the system information generation portion 230 generates SI data such as control data NIT (Network Information Table) to be multiplexed in the MPEG-2 transport stream), EIT (Event Information Table), SDT (Service Description Table); PSI data such as PAT (Program Association Table) and PMT (Program Map Table); and PCR streams of time information.
According to the directions of the data transmission control portion 240, the multiplexing portion 250 multiplexes the table data generated at the system information generation portion 230 and the content data stored in the program data memory portion 210 in order to generate MPEG-2 transport streams.
According to the broadcast schedule in the program information management portion 220, the data transmission control portion 240 directs the system information generation portion 230 to prepare table data as well as reads necessary content data from the program data memory portion 210. The data transmission control portion 240 directs the multiplexing portion 250 to multiplex the MPEG-2 transport streams based on program data and the system information generated by the system information generation portion 230.
The transmitting portion 260 transmits the MPEG-2 transport streams generated by the multiplexing portion 250.
(Configuration of MPEG-2 Transport Stream)
(Navigation Information Table NVT)
Navigation information table NVT is table data which includes video image data such as buttons for promoting interactive operations of users and navigation information comprising actions to be executed for user operations in the data portion in the private section format of the MPEG2 system. A unique ID (NE—id) identifies each piece of the navigation information.
The contents of the data portion of NVT include the Object Definition Table, the Handler Definition Table, the Hyperlink Table, and the Bitmap Table, which are shown in a table format.
The Object Definition Table shows the information relating to the type, attribute, and the like of graphic objects, for example, such as buttons to be displayed on the display screen for each index number thereof. An index number starting from is displayed at the index column. A type of a graphic object is indicated at the type column. At the and columns, the values of the X and Y coordinates of a display reference point on the display screen are shown. At the andler column, the index number of a handler is shown which is executed when the user selects the object indicated at the digital broadcast receiver 300. At the Normal Bitmap column, the index number of a bitmap is shown which is displayed when respective objects are under the non-focused status. On the other hand, at the Focused Bitmap column, the index number of a bitmap is shown which is displayed when respective objects are under the focused status. The focused status herein referred to means the status where an object displayed can be selected, whereas the non-focused status means a status where an object is only displayed. For example, it is shown that the bitmap of index number is changed to that of the index number of when the button causes the type to be displayed and selected at the position of X=400 and Y=300 in the line of index number of the Object Definition Table 521.
The Handler Definition Table shows the script which describes the behavior of the data receiver by each index number in response to user operations. For example, the script goto—contents (index0) is described in the line of index number of the Handler Definition Table 522 of
The Hyperlink Table shows a hyperlink to contents designated for each index number. A pair of VE—id and NE—id constituting the contents designates the contents. For example, the line of index number of the Hyperlink Table 523 shows the hyperlink to the contents comprising a pair of presentation information VE—id=7 and navigation information NE—id=2.
The Bitmap Table shows bitmap data to be identified by index numbers. For example, the contents of the bitmap data to be displayed when a graphic object of index 0 is turned to the focused status are included in the line of index number of the Bitmap Table 524 in
Incidentally, in the example of
(Download Info Indication Relating to NVT)
In an embodiment of the present invention, as information relating to navigation information included in one program in addition to NVT, the information relating to what amount of NVT is included in a program is multiplex in a stream as a navigation list.
As one means in the embodiment, data in the private section format is multiplexed which is identified by the same PID as that of NVT in accordance with the format of the Download Info Indication specified in Chapter 7, ser-to-Network of DSM-CC (Digital Storage Media Command & Control) standard (ISO/IEC13818-6). This data is designated VT—DII hereinafter.
(VET)
The values of component—tag and stream—id are provided as a pair of pieces of information for uniquely identifying the video elementary stream VE1 in which still video image data to be identified by VE—id=1 of VET is multiplexed as MPEG-I frame. Additionally, first—PTS and last—PTS are included as the information indicating from which part of the video elementary stream to which part thereof shows the still video image data of VE—id=1 associated with PTS (Presentation Time Stamp) provided to each frame of the video elementary stream. This shows that only such data as have a value, within the range of the first—PTS and last—PTS written in the PTS field of PES (Packetized Elementary Stream) of a packet constituting the video elementary stream is the desired still video image data. In the embodiment where the desired still video image data corresponds to the MPEG-I frame, it holds that the first—PTS=last—PTS=<PTS provided to the corresponding to MPEG-I frame>.
Incidentally, the component—tag is a value used for referring indirectly to PID and the associated relationship with the PID is provided in the PMT described later. Moreover, the stream—id is a value specified in the last 8 bits of the 32-bit packet start code of the system header of a MPEG system transport packet, used for discriminating streams. The stream ID will have values ranging from xeO to xef for video image.
Thereby, PID to be referred to by component—tag and stream—id identify uniquely video elementary streams.
The first—PTS denotes the start reproduction time information expressing the time at which the first frame of the corresponding video-image data in units of 9000th of a second. On the other hand, the last—PTS denotes the reproduction termination time information at which the last frame of the corresponding video-image data. If the corresponding video image data is a still video image (MPEG-I frame), it holds that first—PTS=last—PTS.
(VET Download Info Indication)
Concerning VET, in addition to VET itself, the information relating to what amount of VET is included in a program is included in a stream. In other words, it shows that how much still video image data is included in the program. In the embodiment, as a means thereof, like NVT—DII, the DSM-CC Download Info Indication is multiplexed as data in the private section format to be identified by the same PID as that of VET. This data is called the VET—DII hereinafter.
In the example of
(Video Elementary Stream VE)
(NIT, SDT, and EIT)
The NIT records physical information relating to transmission paths for individual transport streams transmitted from the network to be identified by a particular network.
The SDT records information relating to service names and the like concerning each of the services included in a particular transport stream.
The EIT records information relating to event name, start time, termination time, and the like for individual events included in a particular service.
(PAT and PMT)
The PAT records information relating to PID of PMT (Program Map Table) concerning each of the programs included in a particular transport stream.
1.2.2 Digital Broadcast Receiver
This digital broadcast receiver 300 comprises a receiving portion 310, a restoring portion 440, a program data memory portion 370, and an operation reception portion 410. Furthermore, the restoring portion 440 comprises a TS decoder portion 320, an AV decoder portion 330, a reception control portion 350, and a reproducing control portion 360.
The output of this digital broadcast receiver 300 is provided to an audio output portion 390 and a display portion 400. Incidentally, in this embodiment, a digital broadcast receiver which does not include the audio output portion 390 and the display portion 400, however, the digital broadcast receiver may be configured including the audio output portion 390 and the display portion 400.
This digital broadcast receiver 300 has three modes: the receiving mode, recording mode, and reproducing mode. Incidentally, the operation reception portion 410 receives a command from the remote controller of the viewer or the like to switch respective modes.
(Reception and Reproduction Mode)
In the reception and reproduction mode, the receiving portion 310 selectively receives transport streams which are transmitted. This transport stream is provided to the transport decoder portion (TS decoder portion) 320. The TS decoder portion 320 separates packets of video image data and audio data associated with the desired service in accordance with the control of the reception control portion 350 from this transport stream and then provides the same to the AV decoder portion 330. The AV decoder portion 330 melts (extends) the compressed video image data and audio data to provide the same to the audio output portion 390 and the display portion 400 to output as voice and video images.
Furthermore, when having received interactive broadcast, the reception control portion 350 separates and acquires the navigation information table NVT, still video image VE, and the like by means of the TS decoder portion 320, as required in response to operation input. This allows for switching to the contents in response to the operation command as shown in
(Recording Mode)
The recording mode allows for recording a set of still video images VE and a set of navigation data NVT, which are transmitted repeatedly, into the program data memory portion 370. The reception control portion 350 controls the TS decoder portion 320 to separate and acquire the still video-image information table VET. In accordance with this, the reception control portion 350 further controls the TS decoder portion 320 to separate still video images to provide the same to the AV decoder portion 330. In the recording mode, the output of the AV decoder portion 330 is stored in the program data memory portion 370. This is carried out for all still video images. As such, a set of extended still video images can be stored in the program data memory portion 370.
Furthermore, the reception control portion 350 controls the TS decoder portion 320 to separate and acquire the navigation information table NVT. This is carried out for all navigation information tables NVT. As such, a set of navigation information tables can be stored in the program data memory portion 370.
(Reproducing Mode of Recorded Contents)
In the reproducing mode of recorded contents, the processing shown in
(Hardware Construction of Digital Broadcast Receiver)
Herein, first, a description is given of setting of filter conditions of a TS decoder portion 320. The TS decoder portion 320 has a filter condition storing portion 321 which stores filter conditions established by a receiving CPU 450, and the TS decoder portion 320 separates image data having designated identifiers or audio data from a transport stream outputted from the receiving portion 310 and outputs them to an AV decoder portion 330. Also, the TS decoder portion 320 separates table data having designated identifiers and outputs them into an area secured in the receiving data storing portion 340 or program data storing portion 370 in compliance with the identifiers. It further separates PCR (reference clock information) of 1106 or a designated identifier and outputs it into the AV decoder portion 330. In addition, a plurality of filter conditions can be simultaneously stored in the filter condition storing portion 321, and the TS decoder portion 320 can carry out a plurality of separation processes in parallel.
A line corresponding to a filter identifier number [0] of the filter condition table expresses a filter condition of image data. An AV decoder portion 330 is designated in the [Output address] 1107, wherein a row [table-id] 1105 and row [table-id-extension] 1106 cannot be established. Values of PID and stream-id of image data to be separated by the TS decoder portion 320 are set in the TS decoder portion 320.
A line corresponding to a filter identifier number [1] expresses a filter condition of a stream comparison table VET. A VET storing portion 342 is set in the [output address] 1107, and the row [stream-id] 1104 cannot be set. PID of the image data to be separated by the TS decoder portion and values of table-id and table-id-extension are designated in the row [PID] 1103, row [table-id] 1105, and row [table-id-extension] 1106.
A line corresponding to a filter identifier number [2] expresses a filter condition of navigation information. A navigation information table storing portion 372 is set in the [output address] 1107, and the row [stream-id] 1104 can not be set. PID of the navigation information table to be separated by the TS decoder portion 320 and values of table-id and table-id-extension are set in the row [PID] 1103, row [table-id] 1105 and row [table-id-extension].
A line corresponding to a filter identifier number [2] expresses a filter condition of the navigation information. A navigation information table storing portion 372 is set in the [output address] 1107, and the row [stream-id] 1104 cannot be set. PID of the navigation information table to be separated by the TS decoder portion 320 and values of table-id and table-id-extension are designated.
A line corresponding to a filter identifier number [3] expresses a filter condition of VET-DII. The DII storing portion 341 is set in the [output address] 1107, and the row [stream-id] 1104 cannot be set. Further, the row [table-id-extension] 1106 is not set as a filter condition. PID of the VET-DII to be separated by the TS decoder portion 320 and a value of table-id are designated in the row [PID] 1103 and row [table-id-extension] 1106.
A line corresponding to a filter identifier number [4] expresses a filter condition of NVT-DII. A DII storing portion 341 is set in the [output address] 1107, and the row [stream-id] 1104 cannot be set therein. Further, the row [table-id-extension] 1106 is not set as a filter condition. PID of the NVT-DII to be separated by the TS decoder portion 320 and a value of table-id are set in the row [PID] 1103 and row [table-id-extension] 1106.
Also, [START] or [STOP] is set in the row [START/STOP] 1102 of the respective filter conditions by the CPU 450, whereby a START state or a STOP state is established.
Further, the filter condition storing portion 321 further stores system information tables such as NIT, SDT, EIT, PAT, PMT, etc., and filter conditions (not illustrated) for PCR (reference clock information) in addition thereto.
The TS decoder portion 320 separates, from the transport streams 1801 illustrated in
The AV decoder portion 330 has a clock portion (not illustrated). The clock portion is set to the correct reference time by a value of the PCR (reference clock information) outputted by the TS decoder portion 320 and counts the time which will be the reference to decode image data and audio data while securing correct synchronization. Further, the AV decoder portion 330 decodes the image data and audio by the unit of decoding, in compliance with instructions of the CPU 450, outputs them while securing synchronization by the clock portion, and indicates a success of decoding to the CPU 450. Also, the AV decoder portion 330 outputs the image data (MPEG-1 frame) data and audio data stored in the program data storing portion 370 while securing synchronization by the clock portion and indicates a success of decoding to the CPU 450.
Where an instruction of accumulating program data is not provided in Step S1202, but a reproduction instruction of the accumulated programs is provided, or where a reproduction instruction of programs is provided and the instructed programs are already accumulated (Step S1202), the reproducing process of the accumulated programs is carried out (Step S1220).
Where a reproduction instruction of a program is provided and the designated program is not accumulated in Step S1203, a receiving reproduction process of the program is carried out (Step S1230). A description will be given later of a method for judging whether or not the designated program has already been accumulated.
Where, after accumulating process in Step S1240, or a reproducing process of the accumulated programs in Step S1220 or a receiving reproduction process of programs in Step S1230 is carried out, receiving and reproduction or accumulation of programs are carried out by selection of new service and/or event in accordance with a result of input processes, etc. made by a user among them, the processes after Step S1202 are repeated.
First, a detailed description is given of a receiving and reproducing process of programs in Step S1230.
First, in cases where, when a program is selected, the initial state exists where a variable cur-original-network-id and a variable cur-transport-stream-id are not set, or a variable original-network-id in which a service having the selected program included is transmitted is not coincident with the cur-original-network-id, and a variable transport-stream-id is not coincident with a variable cur-transport-stream-id, the CPU 450 performs the next process. With reference to the system information table in compliance with the procedures defined in the standards ISO 13818-1 (MPEG2 system) and ETS 300 468 (DVB-SI), which are used in general satellite digital broadcast receivers, a switching process to the transport stream identified by the original-network-id and transport-stream-id is carried out, wherein values of the variable cur-original-network-id and variable cur-transport-stream-id are renewed (Step S1301).
Next, With reference to the system information table in compliance with the procedures defined in the standards ISO13818-1 (MPEG2 system) and ETS 300 468 (DVB-SI), which are used in general satellite digital broadcast receivers, receiving of the transport stream is instructed to a tube 310, and separation of the PMT corresponding to the event selected is instructed to the TS decoder portion 320. Next, the CPU 450 acquires an identifier of PCR with reference to the PMT which the TS decoder portion 340 writes in the system information table storing portion 343 of a memory 340, and set it in the filter condition storing portion 321 of the TS decoder 320 (Step S1302).
Next, the CPU 450 sets the original-network-id of the selected event in the variable cur-original-network-id, sets the transport—stream-id of the selected event in the variable cur-transport-stream-id, designates a service-id of the service selected by the variable cut-VE-service-id and variable cur-NE-service-id, sets the even-id of the event selected by the variable cur-VE-event-id and variable cur-NE-event-id, and clears the variable cur-VE-id and variable cur-NE-id. These variables express information of an identifier of the contents which are now being reproduced (Step S1301).
Next, the CPU 450 sets values of entry-VE-id and entry-NE-id in the variables new-VE-id and new-NE-id with reference to the DVX-program-descriptor of the PMT of the system information table storing portion 343 acquired in Step S1302 (Step S1304).
Next, the CPU 450 carries out, in parallel, a switching process of presentation information and navigation information on the basis of the variables new-VE-id and new-NE-id which are obtained in Step S1304, as a switching process of contents (Step S1305). A detailed description will be given of the switching process later.
Next, the CPU 450 waits for a signal input of selecting operation from a user, which is indicated from the signal receiving portion 410 (Step S1306).
The CPU 450 carries out a processing of a user input signal where the signal is inputted from the signal receiving portion 410. A detailed description will be given of a processing of the user input signal (Step S1307).
Next, as a result of the input process in Step S1307, where it is judged that a switching of the contents is not designated (Step S1308), the CPU 450 returns to Step S1306 and waits for a signal inputted by a user.
Where a switching of contents is designated, it is judged whether or not alternation of service or event is simultaneously accompanied (Step S1309). If the alternation is not accompanied, the process returns to Step S1305, wherein the CPU 450 performs a switching process of the contents. Further, where alternation of service or event is accompanied, the CPU 450 terminates a receiving reproduction process of programs and returns to Step S1202 in
(Switching Process of Presentation Information)
Next, a detailed description is given of a switching process of presentation information (still image data), of the switching process of contents in step S1305, with reference to a flow chart in
The receiving portion 450 judges (step S1501) whether or not the value of a variable new-VE-id and that of cur-VE-id are identical to each other. If they are identical to each other, the process is terminated. In the initial state where a program is selected, the variable new-VE-id is entry-VE-id, and no cur-VE-id is set. The CPU 450 sets a value of the variable new-VE-id in the variable cur-VE-id (Step S1502).
The CPU 450 fetches PID=0x0083 of a component to which a VE-Information-Component-Descriptor is attached, with reference to PMT illustrated in
The TS decoder portion 320 separates a VET corresponding to a value of the variable new-VE-id from the transport stream in compliance with the filter conditions, stores the VET in the VET storing portion 342 and indicates it to the CPU 450 (Step S1504).
Next, the CPU 450 interprets the VET stored in the VET storing portion 322 in Step S1504, sets a value of [first-pts] in the variable first PTS and a value of [last-pts] in the variable last PTS, and fetches [stream-pts] and [component-tag] (Step S1505).
Next, the CPU 450 initializes a flag [first-flag] to [0], which express whether or not the first frame of image data is successfully decoded (Step S1506).
Next, with reference to PMT corresponding to the events identified by variables cur-VE-service-id and cur-VE-event-id in the system table storing portion 343, the CPU 450 fetches PID=0x0084 of a component to which stream-identifier-descriptor having the value of [component-tag] equal to a value of [component-tag] fetched in Step S2612 is attached, with the type of data to be transmitted being image data, sets it in the filter conditions of image data in the filter condition storing portion 321 along with a value 0xe5 of [stream-id] fetched in Step S2612, and causes this filter condition to enter a start state (Step S1507).
Conditions of filter identifying number [0] in
The TS decoder portion 320 separates image data in compliance with the filter conditions and outputs to the AV decoder portion 330. The AV decoder portion 330 commences decoding of vide elementary stream (compressed image restoration or elongation) outputted from the TS decoder portion 320 (Step S1508).
The CPU 450 fetches the current time by the unit of one-90000th second with reference to a value of the clock portion of the AV decoder portion 330, and compare the current time with the value of a variable firstPTS, wherein if they are equal to each other or the current time is larger than the value of the variable first PTS, the process goes to S2626. In all the other cases, the same process is repeated until the current time reaches the value of firstPTS (Step S1509).
The CPU 450 output the image data outputted from the AV decoder portion as the current time reaches the value of firstPTS to a picture synthesizing portion 380 (Step S1510).
At the same time, the CPU 450 continuously fetches the current time by the unit of one-90000th second with reference to the value of the clock portion of the AV decoder portion 330, and compares it with the value of the variable lastPTS, wherein the comparison process is repeatedly performed until the current time becomes equal to or larger than the value of the variable lastPTS (Step S151).
As the current time value exceeds the value of the lastPTS, the CPU 450 stops outputting of image data to the picture synthesizing portion and causes the filter condition regarding to the image data to enter a stop state. Further, the CPU 450 terminates a decoding process of the video stream (Step S1512)
(Switching Process of Navigation Information)
Next, with reference to a flow chart in
The CPU 450 judges whether or not the value of new-VE-id designated to be switched is identical to that of the cur-VE-id (Step S1601). If they are identical to each other, the process is then terminated. However, in the initial state where a program is selected, the value new-NE-id is entry-NE-id, and no cur-NE-id is set.
The CPU 450 sets a new-NE-id in the variable cur-NE-id (Step S1602).
The CPU 450 fetches PID=0x0082 of a component to which a NE-Component-Descriptor is attached with reference to the PMT designated in
The filter condition of filter identifying number [2] of the filter conditions shown in
The TS decoder portion 320 separates an NVT corresponding to the value of variable new-NE-id from the transport stream in compliance with the filter conditions, stores it in the navigation information storing portion 372 and indicates it to the CPU 450 (Step S1604).
Next, the CPU 45-reproduces the navigation information table NVT fetched in Step S1604 from the navigation information table storing portion 372 on the basis of the navigation information interpreting programs. The CPU 450 fetches display coordinates [X] and [Y] of a button object and continuously fetches an index value of [Normal Bitmap], wherein with reference to a bitmap table, the CPU 450 fetches bitmap data corresponding to the index value, and on the basis of the bitmap data, the CPU 450 generates graphic information of the button and outputs it to the picture synthesizing portion 380. The picture synthesizing portion 380 causes the graphic information to overlap on the image data decoded by the AV decoder portion 330 and outputs it to a display 400 (Step S1605).
A variable cur-focus, which expresses the index value of a button object being currently selected, is initialized to 0 (Step S1606). With an object definition table of the navigation information table storing portion 372 fetched in Step S1604 in the navigation information table storing portion 372, the CPU 450 fetches display coordinates [X] and [Y] of the button object in which the index value is equal to a value of the variable cur-focus, and continuously fetches bitmap data corresponding to the index value with reference to the bitmap table while fetching the index value of [focused bitmap]. The CPU 450 generates graphic information of the button object in which the bitmap of the button having the index value corresponding to the variable cur-focus is caused to enter a selected state on the basis of the above bitmap data, and outputs to the picture synthesizing portion 38. Herein, a switching process of navigation information is terminated (Step S1607).
[Process of Input Signals]
Next, a description is given of a process of input signals made by a user in Step S1307 with reference to a flow chart of
The CPU 450 judges whether or not the user input received by the signal receiving portion 410 is [UP]. In the case of [UP], the process advances to Step S1804, and if not so, the process shifts to Step S1802 (Step S1801).
The CPU 450 subtracts the value of the variable cur-focus by one. However, in a case where the value of the variable cur-focus is already 0, the value remains as it is 0 (Step S1804).
With reference to the object definition table in the NVT in the navigation information table storing portion 372, the CPU 450 fetches display coordinates [X] and [Y] of a button object in which the index value is equal to the value of the variable cur-focus, and continuous fetches an index value of [Focussed Bitmap], wherein with reference to the bitmap table, the CPU 450 fetches the bitmap data corresponding to the index value, and causes the bitmap of a button having the index value corresponding to the value of the variable cur-focus to enter a selected state. Further, the CPU 450 generates graphic information of the button object in which the bitmap of the button corresponding to the index value corresponding to the value of the variable cur-focus is caused to become a bitmap in a usual state. Hereby, the CPU 450 terminates a switching process of the navigation information. The CPU 450 causes the graphic information to overlap on the image data decoded by the AV decoder portion 330, and displays it on a display 400. Hereby, a user input process is then terminated (Step S1808).
The CPU 450 judges whether or not the user input received by the signal receiving portion 410 is [DOWN]. In the case of [DOWN], the process advances to Step S1805, and if not so, the process shifts to Step S1803 (Step S1802).
The CPU 450 increments the value of the variable cur-focus by one. However, if the value of the variable cur-focus is equal to the maximum value of an identifier of the button object in the navigation information table NVT fetched by S2710 in the navigation information table storing portion 133, the value of the variable cur-focus remains unchanged, and the process shifts to Step S1808 (Step S1805). The CPU 450 judges whether or not the user input received by the signal receiving portion 410 is [DECIDE]. In the case of [DECIDE], the process advances to Step S1806, and if not so, the user input process is terminated (Step S1803).
With reference to the object definition table of the NV in the navigation information storing portion 372, the CPU 450 fetches an index value of a handler of the button object in which the index value is equal to the value of the variable cur-focus, and with reference to the handler definition table, reads a byte code instruction from the handler corresponding to the index value (Step S1806).
If the byte code instruction is [goto-contents], the process advances to Step S1809, and if not so, the process is then terminated (Step S1807).
The CPU 450 reads the index value of an argument of the goto—contents instruction from the handler (Step S1809).
With reference to a hyper link table of the abovementioned navigation information table, the CPU 450 sets values of VE-id and NE-id of identifiers of the contents corresponding to the index values read in Step S1810 in the respective new-VE-id and new-NE-id (Step S1810).
The CPU 450 sets the value of a contents change flag Contents Changeflg to [1] as a flag showing that a change request of contents occurs, and the user signal process is then terminated (Step S1811).
In compliance with the procedures described with reference to
(Accumulation Process of Program Data)
Next, a detailed description is given of a program accumulating process in Step S1240. First, the contents of an accumulating data management table stored in the program data storing portion 370 is explained. The accumulating data management table is stored as one file corresponding to one program data.
The accumulating table management table is included in the following directories made hierarchical by utilizing original-network-id, transport-stream-id, service-id, and event-id of the corresponding programs and is prepared as original-network-id/transport-stream-id/service-id/event-id whose file name is [saveinfo].
The accumulating completion flag field 1901 is a flag showing whether or not accumulation of all data contained in the program is completed, wherein if completed, TRUE is set, and if not completed, FALSE is set.
The Expiration field 1902 is a field showing the term of validity of programs corresponding to the accumulating data management table 1900. A value of Expiration of Expiration-descriptor in the PMT illustrated in
In the entry-VE-id field 1903, a VE-id being presentation information in contents first reproduced when reproducing programs accumulated corresponding to the accumulating data management table 1900 is set. The value is made coincident with the value of the entry-VE-id in the DVX-program-descriptor of the PMT illustrated in
An NE-id being navigation information in the contents first reproduced when reproducing programs accumulated corresponding to the accumulating data management table 1900 is set in the entry-NE-id field 1904. The value is made coincident with the value of the entry-NE-id in the DVX-program descriptor illustrated in
VE-id for the respective still image data, and storing position and size, in the still image data storing portion 371, are set as accumulating information of still image data being all presentation information contained in programs corresponding to the accumulating management table 1900 in a case where still image data identified by VE-id, and a pair of accumulating flags are set, in which TRUE is set where the still image data are accumulated, and FALSE is set where the still image data are not accumulated.
As well, NE-id for the respective navigation information, storing position and size, in the navigation information storing portion 372, where the navigation information identified by the NE-id, are set in the navigation information management table 1906 as accumulating information of all navigation information, and a pair of accumulating flags are set, in which TRUE is set where the navigation information is accumulated, and FALSE is set where the navigation information is not set.
First, as an instruction of accumulation is issued by a user, the CPU 450 judges whether or not the selected program is already accumulated (Step S2001). The conditions to affirm that the selected program is already accumulated are that an accumulating data management table which is coincident with original-network-id/transport-stream-id/service-id/event-id/saveinfo exists in the accumulating data management table storing portion 373, the value of the accumulating completion flag field is TRUE, and the current time is before the time designated by Expiration. By the above judgement, if it is judged that the selected program is already accumulated, the process is terminated.
In Step S2001, if it is judged that the program is not accumulated, the CPU 450 judges whether or not the program is being accumulated (Step S2002). The conditions to affirm this judgement are that an accumulating data management table which is coincident with the original-network-id/transportat-stream-id/service-id/event-id/saveinfo exists in the accumulating data management table storing portion 373 and the value of the accumulating completion flag field is FALSE.
Where the judgment in Step S2002 becomes affirmative, no new process is performed, and the accumulating process being now performed is continued.
Where the judgment in Step S2002 becomes negative, a new accumulating process is commenced. First, a selected service-id is set in saving-service-id as a variable showing he object for which an accumulating process is now carried out, and a selected even-id is set in a variable saving-even-id (Step S2003).
Next, an accumulating data management table in which the file name is coincident with the original-network-id/transport-stream-id/service-id/event-id/saveinfo is prepared in the accumulating data management table storing portion 373. And, the value of the accumulating completion fag is initialized to FALSE (Step S2004).
Next, the CPU 450 instructs separation of PMT to the TS decoder portion 320, which corresponds to an event identified by the designated service-id and event-id with reference to the system information table in compliance with the procedures defined in standards ISO138118-1 (MPEG2 system) and ETS 300468 (DVB-SI) which are generally used in a satellite digital broadcast receiving system.
The TS decoder portion 320 separates the designated PMT, writes it in the system information table storing portion 343 in the control information table management portion 343, and indicates it to the CPU 450 (Step S2005).
With reference to entry-VE-id and entry-NE-id in the DVX-program-descriptor in the PMT corresponding to the events identified by saving-service-id and saving-event-id in the system table storing portion 343, the respective values are set in the entry-VE-id field and entry-NE-id field in the accumulating data management table. Further, with reference to the value of expiration in the expiration-descriptor in the PMT, they are set in the expiration field in the accumulating data management table.
Thereafter, accumulating processes pertaining to presentation information and navigation information are carried out in parallel (Step S2007).
As the accumulating processes of all presentation information and navigation information are completed, the accumulating completion flag is set to TRUE, and the accumulating processes are completed (Step S2008).
(Accumulating Process of Presentation Information)
Hereinafter, a detailed description is given of the accumulating process of presentation information, which is carried out in Step S2007, with reference to a flow chart in
With reference to PMT corresponding to the events identified by variables saving-service-id and saving-event-id in the system table storing portion 134, the CPU 450 fetches PID of a component to which VE-Information-Component-Descriptor is attached, and sets a table-id=0x91 showing VET-DII and a filter condition, which designates the DII storing portion 341 as an output address, to the TS decoder portion 320 as a start state (Step S2201).
Also, separately therefrom, the PID=0x0083 which is the same as above, and a filter condition designating a VET storing portion are set in the TS decoder portion 320 as an output address of table-id=0x80 showing the VET. However, being different from receiving and reproduction of programs, the field of table-id-extension is [-], that is, separation is carried out even though the value is any, and in the stage of step S2201, the filter condition is set in a still state.
In
The TS decoder portion 320 separates VET-DII from the transport stream in compliance with the filter conditions, stores it in the DII storing portion 134, and indicates it to the CPU 450 (Step S2202).
With reference to the contents of the VET-DII stored in the DII storing portion 341, the CPU 450 carries out an initializing process of an image data management table in the accumulating data management table stored in the accumulating data management table storing portion. The Contents of the VET-DII is as shown in
These processes are carried out with respect to all modules described with VET-DII (Step S2203).
Next, the CPU 450 causes the filter conditions regarding the VET, which are set in Step S2201, to enter a start state (Step S2204).
In compliance with the filter conditions, the TS decoder portion 320 separates an optical VET which is first made coincident with the filter condition, from the transport stream, stores it in the VET storing portion 342, and indicates it to the CPU 450 (Step S2205).
With reference to the contents of the VET fetched in Step S2205 in the VET storing portion 342, the CPU 450 searches for a field in which the value of VE-id is made coincident with the VE-id in the image data management table in the accumulating data management table stored in the accumulating management table storing portion. Where, as a result, the accumulating flag in the filed obtained is TRUE, the fetched VET is abandoned, and the CPU 450 waits for an indication of fetching the next VET (Step S2207).
Where Step S2207 is denied, with reference to the contents of the obtained VET in Step S2205 in the VET storing portion 342, a value of [first-pts] is set in the variable firstPTS, and a value of [last-pts] is set in the variable lastPTS, and then values of [stream-id] and [component-tag] are fetched. With reference to PMT corresponding to the events identified by variables saving-service-id and saving-event-id in the system table storing portion 134, the CPU 450 fetches the PID of a component, in which the type of transmitted data is image data, having a value equal to the value of [component-tag], and sets it in the image data storing portion 371 along with the value of [stream-id]. At this time, the output address is set to the image data storing portion 371, and at the same time, the filter condition is set to a start state. In
The TS decoder portion 320 separates image data in compliance with the filter conditions, stores the image data in the image data storing portion 371, and indicates it to the CPU 450.
With reference to a PES header field of the data stored in the still image data storing portion 371, the CPU 450 judges whether or not a given PTS exists between the first-PTS and the last-PTS (Step S2209). In only the case where this condition is affirmed, data stored in the still image data storing portion 371 are added in the order that the file name is read in a file specified by [value of ve-(VE-id)], and are copied (Step S2210). Further, where the PTS is made coincident with the last-PTS (Step S2211), the process shifts to Step S2213.
In the case where the judgement in Step S2211 is denied, a fetching process of image data is continued, and the judgement in Step S2209 is repeated.
If the judgement in Step S2209 is denied, a fetching process of image data is continued where the PTS value is smaller than the First-PTS (Step S2212), and the judgment in Step S2209 is repeated.
In a case where the judgement in Step S2212 is denied, the process shifts to Step S2213.
In Step S2213, the CPU 450 causes the filter conditions regarding the image data to stop, and stops accumulating of video streams.
After that, the accumulating flag of the corresponding field in the image data management table in the accumulating data management tables stored in the accumulating data management table storing portion is set to TRUE (Step S2214).
As a result in Step S2214, where all accumulating flag fields in the image data management table are TRUE (Step S2215), it is judged that all image data in a program are fetched, the filter condition regarding the VET is stopped (Step S2216), wherein he accumulating process of the presentation information is terminated.
Where the judgement in Step S2215 is denied, the process shifts to Step S2205 in order to carry out a fetching process of the next VET.
(Accumulating Process of Navigation Information)
Hereinafter, a detailed description is given of an accumulating process of navigation information which is performed in Step S2007 in
With reference to PMT corresponding to an event identified by variables saving-service-id and saving-event-id in the system table storing portion 134, the CPU 450 fetches a PID=0x0082 of a component to which NE-Information-Component-Descriptor is attached, and sets table-id=0x81 showing NET-DII, and filter conditions for designating the DII storing portion 341 as an output address, to the TS decoder portion 320 as a start state (Step S2301).
In
Also, separately therefrom, the PID=0x0082 which is the same as the above, table-id=0x80 and a filtercondition designating the navigation information storing portion as an output address are set to the TS decoder portion 320. However, being different from the time when recording and reproducing programs, it is assumed that the field of table-id-extension is [-], that is, the field is separated even though the value is any value, and the filter condition is set so as to enter a stop state in the stage of Step S2301.
In
With reference to the contents of the NVT-DII stored in the DII storing portion 341, the CPU 450 initializes the navigation information management table in the accumulating data management tables stored in the accumulating management table storing portion. The contents of the NV-DII are those shown in
Next, the CPU 450 sets the filter conditions regarding the NV set in Step S2301 to a start state (Step S2304).
In compliance with the filter conditions, the TS decoder portion 320 separates an optional NVT which is made coincident with the filter conditions, from the transport stream, stores it in the navigation information storing portion 372, and indicates it to the CPU 450 (Step S2305).
Next, upon receiving an indication in Step S2305, the CPU 450 searches for a field where the value of NE-id in the NVT stored in the navigation information storing portion 372 is made coincident with the NE-id in the navigation information management table in the accumulating data management tables stored in the accumulating data management table storing portion. As a result, where the accumulating flag in the obtained field is TRUE, the fetched NVT is abandoned, and the CPU 450 waits for a fetching indication of the next NVT (Step S2306).
Where the judgement in Step S2306 is denied, the NVT fetched in Step S2305 in the navigation information storing portion 372 is copied to a file specified by the file name [ne-(value of NE-id) (Step S2307).
And, the accumulating flag in the corresponding field in the navigation information management table in the accumulating management tables stored in the accumulating data management table storing portions is set to TRUE (Step S2308).
As a result in Step S2308, if the values of all accumulating flag fields in the navigation information management table is TRUE (Step S2309), it is judged that all navigation information in a program are fetched, wherein the filter conditions corresponding to the NVT are stopped (Step S2310), and the accumulating process of navigation information is terminated.
Where the judgement in Step S2309 is denied, the process shifts to Step S2305 in order to carry out a fetching process of the next NVT.
As described above, an accumulating process of programs in a digital broadcast receiver 300 is achieved in compliance with the procedures shown in
(Reproducing Procedures of the Accumulated Data)
Hereinafter, a detailed description is given of a reproducing procedure of accumulated data in Step S1220 in
Next, the CPU 450 performs, in parallel, switching processes of the presentation information corresponding to the new-VE-id set in Step S2402 and navigation information corresponding the new-NE-id set therein (Step S2403). A detailed description will be given of the respective switching processes later.
Next, the CPU 450 waits for an input signal of selection operation from a user indicated by the signal receiving portion 410 (Step S2404).
Next, as a result of the input process in Step S1307, if it is judged that a switching of the contents is not instructed (Step S2406), the process returns to Step S2404, the CPU 450 waits for an input signal from a user.
Where a switching of the contents is instructed, it is judged whether or not alternation of service or event is simultaneously accompanied (Step S2407), wherein if the alternation is not accompanied, the process returns to Step S2403, and the switching process of the contents is performed. Further, if the alternation of service or event is accompanied, the reproducing process of programs is terminated, and the process returns to Step S1202 in
(Switching Process of the Accumulated Presentation Information)
Hereinafter, a detailed description is given of actions of the switching process of presentation information in Step S2405 with reference to a flow chart in
First, the CPU 450 compares the value of its retained variable cur-VE-id with the value of a variable new-VE-id (Step S2501). If they are coincident with each other, the process is terminated without making any switching process.
As a result of the comparison in Step S2501, where the value of the variable new-VE-id is different from the value of the retained variable cur-VE-id, the new-VE-id is set in the cur-VE-id (Step S2502).
Next, the CPU 450 extracts a field, in which the value of the VE-id is coincident with the variable new-VE-id, from the image data management table stored in the accumulating data management table storing portion, and by fetching the data at the storing position of the field, a storing position (file name) in which the image data identified by the variable new-VE-id is stored in the image data storing portion 371 is acquired (Step S2503).
Next, the CPU 450 instructs decoding of the image data fetched in Step S2502 to the AV decoder portion 330. The AV decoder portion 330 reads the image data file fetched in Step S2502 in compliance with the instruction of the CPU 450, wherein if there remains any data to be decoded (Step S2504), a decoding process is performed (Step S2505).
The CPU 450 outputs the image data outputted from the AV decoder portion 330 to a picture synthesizing portion (Step S2506).
As no data to be read from the image data file remains, the AV decoder portion 330 indicates it to the CPU 450, wherein the CPU 450 instructs stop of a decoding process to the AV decoder portion 330 (Step S2507).
(Switching Process of the Accumulated Navigation Information)
Hereinafter, a detailed description is given of actions in a switching process of navigation information in Step S2405 with reference to a flow chart in
First, the CPU 450 compares the value of the retained variable cur-NE-id with the value of a variable new-NE-id (Step S2601), wherein if they are coincident with each other, the process is terminated without performing a switching process.
As a result of the comparison in Step S2601, where the value of the variable new-NE-id is different from the value of the retained variable cur-NE-id, the new-NE-id is set in the cur-NE-id (Step S2602).
Next, the CPU 450 extracts a field, in which the value of NE-id is coincident with the variable new-NE-id, from the navigation information management table stored in the accumulating data management table storing portion, and by fetching data in the storing position of the field, a storing position (file name) in which the image data identified by the variable new-NE-id is stored in the navigation information storing portion 372 is acquired (Step S2603).
Next, the CPU 450 reproduces the navigation information table NVT being the contents of the file acquired in Step S2603 on the basis of the navigation information interpretation program. Referring to an object definition table of the NVT, the CPU 450 fetches display coordinates [X] and [Y] of a button object and subsequently fetches an index value of [Normal Bitmap], whereby the CPU 450 fetches bitmap data corresponding to the index value, with reference to the bitmap table, generates graphic data of the button on the basis thereof and outputs them to the picture synthesizing portion 380.
The picture synthesizing portion 380 cause the graphic information to overlap on the image data decoded by the AV decoder portion 330 and outputs to a display portion 400 (Step S2605).
The variable cur-focus, which expresses the index value of the button object now selected, is initialized to 0 (Step S2606).
With reference to the object definition table in the navigation information NVT acquired in Step S2603, the CPU 450 fetches display coordinates [X] and [Y] of the button object in which the index value is equal to the value of the variable cur-focus, and subsequently fetches the index value of [Focused Bitmap], wherein with reference to the bitmap table, the CPU 450 fetches bitmap data corresponding to the index value, generates graphic information of a button object in which on the basis thereof the bitmap of the button having an index value corresponding to the value of the variable cur-focus is made into a selected bitmap, and outputs the graphic information to the picture synthesizing portion 38. Then, a switching process of the navigation information is terminated (Step S2607).
As described above, a reproducing process of program data already accumulated in a digital broadcast receiver 300 is achieved by the procedures described by using
As described in the preferred embodiment, in a case where all presentation information contained in programs are accumulated, it is possible to carry out an accumulating process of all still image data in a short time without the same still image data being doubly accumulated, in the VET procedures separated from the transport stream, by (1) separating and fetching VET-DII containing information regarding all presentation information contained in programs and initializing the image data management table of the accumulating data management table in compliance with the contents of the VET-DII, (2) not containing a field of the table-id-extension corresponding to the VE-id in the filter conditions regarding acquisition of the VET, (3) providing an accumulating flag field in the individual tables in the image data management table in the accumulating data management table and changing the value from FALSE to TRUE when being accumulated.
1.3 Other Preferred Embodiments
Further, although a description was given of the preferred embodiment in relation to an MPEG-I frame in which, as presentation information, the value of PTS given to the header portion of PES is first-PTS=last-PTS, the present invention is not limited to this. The invention is applicable to moving image data in which the presentation information is first-PTS<last-PTS and the value of PTS is between the first-PTS and last-PTS, wherein a receiving and reproducing process and an accumulating process can be easily achieved by the processing similar to the above description.
Also, although, in the preferred embodiment, the contents are constituted by pairs of image data acting as presentation information and navigation information, audio data can also be easily reproduced as presentation information if the elementary stream specified by the VET is not a video elementary stream but an audio elementary stream defined by the MPEG standards and the audio elementary streams are decoded by the AV decoder portion.
Still further, the presentation information is not only image data nor audio data, wherein the presentation information is designated as VE-id specifying image data and VE-id specifying audio data, whereby extension of contents expression can be easily achieved by reproducing three types of data such as image data, audio data and navigation information.
Also, in the preferred embodiment, the contents are designated by pairs of presentation information and navigation information. But the present invention is not limited to the above.
For example, when designating contents, only the navigation information is made effective, and the presentation information may be referred to from inside the navigation information.
Further, where an accumulating process of programs containing navigation information shown in
Also, in the above preferred embodiment, although a receiving process of the MPEG-2 transport stream being transmitted has been carried out under the assumption that the accumulation is not completed where the value of the accumulating completion field of the accumulating data management table is FALSE, there is no problem if a receiving and reproducing process of accumulated presentation information and navigation information may be performed in a case where the presentation information or navigation information in an attempt to be reproduced in the program has already been accumulated even though all data of the program are not completely accumulated.
That is, in a case where the accumulating flag of a table, identified by the corresponding VE-id, of the image data management table of the accumulating data management table is TRUE, the accumulated image data is read and reproduced. As well, in a case where the accumulated data of a table, identified by the corresponding NE-id, of the navigation information management table of the accumulating data management table is TRUE, there is no problem if the accumulated navigation information may be read and reproduced.
In addition, in the preferred embodiment, an Expiration-Descriptor is contained in the PMT as information expressing the term of validity of program data. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
The term of validity may not be set to the entirety of programs but may be set to each of the individual navigation information and individual presentation information. For example,
In this case, the Expiration field is provided in the image data management table which prepares the accumulating data management table. In Step S2202, VET-DII is fetched, and the value of the ExpirationTime described for each of the individual modules of the VET-DII illustrated in
Similarly, an Expiration field is provided in the navigation information management field prepared in the accumulating data management table. After an NVT-DII is fetched in Step S2302, the value of the ExpirationTime described with respect to the individual modules of the NVT-DII illustrated in
Still further, in a case where the accumulating flag of a table, identified by the corresponding VE-id, of the image data management table of the accumulating data management table is TRUE when judging, in Step S2001, whether or not the image data are already accumulated, and further in a case where it is judged, with reference to the value of the expiration field, that the current time is before the value set in the expiration field, the accumulated image data stored in the image data storing portion may be reproduced, and where the current time is after the value set in the expiration field, a receiving and reproducing process of the presentation information may be performed.
In addition, the preferred embodiment was described under the assumption that one program data is not changed in compliance with the time in the program. Therefore, in a case where, in Step S2201, accumulating data management table exists, the value of the accumulating completion flag field is TRUE, and the current time is before the time designated by the expiration, it is judged that the image data are already accumulated, and the process shifts to a reproducing process of the accumulated data.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the invention may be intended to a case where program data are renewed halfway. For example, whenever the program data are renewed, the values of the fields of the respective Module-Versions of NVT-DII and VET-DII are renewed, and an NVT version field and VET version field are added as fields in which the values of the respective Module-Version fields are stored. When accumulating the program data, the values of the respective Module-Versions of the NVT-DII and VET-DII are set.
Further, when reproducing an accumulated program described in
Although, in the above preferred embodiment, the accumulating management is performed by using VET-DII and NV-DII, the accumulation may be carried out without using these.
Also, when accumulating a navigation information table and presentation information in the abovementioned preferred embodiment, the navigation information and presentation information may be acquired in the order of separation without designating the individual navigation information and individual presentation information as filter conditions. Also, they may be fetched by designating the individual navigation information tables and individual presentation information. In addition, such a process may be acceptable, in which no designation is issued when there are a plenty of non-fetched navigation information and presentation information, and as the non-fetched navigation information and presentation information are decreased, the corresponding non-fetched information may be designated. If no designation is performed under a condition that the non-fetched information is decreased, futility is produced, by which already accumulated information is doubly fetched. For example, where the number of non-fetched information becomes equal to the number of filter conditions usable in the TS decoder 320, individual designation may be performed.
Also, in the preferred embodiment, the navigation information table and presentation information are linked by the navigation information table. However, the presentation information may be expressed in the form of languages such as HTML and XML, etc. In this case, the link address will be expressed in the form of the presentation language itself, which is the content element. Therefore, where such languages as HTML, XML, etc., are used, a set of content elements may be repeatedly transmitted, wherein no navigation information table may not be used. A recording process (accumulating process) and a reproducing process may eliminate process of the navigation information table, wherein the processes basically are the same as those in the above.
In the above-preferred embodiment, the accumulated navigation information table and presentation information is used to perform reproducing in the corresponding receiver 300. However, as they are prepared in the form which can be utilized in a computer, they may be used by accessing from any peripheral computers.
In the above preferred embodiment, no information exceeding the term of validity is outputted, wherein there is no fear that any application of television shopping whose validity term is expired or any past weather forecasting is reproduced. But, they may be reproduced with an indication saying that the validity term is expired.
Also, in the above preferred embodiment, a description was given of a case where the respective functions and/or features in
2.1 Digital broadcast receiver
Herein, in a system which brings an interactive feature, described above, one set of presentation information and navigation information table are repeatedly transmitted. Therefore, interactive broadcasting can be achieved without recording one set of these data at the receiver side.
Further, using a digital broadcast system according to the preferred embodiment, a response process can be accelerated in a receiver having allowance in the memory capacity while securing compatibility with a receiver having a small recording capacity.
2.1.1 Hardware Construction of a Receiver
The hardware construction in a case of achieving a receiver shown in
2.0.1 Actions of a Receiving Processing Device
Next, the CPU 450 judges whether or not the corresponding service program is caused to have an interactivity by repeatedly transmitting a set of data (Step S4002). The judgement can be carried out by referring to the control data PMT. If the program does not have any interactive feature, a usual receiving process is performed (Step S4004).
If the program has an interactive feature, a receiving process is performed while recording (Step S4003).
A detail of the receiving process with recording is shown in
Thus, in a state where the presentation information and navigation information of the entry are displayed, other non-recorded presentation information and navigation information are fetched and recorded (Step S4102).
The recording process herein is the same as that in the first preferred embodiment. For example, if the received information is no recorded without designating the individual presentation information and individual navigation information, the recording may be performed. Further, if all (one set) of presentation information and navigation information are recorded, Step S4102 is skipped without execution. Also, by using a VET-DII and NVT-DII as in the first preferred embodiment, it is also possible to manage whether or not a set of presentation information and navigation information is entirely recorded.
Next, while performing the above recording process, it is judged whether or not a switching instruction of the presentation information and navigation information is given by an operator (Step S4103). Without any switching instruction given, the above recording process is continued.
If a switching instruction is issued, it is judged whether or not the designated navigation information is already recorded in the memory 340 (Step S4014). If recorded, the navigation information is fetched from the memory 340 and outputted (Step S4015). Further, if not recorded, the CPU 450 controls the TS decoder portion 320, receives, restores and outputs the navigation information (Step S4016).
Next, it is judged whether or not the designated presentation information is already recorded in the memory 340 (Step S4017). If recorded, the presentation information is fetched from the memory 340 and outputted (Step S4018). If not recorded, the CPU 450 controls the TS decoder portion 320, receives, restores and outputs the presentation information (Step S4019). Thereafter, the process after Step S4012 is carried out again.
As described above, a recording process may be carried out in advance for subsequent processes while performing a receiving process.
2.1 Other Embodiments
2.2.1 Applicability of Alternation and Amendments Performed in the First Embodiment
Also in the second preferred embodiment, alternation and amendments which are similar to those in the first preferred embodiment can be performed.
2.2.2 Version Information
Further, version information may be provided instead of the term of validity. Also, if the version is out of date, a new fetching may be carried out again so as to record information in a case where the term of validity elapses even though a set of data (presentation information and navigation information) is already recorded. In this case, it is possible to judge whether or not the term of validity elapses, by comparing with the current time. Also, by comparing the version of the recorded data with that of the transmitting data, it is possible to judge whether or not the version of the recorded data is out of date. Thus, new data can be always recorded.
2.2.3 Monitoring Timing of Version and other Information
Still further, as described above, the above monitoring is performed where the output of the presentation information and navigation information is designated (by operation of a viewer), not depending on usual monitoring the term of validity and version, new data is received and outputted, and at the same time, the recording may be performed.
2.2.4 Transmission Schedule of New Data
In addition, in a case where the term of validity elapses, information on whether or not data having the next new term of validity is scheduled to be received may be transmitted. The information may be described in, for example, VET-DII or NVT-DII. Upon receiving the information, a receiver may judge whether or not newer data than the currently recorded data is being transmitted.
2.2.5 Record Process Information
Not much benefit is found to record information to the receiver such that frequent revision of data is performed as well as other information. In order to give a meaning to those data, flags representing necessity and nonnecessity of recording information may be written in the NVT—DII and/or the VET—DII at the transmitter, and send these to the receiver. Upon receiving the NVT—DII and the VET—DII containing the flags, the receiver not performs recording of the information carried out at steps S4101 and S4102 if the flag represents nonnecessity of recording information.
Further, the priority of recording information may be sent as the flags, and the information may also be recorded under the order of higher priority at the recorder.
In addition, recording of the information carried out at steps S4101 and S4102 may be omitted when a short period left to the terms of validity as a result of comparison between the validity written in both the NVT—DII and the VET—DII and the current time. In this way, efficient use of the storing capacity can be realized by just recording the information having sufficient terms of validity. The judgement of necessity and normecessity of recording information may be performed not only in consideration of the remaining period to the terms of validity, but also the storing capacity.
In step S4102, information is recorded in the order of obtaining. Higher priority of recording may be provided to the information having sufficient terms of validity, and the higher priority information may also be record ahead of other information.
Information erup representing the frequency of revision of information may be sent to both the NVT—DII and the VET—DII from the transmitter (see
The receiver not performs recording of the information carried out at steps S4101 and S4102 if the frequency flag erup is in The receiver, on the other hand, performs recording of the information carried out at steps S4101 and S4102 if the frequency flag erup is in In this way, efficient use of the storing capacity can be realized by just recording the information revised less frequency. The judgement of necessity and nonnecessity of recording information may be performed in consideration of not only the frequency flags, but also the remaining storing capacity.
In step S4102, information is recorded in the order of obtaining. Higher priority of recording may be provided to the information having in the frequency flag, and the higher priority information may also be record ahead of other information.
The frequency of revising information may be converted into numerical values such as in five grades (from first through fifth grade). The numerical values can also be used as the frequency flags. The judgement of necessity and nonnecessity of recording information and the determination of recording priority may be performed by the receiver in accordance with the frequency information described above.
As described earlier, the transmitter sends the record process information such as the flags representing necessity and nonnecessity of recording information, the terms of validity of the information and the frequency of revision. The judgement of necessity and nonnecessity of recording information can be carried out by the receiver in accordance with the record process information sent by the receiver. Although, the record process information is attached to every information in the embodiment described above, the record process information may be written in every set of data the presentation information and navigation information.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-293539 | Oct 1998 | JP | national |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5724091 | Freeman et al. | Mar 1998 | A |
| 5903816 | Broadwin et al. | May 1999 | A |
| 5973681 | Tanigawa et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
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| Number | Date | Country |
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| 0 731 575 | Sep 1996 | EP |
| 823823 | Feb 1998 | EP |
| 0 827 336 | Mar 1998 | EP |
| 0 830 019 | Mar 1998 | EP |
| 827240 | Mar 1998 | EP |
| 827340 | Mar 1998 | EP |
| 0 834 798 | Apr 1998 | EP |
| 0 899 950 | Apr 2000 | EP |
| 0 823 815 | Dec 2000 | EP |
| 10-032796 | Feb 1998 | JP |
| 10-155140 | Jun 1998 | JP |
| WO 9637058 | Nov 1996 | WO |
| WO 9743838 | Nov 1997 | WO |
