CN100446557C - Recording, reproduction equipment and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The transmitting means generates a first data stream recorded on a receiving side recording medium and a second data stream including audio and video data transmitted as a broadcast program. The transmitting means multiplexes the first and second data streams and then transmits the multiplexed data stream. The multiplexed data streams are controlled such that the transmission rate for the multiplexed data stream does not exceed the maximum transmission rate and the transmission rate for the first data stream is lower than the transmission rate for the second data stream. The receiving device records the first data stream on a recording medium, allowing the first data to be reproduced after the transmission has been completed.

Description

Recording, reproduction equipment and method

This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with an application date of April 11, 2001, an application number of 01119300.X, and an invention title of "Data sending and receiving equipment and method, recording and reproducing equipment and method".

technical field

The present invention relates to a data transmitting apparatus, data receiving apparatus, data transmitting method, and data receiving method capable of multiplexing such as television program broadcasting and data broadcasting, which can be used for digital satellite broadcasting and the like.

Background technique

The satellite broadcasting is a broadcasting using an artificial satellite maintaining an orbit around the earth at 36000 km above the earth, and the satellite broadcasting uses a broadcasting satellite (BS) or a communication satellite (CS). With regard to two types of satellite broadcasts that can be received with simple receiving equipment, the same transmission wave from one transmission point (ie, a fixed orbital position) can cover the whole world. Because satellite broadcasting can achieve economical and effective nationwide broadcasting, satellite broadcasting provides services nationwide more easily than terrestrial broadcasting, and at the same time provides a solution to the problem of blind spots. As shown in FIG. 19, in Japan, one transmission point includes seven transponders with a pair of channels. As currently used channels, channels 5 and 7 are used for WOWOW and NHK1 respectively, and channels 9 and 11 are used for Hi-vision and NHK2 respectively.

In BS broadcasting such as shown in FIG. 20 , MPEG-TS (MPEG Transport Stream) is generated. MPEG-TS is a multiplexed stream converted from a stream including video and audio at a coding bit rate corresponding to a given transmission rate in a given broadcast band. According to this MPEG-TS, multiplexed data streams are transmitted in the following order: video data V1, audio data A1, data D1, video data V2, audio data A2, data D2, . . . .

However, in satellite broadcasting as described above, if a plurality of broadcast programs having different transmission rates are multiplexed and transmitted, there arises a problem that the maximum transmission rate cannot be effectively utilized.

On the other hand, if the broadcast program is transmitted at the maximum transmission rate, another problem arises: when the various above-mentioned data are multiplexed and transmitted at a random rate, some of the data cannot be visualized in real time because Data units for presentation cannot be sent in one module.

Contents of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a data transmission device, a data receiving device, a data transmission method, and a data receiving method, which are characterized in that when various data are multiplexed and transmitted, or when various data are decomposed into multiple frequency band and when sending them, when effectively using the maximum transmission rate or the maximum bandwidth, the data transmission device, the data reception device, the data transmission method and the data reception method can transmit various data, and can also receive Real-time display of various data or non-real-time response data attributes and so on.

In order to achieve the above objects, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a data transmission device is provided, which includes a first generator for generating a first A data flow; The second generator is used to generate the second data flow comprising audio data and video data; The multiplexer is used to multiplex the first data flow and the second data flow; The transmitter is used for transmitting the data streams that have been partially multiplexed by the multiplexer; and a controller for controlling the multiplexer so that the transmission rate for the first data stream is lower than that for the second data stream rate.

With this structure, the rate for the second data stream is maintained corresponding to the predetermined maximum transmission rate so that the receiving side displays the second data stream in real time; and the data available after storing the first data stream in the recording medium on the receiving side The first data is sent at a transmission rate that does not cause problems in the transmission of the second data stream, which enables full use of the maximum transmission rate to transmit data.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data receiving device, which includes: a receiver for receiving a multiplexed data stream, wherein the available first a data stream and a second data stream including audio data and video data, multiplexing the multiplexed data in such a manner that a transmission rate for the first data stream becomes lower than a transmission rate for the second data stream stream; a separator for separating the multiplexed data stream which has been received by the receiver into a first data stream and a second data stream; and a recorder for recording the first data stream which has been separated by the separator on a recording medium a data stream.

With this structure, it is possible to use the second data stream given a sufficient transmission rate for real-time display and the like. On the other hand, after the first data stream is stored in the recording medium, that is, when required data units are stored, the multiplexed first data stream which has been lower than the transmission rate of the second data stream can be used. Therefore, it is possible to fully utilize the maximum transmission rate to transmit data.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data transmission device comprising: transmitting means for transmitting a data stream including audio data and video data using a television program broadcast frequency band, and by allocating this data stream to a data broadcast frequency band for transmitting the data stream available after storing the first data stream in the recording medium on the receiving side; and control means for controlling the television program broadcast frequency band and the data broadcast frequency band so that the composite frequency band does not exceed a given bandwidth.

With this structure, the data stream including audio data and video data transmitted using the TV program broadcasting frequency band can be used in real time on the receiving side; after storing this data stream in the recording medium on the receiving side, the data stream transmitted using the data broadcasting frequency band can be used use. Thus, two types of data streams can be effectively sent using a given bandwidth.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving apparatus comprising: receiving means for receiving a broadcast in which a data stream including audio data and video data is transmitted using a television program broadcasting frequency band, and using the frequency band allocated to this The data broadcast frequency band of the data stream transmits other data streams, which is the data stream available after storing this data stream in the recording medium on the receiving side, and controls the TV program broadcast frequency band and the data broadcast frequency band so that the composite frequency band does not exceed a given bandwidth; separating means for separating the data stream in the broadcast which has been received by the receiving means, the data stream being allocated to the data broadcasting frequency band; and recording means for recording the separated data stream.

With this structure, the data stream in the TV program broadcasting frequency band can be utilized for real-time display, etc.; and after storing this data stream in the recording medium, that is, when the required data unit is stored, the data stream in the data broadcasting frequency band can be utilized data flow. This enables full utilization of the maximum transfer rate for data transfer.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data transmission method, the method comprising the following steps: generating a first data stream that can be used after storing the first data stream in a recording medium on the receiving side; generating a data stream including audio data and video a second data stream of data; and sending a multiplexed data stream that has been multiplexed from the first data stream and the second data stream; wherein the transmission rate for the first data stream becomes lower than that for the second The multiplexed data streams are multiplexed by means of the transmission rate of the data streams.

With this structure, the rate for the second data stream is maintained corresponding to the predetermined maximum transmission rate so that the receiving side can display the second data stream in real time; and available after storing the first data stream in the recording medium on the receiving side The first data stream is sent at a transmission rate that does not cause transmission problems for the second data stream. Therefore, full use of the maximum transmission rate for data transmission is realized.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data receiving method, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a multiplexed data stream that has been multiplexed from a first data stream, wherein the data stream is recorded on the receiving side storage of the first data stream in the medium is available, and a second data stream comprising audio data and video data in such a manner that the transmission rate for the first data stream becomes lower than the transmission rate for the second data stream , separating the received multiplexed data stream into a first data stream and a second data stream; and recording the separated first data stream on a recording medium.

With this structure, the second data stream can be used for real-time display or the like with a given sufficient transmission rate. On the other hand, after the first data stream is stored in the recording medium, that is, when required data units are stored, the multiplexed first data stream which has been lower than the transmission rate of the second data stream can be utilized. Therefore, it is possible to fully utilize the maximum transmission rate to transmit data.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data transmission method, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting a data stream including audio data and video data using a television program broadcast frequency band, and by allocating this data stream to a data broadcast frequency band transmitting the other data streams available after storing this data stream in the recording medium on the receiving side; and controlling the TV program broadcasting frequency band and the data broadcasting frequency band so that the synthesized frequency band does not exceed a given bandwidth.

With this structure, using the TV program broadcasting frequency band, a data stream including audio data and video data that can be utilized in real time on the receiving side is transmitted; and after storing this data stream in the recording medium on the receiving side, transmitting the available data flow. Thus, two types of data streams can be effectively sent using a given bandwidth.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving method, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a broadcast in which a data stream including audio data and video data is transmitted using a television program broadcast frequency band, and using the The data broadcasting frequency band transmits other data streams available after storing this data stream in the recording medium on the receiving side, and controls the television program broadcasting frequency band and the data broadcasting frequency band so that the combined frequency band does not exceed a given bandwidth; and recording from The receiving step receives broadcast data streams allocated to data broadcast frequency bands.

With this structure, the data stream in the program broadcasting frequency band can be utilized for real-time display, etc.; after storing this data stream in the recording medium, that is, when the required data unit is stored, the data stream in the data broadcasting frequency band can be utilized . Therefore, it is possible to fully utilize the maximum transmission rate to transmit data.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus comprising: input means for inputting at least one data stream multiplexed from a first data stream including audio and video data, and data streams from A second data stream comprising audio and video data transmitted as a broadcast program; separating means for separating the multiplexed data stream into a first data stream and a second data stream; a recording medium on which the separated First and second data streams; reproducing means for reproducing the first data stream recorded on the recording medium; and recording control means for controlling a given area of the recording medium so that only the first data stream is allowed Log in the given area.

With this structure, it becomes possible to reserve an area which can be freely used by the user in advance, and besides that, the provider also allows the user to download the content freely.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus comprising: input means for inputting at least one data stream multiplexed from a first data stream comprising audio and video data, and comprising A second data stream of audio and video data transmitted as a broadcast program; separating means for separating the multiplexed data stream into a first data stream and a second data stream; a recording medium on which the separated first and the second data stream; reproducing means for reproducing the first data stream recorded on the recording medium; and recording control means for controlling a given area of the recording medium so as to allow only the first data stream to be recorded in A given area, wherein the area of the recording medium is divided into a provider specific area and a user specific area.

With this structure, dividing the recording medium into the provider area and the user area offers the advantage that these areas can be used freely without mutual interference.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus comprising: a recording medium for recording first data including at least audio and video data, and second data including audio and video data, The audio and video data are transmitted as a broadcast program; and reproduction control means for reproducing the first data stream recorded in a predetermined area on the recording medium.

With this structure, it becomes possible to reserve an area which can be freely used by the user in advance, and besides that, the provider also allows the user to download the content freely.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording method comprising the steps of: inputting at least one data stream multiplexed from a first data stream including audio and video data; A second stream of audio and video data transmitted by a program; separating the multiplexed stream into a first stream and a second stream; recording the separated first and second streams on a given recording medium ; reproducing the first data stream recorded on the recording medium; and controlling a given area of the recording medium so as to allow only the first data stream to be recorded in the given area.

With this structure, it becomes possible to reserve an area which can be freely used by the user in advance, and besides that, the provider also allows the user to download the content freely.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing method comprising the steps of: recording first data including at least audio and video data, and second data including audio and video data on a recording medium , the audio and video data are transmitted as a broadcast program; and the first data stream recorded in a predetermined area on the recording medium is reproduced.

With this structure, it becomes possible to reserve an area which can be freely used by the user in advance, and besides that, the provider also allows the user to reproduce the content etc. which have been freely written.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a BS station constituting a satellite broadcasting system in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic conceptual diagram illustrating an EC platform including the BS station shown in FIG. 1, which organically combines content, radio waves/transmission paths, and terminal equipment;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the functional and business structure of the BS station shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic conceptual diagram illustrating a business model of a BS station shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of goods and services related to the BS station shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of payment related to the BS station shown in FIG. 1;

Fig. 7 is a schematic structural diagram illustrating a digital broadcast transmitting device and a digital broadcast receiving device in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a broadcasting frequency band allocated to a broadcasting company in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an allocated transmission rate used in the BS digital broadcasting shown in FIG. 7;

Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of an MPEG decoder section in the digital transmission apparatus shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a record reproduction section in the digital receiving apparatus shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of another record reproduction section in the digital receiving apparatus shown in Fig. 7;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a display screen displaying animation in the digital receiving device shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a display screen for ordering goods in the digital receiving device shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of a display screen for confirming purchase of goods in the digital receiving device shown in FIG. 7;

Fig. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of another record reproduction section in the digital receiving apparatus shown in Fig. 7;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of the HDD shown in FIG. 16;

Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how to divide the disk shown in Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of MPEG-TS; and

Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of a transponder of an artificial satellite for satellite broadcasting.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

An embodiment of a satellite broadcasting business management system employing a business management method and a business management device according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a satellite broadcasting business management system according to an embodiment.

The business management system includes BS stations 10A to 10D as a satellite broadcasting company that delivers video content using such as satellite broadcasting as an existing BS system, and a television receiver 11 capable of receiving and displaying video delivered by the BS stations 10A to 10D content. In addition, in FIG. 1, the shaded portion at each BS station from 10A to 10D is a portion where transmission is carried out in the data broadcasting band. Furthermore, a recording medium for recording BS data broadcasting (in this embodiment, the hard disk 13 has a recording capacity of 36 GB) is connected to the television receiver 11 . In this connection, when the transmission rate of the broadcast is, for example, 4 Mbps (SD), the hard disk 13 having a recording capacity of 36 GB can record the broadcast for 20 hours.

In addition, this system includes an EC platform 14 which provides a BS station with video contents and electronic shopping company information.

As shown in FIG. 2 , this EC platform 14 has an organic combination of media provider 20 , terminal device 21 , content 22 and radio wave/transmission path 23 functions. The medium provider 20 includes an Internet provider, a base station, and the like. Terminal equipment 21 includes a television receiver 11, information equipment such as a personal computer, cellular phone, wireless phone, and the like. Content 22 spans many genres, including music, life insurance information, movies, banking information, radio programming. The radio wave/transmission path 23 has a structure covering all BS data, CS, cables and so on.

In addition, this system can also be supplemented with a 110-degree CS station 19 if required in the future. This 110-degree CS station 19 performs CS data broadcasting at 52 Mbps, for example.

The BS station 15 has the following functions, scheduling and sending storage type broadcasts; user confirmation; bill settlement; delivery and management of hard disks; user support; Its business structure is based on investments from broadcasters 25 and home electronics producers 26 as shown in FIG. 3 . Between the BS station 15 and the broadcaster 25, a given broadcast frequency band (about 2 Mbps in this embodiment) is provided, using the frequency band of about 2 Mbps to provide services such as video contents and electronic commerce information.

In addition, a recording medium (in this embodiment, a hard disk recording device) is provided to the BS station by the home electronic product producer 26 for storing BS data, and the BS data is provided to the consumer for free or at a price lower than the cost. In exchange for the recording medium, the BS station 15 pays a subsidy to the producer 26 of home electronic products.

Furthermore, on the viewer side, there is a television receiver 11 including a dedicated recording medium (hard disk) capable of receiving BS station data broadcast and temporarily or separately storing it on board. After receiving the BS data broadcast provided by the BS station, the BS data broadcast can be recorded on this recording medium. Regarding this recording medium, data is recorded in the FIFO method; more specifically, in order to record new data, the oldest recorded data is first deleted. In addition, the recording medium allows optional selection of BS data broadcasts that have been received and temporarily stored for viewing.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, if the "bs station.com" menu screen 11A is selected, the menu screens include "today's focus", "shopping", "business/payment", "sports", "travel" , "Entertainment", "News and Weather Forecast", "Game" and "Life" to select one of the types of access to the BS station. The BS data is currently stored in the recording medium and you want to view the information. If "shopping" is selected, items can be viewed and purchased, which will be described in detail later.

As shown in Fig. 4, there is the business model of the BS station of above-mentioned function and business format, including the technology platform 31 that solves the technical problem, the producer 32 that can support the production TV receiver of the hard disk, the user who is a charging member 33, a base company 34 that manages various members, an EC electronic store 35 that supports electronic commerce, a content provider 36 that provides various contents, and a broadcasting station 30 that transmits contents at about 2 Mbps frequency band.

The technology platform 31 is provided to the manufacturer 32 with HDD control technology (the HDD (hard disk drive) in which BS data is stored is connected to the TV receiver), encryption technology, identification and billing technology, and metadata control technology, and in addition, the technology platform 31 provides The BS station 15 licenses to use these technologies, receiving the license from the manufacturer 32 free of charge to mutual satisfaction.

If the HDD of the receiving device stores the broadcast data broadcast using the empty frequency band within the broadcast frequency band owned by the broadcast station, the metadata control technology is a control technology that makes a large amount of data aggregated and reproduced. In addition, from the software point of view There are various functions: excerpt data broadcasting, which stores them according to each user's preference; store information with good user selection rate by priority, and others.

In addition, regarding data broadcasting stored in a recording medium, when continuing to store received data broadcasting, it is possible to control storage in such a manner that if the capacity of the storage area becomes lower than or equal to a given value, in order to store new data broadcast, delete the oldest stored data broadcast first.

The manufacturer 32 will provide the TV receiver capable of supporting the hard disk and hard disk module to the user, and satisfy both parties by obtaining the income from the HDD subsidy and the income from the BS station 15 instead of the license fee paid to the technology platform 31 .

The user 33 pays a membership fee for viewing received content (in this case, BS data from a broadcasting station). The base company 34 implements business for the BS station 15, in detail, member management business, transaction processing, and key management business in place of the BS station 15.

The EC electronic store company 35 can set up an environment that it can be a virtual store that pays the BS station 15 for transactions of EC consignment and advertisement fees.

The contents provider 36 obtains viewing fees for various contents such as video contents and music (regardless of the kind of contents if they are in the same area) from the BS station 15 .

The broadcasting station 30 broadcasts data broadcasting using a designated broadcasting band; in the case of digital broadcasting, it is an empty broadcasting band (for example, 2 Mbps) in a broadcasting band of 24 Mbps, which changes according to broadcasting programs.

In addition to paying broadcasting station viewing fees and frequency band fees, BS station 15 satisfies both parties by returning a part of the revenue to the broadcasting station.

Next, the actual flow of goods and services and payment in the business mode of the BS station having the above-mentioned structure will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 .

As shown in Fig. 5, the commodity and service flow includes the following: (1) the technology platform licenses an agreement with an equipment manufacturer; (2) the technology platform may make an agreement with a storage broadcaster to form a BS station.

(3) An equipment manufacturer delivers equipment, which is a television receiver in which an HDD is built, or a television receiver equipped with an HDD, to a user who has applied for data broadcasting. This device is equipped with a recording medium capable of storing data broadcast, and has software capable of controlling and reproducing this stored data broadcast.

Furthermore, this device is available for free or at a low cost. Since the main purpose is the content fee and leads to the use of a virtual store that stores data broadcasts, the profit of the device itself is minimal.

(4) EC Electronic Store, which provides virtual shopping, content provider goods and advertisements.

(5) Content provider provides stored broadcaster content.

(6) When the storage broadcaster accepts video content and content for electronic commerce from a content provider, the storage broadcaster transmits a data broadcast program containing these contents to a broadcast licensing company (BS station or broadcasting station).

(7) After the broadcast licensing company receives the data broadcast from the stored broadcasting company, the broadcast licensing company broadcasts the data broadcast using a broadcast band of an empty broadcast program (WOWOW, NHK1, NHK2), which is broadcast on a 24Mbps broadcast band .

(8) When the device on the user side receives this data broadcast, the device reconstructs the data broadcast as a content data and stores it, allowing viewing of desired content through menu operations. These viewed contents are sent to the communication company as viewing history data.

(9) When the communication company receives the user's viewing history data, the communication company allows extraction of currently viewed and past viewed data broadcasts, and then transmits each user's viewing history data to the base company.

(10) When the base company receives the viewing history data from the communication company, the base company uses the viewing history data to extract viewing contents selected by each user, their types, and the like. Thereafter, the base company generates user data, sends them to the storage broadcaster. Based on the subscriber data, the storage broadcaster selects programs with a large audience segment and also selects e-commerce content. Thereafter, the storing broadcasting company organizes the broadcasting program, and then transmits this data broadcasting to the broadcasting licensing company. This enables sending only data broadcasts suitable for user needs. Therefore, rich content can be provided.

Next, the payment flow resulting from the above-mentioned commodity and service flow will be described with reference to FIG. 6 .

First, (1) the user watches the data broadcast of the stock broadcasting company, and then performs membership registration for virtual shopping through electronic commerce included in the data broadcast. Therefore, the storage broadcaster is paid a monthly subscription fee consisting of a monthly fixed payment, additional service fees such as charges when the allowed usage hours are exceeded, and the like.

(2) The storage broadcasting company pays the HDD subsidy and the EC income portion (which is returned as a given profit) to the device manufacturer, and the device manufacturer provides a device capable of viewing data broadcasting to users with a membership status, and in particular, provides a device with A television receiver capable of storing a recording medium for data broadcasting or a device consisting of a recording medium connected to a television receiver.

(3) The storage broadcasting company pays the content fee commensurate with the content to the content provider, and the content provider provides video content and implements e-commerce content.

(4) To store the broadcasting company's government bandwidth fee to the broadcasting licensing company for the purpose of broadcasting data broadcasting.

(5) The storage broadcasting company pays the business commission and the EC income portion that have been returned as a given profit to the base company that implements various agency businesses.

(6) The base company pays the line fee to the communication company.

(7) The storage broadcasting company pays the license fee to the broadcasting company.

(8) The equipment manufacturer pays the license fee to the technology platform.

(9) EC electronic store pays electronic shopping fee and advertising fee to content provider.

(10) The EC electronic store pays EC commission, electronic shopping commission, and advertisement fee to storage broadcaster EC.

The business management method for managing the flow of payment as described above to calculate profits, and for returning companies and users as appropriate profits to related storage companies is described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 .

The store broadcasting company manages the flow of payment through the business management device. The business management device includes input means for providing balance information and control means for controlling the balance so that part of the profit is returned to service or advertising fees. Part of the profit returned is based on the cost required by the delivery company to provide the user with the corresponding content of the user's recording device, the content usage fee paid by this user, and the given service and/or advertisement included in the content. obtained at a cost.

Using the business management apparatus, the broadcasting company calculates and provides to the user a TV receiver with a built-in HDD therein or a TV receiver with an HDD as corresponding to such as a virtual store (these TV receivers are provided by the equipment manufacturer as the equipment delivery company) To the user) the balance of the payment required for the TV receiver of the recording device of the content; the content usage fee such as the monthly membership fee and the additional service fee is paid by the virtual store, and these fees are paid by the user who provided the device; and the EC sales entrust , exhibition fees, advertising fees, etc. are equal to the fees obtained from a given service or advertisement included in the content. The storage broadcaster controls part of the profit back to service or advertising fees based on the profit control.

For example, if the storage broadcaster controls part of the profit back to the equipment manufacturer (producer) of the recording device according to the profit control, a given amount of money is returned to the equipment manufacturer as an EC income part. In this case, the number is determined by the management means for managing the number of recording devices that have been provided to the user, and the delivery company provides the corresponding content to the user. Depending on the number of recording means, determining means are used to determine the fee to be paid for a given service or advertisement included in the content.

With such a business management device, the distribution of business profits is managed, and part of the business profits is returned to the monthly membership fee and additional service fee, which is equal to the EC revenue portion of the equipment manufacturer (producer) of the recording device and the content usage fee paid by the user.

Such a business management system is applicable not only to satellite broadcasting but also to digital broadcasting multiplexed with data broadcasting.

In the following, the transmitting apparatus and the receiving apparatus for processing multiplexed data shown in the embodiment of the present invention and the A method for sending and receiving multiplexed data.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the structures of the digital broadcast transmitting apparatus and the digital broadcast receiving (recording) apparatus of this embodiment.

The digital broadcast sending device 110 includes at least one first data stream generating part 111, which is used to generate a first data stream including audio and video data, and a second data stream input part 112, which is used to receive a second data stream including audio and video data. Data streams, the audio and video data are sent as broadcast programs, a multiplexer 113 for multiplexing the first data stream and the second data stream, an output section 114 for output multiplexing data streams, a multiplexing control section 115 for controlling multiplexing so that the transmission rate of the first data stream becomes lower than the encoding bit rate of the first data stream.

The digital broadcast receiving device 130 includes a data stream receiving section 131 for receiving a multiplexed data stream from a first data stream and a second data stream, the first data stream includes at least audio and video data, the audio and video data Having been generated and transmitted in the digital broadcast transmitting device 110, the second data stream includes audio and video data, which is transmitted as a broadcast program and is encoded at a lower transmission rate than the first data stream in bits of the first data stream rate multiplexing in this manner.

The digital broadcast receiving device 130 also includes a data stream separating part 132 for separating the data stream received by the data stream receiving part 131 into a first data stream and a second data stream, and a recording part 133 for recording the separated data stream , a reproducing section 134 for reproducing these recorded data streams, and a reproduction control section 135 for controlling reproduction so that when said reproducing section 134 records the first data stream, in the first data stream After the stream has been fully recorded, reproduction of the first data stream becomes possible.

The first data stream generating section 111 is configured to generate a first data stream from at least video and audio content and/or content for electronic commerce. As shown in FIG. 8, the transmission rate allocated to this first stream is about 2 Mbps, which is relatively narrow, but the broadcast band for the first and second streams has 24 Mbps as the maximum transmission rate.

More specifically, the broadcast frequency band allocated to one broadcaster is 24 Mbps in total, which is composed of, for example, data broadcasting corresponding to the first stream, television broadcasting corresponding to the second stream, additional broadcasting, radio frequency and others.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the transmission rate for data broadcasting corresponding to the first data stream is about 2 Mbps, and when a broadcasting company transmits TV programs 1, 2, 3 by multiplexing them, 2Mbps is the remainder of the required transfer rate. Taking advantage of this transmission rate of about 2 Mbps, the data broadcast (first data stream) is multiplexed with the transmitted television broadcast (second data stream).

Next, a specific configuration of an encoder of the transmission apparatus 110 that provides compression and transmission corresponding to the transmission rate of data broadcasting to multiplex data broadcasting and television broadcasting will be described with reference to FIG. 10 .

The encoder includes a second data stream input section 112 for inputting video and audio data transmitted as a broadcast program of BS digital broadcasting, a first data stream generating section 111 for inputting video (picture) and audio data of data broadcasting audio (voice), a multiplexer 113 for multiplexing the first and second data streams, a multiplexing control section 115 for controlling the multiplexing, an output section 114 for multiplexing for outputting multiplexed data streams, and an interface 116 corresponding to teletext broadcasting.

The second data stream input section 112 includes a video interface 117a and an audio interface 117b for inputting video and audio data, respectively, and a video compressor 118a and an audio compressor 118b for compressing data input from these interfaces 117a and interface 117b respectively by a method such as MPEG .

The first data stream generating section 111 includes a video interface 117c and an audio interface 117d that input image and voice data, respectively, and a video compressor 118c and audio compressor 118d that compress data input from these interfaces 117c and 117d, respectively.

The multiplexer 113 includes a primary multiplexer 113a and a secondary multiplexer 113b. The primary multiplexer 113a multiplexes the compressed data broadcast, ie, the first data stream. In this case, the first data stream is multiplexed at an encoding rate of 4 Mbps in this embodiment.

On the other hand, the secondary multiplexer 113b multiplexes the first data stream (data broadcasting) having an encoding rate of 4 Mbps into the second data stream (television broadcast) by changing the transmission rate of the first data stream to approximately 2 Mbps. broadcast).

The multiplexing control section 115 controls the multiplexing described above so that the first data stream having an encoding rate of 4 Mbps is multiplexed at an encoding rate of 2 Mbps. Specifically, although the first data stream originally has an encoding rate of 4 Mbps, the first data stream is controlled so that the encoding rate after multiplexing becomes 2 Mbps, which is lower than the original encoding rate. In other words, it is twice as slow as the original encoding rate in terms of time base. In this way, by controlling the first data stream (data broadcast) so that it is sent at a lower rate than the original encoding rate, it becomes possible to send the first data stream at the already obtained narrowband transmission rate.

A specific configuration of the receiving means 130 for receiving the MPEG-encoded and multiplexed first and second streams will be described below with reference to FIG. 11. FIG.

This receiving device is constituted as a hard disk recorder, and it includes a second data stream receiving section 131a for receiving the second data stream (television broadcast) by separating the second data stream from the antenna, and also includes a first data stream receiving section 131b, Used to receive the first data stream (data broadcast). The second stream receiving section 131a and the first stream receiving section 131b are connected to the first stream reproduction control section 125, the first stream recording section 133, and the first stream reproduction section 134 via the system bus B.

The second data stream receiving section 131a includes a tuner 135a capable of receiving the second data stream (television broadcast), a digital demodulation circuit 136a for demodulating a signal received by the tuner 135a, and a digital demodulation circuit 136a for correcting errors. Error correction circuit 137a. The image and voice data of the demodulated data broadcasting are demultiplexed by the demultiplexer 138, and supplied to the system bus B, and thus output to a television receiver (TV) as appropriate data.

The first data stream receiving section 131b includes a tuner 135b capable of receiving a first data stream (data broadcast) having a transfer rate of about 2 Mbps, a digital demodulation circuit 136b for demodulating a signal received by the tuner 135b, and An error correction circuit 137b for correcting errors, and the demodulated first data stream (data broadcast) is recorded in the recording section 133 .

The recording section 133 has a hard disk (HDD) having a recording capacity of about 38 GB, which is controlled so that it records only the first stream (data broadcast). In this regard, the recording capacity of the hard disk is not limited to 38GB. Of course, its settings can be changed appropriately. If the hard disk has a recording capacity of 38GB, when the transfer rate is 4Mbps, the hard disk can record data for about 20 hours. This hard disk (HDD) can be built into the television receiver (TV) or attached externally to the television receiver.

In addition, the recording section 133 is controlled so that a genre (area) having a high viewing rate is preferentially recorded; or the recording section 133 is controlled so that the first stream of a specific genre previously is preferentially recorded.

For example, by statistically processing a user's viewing history, it is possible to periodically determine a genre with a high viewing rate. Corresponding to the determination result, the first data stream in the genre may be preferentially recorded, in other words, by using the mode setting to allow the user to select a desired genre, the first stream is recorded corresponding to the selected result in the desired viewing genre It is possible.

As the genres used here, the following can be used: categories including categories related to program content such as "Movies", "Music", "Sports", "News" and "Documentation"; ” and “events” on attributes of e-commerce items; and others.

The reproduction control section 125 includes a central processing unit (CPU), and a reproduction section 134 so that it becomes possible to reproduce the first data stream (data broadcast) after the first data is all recorded.

The reproducing section 134 has an MPEG decoder 134a and an OSD (On Screen Display) 134b, and outputs image and voice data of the first stream (data broadcast) to a television receiver (TV).

In this manner, the first data stream (data broadcast) transmitted from the transmission device at a very narrow transmission rate is recorded on a hard disk as a recording medium. In this respect, it becomes possible to reproduce the first data stream after the first data has been completely recorded. Therefore, although the transmission rate is lower than the original encoding rate, the first data stream can be displayed normally without interruption.

Next, another receiving apparatus in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 .

The composition of the receiving device has a hard disk recorder with first and second charging (CAS) functions. In the following description, in addition to explaining the composition and operation of the hard disk recorder, the operation on the user side is also described. process.

This hard disk recorder uses an external satellite dish to receive digital broadcast signals. Then, the hard disk recorder inputs an intermediate frequency signal converted by the converter of the satellite dish to the digital tuners 211a and 211b of the data stream receiving sections 210a and 210b of the front and rear parts, respectively.

The digital tuners 211a and 211b convert the input IF signal into a baseband signal, and then output the converted signal to the digital demodulation circuits 212a and 212b, respectively. The digital demodulation circuits 212a and 212b demodulate the input signals, and then output the demodulated signals to the error correction circuits 213a and 213b, respectively.

Error correction circuits 213a and 213b correct errors of demodulated data input from digital demodulation circuits 212a and 212b, and then output the corrected data to demultiplexers 221a and 221b, respectively.

The demultiplexers 221a and 221b select a data stream from an input transmission channel according to a user's instruction, and then output the selected data stream to the first CAS parts 222a and 222b.

Based on the key stored in the IC card 224 inserted into the IC card interface 223, the first CAS sections 222a and 222b descramble the ciphers of the streams supplied from the demultiplexers 221a and 221b, respectively. If recording is commanded, the first CAS sections 222 a and 222 b stream the data to the hard disk drive 226 via the system bus 225 .

In addition, the output of the first CAS section 222a and 222b is provided to the second CAS section 227 if real-time viewing is instructed.

The second CAS part 227 accesses a given server through the pre-stored key (public key) or the cellular phone module 228 . When the input stream is encrypted, the second CAS section 227 decodes (de-scrambles) the cipher based on the obtained key (common key), and then outputs it to the MPEG decoder 229.

By the MPEG method, the MPEG decoder 229 decodes the input data stream, provides an image signal to the OSD (On Screen Display) circuit 230, multiplexes image and text data according to the given OSD data, and then outputs the data to the their display devices. In addition, the voice signal that has been output from the MPEG decoder 229 is output to a speaker or the like.

Incidentally, if a plurality of digital tuners are equipped, the above-mentioned processing can be carried out on different channels simultaneously; or different data streams can be recorded simultaneously.

In response to a user's instruction, the CPU 231 controls the operation of each section described above. The flash memory 232 stores various necessary data and programs.

When the user executes viewing and recording using an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) command, it is checked whether program specification information such as a broadcast station identifier and a program identifier included in the EPG data is the same as that included in the SIT (Selection Information Table) The Network Identification Descriptor, Partial Transmit Data Stream Time Descriptor, and Broadcast ID Descriptor match the information sent with the data stream. Then, the PID (Packet Identifier) of the desired data stream is provided to the demultiplexer circuit. Therefore, filtering is possible.

If the received data stream is a bill, it is checked whether the data stream is a data stream required for billing for ECM (Entitlement Control Message) and EMM (Entitlement Management Message) sent together with the image and voice data streams.

Thereafter, if billing processing is required only for the first CAS, the data required by ECM and EMM is output to the IC card through the IC card interface circuit. Then, according to the processing result in the IC card, the password information is obtained to complete the descrambling code in the first CAS circuit.

In addition, when goods or services are placed on the TV screen, in response to the goods or services selected by the user, the CPU reads out the telephone number of the connected server, which has been stored in flash memory etc. in advance, and then instructs the cellular phone to The module connects to this server.

The cellular phone module calls the phone number connected according to the connection instruction. The cellular phone module waits for a connection response from the connected server. Once the connection is established, the cellular telephone module obtains information about the selected allocation or the selected service from the server and displays it on the display means if necessary. When the user performs a purchase operation, the CPU sends a purchase process instruction to the server.

In response to a request from the server, data including a device designation number and a user identification number for user identification are transmitted. When the information announcing the completion of the purchase process and its accompanying information is sent from the server, the information is displayed on the display means if necessary. Thereafter, when the user performs a logout operation, the connection of the cellular phone module is disconnected. The CPU stores information such as shopping history in flash memory or the like. After that, the information is used to display the shopping history table in response to the user's request.

Next, using the schematic views of the display screens shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, the above-mentioned reproducing operation of the first data stream stored by the hard disk recorder will be described.

First, reproduce what was copied on the hard drive. If the purchase of goods or services is allowed, as shown in FIG. 13 , icons 311 and 312 represent an animation displayed on the screen 300 by the viewer, for example, it prompts the viewer to perform a shopping operation.

When the viewer presses an operation key for a shopping action (for example, clicking an icon), as shown in FIG. Window 320 of Display) is illustrated for use when purchasing a CD.

According to the screen in the window 320, the user inputs the purchase amount and payment method etc. to the input fields 321, 322, and then the user selects the "buy" button 323 to execute the purchase action; or selects the "cancel" button 324 to cancel the purchase action.

In addition, when the "Buy" button 323 is selected, the payment process is completed by banks and credit companies according to the method specified by the input payment method (eg, bank account transfer, credit card, etc.).

After completing the payment process, order goods, services, etc.; check the stock; obtain information about delivery data from the sales company or through the sales department; and as shown in FIG. Then, select the "Exit" button to exit the shopping process.

Incidentally, color button displays imitating four color keys (blue, red, yellow, and green) used for data broadcasting can be used as these buttons.

The embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, however, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention can be further modified.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the case where the first and second data streams are multiplexed and transmitted has been described. However, for a system that allocates similar data streams to the program broadcasting band and the data broadcasting band to transmit them, by controlling the transmitting side so that the combination of the program broadcasting band and the data broadcasting band does not exceed a given band, and by using A similar effect can also be achieved by recording data streams used in the data broadcast frequency band on the side hard disk.

In addition, as the recording medium, not only a hard disk but also other media can be used.

Another configuration of the receiving unit 130 as a recording and reproducing unit for receiving the MPEG-encoded and multiplexed first and second streams will be described below with reference to FIG. 16. FIG.

The receiving device has a second stream receiving section 431a that receives a second stream (television broadcast) separated from an antenna, and a first stream receiving section 431b that receives a first stream (data broadcast). The second data stream receiving section 431a and the first data stream receiving section 431b are connected to the control section 425, the recording section 433 and the reproducing section 434 via the system bus B.

The second data stream receiving section 431a includes a tuner 435a capable of receiving the second data stream (television broadcast); a digital demodulation circuit 436a for demodulating a signal received by the tuner 435a; and an error for correcting an error Correction circuit 437a. The image and voice data related to data broadcasting are demodulated by the second data stream receiving section 431a, and the demultiplexer 438 separates the multiplexed signal and supplies the separated data to the system bus B. As a result, the data is output to a television receiver (TV) as appropriate data.

The first data stream receiving section 431b includes a tuner 435b capable of receiving the first data stream (data broadcast) having a transfer rate of about 2Mbps; for demodulating a signal received by the tuner 435b, a digital demodulation circuit 436b; and a An error correction circuit 437b for correcting errors. This demodulated first data stream (data broadcast) is recorded in the recording section 433 . The recording section 433 is controlled so that when the size of the recording area for the first data stream becomes smaller than or equal to a given size or becomes zero during recording, the earliest recorded first data stream is deleted from the recorded first data stream. data stream (the first data stream with the earliest recorded data) and a new first data stream is recorded. In addition, the recording section 33 is controlled so that the first stream having a genre (area) with a high viewing rate is preferentially recorded. It can also be controlled so that a first data stream of a previously specified type is preferentially selected for recording.

The recording section 433 has a hard disk (HDD) with a capacity of about 38 GB, which is controlled to record the first stream (data broadcast) and the second stream. In this regard, the recording capacity of the hard disk is not limited to 38GB. Of course, its setting can be changed appropriately. The hard disk (HDD) can be placed in the television receiver (TV) or external to the television receiver.

The reproduction control section 425 has a central processing unit (CPU), and controls the reproduction section 434 so that the first data stream (data broadcast) can be reproduced after the first data stream is completely recorded. Besides, the reproduction control section 425 controls the second data stream which has been recorded in the recording section 433 so that it can reproduce the second data stream.

The reproducing section 434 includes an MPEG decoder and an OSD (On Screen Display), and decodes the image and voice data of the second stream and the first stream (data broadcast) to output them to a television receiver (TV).

In addition, the system bus B is connected to a modem 439 connected to a telephone line connected to an external telephone network, an IC card I/F 441 into which an IC card can be inserted and a digital I/F 442 can be connected to a network . In the receiving device 430, the IC card 440 is particularly a card that can be charged when accessing the electronic commerce of the first stream (data broadcast) recorded in the HDD 433 .

In this way, the first data stream (data broadcast) transmitted from the transmitting device at a very narrow-band transmission rate is recorded on the hard disk. In this regard, after the first data stream is completely recorded, the first data stream can be reproduced. data flow. Therefore, although the transmission rate is lower than the original encoding rate, the first data stream can be displayed normally without interruption.

The hard disk drive (HDD) 33 is a recording section including an HDD unit 450 as shown in FIG. 17 . The HDD unit 450 includes a magnetic disk 451 as a recording medium, a magnetic head 452 for reading and writing on the magnetic disk 451, an amplifier 453 for amplifying a signal from the magnetic head 452, and a reproduction for processing this amplified signal. A channel signal processing circuit 454, an amplifier 455 that uses a magnetic head 452 to write to a magnetic disk 451, a recording channel signal processing circuit 456; an SPM controller 459 for controlling the rotation of the magnetic disk 451, and an SPM controller 459 for controlling the direction via the system bus B The stream reproducing section 434 sends recording and reproducing signals and the controller 457 receives the recording and reproducing signals from the stream reproducing section 434 . Here, the provider area and the user area are separated on the disk 451 . In other words, each provider area and user area is pre-designated as a specific area.

As shown in FIG. 18, the magnetic disk 451 of the recording medium of the HDD unit 450 is divided into two areas by partitioning. The divided areas form a provider area and a user area. The user area is an area that can be freely used by users. For example, the user area is used to store the received second data stream; including image and voice data input from outside not shown in the figure; and AV applications. For example, the user area can be used for simple backup from EPG (Electronic Program Guide), automatic recording and reproduction of recommended programs, etc. In the provider area, in this embodiment, mainly the content of the first data stream is recorded. In detail, the provider area is used to: perform provider downloads; download contents including music, video, and games; provide virtual shopping malls through e-commerce; provide advertisements such as virtual showrooms; Therefore, these areas are controlled so that one area is for private use and the other area is used for data broadcasting other than television program broadcasting.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for the purpose of illustration only, it being understood that various changes and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims (24)

1. A recording device comprising: input means for inputting at least one data stream multiplexed from a first data stream including audio and video data and from a second data stream including audio and video data transmitted as a broadcast program; separating means for separating the multiplexed data stream into a first data stream and a second data stream; a recording medium on which separate first and second data streams are recorded; reproducing means for reproducing the first data stream recorded on the recording medium; and recording control means for controlling a given area of the recording medium so that only the first data stream is allowed to be recorded in the given area; Wherein the input device inputs data streams that are multiplexed in such a way that the transmission rate of the first data stream is lower than the encoding bit rate of the first data stream. 2. A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the size of the recording area for the first stream becomes smaller than or equal to a given size or zero, said recording control means deletes recorded first data stream, and record a new first data stream. 3. A recording device according to claim 1, wherein said first data stream includes at least image and sound content and/or content for electronic commerce. 4. A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording medium is a hard disk which is built in or placed outside the television receiver. 5. A recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said hard disk has a recording capacity of at least 36 GB. 6. A recording device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission rate of said first data stream is about 2 Mbps, and the maximum transmission rate of said first and second data streams is 24 Mbps. 7. A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first data stream of a type having a high user viewing frequency is preferentially selected for recording on said recording medium. 8. A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a pre-designated first data stream is preferentially recorded on said recording medium. 9. A reproduction device comprising: data stream receiving means for receiving at least one data stream multiplexed from the first data stream and the second data stream; separating means for separating the multiplexed data stream into a first data stream and a second data stream; a recording medium for recording a first data stream including at least audio and video data and a second data stream including audio and video data, the audio and video data of the second data stream being transmitted as a broadcast program; and reproduction control means for reproducing the first data stream recorded in a predetermined area on the recording medium, Wherein the multiplexing is performed in such a way that the transmission rate of the first data stream is lower than the encoding bit rate of the first data stream. 10. A reproduction device according to claim 9, wherein said first data stream comprises at least video and audio content and/or content for electronic commerce. 11. A reproducing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said recording medium is a hard disk which is built in the television receiver or placed outside the television receiver. 12. A reproducing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said hard disk has a recording capacity of at least 36 GB. 13. A recording method, comprising the steps of: inputting at least one data stream multiplexed from a first data stream comprising audio and video data and a second data stream comprising audio and video data transmitted as a broadcast program; separating the multiplexed data stream into a first data stream and a second data stream; recording separate first and second data streams on a given recording medium; reproducing the first data stream already recorded on the recording medium; and controlling a given area of the recording medium so that only the first data stream is allowed to be recorded in the given area; This includes the further step of inputting the data streams multiplexed in such a way that the transmission rate of the first data stream is lower than the encoding bit rate of the first data stream. 14. A recording method according to claim 13, comprising recording from the recorded first stream when the size of the recording area for the first stream in said recording medium becomes smaller than or equal to a given size or zero. A further step of deleting the oldest first data stream in the data stream and recording a new first data stream. 15. A recording method according to claim 13, wherein said first data stream includes at least video and audio content and/or content for electronic commerce. 16. A recording method according to claim 13, wherein said recording medium is a hard disk which is placed in or outside the television receiver. 17. A recording method according to claim 16, wherein said hard disk has a recording capacity of at least 36 GB. 18. A recording method according to claim 13, wherein the transfer rate for said first data stream is about 2 Mbps, and the maximum transfer rate for said first and second data streams is 24 Mbps. 19. A recording method according to claim 13, wherein recording is controlled on said medium so that the first data stream having a high user viewing frequency is preferentially selected for recording. 20. A recording method according to claim 13, wherein recording is controlled on said medium so that a pre-designated first stream is preferentially selected for recording. 21. A method for reproducing, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one data stream multiplexed from a first data stream comprising at least audio and video data and a second data stream comprising audio and video data; separating the multiplexed data stream into a first data stream and a second data stream; recording a first data stream and a second data stream on a recording medium, the audio and video data of the second data stream being transmitted as a broadcast program; and reproducing the first data stream recorded in a predetermined area on the recording medium, Wherein the multiplexing is performed in such a way that the transmission rate of the first data stream is lower than the coding bit rate of the first data stream. 22. A reproducing method according to claim 21, wherein said first data stream includes at least video and audio content and/or content for electronic commerce. 23. A reproducing method according to claim 21, wherein said recording medium is a hard disk built in or outside the television receiver. 24. A reproducing method according to claim 23, wherein said hard disk has a recording capacity of at least 36 GB.

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